Looking @ Suburbans

**kknobl** · 10-30-2006, 11:33 PM

Hi All,

I'm currently looking for an older GM pcikup or SUV and am considering a Suburban.

Primarily, I've seen Suburbans with the 350 Small Block, but I recently came across a decent looking 1988 Suburban with the 454 Big Block. Anyone have any feelings/experience with this engine in terms of its reliability, ease of maintenance, etc?

Also, are there any model years to avoid in general?

Thanks,
Kevin

**84fiero123** · 10-30-2006, 11:37 PM

If you are doing any towing thats the one you want for the big loads. It will not skip a beat.

The 454 has been around for ever, with good reason.

**brownbomb** · 10-31-2006, 09:45 AM

I have a '96 burb 3/4 ton w/the 454. I tow a 31'TT and the 454 is great especially when you get in the mountians. I haven't heard of problems with this engine. The transmission is more likely to give you problems in these than the engine. Mileage will be down in the 12 - 14 mpg range and even lower if you tow - 8 - 10 mpg. My burb has 165,000 miles and I expect many more. Good Luck!

**kknobl** · 11-01-2006, 08:05 PM

One more question: I really prefer a 4x4 but am also looking at 2WD versions.

Any experiences with the 2WD in snow? Does it fishtail a lot?

Thanks,
Kevin

**84fiero123** · 11-01-2006, 09:09 PM

Our first Burb was the 86 2 wheel drive, we still have.

If we got stuck with it in 12 years I would be surprised. If it starts to slide, go home the roads are just to dam bad to be one.

Remember we have live in New England most of our lives with it.

They make great winter trucks, I never had needed 4 wheel drive with it. The only reason I got the newer one with 4 wheel drive is it came with it.

**unplugged** · 11-11-2006, 12:05 PM

I have a 93 K1500 350 4wd with 200k+ miles. I bought it used with a recently rebuilt engine and transmission. I get about 12 mpg no matter how I drive it. I would definitely consider the 454 if you tow. I bang around the deserts of SoCal, and there are places you just can't go without 4wd, otherwise if you don't do any serious off roading, 2wd should suit most drivers.

**brownbomb** · 11-19-2006, 05:59 PM

Have you found your burb yet?

Roger

**kknobl** · 11-21-2006, 05:55 AM

Originally Posted by brownbomb

Have you found your burb yet?

Roger

Yes, just got it back from PA State inspection. Needed brakes (which I knew) and a tune-up, so now its all good.

I got a C1500 2WD which I got for only $2k with a little less than 70k on the clock (accurate reading, BTW), so having to put a little more $$ into it didn't bother me. It also needs a repaint (infamous GM clearcoat peeling on the hood) but I'll probably wait until spring to do that.

I have to say, this truck is great. I love sitting up high, the V8 (5.7) has some nice power, all the power accessories work flawlessly. I can definitely see why people like these trucks so much. The old Infinity slogan applies - "Own one and you'll understand."

Suburbans rock!

Kevin

**ChevyLover** · 11-21-2006, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by kknobl

Originally Posted by brownbomb

Have you found your burb yet?

Roger

Yes, just got it back from PA State inspection. Needed brakes (which I knew) and a tune-up, so now its all good.

I got a C1500 2WD which I got for only $2k with a little less than 70k on the clock (accurate reading, BTW), so having to put a little more $$ into it didn't bother me. It also needs a repaint (infamous GM clearcoat peeling on the hood) but I'll probably wait until spring to do that.

I have to say, this truck is great. I love sitting up high, the V8 (5.7) has some nice power, all the power accessories work flawlessly. I can definitely see why people like these trucks so much. The old Infinity slogan applies - "Own one and you'll understand."

Suburbans rock!

Kevin

WOW, that's a good find. WTG, post some pictures when you get a chance.