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.
The 454 has been around for ever, with good reason.
Looking @ Suburbans
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
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
1 - 20 of 24 Posts
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!
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
Any experiences with the 2WD in snow? Does it fishtail a lot?
Thanks,
Kevin
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.
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.
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.
Have you found your burb yet?
Roger
Roger
Yes, just got it back from PA State inspection. Needed brakes (which I knew) and a tune-up, so now its all good.brownbomb said:Have you found your burb yet?
Roger
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 $$ into it didn't bother me. It also needs a repaint (infamous GM clearcoat peeling on the hood) but I'll probably wait until spring to do that.
I have to say, this truck is great. I love sitting up high, the V8 (5.7) has some nice power, all the power accessories work flawlessly. I can definitely see why people like these trucks so much. The old Infinity slogan applies - "Own one and you'll understand."
Suburbans rock!
Kevin
WOW, that's a good find. WTG, post some pictures when you get a chance.kknobl said:Yes, just got it back from PA State inspection. Needed brakes (which I knew) and a tune-up, so now its all good.brownbomb said:Have you found your burb yet?
Roger
I got a C1500 2WD which I got for only $2k with a little less than 70k on the clock (accurate reading, BTW), so having to put a little more $$ 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
What a $$$. Sounds like you got a great deal! What yr model was it? Let us know how the new paint job comes out too.
Roger
Roger
It can't be very old to only have 70K on the clock.
Believe it or not, its a 1993 GMC model.Aeropagus said:It can't be very old to only have 70K on the clock.
I'll see if I can snap some pics of it over the next few days or so.
I couldn't be happier with this truck though. I can't imagine driving a car again.
Kevin
That's amazing. I'm probably not the only one who's jealous on here.kknobl said:Believe it or not, its a 1993 GMC model.Aeropagus said:It can't be very old to only have 70K on the clock.
I'll see if I can snap some pics of it over the next few days or so.
I couldn't be happier with this truck though. I can't imagine driving a car again.
Kevin
WOW --------- Thats a deal bro. I just paid $6000 for a 95 K2500 with 156,000 miles 454 and the 4l80e trans. I thought I did good,but you did great. Congrats.
Just order nerf bars, new leather seat cover,air shocks for the rear,and a new cargo mat.
I am researching other goodies. I know you love that truck. I just named mine Goliath.
When a man names his truck it's true love.
Just order nerf bars, new leather seat cover,air shocks for the rear,and a new cargo mat.
I am researching other goodies. I know you love that truck. I just named mine Goliath.
When a man names his truck it's true love.
How's your new Suburban been treating you?
Steve I love this thing. It's my new hobby. Studying exhaust systems, Ordering nerf bars, seat cover, air shocks. cargo mat, tire cover and center caps. Parts are comming in faster than I can put them on. It's my first winter in Tennesse it's cold. I may have to wait for all this work until spring. I was going have the shop do most of this stuff but I really want to play gearhead for a bit.
Steve said:HowI love it. I never owned a hot rod or a muscle car. This truck will be my hot rod as time goes on. Our 3 young boys love it. It's great for the family and it's daddy's toy.
How's your hobby coming along?
I feel like 16 again it's great. Only problem is working less and playing more.
Some would say spending more earning less.
I took this month off for the holidays and suburban work. My priorities are in order.
She wants a new leather living room set. I told her sit in the rear leather seats of the suburban I just installed the DVD for the kids. The mods available for this truck 454 is never ending.
Enjoying it very much but need to start getting back to the real world soon.
It was great to be a kid for a few weeks.
I have learned so much about engines and gears,chips,exhausts,TBI even thermostats and performance. A whole new world; very fun.
Some would say spending more earning less.
I took this month off for the holidays and suburban work. My priorities are in order.
She wants a new leather living room set. I told her sit in the rear leather seats of the suburban I just installed the DVD for the kids. The mods available for this truck 454 is never ending.
Enjoying it very much but need to start getting back to the real world soon.
It was great to be a kid for a few weeks.
I have learned so much about engines and gears,chips,exhausts,TBI even thermostats and performance. A whole new world; very fun.
If it's a small block with the change the intake gasket. That is the biggest problem that they have. If you start to lose anti freeze and can not find where it is going you have better change that gasket soon. I say this because it has happen to two of my truck and one I bought with the intake gasket gone on it. When they let go it can dump anti freeze into the oil and spin a bearing before you know it. And that sucks when you are towing a 30ft camper and your not close to home. That was one that happen to me. With a big 4core radiator it did not even overheat before I heard the lifters tapping by that time my oil was full of anti freeze. Bad ending to a good weekend at my sons motorcross race and 50 miles from home. So everyone I buy now to fix up and sell the first thing I do is change that gasket. With that being said good luck with your new ride I love my suburban just the same.
---------- Post added at 10:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:05 PM ----------
Cheers to you! This is what its all about. I really enjoy mine you can not beat it for traveling.
---------- Post added at 10:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:05 PM ----------
Cheers to you! This is what its all about. I really enjoy mine you can not beat it for traveling.
1 - 20 of 24 Posts
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