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-   -   K20 Suburban TBI Engine Build (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=478263)

JCampbell 08-06-2011 01:11 AM
K20 Suburban TBI Engine Build
 
'88 K20 Suburban. TBI 350. 4" lift on 35's. Dual purpose rig. We wheel it, but mostly "light", expedition-type wheeling (not a hardcore rockcrawler). We also use it for camping, and as such, I often pull a small utility-type trailer (5'x8', single axle) over the local fire roads to get to our favorite spots.

I could use some more low end torque and I was considering a few options. TBI will be the fuel delivery system on both options:

OPTION 1: Keep the 350, rebuild, cam, intake, headers.

Pros
Already have the engine
Parts are relatively inexpensive
Truck is already set up w/ this engine (simplified installation)


Cons
Small engine, big truck
Even after mods, it will still make less power that a BBC w/ the same mods


OPTION 2: Swap in a 454, rebuild, cam, intake, headers.

Pros
Big block power right out of the box
More power than a small block with what is comparatively the same cam, intake & exhaust

Cons
Parts cost a little more
Have to deal with getting it emissions legal (CA truck)
Need to source the engine and all TBI parts (nickle and dime effect)

Looking to get some opinions on what engine would be a better choice for a weekend wheeler/camping/expedition rig?

*Cam & intake would be from the Edelbrock Performer line of parts (or equivalent).

JCampbell 08-06-2011 11:37 PM
Re: K20 Suburban TBI Engine Build
 
Bueler...Bueler...

cheepin 08-06-2011 11:38 PM
Re: K20 Suburban TBI Engine Build
 
You didn't mention what gears you have.But my 3/ton suburban has 4:10s with stock tires and it pulls a 20ft tandem with my crawler on it 70mph no problem.I am thinking you need to regear lower to gain your power back and get the engine spinning in the power range.

BLE 'BURBAN 08-07-2011 02:40 AM
Re: K20 Suburban TBI Engine Build
 
build up your 350 to a 383 stroker.

67_SS396 08-07-2011 04:44 AM
Re: K20 Suburban TBI Engine Build
 
Build a stroker and use a more modern cam design. The Performer series cams are way outdated and leave a lot of useful power on the table.
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JCampbell 08-07-2011 02:45 PM
Re: K20 Suburban TBI Engine Build
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cheepin (Post 4831976)
You didn't mention what gears you have.
Yeah, it's got (I think) 3:73s. I do plan on re-gearing the diffs when I tear the truck apart.

JCampbell 08-07-2011 02:47 PM
Re: K20 Suburban TBI Engine Build
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 67_SS396 (Post 4832263)
Build a stroker and use a more modern cam design.
Not totally sold on the "Performer" cam. It was more of a reference to a mild, 50-state legal cam. Still have to pass emissions testing out here.

Mr. 250r 08-07-2011 06:03 PM
Re: K20 Suburban TBI Engine Build
 
Just wondering do the mpg's matter or not but since your dealing with emissions i would just keep the 350

MTCK 08-07-2011 06:12 PM
Re: K20 Suburban TBI Engine Build
 
One more vote for a stroker motor. I think there is still a guy who will burn you a custom chip for those TBI motors... Gears will help too. 4.10 or 4.56. Probably 4.10 since you don't have an OD.


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