1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

2tontruck · 10-07-2014, 09:39 PM

Picked this up a couple of months ago on a whim and I am trying to decide what to do with it... It is a Original Big Block TH400 truck and the motor is rebuilt in it already. Normally I switch all my cars to LS motors due to the ease of everything, I do have a 2004 6.0 and a 4L80E sitting and waiting to be installed in something. I almost hate to do it cause it is a original BBC truck. Thoughts and ideas please!

old bastard 67 · 10-08-2014, 12:30 AM

nice looking new project, congrats on the find. looks like it came with a bunch of new stuff as well. as far as the engine, i would honestly switch it over to an LS engine. much more efficient, etc.

wrager · 10-09-2014, 08:34 AM

I have been struggling with the same question. Mine isn't as special, just a 350/350, but I think it's original. I guess it comes down to how original is the rest of the truck? If not much, then the BBC probably doesn't add much. Mine is 99% original so I'm hesitant to change anything. That whole patina thing...

72 K20 Fleetside 4x4 · 10-09-2014, 08:51 AM

That is a great looking Suburban!! Love it! I would probably just drive the wheels of of it

I also have been contemplating making the swap to LS,but have decided to keep it mostly original with exception of a disc brake upgrade and the 5 lug swap. The engine in mine came out of a '69,but I have the original on my engine stand and will be tearing it down over the winter.The cam wore down the first 3 lobes so the previous owner pulled it but never got around to fixing it. I will get into that once I get all the new stuff in the front end of my '68 and find out if I can save it.I am still hoping to get some more miles on it before winter.

bowtieguy79 · 10-22-2014, 11:34 AM

I'm in the same boat, with the same rig. Nice sub btw!

I'm wanting a more road trip friendly suburban out of mine. I'm going to go LS for sure, even though the factory big block runs great, it just drinks more fuel than I want to put in it

On a side note, can you tell me the length of the struts on the back top gate? And maybe a photo of how they mounted them?

502ms · 10-26-2014, 10:44 PM

Beautiful Burb. BBC is great. But big block power with European Sedan fuel economy is awesome....not to mention still having towing capability and such.
Beautiful Burb, btw.

I'm speaking from experience....

bowtieguy79 · 10-31-2014, 01:59 PM

2tontruck have you given any thought to doing a Holley EFI with an overdrive? Retain a little old school while improving fuel efficiency. I'm kicking this around on my 402...

2tontruck · 11-03-2014, 01:31 AM

Holley EFI is a option. I however, am all wrapped up in everything needs to have a LS power plant... LOL The last 4 cars I have built have all had LS motors and that was my original intention with this truck was to LS it but I just cant see tearing this one apart being that it is a original truck. Well I threw it on Ebay tonight to see where it goes from there...

lowlyfec10 · 11-05-2014, 10:01 AM

currently doing a 04 lq4/4l80e in my 69

doettttt

2tontruck · 11-17-2014, 08:13 PM

LS swap is the winner! We will be posting pictures and gathering parts for the next few weeks. I usually dont start on a full swap until I have 90% of the parts bought!

2tontruck · 12-13-2014, 07:33 PM

Gathering the parts and getting ready, Pretty sure I will have everything bought and ready to install buy the middle of January. Cant wait to get started on this. I will post further updates as they come....

**Advanced Design** · 12-14-2014, 11:55 AM

LS swap is a great choice! Looking forward to updates.

**Hart_Rod** · 12-21-2014, 11:50 AM

+1

2tontruck · 12-22-2014, 12:11 AM

As I collect parts for the LS swap I decided to tear into some of the body work... I was not surprised at what I had found! After a few phone calls and some late night shopping I have all the replacement pieces on there way besides the new stuff that came with the truck. Looks like this is gonna end up getting a little deeper build than I anticipated.....

2tontruck · 12-22-2014, 12:12 AM

After a few hours.......

2tontruck · 12-22-2014, 12:16 AM

Now that 90% of the new LH pieces are cut & fit I will start putting all the pieces of the puzzle back together. I am waiting on the two more patch panel for the LT side and the Energy Suspension poly body mount kit to show up before Christmas! I am going to try and make the best of my long weekend coming up.

2tontruck · 02-01-2015, 11:56 AM

So it's been a while since I have posted any progress pictures but, I finally finished up the LT side rocker/floor replacement and the patch in front of the wheel. Got it all primed in SPI Black Epoxy and it's ready for seam sealer.

**Advanced Design** · 02-01-2015, 04:36 PM

Great progress on the body. Looks really good!

Looking forward to the swap. A 67 to 72 Burb is on my going to get list. So I am learning as I tag along.

2tontruck · 02-08-2015, 11:22 PM

Well the motor is out and going to the new owner, this project I going to get put on hold for a short moment while I do some side work to help pay for this project! Jeez I gotta lotta work to do.. I also posted some stuff I took off the truck on E-bay to help fund the suspension rebuild... I SOOO want to put some air ride or Porter Built suspension on this thing!

2tontruck · 02-24-2015, 01:08 AM

Bump for Twisted Chevy

twistedchevy · 02-24-2015, 02:07 AM

Lookin forward to see what u do to it

2tontruck · 05-21-2015, 01:39 AM

New wheels!!! Now I need to decide on white caps or chrome caps.... I am probably going to either polish the lip and leave the center black or have them re-coated in a chalky white... Decisions Decision's

2tontruck · 07-29-2015, 10:28 PM

Progress update! It has been a very long road and I am obviously not as far as I want to be. Although I have still been buying parts like crazy and getting ready to pick up more parts this weekend. I did buy a 84 Chevy truck for the front cross member swap. I have a fair amount of pictures to post up. Enjoy!

2tontruck · 07-29-2015, 10:31 PM

More pics !

2tontruck · 07-29-2015, 10:33 PM

and more.....

10-07-2014, 09:39 PM	#1
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? Picked this up a couple of months ago on a whim and I am trying to decide what to do with it... It is a Original Big Block TH400 truck and the motor is rebuilt in it already. Normally I switch all my cars to LS motors due to the ease of everything, I do have a 2004 6.0 and a 4L80E sitting and waiting to be installed in something. I almost hate to do it cause it is a original BBC truck. Thoughts and ideas please! Attached Images

10-08-2014, 12:30 AM	#2
old bastard 67 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: Bedrock, Kalifornia Posts: 15	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? nice looking new project, congrats on the find. looks like it came with a bunch of new stuff as well. as far as the engine, i would honestly switch it over to an LS engine. much more efficient, etc.

10-09-2014, 08:34 AM	#3
wrager Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Atlanta Posts: 26	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? I have been struggling with the same question. Mine isn't as special, just a 350/350, but I think it's original. I guess it comes down to how original is the rest of the truck? If not much, then the BBC probably doesn't add much. Mine is 99% original so I'm hesitant to change anything. That whole patina thing...

10-09-2014, 08:51 AM	#4
72 K20 Fleetside 4x4 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Traverse City MI Posts: 15	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? That is a great looking Suburban!! Love it! I would probably just drive the wheels of of it I also have been contemplating making the swap to LS,but have decided to keep it mostly original with exception of a disc brake upgrade and the 5 lug swap. The engine in mine came out of a '69,but I have the original on my engine stand and will be tearing it down over the winter.The cam wore down the first 3 lobes so the previous owner pulled it but never got around to fixing it. I will get into that once I get all the new stuff in the front end of my '68 and find out if I can save it.I am still hoping to get some more miles on it before winter.

10-22-2014, 11:34 AM	#5
bowtieguy79 Ephesians 2:8 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Delavan, IL Posts: 677	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? I'm in the same boat, with the same rig. Nice sub btw! I'm wanting a more road trip friendly suburban out of mine. I'm going to go LS for sure, even though the factory big block runs great, it just drinks more fuel than I want to put in it On a side note, can you tell me the length of the struts on the back top gate? And maybe a photo of how they mounted them? __________________ 72 Suburban making it mine My 79 C10 story 79 C10 LS swap 94 LS swapped Daily Driver Tahoe Limited Instagram - @piersonclassics 83 K20 Farm Truck Build

10-26-2014, 10:44 PM	#6
502ms Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,523	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? Beautiful Burb. BBC is great. But big block power with European Sedan fuel economy is awesome....not to mention still having towing capability and such. Beautiful Burb, btw. I'm speaking from experience.... __________________ Best Regards, Leon M. Instagram: @TheDirtyDianah Bagged \| 6.0L LS \| T-56 (6-Speed Manual) \| Turbo Burnout/Rolling Video: Chevy C10 Stepside 6.0L LSx & 6-Speed Manual

10-31-2014, 01:59 PM	#7
bowtieguy79 Ephesians 2:8 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Delavan, IL Posts: 677	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? 2tontruck have you given any thought to doing a Holley EFI with an overdrive? Retain a little old school while improving fuel efficiency. I'm kicking this around on my 402... __________________ 72 Suburban making it mine My 79 C10 story 79 C10 LS swap 94 LS swapped Daily Driver Tahoe Limited Instagram - @piersonclassics 83 K20 Farm Truck Build

11-03-2014, 01:31 AM	#8
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? Holley EFI is a option. I however, am all wrapped up in everything needs to have a LS power plant... LOL The last 4 cars I have built have all had LS motors and that was my original intention with this truck was to LS it but I just cant see tearing this one apart being that it is a original truck. Well I threw it on Ebay tonight to see where it goes from there...

11-05-2014, 10:01 AM	#9
lowlyfec10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 314	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? currently doing a 04 lq4/4l80e in my 69 doettttt

11-17-2014, 08:13 PM	#10
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? LS swap is the winner! We will be posting pictures and gathering parts for the next few weeks. I usually dont start on a full swap until I have 90% of the parts bought!

12-13-2014, 07:33 PM	#11
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? Gathering the parts and getting ready, Pretty sure I will have everything bought and ready to install buy the middle of January. Cant wait to get started on this. I will post further updates as they come.... Last edited by LockDoc; 12-13-2014 at 08:35 PM. Reason: You must be a "Premium" member to post stuff for sale.

12-14-2014, 11:55 AM	#12
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? LS swap is a great choice! Looking forward to updates. __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

12-21-2014, 11:50 AM	#13
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,858	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? +1 __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

12-22-2014, 12:11 AM	#14
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? As I collect parts for the LS swap I decided to tear into some of the body work... I was not surprised at what I had found! After a few phone calls and some late night shopping I have all the replacement pieces on there way besides the new stuff that came with the truck. Looks like this is gonna end up getting a little deeper build than I anticipated..... Attached Images

12-22-2014, 12:12 AM	#15
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? After a few hours....... Attached Images



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

12-22-2014, 12:16 AM	#16
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? Now that 90% of the new LH pieces are cut & fit I will start putting all the pieces of the puzzle back together. I am waiting on the two more patch panel for the LT side and the Energy Suspension poly body mount kit to show up before Christmas! I am going to try and make the best of my long weekend coming up.

02-01-2015, 11:56 AM	#17
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? So it's been a while since I have posted any progress pictures but, I finally finished up the LT side rocker/floor replacement and the patch in front of the wheel. Got it all primed in SPI Black Epoxy and it's ready for seam sealer. Attached Images

02-01-2015, 04:36 PM	#18
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? Great progress on the body. Looks really good! Looking forward to the swap. A 67 to 72 Burb is on my going to get list. So I am learning as I tag along. __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

02-08-2015, 11:22 PM	#19
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? Well the motor is out and going to the new owner, this project I going to get put on hold for a short moment while I do some side work to help pay for this project! Jeez I gotta lotta work to do.. I also posted some stuff I took off the truck on E-bay to help fund the suspension rebuild... I SOOO want to put some air ride or Porter Built suspension on this thing! Attached Images

02-24-2015, 01:08 AM	#20
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? Bump for Twisted Chevy

02-24-2015, 02:07 AM	#21
twistedchevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: napa, ca Posts: 249	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? Lookin forward to see what u do to it __________________ Mine: 72 c20 Chevy suburban, 02 5.3 w/4l60e , factory ac and 50gal tank. 70 k10 Chevy burb, 04 5.3 w/4l60e np241, with dual 30gal saddle tanks and rear 30 gal tank Dads: 67 c10 step side(project) 72 c10 GMC burb 350/400, with 67 Chevy front clip(grocery getter) Ours: 67 c30 tow truck 70 c10 long bed 383stroker w/digital gauges(work truck)

05-21-2015, 01:39 AM	#22
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? New wheels!!! Now I need to decide on white caps or chrome caps.... I am probably going to either polish the lip and leave the center black or have them re-coated in a chalky white... Decisions Decision's Attached Images

07-29-2015, 10:28 PM	#23
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? Progress update! It has been a very long road and I am obviously not as far as I want to be. Although I have still been buying parts like crazy and getting ready to pick up more parts this weekend. I did buy a 84 Chevy truck for the front cross member swap. I have a fair amount of pictures to post up. Enjoy! Attached Images

07-29-2015, 10:31 PM	#24
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? More pics ! Attached Images

07-29-2015, 10:33 PM	#25
2tontruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Omaha,Ne Posts: 108	Re: 1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap??? and more..... Attached Images

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.