88-91 TBI's

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

A guy at work says he wants to buy my truck. So I have been thinking about what could replace it. While I work had on getting my Nova back on the road.

So i am looking at Suburbans, and quite a few of them are the TBI models.

How are they for keeping on the road, and smog issues. I live in California so keeping it smog legal is a priority.

[biketopia]

Will selling your current truck put you in a better place? Having to source a new mode of transportation that's over 30 years old and subject to CA SMOG rules might not be worth the squeeze. Sometimes the devil you know is better than the devil you don't. I had an 88 and a 93 blazer with the TBI, and there were no big issues other than leaks and routine maintenance. The 88 had over 200k but developed a bottom-end knock after a buddy of mine took over ownership. They were both pigs at the pump though.

[Keith Seymore]

My '87 pickup was/is TBI. It went over 200k miles as a daily with no issues.

K

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by biketopia

Will selling your current truck put you in a better place? Having to source a new mode of transportation that's over 30 years old and subject to CA SMOG rules might not be worth the squeeze. Sometimes the devil you know is better than the devil you don't. I had an 88 and a 93 blazer with the TBI, and there were no big issues other than leaks and routine maintenance. The 88 had over 200k but developed a bottom-end knock after a buddy of mine took over ownership. They were both pigs at the pump though.

My son and I have out grown the truck for our adventures. It's a 73 C10 rcsb short bed.

Plus things we would like to start doing more of. A Suburban opens up a few bigger options. Especially for me as I work graveyard and my sleep schedule if F'd. So we would be able to go to a couple of the places we like to go, and crash in the back. When i have the energy. Especially in winter when sleeping in the bed is too rough.

[GASoline71]

Had a 1991 Suburban K2500 with a TBI 350 and the first year of the 4L80E. It ran like a top but was severely underpowered for that big ol' hunk of steel. We don't have emissions testing where I live. It passed everything but a fuel station.

Gary

[Willshook]

Worked on a ton of 'Vette TBIs over the years. Dead reliable with no real issues, and even today there's pretty good aftermarket support.

Performance tuning it a bit more difficult than with later models, but the tools are out there.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by Willshook

Worked on a ton of 'Vette TBIs over the years. Dead reliable with no real issues, and even today there's pretty good aftermarket support.

Performance tuning it a bit more difficult than with later models, but the tools are out there.

Not concerned with performance other then a few minor bolt ons.

I just see more of the 87+ Burbs then early ones. So I dont want a black hole.

[Richard]

Have a 94 C1500 purchased new and now pushing 190k. TBI (non Vortec) Other than a couple of tune ups have replaced the injectors in the TB once. The cat did break up. Replaced with a universal Magnaflow myself. Purchased a couple extra of the CARB approved (read-just more money) back when right at $100 ea. Pretty sure those cats can still be purchased but are over $300 now. Vehicle is OBD1 so a little easier with smog. Forgot that I did need to replace some hoses on the EVAP system. The heat flap in the air cleaner snorkel has not worked in years and parts are scarce. Wired it open and no issues with drivability or smog here in this mild climate.