1987 TBI & 1989 TBI Any Differences ?

[wpotter]

I am looking at buying a 1987 GMC truck that has been sitting for about 10 years and they dont know if it runs and the trans is bad. My questions is, there are alot of 1987-1991 Suburbans around here that run for less than 1000 so can I swap the engine and trans into the truck. I dont know if there are any differences in the engine, trans, computer, or wiring. Any help? Thanks.

[nbpro]

I cant answer the question directly, but may get a better answer in the
Engine & Drivetrain forum

[Jonboy]

They are very similar. We put the engine out of a '91 Sub in one of my bodymen's '87, and there were a few slight differences. The '91 had a fixed TPS, where the '87 was adjustable. The 91 also has a serpentine belt and newer style alternator. It wasn't too hard swapping it over, but my advice would be to make sure everything was running smoothly in the Suburban before you swap it over. Also, TBI started in '87, so don't rule out 87 or 88 Suburbans, either.

[wpotter]

Thanks. I will be looking for a 87-91 Suburban but I came across a clean 89 for $1000.00 so that was my first donor but something else may pop up. I would probably run the serpentine if it is all in good condition.

[Jonboy]

Not a bad call. The only bad thing about my donor was that I couldn't drive it first (it was hit in the rear). Being able to drive one would help a ton.