Suburban: SBC vs BBC

[Oifla]

Who's had experience behind the wheel of a Suburban with both an SBC and a BBC?

I'm working on my K2500 Suburban and am familiar with the BBC. Haven't had any issues with the 4L80E but when I get the truck going again, it's going to have a 5 speed in it (NV4500). I don't like auto transmissions and I already have the 5 speed. What I don't have is the engine. The 454 in mine took a bad turn (needs rebuilt) and I'm looking for a replacement.

I'm seeing lots of 5.7L motors out there, low miles ready to go at reasonable prices against very few (and relatively expensive 454s). Is it a huge difference in power between the two motors? This vehicle will likely not tow anything at this point, it's just a family mover. Looking for testimony from folks who've had both or at least who've had a 2500 series with the 5.7L. Thanks!

O.

[Mr_Rich]

Originally Posted by Oifla

Who's had experience behind the wheel of a Suburban with both an SBC and a BBC?

I'm working on my K2500 Suburban and am familiar with the BBC. Haven't had any issues with the 4L80E but when I get the truck going again, it's going to have a 5 speed in it (NV4500). I don't like auto transmissions and I already have the 5 speed. What I don't have is the engine. The 454 in mine took a bad turn (needs rebuilt) and I'm looking for a replacement.

I'm seeing lots of 5.7L motors out there, low miles ready to go at reasonable prices against very few (and relatively expensive 454s). Is it a huge difference in power between the two motors? This vehicle will likely not tow anything at this point, it's just a family mover. Looking for testimony from folks who've had both or at least who've had a 2500 series with the 5.7L. Thanks!

O.

What years of engines? I wish the 7.4L engine in the '97 K2500 I have was as simple as the 5.7L in my '89 K1500. BBC's are expensive and the parts are rarer and hard to get if they are available at all. An LS conversion would make more sense if you're going to change to a different engine size; IMO.

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by Mr_Rich

What years of engines? I wish the 7.4L engine in the '97 K2500 I have was as simple as the 5.7L in my '89 K1500. BBC's are expensive and the parts are rarer and hard to get if they are available at all. An LS conversion would make more sense if you're going to change to a different engine size; IMO.

The LQ4 6.0L was available in the early 3/4 ton T800 trucks with the NV4500.
The flywheel and clutch would work just fine on the 5.3 & 4.8. The sticky wicket will be the bellhousing because the manual T800 3/4 ton trucks were fairly rare.