‘98 suburban 1500 engine swap advice

[Chogf15]

I know engine swaps have been discussed at length, but if you have time, let me know what you think -

I have a mostly stock ‘98 Suburban. During salmon season I pull a North River Seahawk (~5k lbs) and it’s downright embarrassing trying to go uphill.

I don’t want complicated…the more plug and play I get the better. I plan on doing the swap myself. Current motor only has ~127k miles. Will probably sell it unless there’s a rebuild option I don’t know about.

Budget isn’t a factor. Time is a bit of a factor, as it’s my main daily, I’ve got another ride if need be.

Thanks for your inputs, I appreciate it!

- Matt

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

Probably your easiest route is a 383 or 406 SB.

The 383 is a very common, the 406 less so, both doable.

Obviously some ECU tuning would be necessary.

There was a thread earlier this year on the 406, look for it here:

Thread '383SB or 400SB retro into a L31 1998 Suburban'
https://www.gmt400.com/threads/383sb-or-400sb-retro-into-a-l31-1998-suburban.64861/

Then of course there are the attendant drivetrain changes to consider, 4L80E swap for the 4L60E, and the 9.5” rear.

 

[Chogf15]

Probably your easiest route is a 383 or 406 SB.

The 383 is a very common, the 406 less so, both doable.

Obviously some ECU tuning would be necessary.

There was a thread earlier this year on the 406, look for it here:

Thread '383SB or 400SB retro into a L31 1998 Suburban'
https://www.gmt400.com/threads/383sb-or-400sb-retro-into-a-l31-1998-suburban.64861/

Then of course there are the attendant drivetrain changes to consider, 4L80E swap for the 4L60E, and the 9.5” rear.

Perfect, I was definitely going to upgrade the transmission and rear end at the same time.

 

[Orpedcrow]

I also vote for a 383 or similar, exhaust and tuning allegedly wakes up the factory engine too.

Is there anything currently wrong with it? Check engine light on? Regular tune-up maintenance taken care of?

Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter, air filter would be a good start and could/should be reused with the engine swap anyway.

 

[Cadillacmak]

A cam, exhaust and tune will do wonders!

 

[Chogf15]

I also vote for a 383 or similar, exhaust and tuning allegedly wakes up the factory engine too.

Is there anything currently wrong with it? Check engine light on? Regular tune-up maintenance taken care of?

Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter, air filter would be a good start and could/should be reused with the engine swap anyway.

Nothing wrong with it. I did plugs, wires, cap, rotor, all filters, etc…trying to wake it up…it just doesn’t pull.

 

[Chogf15]

If I wanted to do a brand new plug and play 383, where should I look? I’m in the Pacific Northwest. I can also ship via Alaska Airlines Cargo for pretty cheap.

 

[99xcss4]

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19432779.html https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19433037.html https://blueprintengines.com/produc...gv8qQlIOfKJVws5nWK54gqO-Q2lGqNNRPZGURNpdQMqOX

 

[Chogf15]

Thank you!

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

Thank you!

You might consider installing a K2500 L31 exhaust. The K2500 pipes are much bigger than the ones on there now. See…

Post in thread 'Headers or iron manifolds?'
https://www.gmt400.com/threads/headers-or-iron-manifolds.64253/post-1436159

The cat converters, Y pipes and intermediate pipes are available on RockAuto from Walker in stainless steel. You would have to add the mufflers and tail pipes.

Or have somebody bend one, custom.

Or try to find one complete, off a K2500 that someone is parting out.

Of course, as mentioned earlier, there’s always the headers, etc. route.