1972 Suburban Original BigBlock Vs. LS swap???

[2tontruck]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

currently doing a 04 lq4/4l80e in my 69 doettttt

[2tontruck]

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]

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]

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

[Hart_Rod]

+1

[2tontruck]

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]

After a few hours.......

[2tontruck]

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]

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.

[2tontruck]

Floor in process

[2tontruck]

In primer

[2tontruck]

Started pulling stuff apart for the LS swap. Pulling the front off to get the motor out and clean up the frame. Going to start selling off big block stuff to make new funds for the LS swap.

[2tontruck]

A/C box removed for firewall smoothing. Going to order the Porter built firewall smoothing kit next week. Motor is ready to pull so it can go to it's new owner.

[2tontruck]

I have a good chunk of the LS swap parts already. I have been buying parts like crazy and as soon as I figure out what I am going to do with the front suspension I will start buying those parts. This process seems never ending.....

[Advanced Design]

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]

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]

Bump for Twisted Chevy