Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
01-05-2016, 09:02 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
I have posted several threads all over this forum asking questions regarding my swap and want to say thanks again for the answers.
Truck is an all stock 1987 3/4 ton 2wd Suburban that originally came with a TBI 454 th400 combo. The engine looks like it was replaced at one time as I have seen an ATK badge stamped to the bottom of the motor. The 454 is tired and worn out and needs to go. This is my daily driver and I drive about 75 miles a day round trip to work so I need this to be reliable. My parts: 2004 LQ4 with about 105,000 miles complete with all accessories Standalone harness and ECU Gas pedal and TAC unit Rebuilt 4L80E transmission Slip yoke for 4L80E All of this was ordered from LSX4U and should be here on Thursday. I won't bore everyone with all the little odds and ends but my parts list includes: Entropy LSX swap radiator with fans and dual fan control kit Dakota digital instrument cluster Dirty dingo slider mounts, new stock clamshells Hooker LS swap exhaust manifolds Walbro 255 Lph fuel pump Corvette regulator/filter Russell steel braided fuel lines/fittings for fuel lines and trans cooler lines Specter air intake Dirty dingo high mount A/C compressor bracket Sadden 508 A/C Compressor Dirty dingo power steering hose adapter Dirty dingo billet ECU mount Lokar shift linkage Lokar transmission fluid dipstick I plan on starting this next week and am allowing two months to get this done. I figure one month to get everything installed and another month to sort out any problems that are sure to arise. Will keep everyone posted on progress and will post once I get started.
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
01-05-2016, 09:15 PM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
This is what all of this will be going into.
Sorry, site will only allow me to post one pic per post.
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
01-05-2016, 11:13 PM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Alameda, CA
Posts: 877
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Sounds like it'll be a very nice swap. Will you be keeping the engine stock?
__________________
1973 C20, 350/350 |
01-05-2016, 11:34 PM | #4 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Yes keeping it stock for now, I'm borrowing my dad's truck while mine will be down and don't want to spend time, or money on performance yet, as I would like to either build another LQ4 over time, or turbocharge my existing setup.
My current build has taken me a while to research and figure out all the details, when I start upgrading power I want it to be thought out and well planned. Thanks for the kind words
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
01-08-2016, 12:23 AM | #5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Good looking rig. Sounds like a realistic timeframe.
__________________
-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
01-08-2016, 11:59 PM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Motor/Trans is in!
Decided to go ahead and order a new water pump, O2 sensors, ignition coils, and thermostat. Going to push the build back a week waiting for more parts before I start.
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
01-12-2016, 11:52 PM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Posts: 561
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Yes!
|
01-15-2016, 04:33 PM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 36
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Love your suburban. I am toying with the idea of a 3/4 ton family hauler. Love the LS idea too. Dependable in a classic package.
|
01-15-2016, 10:39 PM | #9 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Quote:
I say go for the Burb. I use mine as a family hauler every day, and drive 80 miles round trip a day for work. The way it stands out in a parking lot among all the small round cars of today is great too.
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
|
01-19-2016, 04:08 PM | #10 |
I'm just glad to be here!
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Longview, TX
Posts: 4,788
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Love the color combo. I am looking at an 84 C10 SWB that is the same colors.
You will really like the LS swap. I have done 2 and both have been great drivers.
__________________
Karl 1965 Chevy Stepside(Grandpa's Old Blue) and (July 2015 Shop Build!)(2020, the Saga Continues) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372424 The LST Challenge: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post7812257 Korbin's 1st Square: "Sunburn" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=418618 1985 GMC Sierra: "White Trash", Korbin's 2nd now... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632305 Henry - 1984 Chevrolet, Owen's 1st Square |
01-19-2016, 04:56 PM | #11 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Thanks,
Been very busy at work lately, all of the lifts have cars on them right now,it may be this Saturday before I can start on it. While I'm waiting for a lift to be free, ordered a new alternator, and starter. Hope to start soon!
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
01-21-2016, 10:17 PM | #12 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Found a little time to work on the Burb today, got the gas tank out.
Not an exciting step, but it's a start!
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
01-22-2016, 02:22 PM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Got my Walbro fuel pump installed.
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
01-22-2016, 02:29 PM | #14 |
I know the pieces fit
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MONTGOMERY, AL
Posts: 5,523
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Because life is too short to drive jelly beans. That's what I tell my sons anyway. Nice upgrade on a really clean truck, I'll be watching for sure.
|
01-25-2016, 03:55 PM | #15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Gallatin, TN
Posts: 782
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Where are you gonna mount the ECU?
__________________
77 C10, 6.0LS/4L80E, 3:73 12 bolt. Boss 338's 20" x 10" w/ 285/50/20 rear. 20" x 8.5" w/ 245/40/20 front. Vintage Air. Full Autometer gauges recessed in factory bezel (Thanks bigblock73!) Gm Storm Grey Metallic paint "Cool ain't ever cheap and cheap ain't ever cool" |
01-25-2016, 08:37 PM | #16 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Thinking about mounting it to the driver's fender.
Got a full day to work on it today, think I have everything off the motor and transmission, tomorrow should pull the motor and transmission.
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
01-25-2016, 10:04 PM | #17 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Snapped a pic before I went home for the night.
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
01-30-2016, 01:01 AM | #18 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Got the motor and transmission out today.
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
01-30-2016, 01:06 AM | #19 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Empty engine bay.
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
01-30-2016, 01:08 AM | #20 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Transmission out
By the way, nobody got murdered in the top right corner of the pic.
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 Last edited by Nodnarb76; 01-30-2016 at 01:14 AM. |
01-30-2016, 01:18 AM | #21 |
Windy Corner of a Dirty Street
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
Posts: 2,926
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Very nice old burb project! Looks like you’re off to a good start too. Curious as to why you’re choosing to go with an aftermarket radiator instead of using the original radiator that was already in this Suburban (especially, if it was the big 4 core radiator that are typically found in BBC Suburban’s)? The big old copper radiators cool much better than the aluminum radiators anyway. Also curious about the reasoning for the Dakota Digital cluster? They look absolutely cool as heck but I can’t justify the price they’re asking for them. The cluster really doesn’t need to be changed to an expensive aftermarket cluster when doing this kind of swap although a lot of people think it does. I still use the original clusters 3 square bodies that have received late model engines.
Looks like a nice dealership to work in! Looking forward to more
__________________
Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles
|
01-30-2016, 02:08 AM | #22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Good progress! I think you'll beat you're estimate. Should be done by Wednesday
__________________
-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
01-30-2016, 10:32 PM | #23 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Quote:
Thanks, for the kind words! Going with the Enytropy Radiator for the cooling fans, steam hose fitting and cool factor. Plus my old radiator was getting kind of crusty inside. Going with the Dakota Digital Gauges for the convenient hookup, added tach, and cool factor as well. I'm a service advisor for a Hyundai dealership and have keys to the shop so I can come and go as I please which helps a lot which is the good news, bad news is I work 12 hour days 4 days a week, and my job is 40 miles away, plus my kids get out of school at 2:30 and I need to be home for them on my off days, so I don't have a lot of free time to work on it. But in the little blocks of time I have found I do feel I've gotten a lot done! Plus I have a great tech who has offered to help with the heavy lifting and any trouble shooting if problems arise.
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
|
01-31-2016, 11:56 PM | #24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: louisville, ky
Posts: 480
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
love this build. Following along
|
02-01-2016, 11:41 PM | #25 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
|
Re: 1987 R20 Suburban LQ4 4L80E swap
Got a lot more done today.
Got the TBI harness out.
__________________
1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824 |
Bookmarks |
|
|