CK5
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1 month to 8.1 swap, then another month to Nv4500 swap
- Thread starter #Burbslut
- Start date
87 V20 Burb- 6.2 Diesel to 8.1-Th400 to Nv4500
I got around a month to complete, then a 800 mile drive. and then a 2300 mile roundtrip
Quick history.I bought this thing 160,000 miles ago for $750. I wanted a roadtrip Burb to haul me and my family around the western states, but still do occasional off road adventures.
I enjoyed the fuel economy, but now I am building a Suburban based wheeler that needs a tow rig, and a camp trailer to haul around.
So. 8.1 swap time. I kinda lucked out with the right connections and the shop is only a hr away. Tilden turn key 8.1. I picked it up in November and I have been amassing parts for the swap ever since. I believe I have 90% of everything I need.
It was pretty awesome to see/hear the motor run before they wrapped it up and loaded it for me. Great service, great company, lots of tech help. I highly recommend Tilden Motorsports in Gilroy. I got the right motor with the accessories I need and a turn key harness.
It wasn’t long before I started collecting parts. Working at a auto parts store definitely helps. I had a few things that I wanted to do.
Intake Gaskets, pvc tube mod, cam & crank sensors, relocate knock sensor, egr delete, spark plugs, accel ceramic wires, Sanderson headers, ord engine crossmember and mounts, add a/c compressor, new belt, tbi tank and line swap, new sender and vortec fuel pump.
and some paint.
The running 6.2 is sold and out
I have the motor reassembled, but the Sanderson headers have to come back off for some light grinding. The flanges hit the head bolts.
I hope to get the new fuel pump into the sender, and then into the tank, then the tank into the burb and put the tbi lines on. If I have extra time, maybe I’ll get the crossmember in too.
I hope to get the new fuel pump into the sender, and then into the tank, then the tank into the burb and put the tbi lines on. If I have extra time, maybe I’ll get the crossmember in too.
You had me at 8.1 swap. Sub'd
Carry on.
Carry on.
So I went to install the flex plate and found a few ruined teeth. So I guess the motor may not be going in this weekend, but what really got my attention was the intake end gasket squeezing out!
Sob...
Those Gm gaskets aren’t cheap too. That’s the first and last time I use the end gaskets. I thought I would give it a shot but never again. They were fine and in position when I torqued everything down. I guess it squeezed out over night.
Sob...
Those Gm gaskets aren’t cheap too. That’s the first and last time I use the end gaskets. I thought I would give it a shot but never again. They were fine and in position when I torqued everything down. I guess it squeezed out over night.
Kevin is still growing the business in good success
As for your build:
Suburban, good
BBC, good
Family trips, good
Do you have the old W style trans crossmember? I need one. Mine is all bent up
Yes...
It’s still in the Burb, attached to the th400.
I’d recommend trolling the classifieds section, Craigslist, or Marketplace.
My 8.1 swap this week - at Tilden 
Where are you in Santa Cruz?
Where are you in Santa Cruz?
is Tilden doing the install? Looks sweet.
I prefer not to give away my secret spot. Although, if you make frequent trips to the Santa Cruz Landfill, you’ve past my house.
I don’t remember the past few trucks being a pita to install the ORD crossmember, but I think one of them didn’t have a front axle in it. The other had a 8” lift. This one has a 4” lift and a 60 in the front.
Luckily a floor jack and a borrowed 90degree drill made quick work of it.
Luckily a floor jack and a borrowed 90degree drill made quick work of it.
A few pics from when I got it to now.
It was stock when I got it. I’ve pretty much had my hands on everything at one point.
Travel about 10k a year to various 4x4 events. Volunteering at some, spectating at others.
I’m a avid square body parts hunter, so quite frequently I’ll come home with parts trucks and burbs.
It was stock when I got it. I’ve pretty much had my hands on everything at one point.
Travel about 10k a year to various 4x4 events. Volunteering at some, spectating at others.
I’m a avid square body parts hunter, so quite frequently I’ll come home with parts trucks and burbs.
Double like for the Hickey 14 bolt diff cover. I've only seen d44 and 12bolt styles so a 14b has got to be unicorn level rare.
I’ve only seen 2 in my life. They are both in this picture
It took 4 yrs to get one from a friend, that had one. He didn’t want to give it up.
Getting there...
Intake manifold gasket, take two.
re-assembly and knock sensor swap.
almost ready to at least get it into the Burb
Intake manifold gasket, take two.
re-assembly and knock sensor swap.
almost ready to at least get it into the Burb
Ac compressor needs the actual hardware for it. I am heading to the junkyard tomorrow. I also need some bell housing hardware.
Going in!
Going in!
