5.7tbi/700r4 swap

[Smokey burnouts]

I've searched and read till I'm dizzy about 5.3/5.7tbi swaps and even trying to just heads/cam my current motor. A 5.3 costs me the motor and all that is needed. I got the 94 4x4 burb in the driveway just sitting, so can be robbed of any and all parts.

I'm getting bout 8mpg and the k5(72 4x4 350/th350, 35's and 3.07rear(think)) struggles to maintain speed at 60 up hills. The MPG ain't huge deal but the fact the it won't get out its own way and struggles on hills is getting old.

Is it worth swapping some or all the drive train out the burb in the K5? Or should I just throw a 4.11 or 3.73 gear in it?
Just looking for performance vs cost advise for getting the K5 lil more streetable...

Thanks
Daniel

 

[Smokey burnouts]

Any ideas??

 

[82355]

Gears first.

Martin

 

[82355]

Are you already set on cutting the 1994 Suburban up?

Does it have a TH700R4/4L60, or a 4L60E?

Martin

 

[Smokey burnouts]

Figured it had the 700r4.... Not set on anything really except making the K5 handle better

 

[82355]

I think 1994 is a 4L60E?

Martin

 

[Smokey burnouts]

You're right it does have the 4l60E' these are junk ain't they?

 

[82355]

No. Just electronically shifted.

Martin

 

[Greg Ducato]

I would re-gear the Blazer and carry on, should cure most of the complaints

 

[Smokey burnouts]

I would re-gear the Blazer and carry on, should cure most of the complaints

Re-gear stock axles (think 10 bolt rear/44 front) or are there junk yard axles I could throw under it with out moving perches and shock mounts?

 

[82355]

That's a can of worms. What are your intentions with the rig?

Martin

 

[Greg Ducato]

Re-gear stock axles (think 10 bolt rear/44 front) or are there junk yard axles I could throw under it with out moving perches and shock mounts?

The short answer is no. You can fortify the axles you have with an aftermarket rear diff and axles and new u joints (better) up front. You are still pushing the limits with 35's but for street driving and moderate off road stuff you should be plenty OK.

 

[Smokey burnouts]

The short answer is no. You can fortify the axles you have with an aftermarket rear diff and axles and new u joints (better) up front. You are still pushing the limits with 35's but for street driving and moderate off road stuff you should be plenty OK.

Well I since noticed I have 10bolts front and rear, so gonna have to check my ratio now since not the stock axles and maybe not 3.07. Truck is gonna be mainly a street toy(no real off roading or mudding). Think gonna leave the TH350 in there and check gears and if needed replace with 3.73/4.11's and then either heads and cam on stock motor or MAYBE a LS swap in down the road.
Sound ok?

 

[Greg Ducato]

Sounds good, if you are keeping the 350 trans, 3.73 gears and 35's will put you at 2500 rpm or so at 70mph which would be pretty easy to live with and still keep some kind of low end performance.

 

[Smokey burnouts]

Thanks... Now kinda hoping it doesn't have 3.73s in there now. Just cause I know I'll gain low end and power on hills (cause really lacking right now).