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One Piece at a Time: My 1985 Diesel Suburban

Hood latch and cable was a 15 minute install and adjustment. Testing commenced immediately thereafter.

Initial impressions - looks cool, works even better.
IMG_0974.JPG

I ran down to the diesel shop for some Stanadyne blue stuff and to start the conversation on what I can do with my HE351CW. That drive is a lot of stop and go, and while I detect no performance or heat transfer difference, the engine noise is greatly reduced. I can only guess the dynamat and hoodliner are doing their job(s).

A short blast down the highway, heavy on the go pedal with the AC on high, and the temp needle doesn't budge. Not conclusive, but a good first indicator.
IMG_0972.JPG

It was time to meet up with my buddy who scored the LQ9 earlier in the day. There's a new moto shop in the neighborhood that serves Coors and other grandpa beers, and their lounge smells like gasoline and new tires. It's my new favorite place to grab a drink with gear head friends. You can see a 4WD converted van in the next photo - really cool overland setup.

Before shutting down, I did a scientific "hand over the louvers" test. At hot idle, there's lots of air flow through the louvers, and after shutdown, it's obvious that a significant amount of hot air escapes out of the 114 newly added rectangle ports.
IMG_0973.JPG

I'll do a few other proving runs before hitting the road to BB18.

David
 
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Wonder if I could get these installed before Blazer Bash.
 
It was time to meet up with my buddy who scored the LQ9 earlier in the day. There's a new moto shop in the neighborhood that serves Coors and other grandpa beers, and their lounge smells like gasoline and new tires. It's my new favorite place to grab a drink with gear head friends. You can see a 4WD converted van in the next photo - really cool overland setup.
I need a shop like this near where i live!

I'll do a few other proving runs before hitting the road to BB18.
When are you planning to point that Suburban toward Moab?
 
What about water getting in the engine bay? I was specifically thinking about snow piling up on the hood and melting.
While snow is rare in Dallas, rain is not, and so I do understand your concern. On the new Camaros and Corvettes with hood vents, GM has a plastic formed internal panel to catch the most of the water and drain it to the outside of the valve covers, but a downpour or melting snow could easily overwhelm that system so I imagine the engine just gets a little wet. I remember my STI engine was consistently wet when driving in the rain since the intercooler hood scoop acted like a water-grabber.

I did a thorough test on the suburban as it stormed here several times while the hood was off the truck and the engine was fully exposed (air filter was covered). Other than some flash rust on the master cylinder, everything was fine. My air filter is under a solid part of the hood and well covered, and the exposed portion of the engine under the louvers is fully sealed.

I'm not particularly concerned, but will keep an eye on it.

David
 
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We're leaving DFW on labor day, and will get into Moab Wednesday afternoon with visits to Pikes Peak and ORD in between.

David
Cool! We are leaving the Saturday before Labor Day in the early morning. Take our time. Will be in Moab Monday afternoon, if not before.
 
While snow is rare in Dallas, rain is not, and so I do understand your concern. On the new Camaros and Corvettes with hood vents, GM has a plastic formed internal panel to catch the most of the water and drain it to the outside of the valve covers, but a downpour or melting snow could easily overwhelm that system so I imagine the engine just gets a little wet. I remember my STI was consistently went when driving in the rain since the intercooler hood scoop acted like a water-grabber.

I did a thorough test on the suburban as it stormed here several times while the hood was off the truck and the engine was fully exposed (air filter was covered). Other than some flash rust on the master cylinder, everything was fine. My air filter is under a solid part of the hood and well covered, and the exposed portion of the engine under the louvers is fully sealed.

I'm not particularly concerned, but will keep an eye on it.

David
Yeah I was thinking in theory it should be fine.
 
Made a quick passenger side entry/grab handle. At 6' 3", I've never had a problem getting in the truck, but others have expressed a need for a helping hand.

Call this a Rev0 design. 1/2" hardware threads to an interior plate with square nuts welded - similar to the seat belt shoulder mount.
IMG_1006.JPG

1.5" through holes so it clears the interior panel.
IMG_1005.JPG

Upside down.
IMG_1007.JPG

Installed, speed holes added.
IMG_1009.JPG

Tested up to 218 lbs, the handles follow the contour of the pillar. Plenty to grab before attempting entry.
IMG_1008.JPG

I have a hectic week of work ahead, and then it's time to pack and stage gear and tools.
IMG_0990.JPG

Mentally, I'm already on my way to Moab.

David
 
Made a quick passenger side entry/grab handle. At 6' 3", I've never had a problem getting in the truck, but others have expressed a need for a helping hand.

Call this a Rev0 design. 1/2" hardware threads to an interior plate with square nuts welded - similar to the seat belt shoulder mount.
View attachment 242366

1.5" through holes so it clears the interior panel.
View attachment 242365

Upside down.
View attachment 242367

Installed, speed holes added.
View attachment 242369

Tested up to 218 lbs, the handles follow the contour of the pillar. Plenty to grab before attempting entry.
View attachment 242368

I have a hectic week of work ahead, and then it's time to pack and stage gear and tools.
View attachment 242364

Mentally, I'm already on my way to Moab.

David
Looking at something for my K10 as well, need to stop using the steering wheel


And yes. Moab brain is seeping in
 
Made a quick passenger side entry/grab handle. At 6' 3", I've never had a problem getting in the truck, but others have expressed a need for a helping hand.

Call this a Rev0 design. 1/2" hardware threads to an interior plate with square nuts welded - similar to the seat belt shoulder mount.
View attachment 242366

1.5" through holes so it clears the interior panel.
View attachment 242365

Upside down.
View attachment 242367

Installed, speed holes added.
View attachment 242369

Tested up to 218 lbs, the handles follow the contour of the pillar. Plenty to grab before attempting entry.
View attachment 242368

I have a hectic week of work ahead, and then it's time to pack and stage gear and tools.
View attachment 242364

Mentally, I'm already on my way to Moab.

David

Looks good. I curious how you got the nuts inside the pillar to bolt it too?
 
Looks good. I curious how you got the nuts inside the pillar to bolt it too?
Thanks! There are access holes in the inner panel for the door post and hinge. I slid the threaded backing panel through one.

David
 

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