I have a 1995 Suburban 1500, 3/4 ton chassis, 4x4, with about 170k miles on it. I inherited it from my parents who made the mistake of putting that cheesy 350 (dont have the exact engine specs in front of me). Plus they decked it out with all sorts of junk so it turned into a 6500 lb beast powered by what is an engine that now probably barely makes 300 hp. I'm definitely going to strip out all the heavy trim. I was hoping to get some advice on beefing up the motor. I basically want it streetable but able to tow a big trailer. I know I'll need to beef up the rear end and suspension, but the 3/4 ton chassis should handle it. My main question is what would you recommend going with for an engine? I'm a little apprehensive about bore and stroking a 350 that old. So should I go with an 8 liter gas or some diesel motor, I'd love to have a big turbo because I want to use it on steep grades and would like the engine braking and I want to use it at high altitudes (8000 ft+). I'll check out what tranny it has in a few days when I'm home for spring break, but I'm guessing that will need to be replaced as well. I'm just hoping the transfer case and front diff will be ok. I'm basically looking for someone who turned a POS 1500 suburban of this nature into something that could tow a boat or trailer a car with ease even on a steep grade and has at least 500-600 hp and similar lb ft of torque, plus converting the junking rear drum brakes into some good discs. Ill take pics in a few days and get the specs on the engine, tranny, front and rear diff.

I know its a lot to ask for but I'm sure someone has done this. Thanks for your help in advance.

tim.james.z06@gmail.com
tim.james.z06@att.net
jamestd@mail.utexas.edu
I check them all regularly

 

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the 1995 350 in my tahoe was factory rated at 150 HP. NEW.

by now you have 90 HP at best.

I'd scrap the whole thing, since for the same money you can get a working one with a bigger engine... and way less stress.

 

Get a crate engine. Come w/ a warranty. But if you make that big of an increase in power, you'll for sure find all of the weak links in the drive train. Tranny, xfer case, U-joints, & differentials all come to mind.

 

The 1995 350 in a suburban is rated at 200 hp and 310 ft/lb of torque. If your pulling, torque is what really matters. You will want a lower compression motor, especially if you want to put a sc or turbo on it. I work with a guy who has a 2000 burban with the 350 and he pulls a trailer and a boat up the mountains of Utah with it. He has to slow down going up Provo canyon, but it does it. If the engine has been taken care of, 160,000 miles on a 95 really isn't that bad. Unless the engine is acting really tired, I would look at programmers and other addons for more power. Just my 2 cents.

 

[B[Actually a 95 Tahoe TBIakes stock 210 with about 230. fpt