Tahoe engine conversion
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
Tahoe engine conversion
My '94 GMC K2500 Suburban is falling apart. The frame is rusting out and so is the body.
I found a '97 Tahoe with a 350 that a has blown head gasket. If the 350 can't be repaired I was thinking about putting the 454 out of my Suburban in the Tahoe.
Is this doable with parts from both vehicles or are the mounts not compatible? Would the heavier tranny out of the Suburban fit in the Tahoe?
The more of a simple bolt in swap this is the happier I'll be. I'm aware I'll have to switch sensors and maybe the computer but is there anything else I haven't thought of?
The Tahoe owner tells me that the 350 is repairable but a 454 though...
Thanks.
I found a '97 Tahoe with a 350 that a has blown head gasket. If the 350 can't be repaired I was thinking about putting the 454 out of my Suburban in the Tahoe.
Is this doable with parts from both vehicles or are the mounts not compatible? Would the heavier tranny out of the Suburban fit in the Tahoe?
The more of a simple bolt in swap this is the happier I'll be. I'm aware I'll have to switch sensors and maybe the computer but is there anything else I haven't thought of?
The Tahoe owner tells me that the 350 is repairable but a 454 though...
Thanks.
CF Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Milwakee area
I'm not sure of all the differences you'd encounter in terms of the frame, but you're talking 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton truck chassis.
I've got an '06, but I think the same would hold true for the older versions... you've got different axles, differential, etc. I'm not sure if the frame has any noticeable differences or not, except that the mounts may be welded in different locations. 6-bolt vs 8-bolt wheels on the axles.
The unfortunate part about the different axles will be if you wanted to mate up existing axle to 454 engine/trans, I'm not sure how the prop shaft would fit, and obviously the suburban parts are too long to just drop in.
Perhaps someone else can comment on output of the transmission and location?
As far as sheet metal side of things, the front clip should be the same, so fitting in the engine bay shouldn't be an issue
I've got an '06, but I think the same would hold true for the older versions... you've got different axles, differential, etc. I'm not sure if the frame has any noticeable differences or not, except that the mounts may be welded in different locations. 6-bolt vs 8-bolt wheels on the axles.
The unfortunate part about the different axles will be if you wanted to mate up existing axle to 454 engine/trans, I'm not sure how the prop shaft would fit, and obviously the suburban parts are too long to just drop in.
Perhaps someone else can comment on output of the transmission and location?
As far as sheet metal side of things, the front clip should be the same, so fitting in the engine bay shouldn't be an issue
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
Supposed to go look at the Tahoe this weekend.
If I was to use the 454 I realize the need to use the '97 sensors and throttle body to match the '97 computer. I wasn't going to use the complete Suburban drivetrain. Just the engine only and the tranny if I had to. If the Suburban tranny was the same length then the driveshaft should be good to go unless there were heavier universals to contend with. I got a tape measure and I know how to use it!
I'm thinking that between the two vehicles that I should have all the parts I need to, at least, do an engine swap.
I'll have to find out how much it ran with the blown head gasket and check oil and water. I can do all that when it gets here to the house.
My '94 has good running gears but the body and frame are about ate up. I also have a '96 K2500. Windshield out of the '94 would make it road worthy again.
If I was to use the 454 I realize the need to use the '97 sensors and throttle body to match the '97 computer. I wasn't going to use the complete Suburban drivetrain. Just the engine only and the tranny if I had to. If the Suburban tranny was the same length then the driveshaft should be good to go unless there were heavier universals to contend with. I got a tape measure and I know how to use it!
I'm thinking that between the two vehicles that I should have all the parts I need to, at least, do an engine swap.
I'll have to find out how much it ran with the blown head gasket and check oil and water. I can do all that when it gets here to the house.
My '94 has good running gears but the body and frame are about ate up. I also have a '96 K2500. Windshield out of the '94 would make it road worthy again.
