12v 96'Suburban swap

[EWalshak]

I just purchased a 96'burb and will be swapping in a 12v. The question I have is what year is the best 6bt to use. From reading the posts on TDR I gather that one with a p7100 pump is preferred. Can anyone tell me which year 12v came with this pump. This build is mainly going to be used to haul the family around town. Reliability and good fuel economy are high on the priority list. It is not for a sled puller or drag truck. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

[MA2LA]

unless you plan on towing anything of size you could always look at a 4bt and get even better miliage and save on a little wieght. i belive the 7100 started in 92 and went through 98 but i maybe wrong.

 

[kenny61]

the 96-98 5spd motors had the higher hp dv's (215 hp)

 

[BAnsley]

89-93 is a rotary ve and a 94-98 is a p 7100



Good luck Brian

 

[EWalshak]

Thanks for the info. Im assuming because the 4bt will pull around the
step vans that they should be able to move a suburban pretty good. If later on I decided to squeeze some more power out of it does any one know what kind of HP and Torque numbers you can get while still being dependable. Thanks

 

[kenny61]

4bt or 6bt?

 

[EWalshak]

Both,The only HP and Torque numbers that Ive read about are for the 6bt and those have mainly been for trucks that pull or race. Those numbers may not be what you can achieve and still have a truck that is a good daily driver thats streetable.

 

[kenny61]

Engine wise for the 6 installing a 10 plate will give you about 330 hp 750ft/lbs and a performance clutch on the manual the autos will need work which I am not sure of. You will also need gauges to watch your boost and EGT as this plate is the limit of the stock turbo. You can reliably and streetably make more with the proper mods. I dont know about the 4bt. you can try posting in the competition section as the guys there seem knowledgeable

 

[EWalshak]

Is that 330hp/750ft/lbs with a stock motor changing only to a #10 fuel plate??

 

[kenny61]

Yes based on TST which is a pretty good company. I have never done a dyno to confirm

 

[EWalshak]

I have some basic knowledge of a diesel and how it works but I dont know what a fuel plate isor where its located. Is it relatively easy to change?

 

[kenny61]

About an hour the first time you do it

http://www.tstproducts.com/INSRUCT98.pdf

 

[EWalshak]

Thanks kenny61 that seems easy enough. Is it safe to assume the increase will be the same relative to stock numbers if it were an automatic.

 

[kenny61]

Chart shows the difference between manual and uatomatics. auto for 96 is 2nd line manual is 3rd line. The autos put out less power from the factory to save the transmission. this is why a 10 plate is not recomended for the auto. I'm not sure but i believe there is a difference in the injectors and or the delivery valves. I know its one of them. If your gonna put an auto behind the swap post in the 2nd gen section and ask what is the most torque / hp for a stock auto transmission. The manuals can take a heck of a lot more than the 770 ft/lbs but will need a high performance clutch I have a south bend and am very happy with it. When you figure out what mods your gonna do call them and they will tell you how much clutch you need it will probably be in the $500 $700 range (if I remember right) for the whole set up. If your gonna tow up hills in 5th gear your gonna need the fully splined shaft to upgrade the fifth gear nut

 

[EWalshak]

It will most likely be a beefed up automatic. I plan to spend some $ in the trans and converter dept. Ive been told by guys that have been around dodge trucks that the auto's arent that bad if you upgrade them and the converter.

 

[surfbeetle]

I'm interested in this as well. I have a 97 suburban. I've heard that the 6bt is almost to the point of being too long to put into the chevy. It's been done but it's a very tight fit. There's a few on this board who have done it.



Now if the 4bt could make as much power (or more) as the stock 6. 5 chevy diesel, I would be up for that when my 6. 5 dies.

 

[Shadrach]

A 4BT with an inline pump in stock form would put out 130hp and about 330tq IIRC. If you buy one from a step van get the GM auto as well. Don't forget the vans have different gears ratios and tires diameter than you have. The 6BT in 96-98 have different pistons with a std ( 215hp ) than an auto ( 180hp ). The pistons from the 215 engine are the same ones used in a 230hp Freightliner. Shadrach

 

[MA2LA]

its not to hard to get over 200 hp out of a 4bt and the tq is up aroud 450 at that point.

 

[ParsonsDRW]

i have a 93 12v and a 94 12v for a swap if your PM interested

 

[EWalshak]

ParsonsDRW how much do you want for the 94 12v?