OK guys, I have always worked on Fords so I don't know these Chevy's too well so Iam looking for some advice.

I have a 99 Chevy Suburban LT 1500 2wd with 102,000 miles. This has been a great vehicle for us and we want to keep it for a bit longer. We want to turn it into a nice sport/street truck with a mild drop and performance mods.

Here is what I am wondering. The intake manifold has started leaking coolant from the front and the back of the engine. So i need to do a little repair work. I was thinking about installing a roots type blower while I am working on the engine. OR, should I consider swapping in a LS1 motor since the motor has 102,000 miles??? If so, what will be involved in the swap? I have about $4500 to spend and I am trying to make the best out of my money. The Suburban is used by my wife to take the kids around, but occasionally we use it to tow her Mustang (I know, its a Ford) to the track. So I want reliability as well.

We just want to have some good strong power that we can enjoy.

Thanks for your help.
Todd

 

6.0L engine swap.

 

Get a long block Vortec383

 

Where can you get one of those from...Are they a bolt up to the trannys in the 97-99 trucks?

 

Here ya go,this longblock come with ARP rod bolt,manley stainless valves,scat crank,3 angle valve job and much more for only 2200.00 dollars brand new,this is what I am getting in April.It comes with 350hp and 400tq stock.
http://online-racer.com/chevy_383_stroker.htm

 

Still aint got nothin on me

 

Stop here
You have the right vehical.Just sell it and buy the new body style suburban.Now you have something to work with. Im telling you now,dont try and make a performance SUV with what you have ... Go newer and then mod from there. I promis you will be money ahead.

 

Why is that gonzo?I am just curious

 

With the new body style comes the Gen 3 engines,it responds much better to mods.With the old stye vortec you are limited to fueling it for more cubic inches.Im not a big fan of engine swaps in most cases,you can spend a pile of money and end up with a vehical with little value,not matter how clean of a swap it is you will always have to be tinkering on it which isnt good if your wife/family has to depend on it.Take a look at the blue book value difference between a 99 and a 2000 or 2001.compare apples to apples dollar differences.With the NBS you could upgrade the 5.3 to a 6.0 for not a ton of money and the NBS will always hold a good value.