Michael & Anne

[mjeremy]

Our names are Michael and Anne from Australia. Over some 18 months ago, we bought a 1998 Holden badged ('Chevy" Suburban K2500 diesel). We had always admired this vehicle, mostly for its generous size to carry a large family, with additional space to place a fridge; tool box; extra batteries and other items in the rear - great vehicle & there is (no other passenger 4wd in AUst. that really comes close). We got our vehicle for a reasonable enough price, knowing we would have to do some work on it. Among other things, we wanted to rebuild the engine, noting some oil leaks and under power. In the end, after doing considerable research about how best to proceed, we elected to completely replace the long block with a new P400, which we purchased directly from AM General in the USA, for over half the price than we could buy same in Australia.

We also elected at the time of purchase to buy from AM, their 'high output' turbo and replacement fuel pump.(5521), as well as upgrading our existing computer to achieve better performance. As many I am sure on this forum will know, the standard sump that comes with the P400 doesn't naturally fit suburbans, without modification. Although we thought we could perhaps buy a correct sump from AM General to suit our veh, this was not possible at time of purchase, although 'may' be possible in the future???. In the end (and I'll show some pics), we used a local boat builder in Aust., who also makes sumps more generally, to modify our sump that came with our imported P400. We had also previously thought we could modify our vehicle, so as to not modify the sump itself (lift kit for front suspension, but this proved too difficult & expensive). In cutting/ and rewelding the sump (Cost $80), we have lost about 1 litre in oil capacity, which although not ideal, we have been told by AM General is acceptable enough.To protect our system, we intend on doing very regular oil changes; have replaced the original oil cooler with a much bigger and robust Griffin cooler, which came with a 13 inch 'Spal' fan.

Anyway, quite a few months have gone by since we rec'd the P400, as we also sought to replace parts, or add new things to the engine bay that would not only protect the new engine for many years to come, but ensure suitable power output, and reliability. It has ended up being a good size project for us, and last weekend, we set about installing our completed engine into our suburban. Once this is fully completed, we intend on installing a new custom made intercooler, along with replacement radiators (air and eng) etc. Once the engine bay is finished, we are hoping to install a 4 inch exhaust; and snorkel, to ensure a cooler engine environment.

As for expected power increase, we have installed a pyrometer and boost gauge. We are also looking at installing a good size bullbar to the vehicle for the times we head out bush with the family, and need to protect ourselves from some of the 'very large' wildlife that abounds in these places. Eventually we are looking at doing up the interior of the suburban carpet; reupholstering our existing leather seating etc; and adding underneath, extra fuel and water tanks, to name a few things (so much we want to do; and do car enthusiasts ever really stop!), and needed to also ensure we have a vehicle that we can take anywhere, and be comfortable in.

For the record, a total of 746 Holden badged, 'Chevy' suburbans were brought into Aust. in the late 1990s of which, 460 were petrol; 286 diesel). Whist we belong to a small Australian forum for other Holden suburban owners, we concede that belonging to a forum such as 'The Diesel Page' should be highly worthwhile, as we strive to learn more about the diesel suburban and what we might improve in it, even more. There are truly so many wonderful diesel trucks on this forum to also admire.

Thank you anyway for your anticipated interest. And we'll post a few pics of our own rig, including the engine and other possible things of interest. Cheers, Anne & Michael