Mechanic/truck advice carb vs. EFI

BryanNomad

BryanNomad

Joined
Mar 25, 2013
Messages
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Hi all - I'm looking to buy a Chevy Suburban for a work vehicle (need 4x4 with lots of passenger room in a pinch). I don't have a lot of vehicle knowledge, just wondering what is more cost effective and reliable as far as maintenance is concerned. My options are an 86 Suburban from California (no rust) with 130,000 miles on a 454, or a 97 Suburban with 128,000 on a 5.4L V8. The 86 is $2900 and the 97 is $3600. No mechanical issues with either. Thoughts and opinions appreciated, thanks!
 
Both have advantages and disadvantages. I think it would be nice to have one vehicle that didn't have all the computer stuff in it.
 
The OE EFI system on 96-99 suburbans tends to fail, not a matter of if, but when. There is an improved/updated "spider" that will set you back 500-1000 bucks depending on brand and who does it. Other than that they tend to be pretty solid. Not a fan of older carbed vehicles personally. I would search for something 2000 or later in a suburban. May set you back a little more but those 5.3 vortecs are fantastic engines. See many with well over 200k still running around.
BTW I'm an ASE Certified Master Tech who owns a 2004 Yukon with a 5.3.
 
blades&wrenches said:
The OE EFI system on 96-99 suburbans tends to fail, not a matter of if, but when. There is an improved/updated "spider" that will set you back 500-1000 bucks depending on brand and who does it. Other than that they tend to be pretty solid. Not a fan of older carbed vehicles personally. I would search for something 2000 or later in a suburban. May set you back a little more but those 5.3 vortecs are fantastic engines. See many with well over 200k still running around.
BTW I'm an ASE Certified Master Tech who owns a 2004 Yukon with a 5.3.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll look into the 5.3 Vortec.
 
blades&wrenches said:
The OE EFI system on 96-99 suburbans tends to fail, not a matter of if, but when. There is an improved/updated "spider" that will set you back 500-1000 bucks depending on brand and who does it. Other than that they tend to be pretty solid. Not a fan of older carbed vehicles personally. I would search for something 2000 or later in a suburban. May set you back a little more but those 5.3 vortecs are fantastic engines. See many with well over 200k still running around.
BTW I'm an ASE Certified Master Tech who owns a 2004 Yukon with a 5.3.
Click to expand...

I agree 100% with this statement. The Gen III small block (4.8, 5.3, 6.0, 6.2) truck engines are far superior to GM's prior offerings. They still have some problems, such as engine knock, oil consumption, and a crappy knock sensor design/location, but they're relatively easy to prevent/fix compared to the Gen II engines.

In the GM world, LS engines (Gen III small blocks) are the way to go! I wouldn't even consider anything carb'd or EFI.
 
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