Completely Rebuilding “mean green” my 454/ turbo400 daily driven 1988 squarebody suburban

[@ledzeppelin27]

Everyone who looks sees the baddass suburban, but they don't see the blood, sweat, tears, and paychecks it took to make her better than new again. awesome build guys

[@MrJimmymeeks]

Excellent! I really enjoyed watching your rebuilding of your old square body. I appreciate seeing old classic Chevrolets saved from the salvage yard. I recently spent a year having my 1970 Chevelle SS, 454, turbo 400 restored, so I was very familiar with your motor and transmission. Good job.

[@barakony]

The cold start of this engine in early morning .. That sound will make your whole day great.

[@richp1146]

Well done,. Love to see the younger generation into older rigs. Especially the square bodies.

[@brianwalker1892]

A lot of people cant do these things hats off to every shadetree mechanic out there

[@Geordo1960]

Sounds very nice. Hope that you are liking it. Sometimes it’s just better to go ahead and rebuild older equipment then buy what is out on the market today with all it’s complicated issues.

[@chrismartin6544]

I love how people tell others how they should have done this and that there are fewer things more personal than our cars trucks so build it the way you want it lol sorry for the mini rant really enjoyed your video

[@Fuzzysmoke]

I love watching this video/ such attention to detail. I watch it over and over. I cant wait until I retire from uncle Sam so I can start my projects. I love the detail that goes in on this old truck. I just love it.

[@bolivershagnasty2014]

My parents had one of these when I was in high school. I drove it once in a rare while, but when I did, I would drop it into low gear and quickly jam the gas over and over to where I would bounce the front end off the ground. My buddies and I thought that was so cool. Can't count how many laughs we got out of that. Looking back, it was so much sweeter than I ever knew. Would be cool to drop it and chop the roof, put in some cool seats and interior with a nice stereo. Kinda like a heavy as hell street rod.

[@therealdio6562]

Watching this video is therapy for me.

[@trinkladd]

I remember my first 454. Loved it. Except the 7 mpg

[@workingmansrestorations7071]

I have a 454 in my lifted k5... I never checked my mpg. It doesnt matter to me

[@missingremote4388]

It's true. I enjoy the rear drum brakes job part. Both Chevrolet dealership and another GMC service won't or can't check my rear brakes. 4 seized bolts per side.? 1995 454 4X4 GMC ¾ ton with OE brakes!!!

[@TheRealZJE313]

I know what u on that gas mpg cause I have a 88suburban C20 with the 454engine in it.only drive it on the weekend

[@SOU6900]

@@missingremote4388 Sounds like they are feeding you a load of bull about the rear brakes.

[@missingremote4388]

@@SOU6900 you're right: I checked my Chevy service invoice. It says they changed my rear brake pads, and everything. It was probably misunderstanding - they always have the service writer in the middle...

[@msh6865]

Every guy needs to experience the joy and satisfaction of building or rebuilding a engine. Just something very primal about putting the parts together to create a living, breathing piece of automotive science. Glad to see the old big block wasn't tossed for just another run of the mill LSx swap as well. 👍👍

[@superduty4556]

Can't replace the low rpm torque of a big block.

[@sequenceleds6080]

Your attention to detail is outstanding! If I didn't build my own engines i'd be asking you.

[@MrIgor1955]

Love 454's. I would have liked to see you put 10 or 20cc domed pistons in the engine. Those dished flat top pistons only give you about 7.8:1 compression. You spent $1000+ on a roller cam kit, another $1000 on an EFI carb and then didn't spend $250 for a set of hypereutectic domed pistons. I know you're not going for a race engine with those "peanut port" heads, but your engine will run much better with more compression. With 10cc domed pistons your compression would be about 8.7:1. With 20cc dome pistons, your compression would be about 9.3:1. Still pump gas friendly but the engine would have much more torque and horsepower for that heavy Suburban. It might even improve your gas mileage. This is just an FYI for a future 454 build. (I'm getting 17 mpg in my 454 powered '50 Chevy hot rod but it's about half the weight of your Suburban.)

[@kalanirobb54]

Just got back from pine flat lake first shakedown with my 19 ft. Hallet v-drive pickle fork 468 four bolt main Edelbrock aluminum head 85 double pump solid roller rowdy cackle beast boat .lol!! This video is therapudic. Thanks!

[@funkydave100]

love that you show the exacting detail may the 454 live forever, personally never had a 454 and probably never will but Chevy man through and through

[@nbowling10trio]

Your one of those drivers that speed up to get over in front of you only to turn at the next road. Nice truck,ready for another twenty years or more!

[@HookedUpCatfishing]

That's a GA driver for ya lol

[@thomasexeter97]

You put a ton of work into this truck! Looks great!

[@Backyardmech1]

🥰 Damn I remember assembly day when I had all the parts ready to go together. It was like the day I first got laid or had my time with my first love. It’s a happy memorable time you will never forget. Don’t matter the motor or ass, you won’t forget it ever. Very much respect the time and detail you put into this motor and build. Time and detail make the build stick out the most and brings you close to what you make. To this day the most minor detail like an orange painted Chevy block will grab some attention. 😁 I used nickels to cover the spark plug ports too.

[@peteramirez50]

I’m rebuilding a 1984 gmc dually so far rebuilt engine , tranny , new brake booster brakes , battery , updated front clip , alternator , starter , radiator , flow masters , alcoa rims and caps , dash , manifolds , shift kit all new seals , my goal is to make my truck like yours watched the entire video great work !

[@hankclingingsmith8707]

I wish more people would fix up suburban s THEY are nice cheap and comfortable. GOOD work

[@thomasdeangelo1655]

Your technique of applying assembly lube and gasket sealant is second to none.

[@marcelineingot9359]

This is the 454 porn Ive been looking for! I got a 75' gmc frankenstein. Original 350 swapped w/454 and fleetside long box added. Have a lot of work to do mostly wiring harness (mice/barn find) but eventually want to rebuild the motor and add upgraded injectors and coils. Im like a kid in a candy store and I appreciate the direction, much love for the old squarebodys.

[@chickamaugafisherman1034]

Just finished building my 454 for my 94 suburban video helped a lot man

[@DYLANTRIES]

10/10 great job! I watch alot of guys on youtube that you think would know what they are doing but dont even come close to the great work you done in this video!

[@davidcampos268]

Good realistic at home build nice quality with the right budget well done man I enjoyed it now I want one

[@OvoxitiGaming]

i live over in this area and see you burban from time to time, kickass build

[@bigblocklawyer]

Classic. LS architecture is amazing but BB's are still relevant. Those of us who grew up building and driving these engines know their value. Enjoy the 7 city 9 highway mpg though. You can buy a lot of gas for what a new Sub costs so just drive it. Well done, saving another one.

[@michaelvann8972]

bigblocklawyer nah, that EFI will give it at least 12 mpg LOL

[@walliehart2055]

These motors are fine, I prefer the 427 myself, higher compression and better mpg. Put a good overdrive unit on the trans and the hyway mpg are better than the very thirsty 350 in my experience.

[@ryanm3749]

I got between 10.5 and 12 in my 87 r30 crewcab dually

[@nasirsanchez9142]

@@ryanm3749 with a 454 with the sniper efi? Just wondering because I'm rebuilding my 454 in my 88 daully.

[@ryanm3749]

@@nasirsanchez9142 454, but was factory tbi

[@ianmilne1185]

Very nicely done. This comming from a Machinist that just loves clean parts- clean tools- clean everyrhing....

[@markusgarvey]

Finally a wrech spinning video with good music. I was like, "who is this" ...I thought it had just come on autoplay.

[@arttafil6792]

Nice attention to detail on masking the ports before painting the block and heads.

[@jayburrough4308]

Look how well balanced it is running so smooth

[@mondeacid5610]

Ahhhh, what a beauty, show us when its done, i use to rebuilt big blocks when i lived in Texas (45 years) , i retired in the Philippines and the largest engines here are 4cyl., 3 liter 😂

[@DadbrosGarage]

girly boys have their asmr videos, US real MEN have a 454 engine rebuild video

[@robertweitlauf4653]

Nice suburban, I had one I wanted to redo it but it was so rusty I pulled engine and trans out and put in my 74 c10. 454 th400. Mine sounds good yours sound awesome. Good work.

[@Saan455]

The wheel hub cab look amazing really beautiful

[@hbmdre]

Doing the same thing to my 94 454 suburban now great job 👏🏾

[@zaxpage9003]

I also have a mean green, a 74 gmc, 454 with 4 speed, 3/4 ton truck, green and white. Great trucks.

[@thelarryus1]

Awesome video. Love these old trucks.

[@brianwalker1892]

Nice build. Hell of a job

[@andyrichey1192]

That was awesome dude, I enjoyed every bit. Brings back sweet memories. I watch for more

[@KenPaisley]

Nice job. That's a good looking old suburban.

[@thedobermangang3503]

good video my brother and some smooth music also

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

you do nice work with care and all well done thank you for sharing your MONSTER !

[@brucedavis3206]

Have had many of these beast, there so easy to make great power and torque it's crazy!

[@jw4620]

Nicely done! A practical rebuild, and thoroughly entertaining.

[@squarebodybrothers]

jw '46 thanks a ton bro!

[@nicksaysboo]

Love the custom radiator fan

[@caryfowler5999]

nice work bro, I got a 87 GMC 4x4 Sierra Classic that the 350 got hot & putting a 95 454(496) in mine, hope it does as good as yours.

[@charlesmartin7347]

Very nice job . I remember my fist big block it was a Cadillac El Dorado long as a country block and wide as all outside. But like the old man before me I love it he had straight pipes running out the back and son I made them purr .

[@jeffrey4547]

so far this year i got 454 stroker with the heavy duty 400 turbo with 6000 miles on it for free and a 454 stroker with heavy duty 400 turbo with 38'000 miles on it for free i'm feeling pretty dam lucky plus a full option 79 4x4 short wide with 36,548 miles on it like new inside and out even has the option and safety stickers for free not county the other rigs i was told from the new owners it was all left in the shop and said hall it of with all the scrap that was left the truck was berried under a bunch of parts plus 2 camero's it was a score of a life time and got all titles singed 24 cars in total

[@judgetk8327]

Nice job man. To touch that nice job off you need to put the disc brake kit on the rear. It's like night and day. Great job. My favorite motor.

[@robbiebircher6022]

I bet it was super nice to drive it for the first time after all that hard work. Love the burb!

[@reltub20001]

I know this is over a year old. Forr eveyone watching this to learn a little, it is good for the most part. I won't puck on eveerything I saw, just a few important points. 1. Used oil pump. Never reuse an oil pump that is past the break in of a new engine. Then if it is still a very low hour pump, pull it apart and clean, clean, clean. Never use the old pickup tube, I dont care how many hours are on it. New pickup tube, clean, clean, clean!! 2. Red silicon or RTV. Why? The engine never gets hot enough to degrade black or blue or clear silicon. 3. Use one piece oil pan gasket. Then the only place you use silicon is where the pan gasket meets the rear main cap both sides and the tiling cover both sides. If you are worried you can put some at each corner of the oil pan . 3. No silicon on the timing cover. Silicon is hard to remove if for some reason you have to pull it. 4. I didn't watch to see if he used the rubber gaskets on the front and back of the intake manifold. If he did, that was a big oil leak in a few years. Throw them in the trash and use a 1/4 inch bead of silicon in place of those rubber gaskets. There are other things that are not as hard to fix, so I won't nit pick. I like the sound of a big block. I have four trucks. 3 are big blocks and one is a toyota with a 22RE. I have 5 big block chevys waiting for me so I can play with them. This is a good video.

[@phantomwalker8251]

second hand dished pistons,didnt blow out the block,didnt lube all the cam,re built a chev,;loser.i stoped at the cam install,only watching to see if the big block is better built/designed than the 350 which are a chunk of an engine.biggest bullshit engine chev have,??..the 6.2/6.5 tdi..i have a dinky toy with more guts than the 6.2..you want a decent engine,,go get a 460.

[@phantomwalker8251]

looks like chev got the canted valves but didnt fix the plug angle..ill keep my clevo..never had one fail.look up ausie test drive of the falcon gtHO phase 3...it did 160 mph with 3 people,camera man in back seat,,news paper had the pic re touched to 140.

[@MrRover2007]

Great rebuild! Now you can do a video on rebuilding that 30 year old suspension. I like these old Chevy trucks because they go on forever with care.

[@johnnysantiago393]

beautiful clean detail on that sweet big block brother just picked up 454 with roller lifters high rpm 23 footer eurosport marine my next project keep up good work kid

[@deanwharepapa8561]

Awesome work

[@arttafil6792]

The last big block Chevy I built was an L72 427. I did a lot of very minute machining operations to the block alone.

[@abady4ever283]

That's butterfly You make my day better

[@jrock6883]

Super nice build thanks 4 the part numbers.

[@squarebodybrothers]

J Rock thanka for watching bro!

[@brianwalker1892]

These trucks are my favorite

[@davidwiley3440]

Back in he old days we used to use STP when "Puttin up a motor on all bearings.....Didn't have fancy grease....

[@EASTSIDE-313]

Beautiful suburban, nice work.

[@stewoe7157]

Here in the Netherlands we convert those big American cars to run on LPG. That is a mix of propane and butane. It has almost zero pollution and therefore it is tax-free. Gasoline is like €1,70/Liter and propane €0,60/Liter.

[@walkingman9171]

Nice rebuild, I think I would have gone with a performer intake and a 600 cfm carb for that application and saved alot of money. Roller tip rockers won't help or hurt. Glad you didn't go crazy with radical cam specs. Good choice.

[@alexlacroix9515]

The most overlooked aspect about roller rockers is the ratio. Assuming they are not stock ratio a bigger ratio not only adds lift and duration it also makes the valves open faster.

[@mannyasaptransport]

Very well done video, good looking suburban sounds awesome!

[@stonewallnc]

Awesome build! Would've loved to see you do the 8.1 in it but glad you kept it mostly original. Exhaust note is perfect.

[@bowtie-man]

Ah those wide chevrolet valve covers just never and I mean ever get old. 👍👍✌✌👊👊

[@khalidalhadidi6402]

I can watch this art of work all day, We really you have precision skills, Thank you very much for more then astonish video 🙏, this is Love & gas art to gather.

[@paulmoitinho6029]

Nice build, nice aftermarket parts, a better set of oval port heads would surely free up more horsepower on the top end. However, considering this is meant for a heavy vehicle where torque rules, your peanut port heads are probably the best compromise for this setup.

[@robertwetherington3372]

No shit. Y put that cam in it with those heads? They are the worst ever made especially when u can get a set of cast iron ovals Farley cheap when you consider the power gain

[@soulfultenor]

Just seeing this video, looks like you're in Clayton County, I know exactly where you were driving. I have been on that road before. Your video is quite inspirational !! I'm in the middle of a build myself.

[@jedclampett6466]

I put a 700R4/4L60 from a 1990 van behind my BBC. Then wired be up a rocker switch for torque converter lock up. I cruise 65 mph down the road at 1900 RPM.

[@ericburns2421]

That's a beautiful built up 454 I don't know how much horsepower it makes but I know that damn thing that sounds mean holler if you hear me

[@dwaynethayer7868]

Big block Chevy.... God bless America

[@Fritsvrolijk]

and the smog they bring

[@vhp454]

@@Fritsvrolijk you millennial punk. Smog nothing. Tire shreading and tire smoke. But you are a joke !

[@sandmanjr.9316]

The 350 CID engine best overall engine.

[@msh6865]

Amen. Once you drive a big block you'll be hooked.

[@Phuq_it]

454 is hard to keep cool here in the Arizona summertime. In the morning I can drive around with the ac on. When it’s 105 110 118 outside I just give up and let it run 260

[@laohantun7404]

Patience always pays back...good job....

[@MikeSmith-ve2qu]

Nice work man.

[@margraffsgarage]

looks great, you did a badass job

[@arttafil6792]

At least you started with a 4 bolt main block!

[@Eddie2425]

Nice work! Not trying to be negative in anyway, but you should of used your rotary tool and gasket matched the intake to the heads! They can sometimes be pretty far off. You don’t have to go crazy with porting or anything. But making sure the ports lineup is worth more than you would think in performance! Really doesn’t take much time to do a quick cleanup! You can also make sure the exhaust ports match the headers! If you have time, polishing the combustion chambers can also help reduce the chance for spark knock.

[@mwilliamshs]

No such thing as should of

[@Eddie2425]

mwilliamshs ok, Should’ve, should HAVE! Make sense to you now? 🙄

[@mwilliamshs]

@@Eddie2425 yes

[@6Tonjack]

Very well put together video. !

[@squarebodybrothers]

J H thanks bro

[@sherryjohnson8918]

I drilled the tiny hole in oil galley plug behind the timing cover modification never had another problem with lifter tick at startup ever again

[@asimpleton2.0]

RESPECT ✊ Such a cool video guys AWESOME

[@ronseasyfixjustdoit5098]

That's so exciting 🤩 love the way he put the gasket sealer,, " one finger w"ooo"

[@Jerkwad152]

Best lavender radiator fan Summit Racing has to offer. :3

[@martinstinson69]

Lov to have that motor an transmisson in my 80 c10 bro. Great job

[@chris18228]

I can’t wait until I get all the stuff from my 454

[@USGovsOwnersRtheRealEnemy]

Hope you’ve gotten it my friend. Now, I’m waiting. Mines going in an 85 Camaro

[@tunersivtec]

You guys are bad ass 👌🏼

[@OHIOMANUSMC]

Very nice glad I watched

[@jdhammer6173]

Pass on the right in turning lane then turn right next block in front of the guy. I hope he turned into the gas station. Nice build.

[@171965cj]

Excellent job young man! was that a real CB radio?....now time for the train horns....great job! be sure to hug the old mans neck.

[@ivanferguson2019]

Nice solid build. Id drive it.

[@mikecrockett3669]

Awesome....got a wicked flu, can’t sleep. Perfect. Great job.

[@theshark2804]

Now you got to ask yourself was that the flu

[@carlpassarellirealtor2671]

Excellent job!

[@hankclingingsmith8707]

GOOD JOB, ONE THING THAT ANY ENGINE BUILDER WILL TELL YOU IS TO USE TTC SILICONE UNDER INTAKE NOT THE CORK. CORK SHRINKS AND LEAKS. ALSO ALUMINUM INTAKES MOVE AROUND DUE TO THE HEAT EXPANSION. AND THOSE ROLLER TIP ARE NEAT, BUT NO POWER GAINED,AND STOCK ARE MUCH STRONGER AND WILL NOT FAIL.

[@TxJonathan]

Lay off the caps lock geeze

[@corey0189]

Awesome, maybe a nice buff will make her shine!

[@mrhorsepower67502]

Wow. Amazing, amazing build. Love it. I had one just like it..only black and red. I sold it to get parts for my race car. Boy do i kick myself in the ass. Almost cryed when i seen this. I cant find another one. I live in buffalo n.y. Everything goes to shit up here so quick. I had a plow on mine and think that was wrong. But hey man, im subbed....dont worry about the haters in here. I knew they were coming. Bad ass truck man. I dont care if i have to drive 1,000 miles, im looking for one right after i watch part 2. Only thing...45 minutes of that music.....arggghhh. But seriously....very nice. I like your attention to detail. Wanna sell it?....lol.

[@banga8080]

Love the truck

[@jeffrey4547]

i got a stroked 454 complete crate engine with a heavy duty 400 turbo with only 6000 miles on it for free put right in my 68 pu and a easy way to get broken bolts out is wield a nut on the end of the broken bolt with the heat most of the times it comes right out real fast way to do it

[@eddiebully8727]

Nice video.... honestly man I believe that an LS is better it's less heavy an more horse power. But I mean it's nice to have a classic motor for ORIGINAL.

[@mauricecooper176]

I noticed you added the tachometer out of the older model they do make one with the newer font cool build