Finished! Chevrolet 1996 K2500 Suburban Cummins 12 Valve

UPDATE June 6, 2020 @ 10am - Well, what the heck. We're going to try something a little different: We've had enough interest expressed in purchasing the vehicle directly from us that we've listed it for sale on our website here: adventurevehiclesnw.com/shop/.... You can find contact info over there if you're interested in purchasing. We rarely do custom builds for customers anymore (too busy creating new products!) and we haven't sold a custom vehicle to the general public in years, which is to say - If you're interested in a build from our shop, maybe this is the one for you.
Here it is! We're thrilled to bring this project to completion and send it off for its next adventure. As of June 5, 2020, we can report that our Blue Suburban will be up for auction shortly. Check our community postings for that link once its officially for sale.
Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement along the way!
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[@FELiPES101]

I have no idea what the goal or budget of the build was, but I think 6 speed autos are pretty much necessity now to make swaps like these make sense financially given how good the factory trucks are with mpg. Even 8 speeds are starting to be swapped into these kinds of platforms.

[@jackwhitcher3797]

I’ve got a 95’ k2500 suburban with the 454 and 4x4. I’m also looking to do the same swap. This video was helpful. Especially seeing that it had actually been done was reassuring.

[@Jonesys]

adventurevehiclesnw.com/ for conversion parts

[@bobsponge6609]

That is one clean engine bay. Looks like that Cummins came out from factory. Good job.

[@quantum_entangled_tardigrade]

Re-born (rebuilt) to pull (tow) like a pack-mule. Congrats on another great build!

[@Jonesys]

Thanks!

[@Bozothatknowzo]

I hope my '97 k3500 comes out this sharp. Good work. 🍻

[@westwardbound8817]

the condition of the paint is amazing for being as old as it is

[@merlepatterson]

Just started the tear-down of my 1996 12 valve. Expenses are adding up fast. P-Pump rebuild was $2,500 just for starters, but the crank, bores, cam, valves and lifters are nearly pristine. Guess the truck it came out of had 200K on it and the owner must have changed oil regularly.

[@ChairMan71196]

It’s a really clean unit.

[@JoseNavarro-fk3sg]

VERY NICE!

[@Jonesys]

Thanks!

[@Bore_Punch]

The interior is mint

[@Jonesys]

Thanks appreciate that! We love how it turned out.

[@Sheriffbmw]

TOP!

[@WARD5KUSTOMZ]

Im contemplating doing this on my 99 1500 suburban when the 6.5 wears out. Will also go from a 10 bolt with 3:42 to a 10 bolt 3:08

[@MrAppltec]

Amazing build! I really enjoyed watching the process! I have a 1985 f250 that I’ve been working on for the past several years and it’s been my pride and joy! It’s got coil sprung super duty axles, A full Dakota Digital dash, reupholstered seat, custom powder coated grill guard, and ox lockers front and rear. I recently purchased a 1998 12v ppump engine. I have the funds and would be in no rush to have the swap done. Is this something that you could do? I’ve been looking for someone with your attention to detail and pride you put into your work!

[@jordanlang4816]

Man I’d love to have that'

[@bluenecross]

Before you sell it, could you get an idleing sound clip? Id really like to know how your conversion friendly exhaust manifold sounds on a 12 Valve before I order one for my swap.

[@_Justnoble__]

Thinking about doing this when the 6.5 in my truck goes out, how did yall get the cruise control to work?

[@ChairMan71196]

It’s like that motor was made for that truck.

[@charlespickering8941]

Is there any tow mirrors for these trucks that don't shake?

[@mikecude4167]

A word of caution, that air filter will allow small enough particles of sand to pass and trash your piston rings.

[@Magasfavoriteson]

Stanced on some forces

[@turneynicholas]

did you have to run a body lift to clear the engine

[@SR-cp1eo]

I loved my suburban. But after lift, tires and 4.88 gears, it got 7mpg. What did you end up getting?

[@taylormerges9930]

Cool build in building a 96 halftone that had the 6.5 in I'm putting a 24 valve cummins inn it was wondering how you got rpm gauge working thx

[@WARD5KUSTOMZ]

The diesel suburban uses a signal off the alternator

[@bradleyfreeman]

What transmission do you have in that beast?

[@Terk131]

I have 2 6.5 diesel suburban, one a 94 2500 with 4.10's the other 98 with 3.42's. Though about doing a Duramax in one but I got a low milage 5.9 Cummins with Alison trans from a F-700 so may be going down the 🐇 hole....

[@willgilbert6900]

Have you come across anything that would make you think this swap would not work in a 2wd 3500 daully

[@raulstroiek]

Are you using the stock torque converter?

[@EByrd777]

Hello, where are the community postings so I can check to see when the suburban will be up for auction. Love the suburban build.

[@Jonesys]

Hey there! So if you go to our channel homepage, the center tab is "community." We'll post there when the sale is live. Thanks for asking!

[@Jonesys]

@EByrd777 - Heads up we added some community postings on the sale. We're going to do a couple day experiment listing it for sale directly on our website, adventurevehiclesnw.com. If it doesn't sell in pretty short order, then we'll see about going auction-style.

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

Nice build! EVERYONE WANTS LIFTED SUBURBANS NOW!!! LOVE THEM!!

[@ArcticAstrophysics]

Do you do black friday deals on the high mount A/C bracket? I really want to get one for a swap I'm doing but the bracket would kill the budget I had planned for the swap

[@Jonesys]

Never hurts to ask, but ... sorry, no plans for that anytime soon. Best of luck on your build.

[@hill411]

So for the wiring harness modifications, does the suburban receiving the Cummins have to have previously had the 6.5l diesel. I want to do this but have the 7.4l. Fuel system modifications would have to happen as well, obviously.

[@Jonesys]

Yes wire harness mods need to be done. You can leave all the old plugs and just add what is needed or spend the time and rework and remove components that are not needed with the cummins.

[@panthermartin7784]

13 by 3.5" brake shoes ?

[@polusingh3988]

i’m doing a swap on my 1996 chevrolet c/k 2500. is this the same swap or is it different. if it’s different, can u tell me the details that i need to know?

[@photog1529]

I have a 1995 K1500 with only 149k miles on it (original owner), but giving a conversion some thought...if I can double the mileage I'm getting it may be worth it since I don't plan on getting rid of the Suburban. Currently averaging 10-11 mpg.

[@Jonesys]

We don't recommend swapping the 12 valve in the 1/2 Ton or 1500 series trucks.

[@photog1529]

@@Jonesys Well then, I guess that settles that. Thanks for the reply...good to hear from the experts.

[@AnotherMotorist]

@@Jonesys Why's that? I'm getting a nv4500 mated to the existing 350. The 12v was considered but figured the budget is too ridiculous.

[@thepartysalmon]

Is that Oregon? That's got to be Oregon.

[@aivo3091]

It badly needs a turbo and intecooler upgrade 😀

[@sharonparker7517]

What can be a problem at this cargo and hold

[@arfifteenguy]

How does the 4l80 do with some power added to the 12valve?

[@Terk131]

A buddy of mine used a 4l80 in his GMC dually with the Cummins and its holding up well.

[@bradh6185]

You didn't feel a need to upgrade the front springs for the heavier engine? Also, is 2000rpm not considered high? Is this with overdrive?

[@codyyellott117]

Only difference between a dodge 47re and a gm 4l80e is .01 the gearing is what changes it gm usually is 3.73 and dodge is usually 3.54

[@philipking7260]

How/where did you connect the large lower coolant reservoir hose? I bought a lower rad hose from a 90s F250 that had a T in it and connected it there, not sure if I like how it works yet. Also, where did you run the small coolant hose from the block that was originally to bleed air out of the system to? I'm trying to work out an issue with my swap running too warm. You supplied me with almost all of the conversion parts and have been pretty responsive to email, thanks.

[@Jonesys]

The large coolant hose from the tank connects to the return port on the lower water inlet. Or like you mentioned into a tee at the bottom radiator hose. The bleed line is not needed if you are running our high mount kit with the Gen 1 thermostat and upper water neck as they have bleed ports/wobble pins in the thermostat. Thanks for the comment.

[@olepal1]

I drive a 2000 K3500, same body style with 5.7 Vortec. I live in Houston and would love to find someone who could do this swap.

[@KrisFair1976]

I have a 94 suburban and have your conversion brackets. I have the ac compressor with the GV compressor head but my lines don't fit. I noticed you have some type of spacer or adapter between your lines and compressor. Is that something you sell or where can I get it? Any help is appreciated

[@Jonesys]

Hey Jokerswild - We just put up a new product posting for this on our website. They should be ready to ship late next week (around July 4th). Here it is: adventurevehiclesnw.com/shop/diesel-conversion-parts/ac-alternator-mounts-brackets/sanden-sd7-to-gm-r4-line-adapter-cummins-conversion/

[@jonallen1985]

😳 original spare tire? I know the first thing I’d do if that was mine, that would be get a new tire installed on that rim ASAP.

[@nitrofish1974]

Can you supply a part's list on this build?

[@Jonesys]

adventurevehiclesnw.com/shop/product-category/diesel-conversion-parts/chevrolet-gmc/

[@douglasdonegan9372]

What's a project like that run Jonesy"s

[@bluenecross]

I was wondering what had happened with this thing!

[@Jonesys]

Ha thanks for the interest! It's been here, just slow and steady getting it done.

[@dirtydann272]

I’m also an Amazon associate lol

[@juancarlosmoreno6509]

EXCUSE ME SIR I DESPERATELY WANT TO BUY UR 1996 CUMMINS CHEVY SUBURBAN K2500 4X4 UR 3/4 TON 4X4 IS SO BADASS MAN.

[@TBGaels32]

Can you do this swap with a NV5600 and a Atlas T-Case?

[@Jonesys]

You sure can.

[@nickarbolado935]

What’s the MPG on this rig

[@Jonesys]

Around 20 mpg depending how you drive.

[@westwardbound8817]

would a 95 k1500 suburban be too light duty for this swap?

[@codyyellott117]

Yes

[@dante04srt]

Did I miss it or did you mention how much you wanted for it?? Trying to talk my wife into it for her. Itd be a great match with my 98 K3500 12 valve (also originally a WA truck).

[@Jonesys]

Hello, Here is the link to the posting:adventurevehiclesnw.com/up-for-sale-chevrolet-k2500-suburban-with-cummins-diesel-12-valve-swap/ Any questions please send me an email at [e-mail]. We are also considering listing it on Bring A Trailer.

[@user-of1sm8zd1g]

Sorry, bother asking for the machine number location

[@mediamilitia7572]

Can you do it on a regular suburban?

[@MegaDysart]

Probably wouldn't wanna do it with a 1500, cummins is 1200 pounds and the suspension and frame isn't really built for the weight and torque the 12v brings. Not to mention small brakes and axles

[@johnnywood8082]

Did it sell?

[@Jonesys]

Good question! We ended up pulling it because ... big news coming on that shortly. Check back mid-December. : )

[@diyoregonnowtexas9202]

@@Jonesys ok, so whats the big news?

[@peterhatch1583]

Hi guys what the site of yours so I can buy your parts please

[@Jonesys]

adventurevehiclesnw.com/

[@alabamamotionpictureproduc6626]

I'd love to get me a 2500 suburban. So hard to find

[@Terk131]

I have a 94 2500 6.5 diesel suburban 4x4 I have owned since 98, blew the enging 8 years ago and put it in storage. I have thought about dropping a 12 vlave in it, then possibly a 6.6 Duramak but may just go with another 6.5 in her. Truck is leather, all options and clean. Best vehicle I have owned to date.

[@curkrogers2857]

HOW MUCH DID IT SALE FOR?

[@Jonesys]

bringatrailer.com/listing/1996-chevrolet-suburban-6/

[@SeventyEightCivic]

I was going to hire you to swap my dad's suburban but you never responded. Now it's on the market. 1998 K2500.

[@Jonesys]

Hey Civic 1978 - Thanks for reaching out initially. We actually respond to every email we get, but for some reason our responses seem to get heavily filtered by junk mail filters. We decided we can either spend our time solving this problem, or spend our time building projects we're excited about. You can guess which one we chose. And also thanks for considering sending the business our way, but we really don't take on much for outside projects anymore. Too busy thinking up new builds like this one. : )

[@Jonesys]

And also, best of luck with the sale! That was a good year of Suburban.

[@SeventyEightCivic]

It is only in Clackamas OR very close to you.

[@alabamamotionpictureproduc6626]

Is your dad's suburban on the west coast?

[@niclev4093]

Did you sell it

[@rjuarezgarrido]

Mpg?

[@Jonesys]

18-22 mpg

[@lanceroark6386]

My 89 Suburban get 10 mpg. I’d do anything to have 20 mpg. Oh wait, I am doing.

[@Jonesys]

Lance! One of our awesome customers. Good to see you on here!

[@mikecude4167]

Is this for sale?

[@Jonesys]

Yes, it is here is the link adventurevehiclesnw.com/shop/adventure-vehicles-for-sale/1996-k2500-suburban-with-a-12-valve-cummins-diesel-swap/

[@mohamedabada7101]

whatttttt 2000rpm at 70mph thats crazy my stock 95 3500 12 valve dose 60mph at 2000rmp

[@buick350ftw]

2000 RPM at 70 MPH can’t be right with 4.10s. My 1998 K2500 with 454/4L80e/3.73s did 2200 RPM at 70 MPH

[@Jonesys]

The Burb has 33" tall tires so taking that into account 2200 rpm @ 70 is pretty close. Keep in mind the tach is not a perfect it is accurate to about 100 give or take. Here is a good calculator spicerparts.com/calculators/engine-rpm-calculator Thanks for the comment.

[@somefella3303]

Wow what are you like 6’6 tall or something.

[@Jonesys]

Or something.

[@somefella3303]

Jonesy's the square root of thing

[@sharonparker7517]

Lymphmod

[@ChairMan71196]

Should paint match the mirrors.