Burb Down-under

Howard Quick · March 28, 2004

Hi All,

New to this forum...wow!!!! what a wealth of information.

I recently bought a 98 GMC(Holden here) Suburban 1500 LT. Victory red with the 5.7 Vortech.

I was not really impressed a month ago when I dropped a main Crankshaft bearing after only 82,000 Kms(about 50,000 miles).

I was told by the dealer it was going to cost me $3900.00 in parts alone to repair the motor. I shopped around and found a guy who imports crate motors and sells tem for $4000.00. I did the obvious thing and bought the crate motor. The dealer arranged to have it freighted from interstate and put it in. Well, it's been a month so far and still no car. You can understand I'm pretty cheesed off! Also, when I turned up at the dealership the other day to find out what the hell was happening, I was told by the mechanic, the only damage was to the crank(badly scored, non repairable) and the obvious bearing. $500.00 in parts and it would have been fixed!!!

I'm hoping to get the truck back tomorrow, expecting a bill of around $7000.00.

I also intend to rip shreds off the service manager

On a lighter note, can't wait to get the Burb back to try some of the mods you guys have so graciously made available to all of us.

What would be the best, most comprehensive service manuals to purchase for my truck?

Also, are there any instructions listed for modifying the headlights to become all4onHi for the 97-98 Burbs?

Thank's in advance for everything.

Best wishes

Howard

superbee · March 28, 2004

Welcome, maybe you should repair the old engine and sell it off to get at least some of your $$ back. Summit Racing (summitracing.com) is where I got my 4onHi headlight kit, I can't remember the manufacturer. Sorry about the bad luck, but new motors are BEAUTIFUL!!

Ben · March 28, 2004

Also check out these two Suburban sites:

Buddies personal Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon/GM Truck info site

Suburban Forum ...this one is not maintained very well, so if dial up, huge file size. Just go to the "view today's" button to see what's been posted today.

Bricks were invented for that dealer ship...

Howard Quick · March 28, 2004

Hi Guys,

I'm definately going to repair the old motor, maybe a couple of performance mods....nothing too severe. Any ideas?

I like the idea of having the original motor in the car(I.D No's matching etc.)

Thank's for the links to the other forums.

Best wishes

Howard

Howard Quick · March 29, 2004

Well,

Today I received a phone call. Something about an engine light being on and the code being P13...I think. The Crank and the cam don't match up/out of adjustment. Does this make sense to anyone? Any idea's?

I also made a formal complaint to GM head office. Yhey say they'll investigate!

Best wishes all

Howard

o4yukonxl · March 31, 2004

Boy, sounds like someone is taking you for a ride. Get your truck out of there even if you have to tow it. What crate motor did you get? If the crank and cam are out of adjustment, you take of the timing cover and set up the crank on No. 1 cylinder. Then turn the cam until both valves on No. 1 are closed, that's TDC. Put the timing chain back on and you're done. It's more technical than that but those are the basics and it's only labor. Sounds like your mechanic is clueless and you need to get out of there fast. Take him to court later after you get a competent mechanic to put it right. Run away...........

Howard Quick · March 31, 2004

Thanks for the replies guys.

I pick up the burb tonight, but as yet they haven't told me what the problem was.

I will find out and let you all know. I suspect it is as 04yukonxl just described.

The burbs were discontinued here in 2000(bummer), and so very few mechanics know anything about them. I thought by going to a reputable 'stealer' it would be in good hands because they would atleast have access to info from GM head office/technical support. I've actually learnt more than they know by posting my problem here and receiving replies from you guys.

Thanks for your help