The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk The usual question, Stock or Modified

I really hate not being able to make up my mind as to the future of my Sub. I am over driving all stock 228 sick cylinder motivation. I am just unable to make the big step. I know full well what can happen. Delays, money concerns, etc, all stopping you from finishing in quick time. I can't stop thinking about 350ci, flowmasters, big tires on back, rake, stock insides and air conditioning, which really isn't an option in SC. Can any one help push me over the edge, or snap me back into reality and stop me from takung apart a really nice Sub.????? HELP!

You have a GMC Suburban. An even more rare species of 'burb. There are plenty of junks out there that someone has already screwed up. Buy one of those and beat the snot out of it. When you get a little older and wiser, go dig that 'burb out from where you hid it and enjoy it. Nothing wrong with putting on some vintage speed parts. Yuou ca keep the straight axle and have power steering. No problem with AC either. If it's as nice as you say it is, then leave it alone. By the way, did you happen to see what some "stock" Suburbans bring at Barrett-Jackson? 47 and 52K. I was there, I saw them. My burb will be nicer than those when it's done. That's not a brag, it's just to show you that your truck is valuable and can still be enjoyed in a more stock condition. Smitty, quite frankly, it turns my stomach when you say this, "I can't stop thinking about 350ci, flowmasters, big tires on back, rake." Tell you what, I've got some sh*tboxes hanging around that I'll trade you for your burb. What do you want for it?

If you want "350ci, flowmasters, big tires on back, rake, stock insides and air conditioning" why don't you sell the old suburban to to someone who will like it for what it is and buy yourself a later surburban?

You bought it, you get to dream it into whatever reality you want. If someone thinks you've got too valuable an old Sub to modify, have them trade you something you like as well. If they don't have a trade, I'd say its totally for you to decide how to make this "your Sub" whether its bone stock or not. Only thing that counts is ...you enjoy it. Have fun. Steve

Have it your way. After all it is your truck.

Smitty,I'll be up your way tomorrow..I have a VA appointment...I'll be driving my fire truck up there just for kicks.

Well, I asked for it, and I must thank each of you for your input! I can't wait too much longer to begin or not because I am 55! If I wait to get any older and wiser, I won't be able to turn a wrench! Maybe I should get another truck to pound on and keep the GMC stock. Thanks again! Anybody else got anything to add? I'm listening!

Hey Don, I'm going to be near the VA tomorrow, I can swing buy and troll the parkinglot to see your firetruck, What yr is it? I can guess that it will be the only firetruck there!!!

I agree with nauta. You bought it, you decide where its fate lies.

Smitty, Burbs are very cool. And could there be any Burb more cool and more fun than a GMC one? Yuss!!!!!!!! A sleeper GMC one that goes like #@$**@##*** but looks kinda stock. I don't think you should feel under any obligation to keep it all original. I mean, what is it, a national relic or something? Surely it all comes down to what you like and what you want to spend to get it going down the road? You like your ride, you hanker for 350 power, I say get it on! You'll be glad you did. And if you don't, you'll always wish you had. Scratch that itch!

Christian

Its yours,you bought it.Do what you wanna do with it.They are nice done up either way.

I say rod the heck out of it... just do it right, then you will get more at barrettjackson than a stock... i'd go with a 502 tho, everyone has a 350.

Im a preservationist at heart.

If you come across some old iron that is going to need some serious restoration regardless of which way you go, then I say make the call based on your gut.

If you've got a solid running, mostly stock original, i'd leave it alone and appreciate it for what it is.. a living piece of history.

Nothing real special about a old car with a 350 in it and mickey thompsons in the back.. its been done a million times already, and it'll be done a million times again.

Now an all original or mostly stock vehicle.. lets face it, Detroit isnt making iron like that any more. I say leave the stock runners be, and leave the rodding and modding to the heaps that dont run at all.

I wouldn't dream of tearing apart a running machine to rod it.. but on the same token, i'm not at all opposed to finding an old Suburban or other cool body sitting in a feild and setting it on a new frame with a 454 with a blower hanging out the hood.. or even taking that body and setting it on an S10 frame and driving it with the stock V6.. hey.. it was dead in a feild (or a hole) when I found it, so rodding it or heavily changing it from stock isnt that big a deal.

In the end, it's your set of wheels, so with it as you wish.. but i'm sure that a stock version of an old Burb is going to be worth plenty more than a rodded one 30 years from now.

Some very interesting opinions here, each with great arguments. I've been driving it almost everyday for business. It has started, ran and drawn lots of attention. I am a paperhanger and with the seats out, everything I use fits fine. I guess i would regret messing it up with a half assed hot rod job. Now if I can convince the ole'lady that I need another old car......

Smitty,

As one who as always liked to leave things as the original designer meant them to be, I really appreciate a nice looking stock car or truck that has been shown proper respect.

Like so many of the others have said, this is your slice of pie, so anything you choose to do to it is up to you.

However, the fact you have a GMC Suburban in the great shape it appears to be in is remarkable. You can always save the rodding stuff for it down the road. My advice to you is that you tread lightly and slowly, and when making changes, try and do them so they can be reversed later down the road if at all possible.

Whatever you decide, most of all enjoy your old work of art, as many folks just never will!

Well said, Sir ,Thanks!

I say, do what you want, cause it's yours, but don't do anything that would "cripple" it for life - no chopping it, cutting it up, none of that. Other than that, go for it!

my .02

Hey Hardy, I'm .02 richer! Thanks!

Yeah, Steve spoke for me, too!

"Do no harm" or anything that can't be undone. And save all the original parts!

V/R
John

Thanks everyone for keeping this most contentious of topics civil! Gold stars for everyone

my 54 is a sleeper in reverse i have it lowered pacer IFS dual exhaust sticking out the back but a 235 with dual carbs. when people ask what kind of engine i tell them a corvette, the orginal 53 had a 235 in it. so there are alot of ways to approach it. have a theme and you are the only one to please. everyone tells me i should have gone 350/350 and it would have been cheaper and easier but that is not me. 02. more ron

is there an aftermarket 235 valve cover with corvette on it?

So ya'll tell me, what do you really think???!!!!He he

Smitty: we all come here because we love old iron, I have done stock or complete restoration I have done modified. It's what will make you happy!! Period.

I have a 59 it's all going to be stock on the outside OK guys mags and duel exhaust is plausible. You can do the same wwith a 235 but the sad story is it came w/350. I junked that motor now I am putting in a 350 w/375 to 400hp WHY because I can. 400 trans. interior that will knock your socks off and a Harley Davidson paint sceme. Another why, because its my truck I do not owe a dime on it and every part piece whatever is paid for.

Burbs are cool, any old truck, panel whatever breed or has been is worth saving just save it!

popcorn The Truth is Out There (The preaching is done and I am passing the collection plate)