95 Suburban engine died--what exactly can I replace it with?

Hi, my radiator failed while my wife was driving and she kept driving until the engine seized up. Does anyone know exactly the specs of my engine and what I can replace it with with no modification? I have a 5.7L 350 gas engine. I have TBI. I do not know if I have 2 bolt or 4 bolt main or what that means. I do not know what years and vehicles used my exact engine. Is there a GM code for my engine? I know on my Lesabres the engine is an "L27" version of the 3800 V6. I do not know what year Suburban's I can swap from, but I've read that starting in 1996 GM switched to a Vortec, which is largely incompatible without modification. I also have read that I could use Vortec heads on my current engine if I also got a particular Holley intake.

If you can help I would appreciate it.

Brien

2 bolt vs 4 bolt refers to the number of bolts attaching the main bearing caps to the block.

'95 was the last year for TBI. '96 and up would not be compatible. Good salvage yards have books to look up what would be compatible with your application.

Hi, my radiator failed while my wife was driving and she kept driving until the engine seized up. Brien

I think that's why such is written into wedding vows.

I figure my 1994 Sub 2WD 206K is worth at most $2000 - $2500, so keep the value in mind before you go the used or crate engine route.

Mrs. Cusser drove my 1971 VW Convertible about three miles after an oil stud vibrated out (after 31 years), all the oil spilled out, and the red light oil pressure was full on (she said she was "scared"), three miles from home, until it stalled out. Amazingly, the engine did not lock up, and even though I removed curved bearing shells from the little oil pan, we still drove that engine several years after tha, and it was still running when I just decided to swap in my unused engine.

Anything from '86-'95 with 350 TBI engine will work. The engines were all the same except some of the later versions had roller lifters and cam, and this does make a little difference as far as about 10 horsepower. As far as an economical replacement one should be pretty easy to find. I passed up a '90 Suburban with 350 TBI engine and reman 700R4 last week for $400 cash because they had bought a newer vehicle and were tired of it sitting there. If you look you can find one. Try craigslist.com also. When looking for an engine, remember not to just look at parts ads, look for complete vehicles also. A lot of the time if one of these older vehicles gets slightly wrecked or the body is rusty you can buy one otherwise in good running condition for cheap. If you were in my part of the world I could put you on quite a few for cheap. Good luck!

I've got a '95 C2500 with the 5.7L TBI (Engine Code L05). It does not have roller lifters. The '94s had a 4L60E tranny, so to make it easy, I'd suggest sticking to those that have the same engine/tranny combo...1993-1995. Check your glovebox for the engine code or call your local dealership with your VIN code and they can give you the right range of model years to look for.

Go to the GM dealer or other source and replace the engine with a GM "Crate" engine. Its a factory replacement 5.7 engine, longblock assembly and will come with a 3 year warranty..etc.

Go to the GM dealer or other source and replace the engine with a GM "Crate" engine. Its a factory replacement 5.7 engine, longblock assembly and will come with a 3 year warranty..etc.

In my opinion spending $2000 to fix a $2500-$3000 vehicle is absurd. Try and find a good condition used engine. It does not matter what GM vehicle car or truck it comes from, if it is from '86 thru '95, 5.7L 350 engine it will bolt in and all sensors and intake manifold/induction system will bolt on. Just make sure it runs well and the oil is decent condition in it. Also, for what it's worth, a '96-'99 5.7 350 Vortec engine will also work if you buy the TBI intake to fit the vortec heads, but most of these engines used are over $1000.