In stock form, the Vortec 8.1L big-block V-8 engine is a veritable powerhouse. Nonetheless, this fact didn't stop Becker from vastly increasing his 8.1 via a host of Whipple products. The list includes a twin-screw supercharger, air-to-water intercooler, state-of-the-art air intake system, and Power Flash Programmer (for factory ECU recalibration). These bolt-on items help the engine produce a darn respectable 550 hp and 780 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to propel the heavy Suburban. Also helping the engine produce power is a custom 2.5-inch-diameter dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers. Power is routed through the stock 4L80E transmission, which has held up to the engine's output so far.
There are gobs of functional goodies residing under the front of the Sub. Here you can see the custom ORU engine crossmember with integrated nitrogen bumpstops. This assembly also serves as the upper mounting point for the track bar. Also visible is the custom ORU steering-box brace and ORU torsion sway bar.
The NP263 transfer case (pirated from a Chevy HD pickup) features a Pro Comp slip-yoke eliminator kit, and the entire unit has been reindexed to compensate for the extreme suspension lift via an Attitude Performance transfer-case indexing ring. The transfer case is protected via a custom ORU transfer-case skidplate/crossmember that also serves as a mount for the custom ORU rear traction bars. Each end of the 'case sprouts heavy-duty High Angle Driveline driveshafts. The front 1-ton CV shaft required that a notch be made in the pan of the transmission to facilitate fitment. The rear 'shaft is slip-yoke-free and features 1410-series U-joints.
Specifications
GENERAL
Owner: Bob Becker, Agoura Hills, California
Vehicle/Model: '02 Chevy Suburban
Estimated Value: N/A
ENGINE
Type: 8.1L V-8
Aspiration: Fuel injection, Whipple supercharger and intercooler, custom dual 2.5-inch-diameter exhaust, Flowmaster mufflers Output, hp/torque @ rpm (estimated): 550 @ 4,600/780 lb-ft @ 3,000-3,600
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission: 4L80E
Transfer case: NP263, Pro Comp SYE kit, Attitude Performance indexing ring
SUSPENSION
Front: ORU solid-axle conversion, custom National Spring leaf springs; King 2.5-inch-diameter shocks; ORU upper shock hoops
Rear: Custom National Spring leaf springs; Firestone airbags on ORU custom mounts; ORU slip-yoke traction bars
AXLES/DIFFERENTIALS
Front: Dana 60, ORU 35-spline axleshafts, ORU crossover steering, modified steering box/ARB Air Locker
Rear: GM 14-bolt/Detroit Locker Ring-and-pinion: 5.13:1 Reider Racing
WHEELS/TIRES
Wheels: 16.5x12 Weld Stonecrusher
Tires: 44x19.5-16.5 Boggers