Start of: "Big and Nasty" aka: Optimums

[Daniel J Blitch]

Well, it is finally time for me to start my build log of my 1997 4X4 K2500 6.5 Turbo Diesel Suburban. I am a huge believer in Diesel motors and love the power they can produce, also the somewhat rarity of a Suburban being Diesel. I have a lot of work planned for this build; as I will mention later I have done some major but unnoticeable to the eye fixes.

Things I fixed already:

1. Both Rear air and Front fixed to perfect working order.

2. Steering fixed(Tie end rods, bearing at the bottom of the power steering knuckle, a few more issues I can't recall)

3. New Oil cooler lines and cooler

4.PMD relocate to bumper

5. New Fuel lines around fuel filter.

6. Duramax Diesel Clutch fan

7. 195 degrees thermostat

I have many interior mods and exterior mods planned along with a fairly decent stereo system.

The interior plans I have for this Vehicle is as Follows:

1. Change the interior color from gray to Factory GM Royal Blue - I have all the pieces to finish this swap other then buying new carpet that will be bought after I sound deaden the floor.

2. Make a custom gauge cluster using all Auto meter pro comp gauges, with the driver side A pillar containing Boost, and EGT.

3. Put White Led's in all light Sockets - already ordered.

4. All stereo Equipment modifications, still planning certain area's.

Exterior Mods:

1. Tires and wheels- already bought

2. Front brush guard - Sand blasted and powder coated black, Done.

3. New light fixtures all the way around with HID conversions - Everything bought except for led taillights because I can't find any ones I like(Help Needed).

3. New OEM Grille - Bought

4. New Side Mirrors - Bought

5. Bush Wacker fender flares - More thinking

6. Two sets of Hella Off-road lamps, HID conversion, 1 set 5000k, 1 set 3000k(fog)

7. Along with other things I happen to decide to do.

8. 4 inch turbo back straight pipe exhaust with chrome 5 inch tip

Stereo Equipment(Not final)

1. Alpine 137bt - Deck

2. 2 Sundown Audio SA-12's

3. Dc power 185 Alternator

4. Big 3, battery iso, 2 batteries up from(Top of the Line Interstate Deep cycles) 1 Rear(Xs Power D1200)

5. 1/0 Front to back

6. Clarion EQ, Or if I can find a reasonable priced Processor.

7. Going to Try Cadence speakers all the way around to see if I like them, If Not I will Try something else. 6 6.5's, 2 8's. 4-6 super tweeters.

8. Amps( This is the thing that is giving me the most trouble... If anyone could assist me I would greatly appreciate it. Looking at mid range amps)

That is all for the small intro. Now for some pictures.

[Scynte]

Tuned! I love these GMCs... just wish they were a bit cheaper over here! Keen to see what you do with it

In terms of amps, depending of your price range the AQ 120.4 seems pretty good, that is what I will be running once I get teh $$ but I don't have first hand experiance with it... yet.

[Daniel J Blitch]

Thank you for the feed back! I am excited to see where this thing takes me! I love working on my own vehicle's and seeing how I can inprove on them. Ordering more parts as we speak.

[Scynte]

No worries, few others you can look at depending on the $$ your wanting to spent, DC 175.4, Sundown SAX100.4D, Skar 85.4. Few ideas anyway depending on how much you want to spend.. I don't have any experiance with them but they are what I've seen used on the forum. Good luck!