I had a 93 suburban with a 350. It was trouble free to 214,000 mi when it developed a rod knock. My preference would be to have a 12 valve Cummins in it. The 12V was made until mid 1998 & is akin to the MBZ 617 in reliability. The injection pumps (VP44) for the 24V are a $1,000 + $600 fuel system + $200 gauges pita.

A good fuel injected 350 would be the quick cheap way to go if you want to be running before the baby goes to college.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.