Piston Slap: How Much GMT 360 Can You Handle?

Roland writes:

Hey Sajeev,

A few years ago I was looking for a midsized SUV for my business (kitchen renovations) and ended up with a ’07 4Runner Sport — which my son (and business partner) decided was for him. Not wanting to derail a business and personal relationship, I stuck with my ’01 Silverado pickup.

Recently I’ve been looking at midsized SUVs again (this time for myself), but don’t want anything new, being a firm believer in used vehicles. One option is the Saab 9-7X (here comes the derision!). I like the size, styling, don’t need seven seats, and if I can interpret various articles — it was the best GM SUV of its time, but Saab fans hated it for that reason. I can pick up an ’06 model for about a $1,000 (CDN, with 104K miles) with a blown 5.3-liter engine, no rust, etc. Question: Would this be an opportunity to drop a 6.0-liter into a 9-7X without the harsh ride of a TrailBlazer SS?

Or just find a 5.3-liter replacement engine and keep things as is?

Or am I nuts?

Sajeev answers:

Well, of course getting MOAR LSX-FTW is a great idea. But the smart move for a businessman is to wimp out and get a replacement 5.3. Those aren’t the cheapest 5.3s around (i.e. all-aluminum LM4) but they are still cheaper than a 6.0 and might have less tuning/programming headaches. But maybe this isn’t being a wimp. Why, I reckon you can slap a mild cam, a set of headers, full exhaust, tune, etc, to a replacement 5.3 for less cash and be quite happy with your work truck!

I quite like this idea, but I brought in our very own Chris Tonn for some personal feedback. Read on:

Chris writes:

Bozi says: LS motor makes all things great. Chris, the ’06 Trailblazer owner, says: RUN.

I’d choose a rusted ’88 Tercel rolling on three wheels and the left rear drum dragging on the ground over another GMT360. Though one of my biggest gripes with my Trailblazer — the flaky ignition switch that requires yearly replacement — is solved by the Saab’s console-mounted key switch.

Nothing is easy to repair on the GMT360. In salt-laden climates, the power steering lines and cooler will rust through, requiring the flexibility of a gymnast combined with the strength of a powerlifter to replace without pulling the engine. The front struts wear quickly and can be a bear to DIY. Fuel economy is dismal even with the six-cylinder.

If you want to stay with a GM product, consider a Tahoe. It’s a proper truck beneath, with a bit more interior space, better ride quality, and better ease of maintenance.

[Image: Chevrolet]

Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.