Thank you for your wonderful reply. Michael and I were absolutely enthralled to read it, especially as we are so unacquainted with snow/ultra-cold temps; the effects on trucks; and how problems are overcome. Here and with our own vehicle, we have, and continue to look at ways to achieve better cooling systems for our truck, allowing say touring in the worst type of conditions - like full payloads; towing a loaded camping van, in a hot location. Thus our basis in buying a high quality custom intercooler; & generally upgrading all our original radiators/coolers, incl. some to a higher standard. It is our intention to look at ways of also removing heat more efficiently, like upgrading exhaust to 4 inch etc ; and maybe even pursuing better external venting, in the area of the rear turbo.
We are still considering installing an oil bypass system, something which is clearly viewed by so many as giving real improvement to engine performance and longevity. Our decision to proceed will rely on working out our best to install such a unit with minimal chance of creating weak points, that might have a tendency to leak oil down the track. As said above, we are replacing the oil cooler with a larger/heavier duty one, which came with an attached rear mounted fan to aid cooling better. (I'll include a pic of this). Michael was hoping to also 'tap' the oil cooler line, needed to drain all the oil from the total system, at oil change. And like you said, regularly changing the oil more generally appears highly important as well, not to mention using quality filters.
Found it staggering that GM/ and your dealer would try and avoid honouring their warranty, and even more amazing that it took over 10 years before something was done.Bravo to the young lawyer who took on your case, but shame on the authorities for treating you as they did. By the sound of it, your second engine served you well; and no doubt, you are very happy with the P400. This weekend, we are hoping to connect the new engine to the gearbox, and then look at installing the various fans and radiators. We will also need to have our timing/fuel pump refined as well. As you might imagine, we are just that excited at the prospect of driving our vehicle again, as it has been off the road for a while. We still have so much to do, but admittedly, this is a project of passion for us. Australia as you may realise is a big country, with so many wonderful natural attributes, and in choosing to buy a suburban, could think of nothing more comfortable to do touring in.
cheers to you, and we'll keep you posted. great communicating with other overseas suburban enthusiasts!
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