A Long-Lasting Project: 1957 Chevy Suburban with a Supercharged LSx

When it comes to starting a project from scratch, it doesn’t get more blank than Eric’s 1957 Chevrolet Suburban. When Eric found the Suburban, it was just a shell—no engine, transmission, glass, or even a chassis.

The first thing he did was have a friend build a custom chassis out of heat-formed box tubing. On top of that solid foundation, he installed an air suspension and disc brakes on all four corners.

For power, Eric decided to use a 5.3 L LM7 V8. These iron-block truck V8s are plentiful and have huge potential. To tap into that potential, the engine was upgraded with ported and polished heads, a big camshaft, and finished with a Magnacharger supercharger.

Backing up the boosted V8 is a 4L60E automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end with a Detroit Locker and 3.55 gears.

Custom floorboards were fabricated, allowing the Suburban to sit very low and get the most out of the air suspension.

Eric has owned the Suburban for over 10 years and drives it often. Considering the joy the project has brought him, it’s likely he’ll enjoy it for at least another decade.

Normally, it’s tempting to leave a project in patina or primer, but the sleek lines of this body style call for a nice driver paint job. It’s tough to pick a color that hasn’t been overdone, but once you find the right shade, it’s going to be a showstopper. Eric plans to finish it with completely stock ’57 paint colors, trim, and even stock truck hubcaps. The paint and bodywork will be the largest investment, but it’s worth it to keep this beauty looking authentic.

On the practical side, if you’re also working on a '57 Chevy Suburban and looking for one-piece glass for the side windows, Brothers Trucks is a good place to start. The company that installed the glass might also have the weatherstripping you need.

If you’re interested in the categories of modifications involved in this project, here’s a quick rundown:

• Chassis: Custom-built from heat-formed box tubing.
• Suspension: Air suspension system.
• Brakes: Disc brakes on all four corners.
• Engine: 5.3 L LM7 V8 with ported and polished heads, big camshaft, and Magnacharger supercharger.
• Transmission: 4L60E automatic transmission.
• Rear End: Ford 9″ with Detroit Locker and 3.55 gears.
• Body: Custom floorboards to allow low stance.
• Windows: One-piece side glass installation with new weatherstripping.

This project is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and a vision. Eric's Suburban is a rolling piece of art, blending classic style with modern performance.