As the longest-running automobile nameplate ever produced and one of the OG full-size SUVs, the Chevrolet Suburban—along with its cousins, the GMC Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade ESV—has powered generations of adventurers. Straight off the factory floor, this rugged yet comfortable vehicle is ready for just about anything, whether that’s a family road trip or a drive deep into the wilderness.
But even after you’ve found the perfect Chevy Suburban for sale, you may be looking for more. That’s where custom performance parts come in. Many companies, including Hennessey Performance, Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE), Corsa Performance, and Magnuson, design aftermarket Chevy Suburban high-performance upgrades or will even sell you a fully tricked-out SUV. You can even get genuine factory performance parts under the ACDelco brand.
Aftermarket parts are a great way to increase performance and give your Suburban a unique personality. With so many options out there, which Suburban performance parts should you be looking at? To that end, I made a list of the best Suburban performance upgrades to improve power, handling, and more so you can experience everything this SUV offers. After discussing each, I’ll address whether to go the DIY route or entrust your vehicle to a professional.
#1 – Superchargers
The Chevy Suburban already has multiple powerful engine choices that offer up to 420 hp and an impressive 495 lb-ft of torque. If you want even more, though, you can add a performance supercharger to the mix. By forcing pressurized air into the engine, a supercharger increases power and torque through more efficient combustion. It also makes the torque more consistent and delivers the boost almost instantly. Superchargers are available for the 5.3L and 6.2L engines, so you can update any Suburban factory internal combustion engine.
#2 – Performance Exhausts
Swapping the exhaust system is another way to give your Suburban some serious gains. High-performance systems use larger, smoother pipes than OEM systems, letting exhaust gasses flow more freely. This increases horsepower, acceleration, and fuel efficiency while producing an aggressive sound. A cat-back exhaust system offers the biggest performance benefits since it replaces everything behind the catalytic converter. Axle-back systems are less expensive but also less impactful.
#3 – Cold Air Intakes
A standard intake system uses the hot air from under the hood to mix with the fuel for combustion. By switching to a cold air intake, you’ll instead feed outside air into the combustion chamber. This cooler air is denser, meaning more oxygen to ignite. A well-designed cold air intake will produce more horsepower and look awesome when you lift the hood. Most cold air systems have long-lasting, washable air filters, which saves you money on replacements down the road.
#4 – Cooling Systems
Of course, all the horsepower you’re generating from the first three upgrades means more heat, which can be disastrous. A high-performance cooling system for your Suburban will help keep temperatures in check, letting you take advantage of those power gains without risking damage to the engine components and seals. Even if you haven’t done anything else, a new cooling system can help the factory powertrain run more efficiently, letting you push it to the limits.
#5 – Shock Absorbers
Higher trims of the newer Suburban models include an impressive magnetic ride control suspension that adapts to the terrain. If you have an older Suburban or are stuck with the base suspension, though, a new set of shock absorbers may be in order. Monotube shocks offer excellent control, responsiveness, and cooling for off-road applications, while twin-tube shocks create a softer ride and are more impact-resistant. Some shocks are even ride height adjustable for further customization.
#6 – Lift Kits
The Chevy Suburban has eight inches of ground clearance in stock form, with the Adaptive Air Ride suspension adding two more inches. What if that’s still not enough for your off-road exploits? Adding a suspension lift kit gives you more clearance for rocks and branches. They also spread heavy cargo loads more evenly, improve visibility, and give you better underbody access for maintenance. Finally, a lift kit allows for bigger tires and wheels, which add traction and stability.
#7 – Tires and Wheels
Even if you aren’t switching to a bigger size, there are several benefits to upgrading the tires and wheels on a Suburban. You can switch from the standard all-season tires to all-terrain tires for versatile off-roading, mud-terrain tires for extreme conditions, or high-performance street tires that give you more precise handling on paved roads. As for Suburban aftermarket alloy wheels, they are stronger and weigh less than steel wheels, which improves responsiveness and reduces tire deformation under pressure.
#8 – Brakes
If you’ve added substantially more horsepower, increased the vehicle’s weight, or are driving aggressively, the OEM brakes may not be enough to stop your Suburban safely. A performance brake system will reduce stopping distance and last longer than factory brakes. They also are more resistant to overheating, lowering the risk of the dreaded “brake fade.” Be aware, though, that most performance brakes are designed to work in high-intensity conditions and may not grab as well until the vehicle is up to temperature.
#9 – Performance Programmers
You may not even need to add any parts to supercharge a Suburban. Performance tuners plug into the OBD II port so you can adjust the settings of your engine control unit (ECU), transmission, and forced induction system. Whether through preset tuning maps or custom parameters, these devices can do everything from tweaking the air/fuel mixture for more horsepower to changing the shift points for better acceleration. A performance programmer also helps you get more out of other updates, such as recalibrating the speedometer to account for larger tires.
Should I Do Suburban Upgrades Myself or Go to a Shop?
While some performance upgrades are relatively straightforward, others require more know-how. As such, you’ll need to decide between DIY and professional installation. The main benefit of DIY Chevy Suburban performance upgrades is cost. Since you don’t have to pay for labor, you’ll save a lot of money. There’s also the intangible satisfaction of working on a vehicle that diehard off-road and performance enthusiasts crave. On the other hand, it will require a significant time investment—not just to install the parts but to research each component and potentially do post-installation tuning. You’ll also need the correct tools and accessories to install them.
Going to a performance vehicle shop will cost more, but it means getting the work done by a professional who understands your vehicle and knows which parts work best together. They’ll be able to get the job done faster and squeeze every ounce from your Suburban upgrades. Furthermore, reputable shops support their work with a warranty. For example, Hennessey Performance has a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty on its complete performance package. If you’re inexperienced mechanically, don’t have tool access, or want the confidence of a job well done, going to a specialty shop is a fine choice.
Make Your Suburban a Beast of the Roads and Trails
Whichever route you take to get there, customizing your Suburban will unlock a world of possibilities. Once you’re done, this full-size SUV will be super-sized in more ways than one. Beyond what I’ve talked about here, many more performance solutions are available, from advanced upgrades like new engine pushrods to simple fixes such as using high-performance motor oil and filters.
If you want a Chevy Suburban to drive, sound, and feel like a one-of-a-kind steed, the power is in your hands. Use this guide as a springboard to start exploring the world of high-performance Suburban parts and see where it leads you.
