1990 K5 Build

[Fatrat]

I purchased a 1990 Blazer K5 about a year ago for 150 bucks. No engine, no tranny, no tcase, no seats and no rust. While working on other projects, i've been gathering parts for this build. This weekend is the one. Today i finished rebuilding my 700r4 tranny (it's my 3rd one so far) and the SBC 400 and NP241 tcase. here is a picture of the now look.

 

[magik235]

I will be following the build. No rust is a great starting point.

 

[Fatrat]

Here is the SBC 400ci finished with flat top floating pistons, 6" rods, comp cam valve train (480 lift), holley 770 aluminum carb MSD ignition, vortec heads, eldelbrock intake, billet specialties valve covers and wire looms along with a serpentine systems.

Also the 700r4 is done using the sonnax sunshell upgrade and reaction gear upgrade as well as a tci rebuild kit (heavy duty) and a constant pressure valve body. the transfer case was just opened cleaned and checked (all good). Tranny and tcase need a cleaning and paint and they are done. The best thing is (all done in house). well except the machine work on the block.

 

[K85 Octane]

very nice
I got the same engine setup and trans, just wish I had the 241 instead of the 208. Oh yeah, and the serpentine belt.

 

[max 02]

Your 400 looks sexy.

 

[Deuling]

Your 400 looks sexy.

I second that! I def need a serp setup on my 408, looks much nicer

 

[magik235]

Outstanding

 

[Fatrat]

Thanks everyone, this weekend i will be installing the drivetrain, exhaust, 6" lift, 35" tires, a new front bumper (stock for now), hitch and gear box. I have 10 bolt front and rear which are fine for the trailing that we do, but the gears are only 3.08 so when monday comes around I'm ordering some gears. It's between 4.56 and 4.88 but leaning more toward the 4.88 since the 700 does have a lower gear and overdrive. Any opinions are welcome, my brother has the same setup with 4.56 and does fine, i just wanted to take up a notch.

Also what's everyone's opinion on lockers. i want the ARB front and rear (very pricey) so i may go with detroit locker on the rear and ARB up front. I'm still doing the research on the installation as i like to do all the work myself and the own the tools to do it. Check this thread on monday for the transformation.

 

[Fatrat]

I got the serpentine system brackets (three sets) at the salvage yard along with some 2006 Silverado seats, 2006 HHR seats Explorer side steps and other minor things for under $100 bucks.

 

[ChevyToy04]

I'm watching this one. Nice engine

 

[Fatrat]

Here is the 6" suspension system lift with the 35's on. More pics to come.

 

[Fatrat]

Oh yeah the passenger rear tire was mounted wrong but has been changed. I also have to address the positeve camber on the front right wheel. Drivetrain is been installed today. it should be running before beer time.

 

[K85 Octane]

this is an excellent tool for picking your gears

http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html

I'd go 4.56 myself. If you ever tow, drop it in 3rd and the RPM are perfect with 35/4.56.

 

[Fatrat]

Alright everyone, yesterday was a great day. The 400, 700 and NP241 went in smoothly. Wired up the engine bay and started to roar right away. Top everything off and broke in the cam with no problems, the timing was right on but the carb is running a little rich. Here are some pictures.

Here are the side views, stock bumper and explorer steps installed.
The 400ci

Front angle view

Rear angle view

700r4 and NP241

The exhaust


I also installed new pro comp shocks and braided brake lines as well as an external tranny cooler and the stock engine oil cooler. And i'm ordering the gears today.

 

[big pappa b]

Oh yeah the passenger rear tire was mounted wrong but has been changed. I also have to address the positeve camber on the front right wheel. Drivetrain is been installed today. it should be running before beer time.

Nice clean install on the engine

What's up with the pass front tire? The top looks really tilted out. Bent axle or knuckle?

 

[Fatrat]

I'm hoping its' just the tire, three of them were good but used. The blazer seemed straight on with the stock wheels. if it's the knuckle i may just install new knuckles and high steer steering but i'm hoping it's something simple, like a bearing

 

[82355]

Were the TBI components missing as well when you got it?

Martin

 

[magik235]

Excellent progress

 

[Fatrat]

Were the TBI components missing as well when you got it?

Martin

all tbi components to include the engine compartment harness and under dash computer/harness were removed. It had no drive engine no tranny no transfer case no driveshafts and no front seats. The guy i bought it from gave me the 400 complete block, but replaced all the internals new. The 700 and NP241 plus the front driveshaft i got from the junk yard for 99.99

i do light trailing but may think about switching to TBI later. The blazer was up for parts but i saved it, sort of speak.

 

[Fatrat]

Today the seats were installed along with the carpet, rear seatbelts and CB. I accidently ran over my camera, but will upload some pics soon. By the way can anyone tell me if there is a thread on manual vs automatic hubs.