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First Car, have some questions | 1989 K5 Blazer

coleman23

coleman23

Registered Member
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Location
Minnesota
Hello everyone, my name is Cole, and I got my first car a few weeks ago, a 1989 K5 Blazer
It has 174,000 miles and a 5.7 L V8, I believe it has the stock fuel injection and nothing else aftermarket except for some mufflers
OdTt3Wq.jpg


Having never owned a vehicle before I have some questions although I know basic functions of engines but I am scared to screw stuff up when improving the power output. Do you guys have any suggestions for easy power gains, with limited tools and a beginner? Thanks.

Also, any idea what this little lever under the dash does? is it aftermarket? I couldn't find anything in the owners manual
.
FKkfd5Gm.jpg


I would also like to apologize in advance if this in the wrong section.
 
Welcome aboard and congrats on what looks like a really nice truck. I'm no help on TBI motors but that toggle switch under the dash is not factory, someone added that.
 
That should have a factory Throttle body FI system on it.
A very reliable simple system, but evolution has made it weak comparitively. If this is your first and daily driver enjoy it as is for a while before taking the slippery slope of modifying it.
In the meantime read read read about what others have done to their TBI trucks for more power...usually headers/exhaust better intake and some computer tuning, and those look like slightly bigger tires so maybe gear changes in the axle differentials would help as well.
That toggle switch under the dash isn't factory so trace the wires from the back side and see where they lead you, maybe auxiliary lights?
 
Congratulations on the truck. Nice first car.

Power adds to a TBI engine can be difficult. The TBI system is not friendly for adding horse power. The best things to do is make sure the fuel system is clean. Fuel Pressure is corresct. Plugs, wires, cap and rotor are good. Injectors spray correctly and the cat is flowing well.

If that is the original engine with high miles, not much will add power if it is worn out.

Just drive it, maintain it and enjoy it.
 
ktmoutfront said:
Just drive it, maintain it and enjoy it.
Click to expand...
Yeah, this. Drive it until all the bugs are worked out. Put some serious miles on it and change all the fluids. The fluids will help you determine the health of the truck and that will determine where your money will go.

A lot of first time buyers will dump big money into things that they want, only to loose a transmission or engine later and not have the money left over for things that they NEED. :(
 
Way to find a survivor up in MN. For engine troubleshooting Tunerpro rt and an ALDL cable can make all the difference in the world. I would keep driving it and pay no attention to this site as you can end up with a rig that no longer can be driven on the street, and resembles a buggy more than a truck. Have fun! :thumb:
 
Where on earth did you find such a clean looking truck?!? Looks great! How's the interior, equally as nice?

Like others, not a lot you can do to really improve power significantly. It is, what it is. Gearing in axle would help but that's pretty expensive to do.

More pics?
 
Thanks for all the responses guys! I guess I should just leave it alone and not screw it up. Plus, I doubt this car is from Minnesota due to the lack of rust :D Guess I just got lucky

I made a quick little overview of my car if any of you are interested;

I am also interested in buying a soft top like this Skyler one, but from my research, I cannot find any for sale. Do you guys know anyone who would sell one, or even custom make one? Thanks.
attachment.php
 
If the top seals and doesn't leak, I think I would leave it on.

Very nice looking K5
 
Bent77 said:
If the top seals and doesn't leak, I think I would leave it on.

Very nice looking K5
Click to expand...
I went through a car wash and it leaked a little between the cab and the top, and around the windshield.
 
coleman23 said:
I went through a car wash and it leaked a little between the cab and the top, and around the windshield.
Click to expand...
I would remove the top and make sure the seals are clean.
If there is sand or dirt, it will let water through.
Also if the seals are ripped.
 
And that is something to get done. Especially if it is going to be out in the rain. That water will destroy the floors.
 
Nice Truck! A K&N air filter and headers can add some power/ improve the look of the engine bay if you like that style. Also if you’re dead set on cheap power, supposedly you can grind the stock throttle body to flow better.
http://tbichips.com/?page_id=217
I haven’t personally tried anything off this link. Buddy told me about it so i cant confirm if any of it works or will screw anything up. Might wanna just keep digging.
 
Well, a little hard to do...

I got the dash bezel off pretty easily but the screen itself looks to be installed first before the large dash goes in (during original assembly). I couldn't find any easy way to access or move the screen itself. I did take the bottom kickplate off and took some pics from underneath, but don't really know what I'm shooting. Take a look and see if you can decipher anything...

IMG_20180325_121253045.jpg

View attachment 261029

View attachment 261030

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View attachment 261032
 
K85 Octane said:
Anyone else feel like they are looking under the dash of a 2017? LOL
Click to expand...
OK, so trying to post a HUD display on the Lexus forum. I go back to the Lexus forum and scratching my head....I could of sworn I posted those pics. :dunno:

I repost on Lexus forum and look over onto CK5....ah, that's where I posted!! :haha:

Man, too much multitasking today! Smoking ribs, checking some house wiring, forum junk and a beer! :saweet::woot:
 
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