Looking to restore 1992 Blazer full size, possibly EV swap with Chevy E-Crate

[DoylesBlazer]

I recently inherited a 1992 Blazer 4x4 that needs a good amount of work done to it, but it runs pretty decently with 283K miles! I originally planned on restoring it for my wife's grandfather, as it was once his and he would like to see that. Unfortunately, my primary vehicle was recently totaled (I'm fine aside from a few bruises and cuts), and the Blazer is now my daily driver, which means the restoration needs to start sooner rather than later.

I was hoping I could get some advice/suggestions for this vehicle (what to avoid, modifications that are worth it, the ones that aren't, etc.) from anyone that's dealt with them. It looks pretty straight forward, and I feel like even with my minute knowledge of vehicles, I could do some of the work myself, especially the interior and some of the 12v electrical. I also have a neighbor who's a GM certified mechanic, so I'm hoping that that will come in handy.

Ultimately I want to do an EV conversion of the Blazer, which I feel might rustle some jimmys, but it is still my goal for the vehicle. I have reached out to Chevrolet for some information regarding their E-Crate engine replacement, but haven't heard back as of yet. Thank you everyone for your input, I look forward to sharing my journey with Doyle's Blazer with everyone!

https://imgur.com/QfnmIZA

 

[centexk5]

Ev conversion? Interesting.

Any rust on it? I’d start with fixing leaks, tune up on the engine, and change all the fluids. Get the driveline set at a good baseline and get it ready for daily driver duty. Then start going after other things.

 

[DoylesBlazer]

No rust as far as I've seen, there is a leak in the back window, but I haven't found the exact spot just yet. Sounds good, I'll have all the fluids changed here soon, thank you

 

[sweetk30]

88-98 gmt400 had glue in glass problems . Seen a lot of front leaks at top near pass side and trucks had same on back glass .

 

[DoylesBlazer]

88-98 gmt400 had glue in glass problems . Seen a lot of front leaks at top near pass side and trucks had same on back glass .

That's what I was thinking it was since the weather sealing seems to be relatively new, I think Doyle tried fixing it in the past. Thank you for the info!!!

 

[sweetk30]

That's what I was thinking it was since the weather sealing seems to be relatively new, I think Doyle tried fixing it in the past. Thank you for the info!!!

Yep . Time to temove glass and find out .

 

[CT-BLAZER]

You can't be serious about cutting that Blazer out + making an EV...

Nice looking vehicle.... They were hard on gasoline, can't imagine how they would roll with batteries

 

[HankScorpio]

The biggest flaw to the EV transition is weight. Europe drives small cars and they are more suited to going electric. We drive big cars and trucks here and that doesn't work as well. You need to add lots of batteries which adds even more weight. Restore your blazer and enjoy it and buy an electric car to commute in.

If you love electric swaps and hate money you can build anything you want. That e-crate price will blow your mind.

 

[Chickntrk]

Tremec has an e crate option out now, $69,000

 

[ZooMad75]

No ruffled feathers here but ita your money to do what you want with. I will echo the sentiment that a ev conversion in a gmt400 blazer is goin to kill any serious range you might think you get. It’s heavy before you add batteries.

A big issue being that a conversion isn’t going to be quick or easy. You’ll be buying a daily just to be able to drive something while the blazer is under the knife.

Let’s not forget that any money you think you’ll be saving on gasoline won’t be recovered until you drive it thousands of miles due to the high cost of the conversion.

Let’s face it dumping money into any of these trucks is not the smartest financial choice to make and converting one to an ev is no different. If that’s what you want to do go for it. You aren’t going to find any ev tech here but it will be interesting to watch.