Pretty much my dream blazer, any comments/advice?

[otter486]

Ive just gotten into the GM square bodys and I have a 77 c10 custom deluxe that my dad bought new and we are going to restore it pretty soon and it wi be my work truck. But what I really desire is late model 70s blazer or blazer from 83 to 88. This video is shows a k5 thats almost exactly what I want to do to the one I get. http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=qxW4ck7X31A[/URL]

 

[nvrenuf]

Link goes to YouTube but I don't see a blazer video.

 

[ryoken]

83 to 88 would probably be my LEAST desirable yrs...

 

[Mastiff]

83 to 88 would probably be my LEAST desirable yrs...

Agree. For the newer body style, I'd get a TBI vehicle (89-91) up front to avoid the pain and expense of the inevitable TBI conversion. Plus, the early 80's smog stuff is ridiculous. Depends where you live whether that matters.

 

[rjfguitar]

83 to 88 would probably be my LEAST desirable yrs...

Agreed, I'd personally shoot 89-91.

Not much of a "beast" there. Looks like a stock blazer with a lift kit, tires, and a rack on top. Whooopee.

 

[nvrenuf]

TBI started in '87.

That said, I like the '89-'91 trucks. These were already TBI, have rear shoulder seat belts and have the 30 spline front axles. By this time the OD's were better also. Having a '91 myself might make me a little bias too.

 

[Mastiff]

TBI started in '87.

That said, I like the '89-'91 trucks. These were already TBI, have rear shoulder seat belts and have the 30 spline front axles. By this time the OD's were better also. Having a '91 myself might make me a little bias too.

My mistake. Personally I'm not a fan of the later grille, so maybe I'd go for the early TBI years... I haven't really thought about it much I guess, but definitely get factory TBI.

 

[Kay86K5]

89 was also the start of the serp belt setup instead of the v-belt. Also they started using NP241's too instead of the 208. 2 more reasons why 89 and up is a pretty good way to go

 

[ryoken]

yup, round headlights of any kind for me (if they existed in my state! )

or 89 to 91....




and that coming from a guys who's building an 87.. not that you could tell it's an 87...

 

[otter486]

Why is tbi better than carburated? And what would be the best auto trans mission to look for, th400, th350, or 700r4? I'd preferably have a manual though.

 

[Mastiff]

Why is tbi better than carburated? And what would be the best auto trans mission to look for, th400, th350, or 700r4? I'd preferably have a manual though.

TBI does everything better than carb. The most obvious day to day is instantaneous starts in all weather. For offroading, the huge advantage is that it doesn't care about being at an angle. Carbs will flood and have trouble. The only redeeming quality of carb is simplicity (lack of computer and sensors, etc.)

For trans, TH400 is bulletproof but has no overdrive. 700R4 has the overdrive but is historically not as reliable. I went with 400, but it does wind up on the interstate.

 

[Kay86K5]

Why is tbi better than carburated? And what would be the best auto trans mission to look for, th400, th350, or 700r4? I'd preferably have a manual though.

You have a lot of reading to do

 

[ryoken]

Why is tbi better than carburated? And what would be the best auto trans mission to look for, th400, th350, or 700r4? I'd preferably have a manual though.

drivability, fuel mileage, etc... plus, carbs of that era are horrible, emission riddled, CCC'd cr@p...

700r4, later year's are better...

hard to find manuals in later rigs.. if you do it'll be a SM465

 

[Blue85]

drivability, fuel mileage, etc... plus, carbs of that era are horrible, emission riddled, CCC'd cr@p...

The only trucks that got Computer Controlled Carb were California models. Avoid those unless you're sure you will swap it out anyway. The Quadrajet carb is the best (only?) carb for off-road use. Sure, there are later model units from Holley and Edelbrock that are getting close to what the Q-jet could do in the 70's, but you're not likely to find one on a truck you're looking to buy.

When you look under some hoods, you'll see that the TBI setups are much cleaner and simpler looking than the 80's smog carb setups. If you start removing stuff to "simplify" or delete broken parts that don't do any good (like AIR), the carbs aren't always tuned quite right anymore.

Also decide whether you want a full convertible or half-cab.