why was there no big block k5 blazer?
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why was there no big block k5 blazer?
- Thread starter wazzabie
- Start date
Probably a multitude of reasons...mainly, they would have needed to make a 3/4 ton K5. Brakes, axles, etc., and the usefulness of a vehicle with that short of a wheelbase probably would not have resulted in enough sales to justify the added expense.
I could be wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised that if among everything else, the added weight of all the components used with the big blocks would have caused issues with the bodies. The K5's did not have the "ability" to flex frames like the trucks did. Any flexing of the K5 frame is transmitted straight through the body save what little rubber body mounts absorb.
Not sure wheelbase has anything to do with it, but depending on tire selection, the e-brake may have been a challenge on hills, even concrete. I've seen a K20 454 conversion with some extra weight (PTO winch) slide down a driveway, tires locked solid.
I could be wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised that if among everything else, the added weight of all the components used with the big blocks would have caused issues with the bodies. The K5's did not have the "ability" to flex frames like the trucks did. Any flexing of the K5 frame is transmitted straight through the body save what little rubber body mounts absorb.
Not sure wheelbase has anything to do with it, but depending on tire selection, the e-brake may have been a challenge on hills, even concrete. I've seen a K20 454 conversion with some extra weight (PTO winch) slide down a driveway, tires locked solid.
Dodge Ramchargers were available with a 440 for a few years.
Why wasn't a big block available in any 4WD GM truck until the 80's? Why were TH400's in all kinds of cars in the 60's but weren't available in any GM 4WD until '77 or so?
There are lots of things like those that don't make a lot of sense, the general population probably won't ever know.
Why wasn't a big block available in any 4WD GM truck until the 80's? Why were TH400's in all kinds of cars in the 60's but weren't available in any GM 4WD until '77 or so?
There are lots of things like those that don't make a lot of sense, the general population probably won't ever know.
How were the Dodges built? Drivetrain? Frame? Etc.?
I don't know enough about them to comment on how or why Dodge did it, or what problems they might have had with them, if any.
I also think light duty trucks started to be expected to do a lot more work than they were in the past, save farm usage. Trailers got much larger, people started traveling further distances, etc.
I don't know enough about them to comment on how or why Dodge did it, or what problems they might have had with them, if any.
I also think light duty trucks started to be expected to do a lot more work than they were in the past, save farm usage. Trailers got much larger, people started traveling further distances, etc.
The internet says 1974 was the only year the 440 was offered in a Ramcharger/Trailduster, nothing about any special drivetrain stuff.
I know for sure those exist (rather than trucks that were "offered" but never built), I don't remember anything special about the rest of the drivetrain (i.e. I believe they were still 5 lug Dana 44 up front and Chrysler 9.25" rear).
I know for sure those exist (rather than trucks that were "offered" but never built), I don't remember anything special about the rest of the drivetrain (i.e. I believe they were still 5 lug Dana 44 up front and Chrysler 9.25" rear).
Could a big block in a K5 have been special ordered?
Listed as an option sometimes, but never happened
From the couple 80s Dodge 1/2 ton pick ups I worked on, I remember the the cross members having twice the bolts attaching them than the Chevy 1/2 ton. Didn't pay attention to the rest of the cross members and frame but I'm sure they were the same. Never worked on a Ramcharger, but I'm sure they were the same.
I bet the the insurance companies were a big factor in why a BB was never offered.
440 was available in Ramchargers up to 1979 possibly 80 81 they went to the new body style and the Big Blocks went away for everything except some motor Home Chassis.
I "think" Chevy started putting 396 and 402's in the '71 model pickups,2WD only I'm pretty sure...after that they waited until 1977 or so to offer any engine larger than a 400 small block in their 4x4 trucks,and far as I know the K5's never came with a big block or had them offered as an option...
Many 2WD Suburbans had 454's in the 73-80's range too..including 1/2 tons..it is rather weird they didn't offer a big block in a K5 considering they fit in there with factory parts pretty easily..the 400 small block was about as powerful as the smog era 454's though,and I bet emissions played a big role in why they never offered a big block in a Blazer,and insurance reasons maybe too as suggested..
Many 2WD Suburbans had 454's in the 73-80's range too..including 1/2 tons..it is rather weird they didn't offer a big block in a K5 considering they fit in there with factory parts pretty easily..the 400 small block was about as powerful as the smog era 454's though,and I bet emissions played a big role in why they never offered a big block in a Blazer,and insurance reasons maybe too as suggested..
vandelay industries
1/2 ton status
Doesn't O.J.'s bronco have a 460?
Have to ask Mr.Rick Harrison on Pawn Stars--he tried to buy it!..
vandelay industries
1/2 ton status
To me, the question is not so much why there was no big block in a blazer, but why WERE there big blocks in 1/2 ton pickups?
IIRC, there were big blocks available in both short and long bed 1/2 tons briefly?
Actually, come to think of it, maybe the wheelbase WAS the reason, as dyeager pointed out, because i think GM had a rule that 400CID plus would only be installed in cars longer than X (can't remember the exact figure).
IIRC, there were big blocks available in both short and long bed 1/2 tons briefly?
Actually, come to think of it, maybe the wheelbase WAS the reason, as dyeager pointed out, because i think GM had a rule that 400CID plus would only be installed in cars longer than X (can't remember the exact figure).
Prior to 81 they didn't build any big block 4x4's and after 81 it was only the K30's
They never built a 4x4 1/2 ton pickup , 4x4 3/4 ton pickup, 4x4 suburban, or any Blazer with a Big Block .
1980 K30's were available with the 454 as well. I know most everything you read says they were not available until 1981 but I have owned a bunch of them and a friend of mine has one now. The vin code on them is "X". They don't have the 454 engine mounts like the 1981 to 1991.
I came across a C-10 Scottsdale long bed pick-up that had an original 454 in it about 10-years ago. The thing pretty much needed complete restoration. The guy said he did want to sell because he was going to restore it. Ten years later the thing is still sitting in his back yard rotting away.
I thought 1980 vin code for the 400 was "R". I don't pay much attention to that kind of stuff. I know this one was bought new with a 454.
The vin that I posted a picture of came from the factory with a 454. I know the original owner and also know the guy that has worked on it at the GM dealer where it was bought at from the time it was bought until my friend bought it.
I have owned about 10 1980 model K30's with a 454. I have probably owned over a thousand K30's over the years.
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Yes , R and X were both used in 80 for the 6.6 400 4bbl .
