I Got One!!!

[Black P-38]

It's official, today I became a Bowtie owner, again!!! Found an '85 S-10 2 door about 115 miles away, took a ride, liked what I saw and closed the deal. Gotta make another 230 mile round trip on Monday to go pick it up. Gonna drive it home after I renew the tags at the DMV.

It's black, YAY!!! with a straight body and good paint, 2.8 auto 4x4. I really wanted a 2wd but for the price and condition I don't think I could do much better. I'll have to be satisfied with removing the 4wd pieces to lighten it up since I know you cannot convert them to 2wd front suspension components.

That's okay, it's my first Blazer and I can work around all that. Due to budget issues I have decided to scrap my V8 Ranger project and will be installing the aluminum Rover V8 and Camaro T-5 in the Blazer instead. I'll do an LS-1 Blazer swap when I can afford a crate motor, waaaay in the future.

For now I'm just excited about the Blazer and anxious to get started on it.
Now to liquidate all the new and used Ranger parts I bought so I can fund my new project...

Wish me luck guys!
Mike

[S-10MASTER]

Sweet sounds great man. Keep us updated.

[Black P-38]

Thanks, I will...

...and for those of us who like pics...

Here are a few...







As you can see, it was raining today, absolutely poured right before I took these pics but it's just about as shiney when it's dry. I'll get some better pics up after I get her home...

Mike

[Black P-38]

[4x4zr2GA]

well, look at it this way... since its a 4x4, and a fwd offset, youll be able to run some nice corvette or camaro wheels on that thing

[neo71665]

You can always swap out to bravada parts and have AWD.

[Black P-38]

Quote: Originally Posted by 4x4zr2GA

well, look at it this way... since its a 4x4, and a fwd offset, youll be able to run some nice corvette or camaro wheels on that thing

That's cool, I'd like to run something more sporty looking... what offset/backset should I be looking for? I really want to run 275-60-15's out back, guess I'll need an 8" rim for that though...

Also, what's the easiest/cheapest way to lower the back end so I can at least level this thing out?

I'm open for ideas, keeping in mind she'll be a pavement cruiser...

Thanks,
Mike

[Black P-38]

Quote: Originally Posted by neo71665

You can always swap out to bravada parts and have AWD.

Interesting idea... although for my purposes I wont need AWD.
I'm also trying to keep it light weight...

I already have the drivetrain I'm gonna swap into the Blazer... a Range Rover all aluminum EFI V8, custom bellhousing, custom billet steel flywheel, Camaro 26 spline V8 T-5 trans and new clutch assembly, driveshaft yoke etc.

Here's a few pics of the motor when it was in my Ranger pickup...












Mike

[KJF95S-10]

Badass

[Black P-38]

Do you guys think I can fit a 275-60-15 up front as well? Do you think that would be overkill or look stupid?

My '94 F-150 Lightning pickup had 275-60-17's all around and looked fat and mean comin' atcha, hoping for a similar look but in a 28" diameter...

I think I can still get the Toyo Proxes S/T's in the 275-60-15 size, gotta check, they were awesome on the Lightning, wet or dry...

Thanks,
Mike

[Matt96Dime]

great find with this blazer,brings me childhood memories my dad one just like it!

[Black P-38]

Quote: Originally Posted by KJF95S-10

Badass

Thanks!!! That's what I'm goin' for...

Mike

[Black P-38]

Quote: Originally Posted by Matt96Dime

great find with this blazer,brings me childhood memories my dad one just like it!

Cool... I've always liked them, especially in black!!!

I was impressed with the overall exterior, even the bumpers are straight.
I slid underneath from every side, checking for rust and or damage and was pleased to find it in good solid condition.

I pulled both rear ashtrays and looked inside, below the side glass, and found it clean and rust free. I did find a few tiny rust bubbles above the windshield but overall the truck is virtually rust free... Also, no chipped or broken glass!!!

The interior needs some work, carpet and drivers seat are hammered but geez, this thing is 25 "model years" old. The back folding seat is very nice, even the padded rear armrests are good along with the zippered pouches plus all four pieces are black.

The dash pad, also black, is in excellent shape except for the lower right corner but it's fixable. Top of dash is good and I'll be doing a custom gauge display.

Even the headliner is in good condition, not sagging, no tears, stains or cigarette burns. I think with a good cleaning, new carpet and maybe replace the front seats It will be pretty nice. I don't think I'd be lucky enough to find a drivers seat to match these, the seats are cloth covered, not sure how to describe the colors/pattern but I'll post pics of them when I get her home.

The only real problem is the typical worn hinge pins on the drivers door so you have to give it a little lift when you latch it, not a difficult fix...

So far I'm pretty happy with my "new" Blazer, I think I'm off to a pretty solid start for project V8!!! I'm no longer a "wannabe" Blazer owner, just a V8 wannabe now...

Mike

[Black P-38]

She's home, safe and sound!!!

It was a long trek due to record heat, no A/C, drivers power window wouldn't roll down, dark interior didn't help, did I mention the truck is BLACK? Whew!

Also went both ways through major road repaving adding an hour and a half to the trip. On the way back she was running a bit rough and I was afraid to shut her off as air temps rose above 100. I sat at one spot for half an hour with the motor running and she never overheated, idling like a champ the whole time!

I pulled some major grades with the pedal to the floor, I think she's running on five cylinders, I found one plug wire against the exhaust manifold, crispy, when I got home, also discovered 5 vacuum lines either leaking, loose or disconnected. All that combined with an automatic and the uphill performance of the 2.8 was nothing less than craptacular... To be fair though, she hauled on the flat and DID get me home safely!!!

Oil pressure was around 40 at idle, 60 on the highway. I forgot how noisy 4 bys are and it doesn't help that all 4 tires have completely different tread patterns... one for each season???

I found the build card and some receipts that indicated she was a California car originally and for at least the first 42k miles. She 's equipped with a 3.73 posi rear... didn't know Chevy's used that ratio. I had bought a 3.73 Trac Loc for the Ranger's 7.5 rear so I'm happy with my discovery.

She's a good lookin' rig, got lots of looks on the way home and I'm so happy to finally own one of my all time favorite GM body styles. Now I just need to drop her around 2/4, pull the running gear forward of the rear axle and go to town installing the Rover V8 and 5 speed... then I'll have a fun little ride!!!

Stay tuned,
Mike

[Black P-38]

I've been working on a few little things... So far I've replaced the gas struts on the back glass, replaced the broken ignition keylock, replaced the missing horn contact spring, the turn signal cancel cam, installed my Grant Signature Series wheel, fixed the broken headlight adjuster clips, painted the gauge bezel, (the aluminum look factory finish looked really bad), removed the rear air deflector and sanded the peeling paint off, replaced both power window switches, (drivers side still wont work so I ordered a new motor), removed the cruise control pieces, factory single note horn, installed the original factory Fiamm dual note horns from my Lightning where the cruise servo was on the drivers fenderwell, fixed the battery mount, replaced the rounded off side terminal bolts, fixed the rear interior lamp and did alot of general cleaning.

I just LOVE this little truck!!! Been doing some preliminary measuring and eyeballing for the V8 install. Looks like it will fit nicely. Still trying to figure out what I want for wheels and tires...

Havin' fun so far,
Mike

[bubbagt57]

get a t-56

[992drjimmy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Black P-38

Do you guys think I can fit a 275-60-15 up front as well? Do you think that would be overkill or look stupid?

My '94 F-150 Lightning pickup had 275-60-17's all around and looked fat and mean comin' atcha, hoping for a similar look but in a 28" diameter...

I think I can still get the Toyo Proxes S/T's in the 275-60-15 size, gotta check, they were awesome on the Lightning, wet or dry...

Thanks,
Mike

Yes you CAN fit a 275/60/15 all way round. My Jimmy has 275's all way round with out any problems.

[Black P-38]

I definitely want to go T-56 when I can afford the LS-1 crate motor.
Fortunately, I already own a nice Camaro T-5 that will get me by for now.

Well I weighed the Blazer and was shocked when I first pulled onto the scales.
3750 on the nose, then I got out... 3550, that's with a full tank of gas. The front axle carries 1950, rear axle 1600.

After I deducted 125 lbs for fuel weight it came to 3425, okay that's better.
Considering it's a 2.8 V6, 4x4 with a 4 spd OD auto, 9.50-30-15 traction tires, A/C, P/S, PB, PW, PDL, CC and tilt wheel it's really not bad. There is no spare.

I think I have a decent shot at a 3000 lb rig once I delete all the 4 by pieces, skid plates, go to a set of lighter wheels and "street" tires, remove the A/C, (hopefully I can find a heat only box in good condition), convert to manual brakes and steering, build a lighter exhaust and maybe a smaller custom aluminum fuel cell.

My Rover V8 with steel flywheel, clutch assembly, bellhousing, hydraulic TOB and T-5 trans weigh right at 450 lbs so that should improve the weight distribution as well as overall weight. The Rover with exhaust and "tune", (Megasquirt II), will make a good 220 horses. With me and a few gallons of gas that's about 15 lbs to the HP so not great but better than it is right now at about 33 lbs per hp, (with me and a few gallons of gas), no wonder it's a slug.

Right now I'm just enjoying driving it as it is, been over six months with just my wife's 'stang... nice havin' my own truck again. I'm sure I'll get tired of the lackluster power soon enough. In the meantime I'll be stripping off unneeded pieces that will have to go before the motor is pulled so I will be making progress.

Stay Tuned,
Mike

[Black P-38]

Quote: Originally Posted by 992drjimmy

Yes you CAN fit a 275/60/15 all way round. My Jimmy has 275's all way round with out any problems.

Cool, I love the fat four look, hopefully I'll be able to steer with a manual box.
Thanks for the help on that, btw, what is your ride height? Is it lowered? If so, how much?

Thanks,
Mike

[Black P-38]

Something I found interesting is the total lack of any type of trailer hitch or wiring and no sign of it ever having had one. I'm gonna get this thing down to the tire shop and up on a rack to have the brakes inspected and get a stand up look underneath... maybe test fit a couple wheels and see how they look.

Mike

[Black P-38]

Well, today at the tire shop I got good news and bad news...
The good news is my front and rear brakes were done somewhat recently as evidenced by the condition of all components, they look great!

The bad news is, while it was on the rack I checked to see if it's still a Posi by rotating a rear tire and the other side rotated the opposite direction... Damn, just another open diff... that's disappointing... Oh well.

I'll get some more pics up soon,
Mike

[992drjimmy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Black P-38

Cool, I love the fat four look, hopefully I'll be able to steer with a manual box.
Thanks for the help on that, btw, what is your ride height? Is it lowered? If so, how much?

Thanks,
Mike

When i put the 275/60/15's on it, I lowered the T-bars one turn at a time until the tires rubbed, Then raised a 1/2 turn at a time until theydidnt. If i remember correctly i think i dropped about a half inch in the fron only. If you want a fender height or pics let me know.,

[SINCO54]

did you buy this In forest Grove??

[Black P-38]

Quote: Originally Posted by 992drjimmy

When i put the 275/60/15's on it, I lowered the T-bars one turn at a time until the tires rubbed, Then raised a 1/2 turn at a time until theydidnt. If i remember correctly i think i dropped about a half inch in the fron only. If you want a fender height or pics let me know.,

Excellent info, THANK YOU! I originally wanted a 2wd but the more I learn about the 4x4 frame and suspension the happier I am with my decision to buy this little beauty! What's not to love about an independently adjustable front suspension that requires only a tape measure and a wrench??? Fanfuggintastic!!! All I need is a pair of lowering blocks with U-bolts and I'll be set... well, once I have my tires and wheels that is.

I saw a lowered 1st Gen 4x4 a couple days ago and it looked like it was gonna drag the rear shock mounts on the first speed bump it found... I forgot about the effect of over the spring mounting when you block the springs down... I think his may have been a 3/4 drop with about a 26" tire so it looked REALLY close to draggin'. I'll probably limit mine to a 3" drop and with a taller tire so at least 2 more inches of clearance than his Blazer. I did like the leveled out look though...

I've had a helluva time trying to find a wheel/tire combo the size I want that I like AND can afford. One drawback of the 4 by backspace is the limitation of wheel choices out there. I think I may go with a 16 x 7.5 wheel and a 255-60 tire. That will be 28" diameter but I think with the drop it will look okay. I wont know for sure how much to drop it 'til I see it with the tires mounted...

I need to find some pics of the wheels and tires to see what you guys think, I'll post 'em up in a while...

Mike

[Black P-38]

Quote: Originally Posted by SINCO54

did you buy this In forest Grove??

No I didn't... where is Forest Grove???

[97s104x4]

i've always loved these bodystyles...

[Black P-38]

Here we go...



Couldn't find a great pic of the tire but close enough...



Let me know what you guys think.

Mike

[s10dollar]

As mentioned earlier I recommend trying to find a set of corvette wheels like some c5 c6s most are take offs and would pry have the tires on them just check out craigslist or even the classifieds here

[Black P-38]

Quote: Originally Posted by 97s104x4

i've always loved these bodystyles...

Me too, just always been a Ford guy but a "closet" Chevy lover... This makes my third Chevy, (vs. around 26 Fords IIRC), and I LOVE it!!!

Can't wait to get the Range Rover aluminum V8 dropped in it with the Camaro T-5 manual. The Rover 3.5 V8 was originally the Buick 215 from '61-63. Rover bought the rights and production pieces and continued to develop it through 2002. Mine is a '98 4.0 with 4-bolt block but they also made a 4.6...

Gonna be a fun 2wd pavement cruiser when it's finished. The V8 is only a 4.0 but with headers, custom exhaust, Mega Squirt II tuning, EDIS-8 ignition and no P/S it should be about 220 hp, double the stock V6 output. It should still be economical on gas when cruising too...

With the 4x4 pieces, P/S & A/C removed and the 70 lb T-5 in place of the 700R4 auto, I'm expecting a finished weight of about 3000 lbs.

I can always throw on a centrifugal blower later for more fun. There's plenty of room on the drivers side where my A/C delete pulley is and the throttle body/plenum setup is perfect for a compressor discharge tube...

Mike

[Black P-38]

Quote: Originally Posted by s10dollar

As mentioned earlier I recommend trying to find a set of corvette wheels like some c5 c6s most are take offs and would pry have the tires on them just check out craigslist or even the classifieds here

Yes, I have looked at the 'vette wheels as an option. I really like these...



...especially for a black Blazer. They are relatively affordable, I wonder if these would fit, they're 9.5" wide...

They are listed as Z06 and are "only" 17 inch diameter, most 'vette wheels I've found are 18" and larger.

I haven't measured but I kinda doubt they'll clear on the front...

Mike

[Black P-38]

Today I installed a new drivers side window motor, it's SO nice to be able to roll that sucker down! I also replaced the worn out exterior drivers door handle and installed a return spring on the inside handle.

I got my inside rear view mirror mounted, installed my AutoGage mini-tach on the column shroud, removed the A/C compressor, lines and cannister. I still need to remove the condensor but didn't want to remove the radiator today. I need to find a heat only blower box before I remove the A/C box and evap core. I haven't weighed the removed pieces yet but I will when I get the condensor out.

I also removed the P/S pump, man that 2.8 looks tiny with the A/C and P/S outta there! I'm hoping the manual steering box I bought will be here tomorrow. I can't wait to get that project done, sucks driving it with the P/S not working. I don't mind manual steering but a P/S box without power is brutal on low speed manuevers...

Been eyeballing the clutch pedal situation, thinking about making an "add -on" unit instead of the hassle of swapping everything. I'll be running a clutch master cylinder for my hydraulic release bearing so it shouldn't be hard to design and build a pedal that will work.

Mike

[s10blaza1]

There is a very nice alternative to the torsion bar suspension on these things





Seems like a lot but think of how much money we spend on air suspension

http://www.sytyperformance.com/index...mart&Itemid=26

Oh, and those Corvette rims would look sexy on there.



Its a Typhoon but you get the idea.

[Black P-38]

WOW, Nice lookin' ride!!! Yeah, I like the suspension setup, VERY NICE but for my old '85 it's hard to justify the cost. This has to be a low budget project or it wont happen at all... I do LOVE the look of those wheels on a black Typhoon... SWEET!!!

Mike

[s10blaza1]

Well if it makes any difference to you, deleting the torsion bar setup and installing coilovers is about a 100 lb.+- weight savings

[Black P-38]

100 lbs??? Holy CRAP, that got my attention!!! Yes, it makes a huge difference to me. Great, now I'll be trying to figure out how to get my hands on that kinda cash...

[White96ZQ8]

I cant wait to see this blazer done. Have you looked into the ford 8.8 rears at all? They are about the same width as the 4x4 rears, limited slip, rear discs, and can handle alot of power. I know your not making a ton of power, but the price of that rear is less than buying a disc conversion kit. The weight part is the only thing idk about. have you looked into fiberglass fenders?

[Black P-38]

Thanks, I'm anxious to see it "done" too!

Do you mean the Exploder 8.8 with disc brakes? Weight wise they aren't bad but heavier than the Ford 7.5". I don't know what the Chevy 10 bolt 7.5 weighs in comparison.

I had planned to run the 7.5 rear in my Ranger behind this same engine/trans, many of the V8 Ranger guys run the 7.5 with no problems.

I figured I'd keep the 10 bolt and add a DTS or TA Performance aluminum girdle. The build info on my Blazer shows it was ordered with a 3.73 posi but it must've disappeared some time in the last 25 years.

I was so disappointed when I turned the wheels with the truck on the lift I didn't even bother verifying if it's still a 3.73... I'd guess it is since it's a working 4x4, plus it seems about right with a 30 inch tire...

I thought about swapping in the 7.5 from my Ranger since I have a fresh Trac Loc and 3.73 gears but it would be alot of effort to make everything fit and work. Then there's the different wheel offset and bolt pattern.

It'll be easier to just sell off the Ford pieces and buy a posi for the 10 bolt. As far as strength goes I think traction will be the weakest link so I'm pretty sure I'll break traction not parts.

I don't really care about rear discs anymore, the drums are plenty good considering most of your stopping power is on the front brakes, especially once you factor in the weight transfer to the front that takes place under heavier braking...

I haven't looked into fiberglass fenders since this is a low budget project, plus my factory fenders and paint are very nice. I don't think there's much savings in them. I like the 'glass cowl hoods but again, the cost and painting make it hard to justify when I have a decent hood.

I'm not looking for every last ounce I can lose which is why I'll keep my power windows and full interior. I'll be very happy to weigh less than a V6 Camaro or Mustang. It should be about 150 lbs lighter than my wife's '07 V6 5 speed 'stang with a bit more power to start with.

Stay Tuned,
Mike

[Prostreet10]

Huh?