Hey y'all,
I'm really excited about GMT Nation! I've been taking in all of the wealth of information and ideas from what I've seen. Also, thanks to SnowBlazer for the compliments and boost of confidence! This is my 2006 Trailblazer LT, with various options. I was fortunate to find this vehicle back in February and loved it. I used to own a Ford Explorer XLT eddie bauer edition and a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for years. But, everytime I saw the Trailblazer's, I felt jealous of the people driving it. Especially, the SS owners.
The only challenge is, I love the truck's 4.2 inline-6. But, I aspire to keep up with the SS owners, and well, those lucky enough to have the V8 engine. My goal for this build is to build a street truck, that I can take on trails (nothing extreme) from time to time.
Right now, the truck is stock in exception to custom black 20" Helo wheels and tires, and red badges. Below is a list of current work underway or plans:
Engine, Powertrain, Suspension:
At this point, with 200K miles, I have to clean the throttlebody, and replace the 02 sensor (possibly, a code just popped up). Also, I'm going to be replacing the spark plugs, and doing a tranny flush this weekend. What I need is someone with experience to open up the engine and show me how to clean it. I saw in another build thread, that there was a lot of oil build up. Question is: what comment maintenance problems should I look for and replace on the 4.2L inline V6?
Before I make any aftermarket modifications, by mid-January, I need it to be running as if I just drove it off the lot. I can tell it is under performing right now.
Modifications in January/February:
- PCM Tune
- Exhaust System (headers, high flow cat-back, dual port exhaust is what I want. There's an exhaust builder in town I'm talking to).
- SS-trim rear bumper with style for dual exhaust port
- Green Filter air filter system. Perhaps, a CAI intake system in the Summer.
By June:
- Adjustable suspension system, for nice aggressive or sporty stance on the street, and something competent for hitting the trails with a higher stance.
This Summer:
- One thing I've learned as a new Southern, and a new Texan, is the Summer's are brutal compared to what I'm used to in Wisconsin. So, I want to experiment and work with a builder this Summer on modifying internals. By the end of the Summer, I am budgeting for an engine build to produce 350hp to the crank (Modest, I'm learning). Or, if I have a network of folks that are experienced with this engine, I'd love to aim for 375-400hp to the crank. If I hit those numbers out of this engine, I'll be too fuckin happy.
The question here is, what's the challenges of the current powertrain? How much can the stock transmission handle? My truck, also, is only 2WD (which I love, and prefer RWD vehicles). What's the limits of the stock rearend? What foreseeable challenges or needs will I have, say, reaching 350hp. I am, also, a lead foot. A serious lead foot.
- Other Ideas:
- Turbocharging the inline-6. I love N/A builds, am a big fan. But, turbocharging seems to be the most popular way folks are making big gains. I'm willing to go out of my personal comfort zone with this N/A and look into turbochargers. I do miss it, I had a turbocharged 2004 Mazda RX8 (GReddy turbo).
Exterior:
I'm keeping the stock look, which I love. Except, as I mentioned before, I am going to get the SS rear bumper. I, also, came across a roof spoiler for the TB's, may get that after I take another look. My first priority will be to have the truck repainted, as the current paint is covered with water spots, scuffs/scratches, and some paint chipping.
Any advice on how to improve the paint would be awesome: Should I repaint it, or other solutions (Ideally, cheaper).
Now for the pictures:
Yea, the Stingray isn't mine. It's my dad's, and off limits to me enjoying it privately.
But, we are a Chevy family, so I ain't mad lol.
I'm really excited about GMT Nation! I've been taking in all of the wealth of information and ideas from what I've seen. Also, thanks to SnowBlazer for the compliments and boost of confidence! This is my 2006 Trailblazer LT, with various options. I was fortunate to find this vehicle back in February and loved it. I used to own a Ford Explorer XLT eddie bauer edition and a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for years. But, everytime I saw the Trailblazer's, I felt jealous of the people driving it. Especially, the SS owners.
The only challenge is, I love the truck's 4.2 inline-6. But, I aspire to keep up with the SS owners, and well, those lucky enough to have the V8 engine. My goal for this build is to build a street truck, that I can take on trails (nothing extreme) from time to time.
Right now, the truck is stock in exception to custom black 20" Helo wheels and tires, and red badges. Below is a list of current work underway or plans:
Engine, Powertrain, Suspension:
At this point, with 200K miles, I have to clean the throttlebody, and replace the 02 sensor (possibly, a code just popped up). Also, I'm going to be replacing the spark plugs, and doing a tranny flush this weekend. What I need is someone with experience to open up the engine and show me how to clean it. I saw in another build thread, that there was a lot of oil build up. Question is: what comment maintenance problems should I look for and replace on the 4.2L inline V6?
Before I make any aftermarket modifications, by mid-January, I need it to be running as if I just drove it off the lot. I can tell it is under performing right now.
Modifications in January/February:
- PCM Tune
- Exhaust System (headers, high flow cat-back, dual port exhaust is what I want. There's an exhaust builder in town I'm talking to).
- SS-trim rear bumper with style for dual exhaust port
- Green Filter air filter system. Perhaps, a CAI intake system in the Summer.
By June:
- Adjustable suspension system, for nice aggressive or sporty stance on the street, and something competent for hitting the trails with a higher stance.
This Summer:
- One thing I've learned as a new Southern, and a new Texan, is the Summer's are brutal compared to what I'm used to in Wisconsin. So, I want to experiment and work with a builder this Summer on modifying internals. By the end of the Summer, I am budgeting for an engine build to produce 350hp to the crank (Modest, I'm learning). Or, if I have a network of folks that are experienced with this engine, I'd love to aim for 375-400hp to the crank. If I hit those numbers out of this engine, I'll be too fuckin happy.
The question here is, what's the challenges of the current powertrain? How much can the stock transmission handle? My truck, also, is only 2WD (which I love, and prefer RWD vehicles). What's the limits of the stock rearend? What foreseeable challenges or needs will I have, say, reaching 350hp. I am, also, a lead foot. A serious lead foot.
- Other Ideas:
- Turbocharging the inline-6. I love N/A builds, am a big fan. But, turbocharging seems to be the most popular way folks are making big gains. I'm willing to go out of my personal comfort zone with this N/A and look into turbochargers. I do miss it, I had a turbocharged 2004 Mazda RX8 (GReddy turbo).
Exterior:
I'm keeping the stock look, which I love. Except, as I mentioned before, I am going to get the SS rear bumper. I, also, came across a roof spoiler for the TB's, may get that after I take another look. My first priority will be to have the truck repainted, as the current paint is covered with water spots, scuffs/scratches, and some paint chipping.
Any advice on how to improve the paint would be awesome: Should I repaint it, or other solutions (Ideally, cheaper).
Now for the pictures:
Yea, the Stingray isn't mine. It's my dad's, and off limits to me enjoying it privately.
But, we are a Chevy family, so I ain't mad lol.
