As an owner of an 11 second AWD Procharged TBSS (5300lb race weight) I wish you well in this endeavour. God speed, - I'll be watching with my fingers and toes crossed.
My dad had two of these for work trucks. Early and late model. They were outstanding work trucks and they got BEAT on offroad for a huge portion of their lives. Lots of miles in a few years and rough miles, too. Those were the trucks that made me love the Atlas 4200. So smooth and great torque.
My parents had an 02 Envoy with the 4200 in it for years. It was a hand me down from my grandparents, then I learned to drive in it. We called it Old Faithful. It was a great car. They finally sent it to the scrapyard at the beginning of this year and it had over 300,000 miles on it
I bought a 2002 Trailblazer about 8 years ago because I saw it for sale and thought "wow thats a good looking vehicle" It now has close to 200k miles on it, still looks almost new and runs great. I don't know why anyone would hate on a Trailblazer.
I still have my 2004. I just swapped out the 287K motor for a 40K and did a stage 2 rebuild on the transmission. Now I'm interested in improving the air intake and exhaust setups.
@@greenmachine5487 Interesting. I can honestly say that I have not had a single problem with mine yet other than having to use a battery tender to keep the battery from draining if I don't drive it for a few days.
My 2005 rolled over 300,000 , i use it to pull my tractor and bushog on a 20’ trailer back and forth between texas and lousiana. I paid 450$ for it about 10 years ago. It has been an absolute unit. Just swapped out the factory water pump. Rebuilt the transmission 50,000 miles ago. Front end roughly 20,000 miles ago. Two cheap fuel pumps, and a thermostat. All in all i have been impressed. I hated it when my wife first got it. After i got her in something nicer and i started using it, it earned my respect. I actually love it now.
I have been wanting this chassis for some time, but not in the bowtie flavor but rather the much more rare SAAB 9-7 one. It was never sold here in Europe so it would be something fun to tinker with. Around 450-550whp is my goal if I ever decide to get one. God bless and lots of love from Norway.
@rekleif / greetings from Indiana I was lucky enough to be able to purchase a 2006 Saab 9-7x 4.2i several weeks ago with 132,000 miles and I am going to do everything I can to keep it out of the path of rust. I find them easy to tinker with
A loose or cracked flex plate is my guess based on the oil pressure.You should consider publishing a book on swapping and modifying the Vortec 4200.A build bible
Sooooo glad you asked for what we would do! I have a '08 LT without the rear a/c, cd changer, leather and power seats (drivers only). The only mods I have made are sport shocks and a 3" drop. If I was not already building 2 other cars I would...... drop the body another 3" over the frame and unitize it. While I was under there I would switch to a 6speed auto and a Corvette posi rear IFS. Topside I would replace the entire front wrap with carbon fiber pieces (even if it meant changing to another year to get the pieces), replace all the green house glass with polycarbonate and go looking for weight savings EVERYWHERE. A full set of alloy 6/2 calipers and forged 17" wheels would also shed a few pounds. Egine mods to about 400 crank would suit me fine. As you may have guessed I am of more of a canyon carver mindset. But at 72, I'm still building and sill dreaming! BTW, still hoping your Stude will surface somewhere!
Absolutely stoked for this! I just picked up a TB from a coworker for $500. 190k no dash lights. Just did valve cover, plugs and coils. Excited to dig in deeper!
Damn that things loaded for a trailblazer. I’d have my NES hooked up playing contra, rc pro am, double dragon,tmnt acade,Mike Tyson punch out. You know the classics.
Hi Nick, thanks for the videos. I have a 2005 trailblazer that has 218,000 miles, we enjoy. I have your noise exactly. It has just started. I’ve checked flex plate etc. in back end,exhaust manifold,top end and now have dropped the pan. It sounds like number 6, the bearings look good. I also scoped the top of pistons nothing looks out of place.Take belt off accessories and noise persists. 😂There’s only 2 things left,piston slap or wrist pin. I should have pulled the motor! 😅My guess is the wrist pin. I think i’ll upgrade to a 2007. Thanks for all your info.
Welcome to the family Calvin. I've had my 06Trailblazer since 2016. It's been a solid truck, with 185k on the clock. Now you're going to make me want to put a turbo on it. LoL
Scranton mechanic here. Would love one of these but they never sell cheap unless the frame is bending off at the rear shock mounts.😂 Had a customer with a 3rd row 5.3 and he always asked that the frame be checked with a hammer. I would love a 2wd 5.3 4l80 sleeper for a family/tow/daily
Ship one off S.Florida. These are cheap and plenty around here and NOT RUSTED to the ground. Plenty to choose. Apparently shunned SEVERELY for being as thirsty as a V-8 Tahoe with none of it's panache 🙄🤦♂. Edit: Never knew the 5.3 V-8 was optional starting in 2003, although apparently only on EXT models, according to Google.
Just to note, the 5.3 Denali,Saab 9-7x, and trailblazer ext have stronger rear end than that(and bigger brakes), the trailblazer SS or Saab 9-7x AERO have the strongest and come with the best gears but are $$$. Also, just something to think about that aluminum block 5.3 LH6 is essentially a LS4(Impala SS) that runs longitudinally it has great heads 799/intake Tbss style, it has dod that would need deleted but nice spare engine or way to recoup $$$. While getting the front/rear axle/ diff. An extra trans/transfer case. For next to nothing. I just sold my Denali a few months ago, it was lowered (i don’t recommend bell-tech) unless you replace the upper control arms to correct the front end alignment. Mine was 4x4 and I had similar plans. The Saab 9-7x you get the best looking wheels of the bunch, although the ones you have are way better than the gmc options. Thanks for the videos, look forward to see how it turns out.
Outstanding! I have a 2006 we bought new in Virginia. It has 175,000 and has been maintained consistently. I grew up 3 miles from where mine was built. I have an attachment to the vehicle and I am going to be watching with interest. I think the noise is a stuck lifter.
I have a 2007 5.3L short wheel base Trailblazer LT. Bought it in 2016 @ 117k - Currently 254K on it. It's been a SOLID truck for me. General maintenance is really all I've done. Ive patched a few small spots on the frame, but that will probably be never ending battle. Looking for a new one with a solid frame is proving to be hard here in SE PA.
Grab a v8 rear axle and front brakes. Same as sstb. H3 hummer rear axle shafts might work(full size truck bolt pattern). Dont know about front bolt pattern conversion without re-drill. Doesn't really matter but opens up wheel options. Go all out street sleeper, gut it. Remove all 4wd components.(if its 4x4) Twin turbo setup would be crazy to see and a lot of work. 4l80e swap. Endless possibility I recently pruchased a 06 trailblazer ext lt 5.3 4x4. Cant wait to see what you come up with.
Calvin, super excited to see this project come together. I'm swapping a trailblazer chassis under a 67 f100 and not sure how to integrate a stand alone ecu. Hoping you cover that part well 🤞
what a world. i decided to take the plunge and swap a 4200 into my kustom 92 k1500 blazer street truck largely because of you and this channel. and i literally went and picked up my trailblazer donor and a ar5 two days ago and this poped in my feed as im looking up the low power problem these things have cus i got mine for $800 with that issue. its complete circumstance but ill take it as a good sign
Love the Trailblazer, it was our first family car when we had our first kid. We had the EXT with the 5.3 and 3rd row, this took me back seeing the interior. Love the channel, can’t wait to see what you do with this one!!
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve clicked on your videos purely out of interest not realizing it’s you😂 you’re definitely one of my favorite car UA-camrs
I know what you mean about lifting the hood and just thinking ugghh! I've watched J Whit's vids and now I get a new perspective as you tear into yours. Maybe I can take a bit of both and tackle my Envoy.
Any day Calvin uploads a new video is a good day! Calvin, talking of engine sounds, have you seen KSR’s latest 8-into-1 LS Lexus videos? That thing sounds awesome!
as someone who owned an 03 LTZ TB for 12 years: check the frame for rust, check tranny, check transfer case, check rack seals, check all suspension parts, and check for electrical issues especially the dash cluster
I had to rebuild this engine while still on the engine bay to the best of my ability with no prior knowledge of engines and just a bunch of youtube videos for reference and can confirm it was a pain. Surprisingly there's a whole lot of videos on this engine, which helped a ton. This is a shameless plug, i documented the rebuild and uploaded it as a 10 part series on my youtube channel, but it's not a "how to" just a documentation of the rebuild. However i wish i was smart enough to turbo charge this engine like what you and J are doing, been following both of yall for a while. I actually referenced one of your videos on how to remove the cylinder heads where you were removing them from a junk yard, those head bolts aint no joke, but luckily with the help of another video i removed them without breaking none of them. Anyway, stoked to know your building a i6 TB, looking forward on following your build as well! my guess for the noise, something up in the cylinder head, cam/roller/valve spring issue?
excited about this build....owner of 2 trailblazer now. Current Is a 2008 Trailblazer LT exact same options except I don't have the dvd player. I can't wait to see what a find as the knocking source.
Answer for closing question- I'd go compound charged (turbo feeding s/c), with the blower mounted to a set of itbs, running flex fuel, so built bottom end as well, no clue what ecu probably a haltech nexus, *_built_* stock rear end, built stock trans (those had a 4L60 right?) Alternatively a built TH400 I know it's crazy, and maybe I'm stretching things a bit, but it's my honest opinion, given what you've accomished thus far, that if you truly wanted to do what I've propsed, or something equally crazy in scope, that you could and by all means *_would_* pull it off. You've come this far, and frankly nothing ya'll do would surprise me i dont think. Which in this case, is a great thing! Regardless, I can't wait to see what you *_do_* end up doing with the new toy 😁
I’ve had a 2003 bravada 2007 envoy Denali and a 2006 trailblazer and the atlas straight six (the four and five as well) may be one of the greatest engines ever made
as a former owner of a trailblazer ext i found out it was the cam shaft, bent when it overheated when the water pump gave out on me, might’ve been a different thing but my best guess was the cam.
There was a guy down in Fayetteville NC 15 years ago who ran one of these stuffed full of nitrous, with not much else done to it It was a rocketship sleeper.
I’m excited to see this build! Also I have a 06 Isuzu Acsender. And I would like to learn how to gain better throttle response and performance. Anyways, I’ll be looking forward towards the next video, take care! 👍
I’ve been trying to buy a trail blazer ss in my town for the last two years, dude wouldn’t give it up but I think he sold it recently or is getting it fixed up finally cuz I don’t see it anymore around town the awd was a tight fit but amazing handling
As mentioned by others, I would get the 8.6 from a 5.3 Trailblazer and start from there. Maybe a 4L80 swap? You have so many racecars it's hard to recommend going too wild when it would be a wicked fun daily...
Way more room than the V8 versions and a lot easier to work on as well. Maybe you can help Artec redesign the turbo manifold a little so that you can keep the A/C a well. Hard to tell from the video but Crack manifold is my guess
@@Calvin-Nelsonwho is your best character? Do you have slippi set up? Also, im building a 92 miata, 08 rabbit, and a 94 volvo wagon. You are a huge inspiration. My heart broke for your studebaker. Love your vids.
I hope you can do before and after dyno testing especially if you tune it before other mods. Looking forward to this build as I have a 2008 that is weak at towing with 3.42 gears and wide spaced transmission gears.
The noise sounds like the valvetrain. I like the trailblazer and based on your channel have considered one. But for me I would just be happy with a good reliable street sleeper. Keep the air conditioning. I like poly buckets so that could get some weight out. Aside from getting the sound deading out, it is just a heavy vehicle. I think if you want to go faster, putting this engine in a different car makes the most sense, but yea, you did that already. That reminds me. What's going on with the Skyhawk/H-body?
Having rebuilt quite a few 5cyl motors... My best guess for your noises are most likely collapsed lifter or seized rocker and probably not anything bottom end, especially with oil pressure still.
Hey man. I've admired your ideas since the Studebaker. I like a 6/inline. Split the manifolds and it sounds more stable than a V6 . "@14". Yes. Old. I put a.cast-aluminum hair dryer, as a induction -force to raise a 3.5hp competing with a Brigg's and Stratton/5hp. I hung after farting and spitting back. /While doing so.
Normally I’m on board with your ideas this one I don’t get but I’m gonna watch anyway 😂 the wagon and the Camaro on the other hand are awesome especially the Camaro please keep us posted on them I feel like there’s a lot left for both of them and can’t wait to see what is next
Had an 07 trailblazer ext, it was a great vehicle for what it was, although at 180k the 4L60 took a dump.. 1st thing i would do is get a built 4L60 or the stuff to do it yourself.
Buying first 4200 motor this week! I'll be installing in my 1972 fj40. Wanting to do something different then install the typical ls motors that everyone does.
4200 swap was common on jeeps in my country. Great engine choice due to the torque and smooth power band and trust me you’ll see way better gas mileage than that 2f Toyota
Pumped to watch this build. I just hope I can get an Atlas powered vehicle before you cause them to skyrocket in price... Hope to build one to around 600 hp someday. Just don't want to have to worry about the bottom end and curious what you'll do about the trans. My example will probably be AWD and I'm guessing you'll go RWD, so probably won't be able to follow your lead on the trans.
Hell yeah, bro... we just got a 08 lt about 3 weeks ago , and I want to make it a lil something something for the streets , I follow you and j already so that's a plus , and now u gonna do the tb chassis , mad respect brotha.. peace and love all, keep it rad, stay safe, and build on..l8r famz and keep having fun .. ps can't weigh to see what you have in mind for this build, ps my guess and hopes is a exhaust leak but that kinda sounded like internal, i almost wanna say top end , but idk what , maybe a collapsed lifter 😅.. thats my guess , cant weight to see what it is and hopefully its manifold , being your swapping it anyways cough cough 😉. . L8r bro
Its hard to tell from the short clip but the engine noise could be the a/c clutch bearing. They sound gnarly when they go out. I've bought a couple cheap gmt 360's with a "bad motor" that just needed an a/c bypass belt to drive home. The rear end in that is an 8.0 inch ring gear. The Ext, Envoy Xl, or any with a v8 had an 8.6. TBSS and Aero had a 9.5. The rear brakes are all the same size. The fronts are an easy upgrade. Same caliper. Just need the larger brackets and rotors.
I got an 06 trailblazer ls 5 months ago already added some aftermarket mods after I replaced a whole bunch of parts due to a lack maintenance but after that she’s running like a charm can’t wait too see what u got in stored so I can take notes n add more too my build
Looking forward to this project and the direction y’all take with this build because I know it’s not going to be a cookie cutter type build!! Is that a green Plymouth laser in the background?
Sounds like a bad Muffler bearing LOL no matter what I love the 4200 platform you guys have done great things with that engine I call it the poor man's 2JZ
Yo this is awesome, my first car was a 2007 trailblazer and it currently sits in the driveway. It’s makes the same noise as yours so I look forward to seeing how you go about fixing a building the car and hope to be able to fallow in your foot steps a little. I’m in Texas and the insane amount of trailblazers is crazy both on the road and on the market. Finding your channel made me so excited about the power train in my car and I found j-whit cause of his trailblazer videos and I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
We had an 05 Trailblazer extended and it was the perfect rig other than the engine, exhaust manifold, the electronics, and all the other typical gm junk of those years and it got to a point where we just had to punt it. Still miss it tho but not the problems.
I'm building that very engine for that same sound right now hahaha, $2500 in for a new crank, bearings, pistons and re-main kit, did a hone, installed pistons and I'm working on the head right now...
After watching i think you have a good opportunity with this one to due a demo drawing up some brackets and send cut sending an adjustable rear. Also i think the ecu stuff might be a good exercise for viewers to understand after hours of stock ecu nonsense a different choice (which im excited to learn from you) is not only better but cost effective if you value your time.
I was with GM when these came out and got the first one in the area that dropped the cylinder liner and sheared the rings off. They had a run of those at the start of production from one plant. No one else had yanked an engine out them yet. It wasn't bad to do but yeah, those brackets and hidden bolts sucked.
I also have been thinking about a trail's Blazer versus Tahoe build and I was thinking long and hard about replacing the glass with aluminum sheet hollowing out the rear doors removing the back seats and then maybe pulling the body off the frame and getting serious....
I live in upper NY if you are ever looking for a good mechanic friend for some help if you are stranded or have car trouble! In the process of building a 750-800HP billet main cap balanced 5.7L GMC C-2500 with a 5sp and its going to be on air with 4-links. Using a piggy back on the original ECU to flash a reflashable chip. Harmonic balancer, the rubber is bad and weight is rattling around. Cut that Onstar junk out so you have piece of mind! Get the hole saw out and start cutting plugs of weight wherever you can!
You think an NV4500 can take 750-800hp, I'm a bit skeptical. What power adder are you using? You expecting a factory Vortec block with billet main caps to handle that much power? Are you filling it? What heads?
i have a buddy with i don't know a 2005 saturn ion? the onstar doesn't work anymore, but he tastefully modified the car. now when he presses the button it does a wild bass drop
Dude amazing let’s go. I have a 2008 LT also a north east truck but is in amazing shape. Was the family suv but now my work/ overland truck. Looking forward to this!
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
As an owner of an 11 second AWD Procharged TBSS (5300lb race weight) I wish you well in this endeavour. God speed, - I'll be watching with my fingers and toes crossed.
Dude that's bad azz
Super stoked. Awesome find, and I am excited to have some friendly competition in the future!
Friendly....Bwahahaha....you funny!
@@andrewnelson3733 haha
O hell yeah .. time for yal to blaze a new trail 😅
This is that good kind of competition that everyone benefits from.
My dad had two of these for work trucks. Early and late model. They were outstanding work trucks and they got BEAT on offroad for a huge portion of their lives. Lots of miles in a few years and rough miles, too. Those were the trucks that made me love the Atlas 4200. So smooth and great torque.
As a full time mechanic I died laughing when the sad music started on the tb engine bay shot lol....
My parents had an 02 Envoy with the 4200 in it for years. It was a hand me down from my grandparents, then I learned to drive in it. We called it Old Faithful. It was a great car. They finally sent it to the scrapyard at the beginning of this year and it had over 300,000 miles on it
I bought a 2002 Trailblazer about 8 years ago because I saw it for sale and thought "wow thats a good looking vehicle" It now has close to 200k miles on it, still looks almost new and runs great. I don't know why anyone would hate on a Trailblazer.
Because they are lemons. I bought one and loved the way it drove, but it was broken down more than it was driving.
I still have my 2004. I just swapped out the 287K motor for a 40K and did a stage 2 rebuild on the transmission. Now I'm interested in improving the air intake and exhaust setups.
@@greenmachine5487 Interesting. I can honestly say that I have not had a single problem with mine yet other than having to use a battery tender to keep the battery from draining if I don't drive it for a few days.
I think they're uglier than hell. But both the 4200 and the 6.0ls that came in the ss are great motors
My 2005 rolled over 300,000 , i use it to pull my tractor and bushog on a 20’ trailer back and forth between texas and lousiana. I paid 450$ for it about 10 years ago. It has been an absolute unit. Just swapped out the factory water pump. Rebuilt the transmission 50,000 miles ago. Front end roughly 20,000 miles ago. Two cheap fuel pumps, and a thermostat. All in all i have been impressed. I hated it when my wife first got it. After i got her in something nicer and i started using it, it earned my respect. I actually love it now.
I have been wanting this chassis for some time, but not in the bowtie flavor but rather the much more rare SAAB 9-7 one. It was never sold here in Europe so it would be something fun to tinker with. Around 450-550whp is my goal if I ever decide to get one.
God bless and lots of love from Norway.
@rekleif / greetings from Indiana
I was lucky enough to be able to purchase a 2006 Saab 9-7x 4.2i several weeks ago with 132,000 miles and I am going to do everything I can to keep it out of the path of rust. I find them easy to tinker with
There's euro 9-7x owners around, they're just uncommon out there, join the group and ask around honestly
A loose or cracked flex plate is my guess based on the oil pressure.You should consider publishing a book on swapping and modifying the Vortec 4200.A build bible
Yeah. That's what the wiki is for.
Sooooo glad you asked for what we would do! I have a '08 LT without the rear a/c, cd changer, leather and power seats (drivers only). The only mods I have made are sport shocks and a 3" drop. If I was not already building 2 other cars I would...... drop the body another 3" over the frame and unitize it. While I was under there I would switch to a 6speed auto and a Corvette posi rear IFS. Topside I would replace the entire front wrap with carbon fiber pieces (even if it meant changing to another year to get the pieces), replace all the green house glass with polycarbonate and go looking for weight savings EVERYWHERE. A full set of alloy 6/2 calipers and forged 17" wheels would also shed a few pounds. Egine mods to about 400 crank would suit me fine. As you may have guessed I am of more of a canyon carver mindset. But at 72, I'm still building and sill dreaming! BTW, still hoping your Stude will surface somewhere!
Very cool!
Absolutely stoked for this! I just picked up a TB from a coworker for $500. 190k no dash lights. Just did valve cover, plugs and coils. Excited to dig in deeper!
I've got an '08 Trailblazer LT. I'm very excited for this series and I'll absolutely be taking notes
Same vehicle here which has this same knocking noise...currently building a donner engine now to replaced the knocker currently in it.
Me too, no knocks @ 172xxx miles yet, thankfully
Damn that things loaded for a trailblazer. I’d have my NES hooked up playing contra, rc pro am, double dragon,tmnt acade,Mike Tyson punch out. You know the classics.
Hi Nick, thanks for the videos. I have a 2005 trailblazer that has 218,000 miles, we enjoy. I have your noise exactly. It has just started. I’ve checked flex plate etc. in back end,exhaust manifold,top end and now have dropped the pan. It sounds like number 6, the bearings look good. I also scoped the top of pistons nothing looks out of place.Take belt off accessories and noise persists. 😂There’s only 2 things left,piston slap or wrist pin. I should have pulled the motor! 😅My guess is the wrist pin. I think i’ll upgrade to a 2007. Thanks for all your info.
Welcome to the family Calvin. I've had my 06Trailblazer since 2016. It's been a solid truck, with 185k on the clock. Now you're going to make me want to put a turbo on it. LoL
Get a rear axle out of a TBSS OR an LS2 SSR. Bolts in, and it's a C-clip 14--bolt. Indestructible.
Because of your videos, I just bought a 2008 LT with only 64k miles 😁. I’m definitely going to be following this journey.
The gamecube! Somehow not surprised you went straight for the home run contest, as yoshi, and hit the dair combos. It all make sense lol!
Scranton mechanic here. Would love one of these but they never sell cheap unless the frame is bending off at the rear shock mounts.😂 Had a customer with a 3rd row 5.3 and he always asked that the frame be checked with a hammer. I would love a 2wd 5.3 4l80 sleeper for a family/tow/daily
Ship one off S.Florida.
These are cheap and plenty around here and NOT RUSTED to the ground.
Plenty to choose.
Apparently shunned SEVERELY for being as thirsty as a V-8 Tahoe with none of it's panache 🙄🤦♂.
Edit: Never knew the 5.3 V-8 was optional starting in 2003, although apparently only on EXT models, according to Google.
Just to note, the 5.3 Denali,Saab 9-7x, and trailblazer ext have stronger rear end than that(and bigger brakes), the trailblazer SS or Saab 9-7x AERO have the strongest and come with the best gears but are $$$.
Also, just something to think about that aluminum block 5.3 LH6 is essentially a LS4(Impala SS) that runs longitudinally it has great heads 799/intake Tbss style, it has dod that would need deleted but nice spare engine or way to recoup $$$. While getting the front/rear axle/ diff. An extra trans/transfer case. For next to nothing.
I just sold my Denali a few months ago, it was lowered (i don’t recommend bell-tech) unless you replace the upper control arms to correct the front end alignment. Mine was 4x4 and I had similar plans.
The Saab 9-7x you get the best looking wheels of the bunch, although the ones you have are way better than the gmc options.
Thanks for the videos, look forward to see how it turns out.
Outstanding! I have a 2006 we bought new in Virginia. It has 175,000 and has been maintained consistently. I grew up 3 miles from where mine was built. I have an attachment to the vehicle and I am going to be watching with interest. I think the noise is a stuck lifter.
I've never seen a trailblazer with heated AND air conditioned seats! Nice!
I kinda feel like you didn't even realize the cooled part of the seats..
just heated. no perferations in the seats...
I have a 2007 5.3L short wheel base Trailblazer LT. Bought it in 2016 @ 117k - Currently 254K on it. It's been a SOLID truck for me. General maintenance is really all I've done. Ive patched a few small spots on the frame, but that will probably be never ending battle. Looking for a new one with a solid frame is proving to be hard here in SE PA.
Dont forget to loop the CAN network wires on the stock harness once you go stand alone 🤙
Grab a v8 rear axle and front brakes. Same as sstb.
H3 hummer rear axle shafts might work(full size truck bolt pattern). Dont know about front bolt pattern conversion without re-drill. Doesn't really matter but opens up wheel options.
Go all out street sleeper, gut it. Remove all 4wd components.(if its 4x4)
Twin turbo setup would be crazy to see and a lot of work.
4l80e swap. Endless possibility
I recently pruchased a 06 trailblazer ext lt 5.3 4x4. Cant wait to see what you come up with.
Calvin, super excited to see this project come together. I'm swapping a trailblazer chassis under a 67 f100 and not sure how to integrate a stand alone ecu. Hoping you cover that part well 🤞
what a world. i decided to take the plunge and swap a 4200 into my kustom 92 k1500 blazer street truck largely because of you and this channel. and i literally went and picked up my trailblazer donor and a ar5 two days ago and this poped in my feed as im looking up the low power problem these things have cus i got mine for $800 with that issue. its complete circumstance but ill take it as a good sign
Love the Trailblazer, it was our first family car when we had our first kid. We had the EXT with the 5.3 and 3rd row, this took me back seeing the interior. Love the channel, can’t wait to see what you do with this one!!
I did an engine swap in a Colorado, that was enough for me to not want to work on a trailblazer.. and I own Subaru's! Good luck to you my friend!
Flywheel bolt is usually alot more of a tink tink tink sound. That's a deeper thump so ROD KNOCK!!!!
The Trailblazer/Envoy platform is one of my favorites and they aren't that terrible to work on besides the engine compartment!
I'm super jealous of you ngl, got a hella nice TrailBlazer in the works, and a super nice looking Eagle Talon in the back!
Had an 2004 and put 185k hard miles . Only sensors and fan clutch. Loved it ! No on an 07 SS awd love it!
Id guess its a timing chain Slack adjuster . and now im stoked to see this come together .
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve clicked on your videos purely out of interest not realizing it’s you😂 you’re definitely one of my favorite car UA-camrs
Wow, thank you!
I know what you mean about lifting the hood and just thinking ugghh! I've watched J Whit's vids and now I get a new perspective as you tear into yours. Maybe I can take a bit of both and tackle my Envoy.
Looking at this grown-up man's smile when he launches gamecube games on a car's integrated multimedia system makes me smile too :)
Any day Calvin uploads a new video is a good day!
Calvin, talking of engine sounds, have you seen KSR’s latest 8-into-1 LS Lexus videos? That thing sounds awesome!
I haven't had a chance to watch it yet.
Love to see it, absolutely excited to see base trailblazers starting to make a name for themselves ❤😎
I daily an 05 envoy xl 4.2 and love it 230k its been unbelievably reliable i even pulled a 350z 6h home with it
as someone who owned an 03 LTZ TB for 12 years: check the frame for rust, check tranny, check transfer case, check rack seals, check all suspension parts, and check for electrical issues especially the dash cluster
U AINT LYING! what was your issue with your instrument cluster
@@NextLevel1978 lost power intermittently while driving
I had to rebuild this engine while still on the engine bay to the best of my ability with no prior knowledge of engines and just a bunch of youtube videos for reference and can confirm it was a pain. Surprisingly there's a whole lot of videos on this engine, which helped a ton. This is a shameless plug, i documented the rebuild and uploaded it as a 10 part series on my youtube channel, but it's not a "how to" just a documentation of the rebuild. However i wish i was smart enough to turbo charge this engine like what you and J are doing, been following both of yall for a while. I actually referenced one of your videos on how to remove the cylinder heads where you were removing them from a junk yard, those head bolts aint no joke, but luckily with the help of another video i removed them without breaking none of them. Anyway, stoked to know your building a i6 TB, looking forward on following your build as well! my guess for the noise, something up in the cylinder head, cam/roller/valve spring issue?
This and channel and J-Whit are the Ultimate Sleeper Channel😁
excited about this build....owner of 2 trailblazer now. Current Is a 2008 Trailblazer LT exact same options except I don't have the dvd player. I can't wait to see what a find as the knocking source.
Answer for closing question-
I'd go compound charged (turbo feeding s/c), with the blower mounted to a set of itbs, running flex fuel, so built bottom end as well, no clue what ecu probably a haltech nexus, *_built_* stock rear end, built stock trans (those had a 4L60 right?) Alternatively a built TH400
I know it's crazy, and maybe I'm stretching things a bit, but it's my honest opinion, given what you've accomished thus far, that if you truly wanted to do what I've propsed, or something equally crazy in scope, that you could and by all means *_would_* pull it off. You've come this far, and frankly nothing ya'll do would surprise me i dont think. Which in this case, is a great thing!
Regardless, I can't wait to see what you *_do_* end up doing with the new toy 😁
I’ve had a 2003 bravada 2007 envoy Denali and a 2006 trailblazer and the atlas straight six (the four and five as well) may be one of the greatest engines ever made
I have a TBSS I pulled the LS2 motor and put a 408 with a LSA supercharger and it was a fun challenging time
Nice project. I’m down south and these things are dirt cheap, generally solid and plentiful here.
Damn, you got a decent rearend. I was pretty sure my tag is 3.42:1. 60mph is about 16-1700rpm
The front intake bolts a pain but it can be reached without loosening he alternator or anything. The rear one is super easy to get for me.
as a former owner of a trailblazer ext i found out it was the cam shaft, bent when it overheated when the water pump gave out on me, might’ve been a different thing but my best guess was the cam.
There was a guy down in Fayetteville NC 15 years ago who ran one of these stuffed full of nitrous, with not much else done to it
It was a rocketship sleeper.
First thing to enhance sleeper mode: baby seat in the back.
I hope you leave it as close to bone stock looking outside as possible. Even widen factory wheels if needs be. Quiet exhaust. Total sleeper
I’m excited to see this build! Also I have a 06 Isuzu Acsender. And I would like to learn how to gain better throttle response and performance.
Anyways, I’ll be looking forward towards the next video, take care! 👍
I’ve been trying to buy a trail blazer ss in my town for the last two years, dude wouldn’t give it up but I think he sold it recently or is getting it fixed up finally cuz I don’t see it anymore around town the awd was a tight fit but amazing handling
Calvin is going really old school with the trailblazer. Carburetor.
Maybe. Who knows.
@@Calvin-Nelsonthat would be sweet actually
@@Calvin-Nelson ha
DIY autotune..
As mentioned by others, I would get the 8.6 from a 5.3 Trailblazer and start from there. Maybe a 4L80 swap? You have so many racecars it's hard to recommend going too wild when it would be a wicked fun daily...
Way more room than the V8 versions and a lot easier to work on as well. Maybe you can help Artec redesign the turbo manifold a little so that you can keep the A/C a well. Hard to tell from the video but Crack manifold is my guess
You have got to get that Melee setup working in there. Best feature of the car! Oh no he plays Yoshi! lol
I only play Yoshi when I'm doing the home run contest. Lol
@@Calvin-Nelsonwho is your best character? Do you have slippi set up? Also, im building a 92 miata, 08 rabbit, and a 94 volvo wagon. You are a huge inspiration. My heart broke for your studebaker. Love your vids.
I hope you can do before and after dyno testing especially if you tune it before other mods. Looking forward to this build as I have a 2008 that is weak at towing with 3.42 gears and wide spaced transmission gears.
Rodney rod knock says hello!
That sticker on the mirror told me all I needed to know. Previous owner invited Rodney to the party
The noise sounds like the valvetrain. I like the trailblazer and based on your channel have considered one. But for me I would just be happy with a good reliable street sleeper. Keep the air conditioning. I like poly buckets so that could get some weight out. Aside from getting the sound deading out, it is just a heavy vehicle. I think if you want to go faster, putting this engine in a different car makes the most sense, but yea, you did that already. That reminds me. What's going on with the Skyhawk/H-body?
An lt or ltz hell yeah! That's in great shape. I have an 08 and really like it a lot. I absolutely love the chassis other than working on it!
Having rebuilt quite a few 5cyl motors... My best guess for your noises are most likely collapsed lifter or seized rocker and probably not anything bottom end, especially with oil pressure still.
Based on the sound, I’m guessing something valvetrain related, top of the motor- although I’m a pushrod guy and am probably completely wrong
I have owned almost every GMT360 variant except the TB. I have a Saab 9-7x 5.3i and we just bought an Isuzu Ascender for my son's first car.
describing how to take off the intake was like poetry
Hey man. I've admired your ideas since the Studebaker. I like a 6/inline. Split the manifolds and it sounds more stable than a V6 . "@14". Yes. Old. I put a.cast-aluminum hair dryer, as a induction -force to raise a 3.5hp competing with a Brigg's and Stratton/5hp. I hung after farting and spitting back. /While doing so.
Normally I’m on board with your ideas this one I don’t get but I’m gonna watch anyway 😂 the wagon and the Camaro on the other hand are awesome especially the Camaro please keep us posted on them I feel like there’s a lot left for both of them and can’t wait to see what is next
Will do
@@Calvin-Nelson if I thought I could afford it I’d be trying to talk y’all out of the Camaro if I hit the lottery you will be the first to know 🤣🤣
Had an 07 trailblazer ext, it was a great vehicle for what it was, although at 180k the 4L60 took a dump.. 1st thing i would do is get a built 4L60 or the stuff to do it yourself.
I miss my 2004 trailblazer, 185,000 miles with no issues, I wish I could find another one that clean
Buying first 4200 motor this week! I'll be installing in my 1972 fj40. Wanting to do something different then install the typical ls motors that everyone does.
4200 swap was common on jeeps in my country. Great engine choice due to the torque and smooth power band and trust me you’ll see way better gas mileage than that 2f Toyota
At least you can use a trailblazer ss rear axle. I believe it’s a 14 bolt semi floating axle which means is a 9.5 inch ring gear.
I think they're just 8.6 10 bolts.
@@Calvin-Nelson they are 9.5 ring gear 14 bolt with 33 spline axles.
Only for the trailblazer SS with the 6.0
@@Calvin-Nelson also 9-7x aero models
Pumped to watch this build. I just hope I can get an Atlas powered vehicle before you cause them to skyrocket in price...
Hope to build one to around 600 hp someday. Just don't want to have to worry about the bottom end and curious what you'll do about the trans. My example will probably be AWD and I'm guessing you'll go RWD, so probably won't be able to follow your lead on the trans.
Hell yeah, bro... we just got a 08 lt about 3 weeks ago , and I want to make it a lil something something for the streets , I follow you and j already so that's a plus , and now u gonna do the tb chassis , mad respect brotha.. peace and love all, keep it rad, stay safe, and build on..l8r famz and keep having fun .. ps can't weigh to see what you have in mind for this build, ps my guess and hopes is a exhaust leak but that kinda sounded like internal, i almost wanna say top end , but idk what , maybe a collapsed lifter 😅.. thats my guess , cant weight to see what it is and hopefully its manifold , being your swapping it anyways cough cough 😉. . L8r bro
Its hard to tell from the short clip but the engine noise could be the a/c clutch bearing. They sound gnarly when they go out. I've bought a couple cheap gmt 360's with a "bad motor" that just needed an a/c bypass belt to drive home.
The rear end in that is an 8.0 inch ring gear. The Ext, Envoy Xl, or any with a v8 had an 8.6. TBSS and Aero had a 9.5. The rear brakes are all the same size. The fronts are an easy upgrade. Same caliper. Just need the larger brackets and rotors.
I love sleepers and everything I know about inline 6, vvt and having fun with cars again I can thank you for.
I got an 06 trailblazer ls 5 months ago already added some aftermarket mods after I replaced a whole bunch of parts due to a lack maintenance but after that she’s running like a charm can’t wait too see what u got in stored so I can take notes n add more too my build
Looking forward to this project and the direction y’all take with this build because I know it’s not going to be a cookie cutter type build!! Is that a green Plymouth laser in the background?
Sounds like a bad Muffler bearing LOL no matter what I love the 4200 platform you guys have done great things with that engine I call it the poor man's 2JZ
Yo this is awesome, my first car was a 2007 trailblazer and it currently sits in the driveway. It’s makes the same noise as yours so I look forward to seeing how you go about fixing a building the car and hope to be able to fallow in your foot steps a little. I’m in Texas and the insane amount of trailblazers is crazy both on the road and on the market. Finding your channel made me so excited about the power train in my car and I found j-whit cause of his trailblazer videos and I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
We had an 05 Trailblazer extended and it was the perfect rig other than the engine, exhaust manifold, the electronics, and all the other typical gm junk of those years and it got to a point where we just had to punt it. Still miss it tho but not the problems.
I'm building that very engine for that same sound right now hahaha, $2500 in for a new crank, bearings, pistons and re-main kit, did a hone, installed pistons and I'm working on the head right now...
I cant wait to watch this build. Im mad I sold my old one now.!
Is the sound lifters?
I am so excited for this, been waiting to see you do this and get some ideas
Excited to see what you do with it, I've picked up a 97x and am saving for the turbo parts. So it'll be great to see the challenges you come across
Cool, this should be good. Can't wait!
After watching i think you have a good opportunity with this one to due a demo drawing up some brackets and send cut sending an adjustable rear. Also i think the ecu stuff might be a good exercise for viewers to understand after hours of stock ecu nonsense a different choice (which im excited to learn from you) is not only better but cost effective if you value your time.
It has 244000 miles, i believe either cylinder 3 or 4 has a spun bearing. Although piston slap would not surprise me
Can you go over some of the tuning with this build? Thinking about doing the same thing!
I was with GM when these came out and got the first one in the area that dropped the cylinder liner and sheared the rings off. They had a run of those at the start of production from one plant. No one else had yanked an engine out them yet. It wasn't bad to do but yeah, those brackets and hidden bolts sucked.
Since it has good oil pressure, you say it's probably a cracked flexplate
Really did bust out the game cube! I haven't seen one of those since high school (late 90s) that's amazing you still have one that works!
I also have been thinking about a trail's Blazer versus Tahoe build and I was thinking long and hard about replacing the glass with aluminum sheet hollowing out the rear doors removing the back seats and then maybe pulling the body off the frame and getting serious....
Oh and replacing the tailgate with a custom fiberglass molded one.
I live in upper NY if you are ever looking for a good mechanic friend for some help if you are stranded or have car trouble! In the process of building a 750-800HP billet main cap balanced 5.7L GMC C-2500 with a 5sp and its going to be on air with 4-links. Using a piggy back on the original ECU to flash a reflashable chip. Harmonic balancer, the rubber is bad and weight is rattling around. Cut that Onstar junk out so you have piece of mind! Get the hole saw out and start cutting plugs of weight wherever you can!
You think an NV4500 can take 750-800hp, I'm a bit skeptical. What power adder are you using? You expecting a factory Vortec block with billet main caps to handle that much power? Are you filling it? What heads?
i have a buddy with i don't know a 2005 saturn ion? the onstar doesn't work anymore, but he tastefully modified the car. now when he presses the button it does a wild bass drop
Lol , best use for that button 🤣
I think that's a bold move to take on such a project that has such a difficult working area up under the hood of that truck / SUV.
Cal nice to see a bit of ozzie tech on your engine😁would still look good with a barra in it though😂cheers from down under
Dude amazing let’s go. I have a 2008 LT also a north east truck but is in amazing shape. Was the family suv but now my work/ overland truck. Looking forward to this!