jcoppin
07-31-2008, 09:00 AM
When I started working on this blazer I began with the weakest link that at the time was the tired 350. I replaced the old 350 with a very well built 454 that now has roughly only 3000 miles on it! This awesome engine cranks out nearly 500hp! The engine has a carb shop worked Q-jet mated to a port matched Edlebrock intake manifold. This flows into “049 casting” custom ported heads. Forged pistons, a Crane cam, roller rockers, an MSD ignition system and a fluid damper round out this awesome engine. A custom bent 3” exhaust and dynomax ultra flo fully welded mufflers let your neighbors know you’re coming from blocks away. Because I got carried away with the engine, many parts in the drive train quickly became the weakest link. I have installed a 14 bolt rear axel with a Detroit locker, and 4.10 gears, I have ground down the lip for more ground clearance. The front axle is a Dana 44, and is equipped with cross over steering. The front shocks are custom valved Bilstein’s attached to Ford shock towers. The front leaf springs are longer than stock and have custom shackles. The front axel has been repositioned forward to allow for better approach angles. The rear leafs sit on B.C. Bronco piviots. The suspension flexes well and scores a 1000 on a 20 degree ramp. The transmission is a TH 350 that was malfunctioning after my last trail outing where the rear drive shaft was twisted in half. The transfer case is a NP203. I also have a NP205. I never got around to purchasing the doubler kit to put these together. I also built rock guards that I never installed. This blazer went through one complete body restoration in the late 80’s where a few of the body panels were replaced and the others were just repaired. Since then it has redeveloped rust in the usual locations. The fenders have been trimmed to make room for the new 37” super swamper TSL radials. The interior is very clean and has a 4 point roll bar. This truck just needs a little bit of love that I am no longer able to provide.