The American 2JZ? Big Turbo Chevy Trailblazer ATLAS Motor Review!

The Chevy Trailblazer had a "cool" version called the Chevy Trailblazer SS. LS powered, fun, and fairly quick. However the unsung hero of American engines is actually in the more basic trim level - the 4.2L Atlas inline six engine. Nicknamed the "ameri-barra" the engine is more than capable than over 500 horsepower when a big turbo is slapped on. Jonathan built this car for three months on and off - and the result is honestly shocking for such a short time frame. So let's talk about it.
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[@ThatDudeinBlue]

When you go to walmart to buy a Barra engine...

[@1999evo]

Ah yes the Barra one of the most common engines ever made in American super easy to get your hands on ! Also insanely cheap!! Oh wait!!!!

[@J-Whit]

@@1999evo thats the beauty of the atlas 4200. i can walk into my local junk yard right now and see 2 of them on the ground because they were pulled for the transmissions lol

[@ricosuave3497]

Great Value brand TB SS

[@POVwithRC]

​@@1999evoDidn't get the joke, sport?

[@Originalusername.]

There's a youtber that goes by nivlac57 that specializes in the gm atlas engine platform.

[@_.incredible_magnum._291]

oh no. trailblazer prices are about to sky rocket

[@Jeremy_Hill_2020]

Imagine a regular Trailblazer costing way more than the SS model lol

[@_.incredible_magnum._291]

@@Jeremy_Hill_2020 it's gonna happen. Them "I know what I got" people gonna spike up the price the same way they did with the crown vic

[@PhilipJ23]

No more good first cars for high schoolers lol

[@Jsmith9619]

Cost of everything is ridiculous anymore. Remember when voting

[@_.incredible_magnum._291]

@@PhilipJ23 there still are some good gems

[@thomasjrinnus9935]

Cool fact, back when this was new, Chevy did a working concept Trailblazer SS that had one of these with twins on it making 400ish hp.

[@J-Whit]

yes sir! not many folks know this!

[@3xeplodng_3agle_studios]

I forget which league/series/group but there was also use of them in off road racing, they had them bored/stroked up to 5.0L

[@Wunna_V]

Yup only reason they scrapped the idea was cooling issues.

[@matthewadkins9810]

Would have been a legend if they actually made it! Imagine if Chevy and Ford had the balls and QC of Honda and Toyota.

[@Wunna_V]

@@matthewadkins9810 fr I feel like GM especially sandbagged on a lot of cooler cars to keep them in the right market. Like the ls4 Impala ss and the Silverado ss both had stupid cheap set backs that could have made them so much more attractive now. Like honestly.. how much harder would it have been to make the Impala RWD. Which also woulda solved the trans issue.

[@J-Whit]

Idk why it deleted my comment but thanks again dude! Great time as always! Thanks to Nivlac57 for helping make it possible! Look forward to the 4200 swapped s14 content down the road!

[@NickNackPattysWack]

4200 swapped s14 is gonna go crazy! Also side note this engine desperately needs a cooler name so people can understand what it is.

[@car-nivores]

People are always sleeping on GM eco motors! I just bought a 97x AERO, after seeing this, I have an excuse to get another Saab with the 4200!

[@NickNackPattysWack]

​@car-nivores Agreed, the ecotec engines all have a lot of potential but I feel that they get over shadowed by other more developed platforms. I hope more people start to see the potential and more aftermarket starts making parts for them.

[@car-nivores]

@@NickNackPattysWack zzp ftw

[@johnnygeorgopoulos4072]

@J-Whit if you didn't know, Nivlac had his newly LT4 supercharged Stude, truck, trailer, laptop, and all cameras and recording gear stolen from him, dude's in a rough spot but just released a video of him putting the 4.2 Vortec into a Camaro SS, so he's trying to get going again, but still that's a huge hit

[@EstorilE36M345]

Let’s help Nivlac57 get his Studebaker back!!

[@ZackNakazora1]

Agree!

[@TheRealCCSmith]

Hell yeah 👍

[@redlight3932]

that needs more attention

[@assaultlick2169]

Seems like such a good dude. Feel so bad for him. Thrives suck

[@blkflgbx2120]

This!

[@NickNackPattysWack]

Definitely need to contact Nivlac57 and review his cars to properly showcase this engine platform!

[@quiksr20]

That guys channel is awesome, been following his American Supra ( camaro ) build. Knows his stuff when it comes to these motors.

[@pnwvibes_]

WE NEED A BUILD SHEET!!! I have an 05' Trailblazer and this video inspired me so much!!

[@Clave7_de_atl]

same jus got my hands on a inline 6 4200 n im trying to find out where to get the turbo and cam kit

[@carlosanderson4479]

America be like, "We have Barras at home." The Barras at home:

[@jerodwolford2743]

I mean....you got this, the amc/jeep 4.0l (doesn't make power for shit but you aren't gonna kill it), the ford 300, and the chrysler 225 slant six. All of them are really good inline 6s.

[@carlosanderson4479]

@@jerodwolford2743 Sounds like the 4.2 might be the most recent of them aside from the Barra that isn't American

[@jerodwolford2743]

@@carlosanderson4479 you may be correct but I know jeep made the 4.0l for a really long time. It actually may have outlasted the atlas

[@megatronn194]

​@jerodwolford2743 Almost. The Jeep 4.0 lasted until 2006, whereas the GM Vortec Atlas 4200 lasted until 2009.

[@carlosanderson4479]

I hate it when America discontinues stuff but usually it's because there isn't any money in it.

[@imagri1]

I cringed for EVERY SINGLE upshift that poor ole 60e just made. That things days are beyond numbered lol

[@lukewalker1051]

second gear was thinking as it slipped badly, should I blow now, or next time?

[@imagri1]

@@lukewalker1051 I think I actually heard 2nd call out to 4th, “hey buddy, whaddaya say we get the fuck outta here?”

[@lsswappedcessna]

Yeah they really don't like taking that kinda power stock. I want to turbo my 5.3 Suburban for shits and giggles (and to add torque) but a trans rebuild or 80e swap would definitely happen first.

[@imagri1]

@@lsswappedcessna love the plane btw…. Guessing it’s the one from the cleetus video?

[@AidanLynch208]

I went through 3-4 transmissions on my stock one, can’t imagine this one’s lifespan

[@BuffBroc]

The most insanely awesome engine sound I've ever heard was from a Kansas City area Chevy Colorado RWD with the 3.7L Atlas inline-5. This was around 2013-2014 and the owner had slammed the truck coilovers from a different vehicle and fitted the engine with 5" horn length ITBs (individual throttle bodies for those not in the know) and he ran 5 individual exhaust pipes the same diameter as the header pipes all the way to the rear with each pipe exiting through the custom rear bumper. I guess you could call them full length equal length headers? He said there wasn't a collector but the exhaust pipes were connected to header pipes via clamps. Sounded like a werewolf howling at the moon. Closest thing to the Porsche Carerra GT or Lexus LFA sound I think you could get without actually coming from those cars. No idea how much power it made but he claimed 75hp and 100 lb-ft over stock. Honestly I wouldn't care if it lost some power because the sound alone would more than make up for that IMO. I'd like to see a similar setup with the Atlas 4.2 to see if it sounds close to a V12 engine.

[@mhigham1]

GM prototyped and tested a twin turbo 4.2 and revved to 7,500. We tested them for years and then suddenly they dumped it. Not shocked these handle boost well. Now that transmission is another story.

[@FiveWaveMedia]

Which platform were they being tested in?

[@Tax_Mny]

The owner probably scared AF everytime you do a pull with that 4l60 (Assuming the owner is in the passenger seat)

[@lsswappedcessna]

fr he should probably pull the transmission and have it bulletproofed.

[@TheRealCCSmith]

SHOUT OUT TO CALVIN 🤟 we love ya man

[@TheMeanmarine13]

This was actually pretty cool to see. Not what I would have expected to see a big turbo in which makes it that much cooler. I'm not sure how it will do on longevity but that would be a fun vehicle to putt around town in.

[@nooneymotorsports]

Stock TBSS was a 14.0@100 suv you could get rear wheel drive or a full time all wheel drive with a LS2

[@xinx-fn8973]

A variant of the LS2 without VVT 😉

[@xironmansdaddyx3653]

I've owned both an 03 LS with the 4.2 and an 07 SS with the LS2. This video tickled my pickle, Dude. 🤣

[@rhecxx6941]

I’m building a tb 4200 Frankenstein with an ar5 gonna be fun

[@ryanduvall1150]

They also have a 5 cylinder atlas. I want to hear one of those next.

[@J-Whit]

we have something in the works...

[@marvinphillips5514]

The Colorados had em

[@3xeplodng_3agle_studios]

​@@marvinphillips5514my buddy had a canyon with the 5cyl. He put a flowmaster on it and my god it sounded horrible at every speed other than idle and WOT near redline

[@marvinphillips5514]

@@3xeplodng_3agle_studios yeah they are horrible, nothing like audi 5cyl or volvo's

[@3xeplodng_3agle_studios]

@@marvinphillips5514 not at all. But I get the impression they'd be pretty cool if turned up a few notches and given a proper exhaust or catback.

[@shept.7736]

The atlas isn't just one inline 6. It's actually a family of engines using the same basic architecture, similar to gms ls or small blocks. Other than the inline 6, there is a 4 cylinder as well as a 5 cylinder, and those can vary in displacement depending on the year. It's a shame they didn't utilize these more outside of the GMT335-345-360 chassis, but thankfully the 360 in particular had 6 different brands selling essentially the same suv. You could also get these with v8s, but the 4200 is the most common.

[@assaultlick2169]

I'd love to see one of the 5 cyl versions built. I5's have such a cool sound

[@fadedjate7230]

​@assaultlick2169 They actually suck, GM didn't build that engine with a balancing shaft. So they are super rough. And the crankshaft always go out on the I5s. That's why hardly nobody messes with them. Wasted potential. The 4 cylinder would be a better option. But they are not as cool as a 5 cylinder.

[@assaultlick2169]

@@fadedjate7230 man, that sucks. Guess they just didn't care if a midsized truck engine was rough. Thanks for the info, though

[@fadedjate7230]

@assaultlick2169 Like maybe sucks is too harsh. It's like they could've made it better but didn't care. If it makes you feel better. The last few years of the first gen Colorado had the 5.3 LS option. If you decide to get the 5 cylinder engine. Check the crankshaft out, and make sure it was taken care of and not beat to death.

[@Freeloves_Whipps]

My favorite version was the Envoy Denali. Same AWD with an all aluminum 5.3 V8

[@Trading-Freedom11]

Every car guy now on marketplace looking at this cars as a project 😂

[@Scott_Buchanan]

I though about doing exactly this, I’d call it the “snailblazer” lol

[@loganyoung8153]

It got “10 best engines award” more than 4 times. That engine is nice as hell tbh lol My buddy and my dad had one. I’ve always wanted an SS

[@K_Swap_The_World_69]

LET'S GOOOOOOOO!!! I Had A Boosted Ameri-Barra It Really Was What's Up! 💯💪🏽💯

[@PANTYEATR1]

I remember like 7 years ago, helping a friend with an ignition coil issue on one of these Trailblazers. Her's was black and 2wd. 3 of the 6 coils were smoked. While fixing it, i couldn't help but to think "whoa, i didn't know these came straight 6! And " i should get one, bore it to 5.0, forge the engine out and turbo it"... Sweet truck💪

[@Lyfe_of_Sylvia]

As a trailblazer owner and driver its a fun vehicle to drive as a daily, being N/A and having a built transmission brings it to life, especially with just a muffler it sounds so good

[@Lyfe_of_Sylvia]

Base model trailblazers are absolutely incredibly good vehicles, from the engine, to the chassis, its an awsome vehicle

[@kingston1547]

I inherited one of these from my grandpa, and I spent weeks learning how to tune it. With heavier injectors, a TB spacer, a gigantic pod filter, and some major ECU mods, I got 300 at the wheels and was able (after a lot of work) to run e85 and push it to 305. Fuel economy stayed really flat at 14 even after tuning. Not amazing but it was super fun! I also had nearly zero exhaust on it, it was a pipe and a muffler. And it's NECESSARY to tune these, I don't know why but you just cannot get easy power on an atlas 6 without either short exhaust, or an expensive high flow system. They really struggle to breathe. Well at least my early model atlas did, I hear the head was way more optimized in later versions. The early ones are also super susceptible to blowby, piston slap, and bad piston rings. Cylinder 4 is blown on mine.

[@Vader96]

Ive been following Jonathan building this truck to what it is and have been very excited to do the same to my trailblazer. Only now that this video is posted am i worried about the price of regular trailblazers now 😂

[@R3AL-AIM]

I've been waiting for this video. Glad you are still covering these vehicles. I looked into the TB builds in high school! Thought that people didn't stop at the SS. Also, they will forever be a dime a dozen in the Midwest... everybody and their grandma had one up here.

[@anthonycress327]

I use to have a GMC envoy with that engine and I loved it I always felt like it was a platform that so much potential with it outside of the ss

[@zagnut48219]

I put my AFR and n2o tank pressure guages in my dash vents when I had my Sunfire 25 years ago. :D So cool. I need to build one.

[@naichestube]

That was cool never new much about that engine but that’s awesome

[@robertburton8055]

I’m sitting here watching this like… damn I already seen this 😂😂 Then I realized this was dude in blue and not the atlas 4200 dude that I follow

[@3xeplodng_3agle_studios]

Nivlac57?

[@j.moneyfilms]

​@@3xeplodng_3agle_studios this trailblazer belongs to J whit, not calvin.

[@3xeplodng_3agle_studios]

@@j.moneyfilms yes I realize. I was asking OP about "the atlas 4200 dude that I follow"

[@robertburton8055]

@@3xeplodng_3agle_studios J_whit though I also follow Calvin as well. J_whit had this video up a month ago

[@3xeplodng_3agle_studios]

@@robertburton8055 ah, okay. I haven't been keeping up with either lately. All I know is Calvin had his Studebaker stolen. Hope he gets it back...

[@mitchreviews5291]

I have an envoy and was waiting for this I need this build

[@kelevra558]

Trailblazers are pretty good cars man. I had one for a few years. I bought it from my dads work for $1800 (lithia Chrysler jeep) he took it in on trade and i was sick of commuting in my badass 2016 mustang gt. It had 240,000 miles. It did blow up at 291,000 miles and it definitely wasnt from neglect. The family who owned it before me took SUPER good care of it and as an automotive fabricator, i took very good care of it as well. It just got a rod knock, literally 10 hours later that rod separated itself from the crankshaft.

[@LexusLFA554]

So what he did is essentially what GMC did with the Syclone, except that one is a V6.

[@J-Whit]

thats why we call it the Typhony!

[@LexusLFA554]

@@J-Whit That is a very fitting nickname :)

[@sinistertangent8177]

The V6 Chevy Trailblazer what's my last vehicle. It was a 2006. It was absolutely my favorite vehicle that I've ever owned. Absolutely bulletproof engine. And I've had cars with smaller engines that got worse gas mileage.

[@Lethal_Venom]

Love Jonathan's builds

[@decadegamers562]

I picked one of these up a few weeks ago, glad I got one before this video came out hahaha

[@YACFEGGMT]

I had a Saab 9-7X 4.2i and I loved it. Literally loved everything about it but how slow it was. Always thought about a turbo especially since it's a Saab and how cool that would be over getting a 5.3i or Aero, but never actually committed to it before getting my 2022 Blazer with a 2.0 turbo. Someday I might literally get another one just to turbo it now especially after this video. 😂

[@tomoday4450]

Got an 04’ Oldsmobile Bravada Same motor I’ve been thinking about turbo for it 👍🏻

[@Duuhvis]

Would love for you to drive my 350 Wheel GR Corolla. Just a little more power really wakes that GR up

[@megatronn194]

I have a 2006 Trailblazer and I love it. I don't tune it as its my daily deiver and tow rig(That Torque😎). However, i love this build and that this owner is showing that the Atlas 4200 won't be counted out.

[@huntermurray384]

Nivlac56 is gone be so happy that this engine is finally getting some love

[@adamoboccitto5595]

Love this video

[@hardtopte72]

My engine in the first clip!!! Can't wait for the review!

[@fabrix234]

''just turboing it'' had me dying

[@josephsamsor1698]

I’ve wondered why this engine wasn’t available in the Silverado pickups instead of the v6. Seems like it would have been a good selling point compared to the competition.

[@callofgamer24]

It would've made the 4.8L LS pointless and it might've even cut into sales of the 5.3. These inline 6s were HEAVILY detuned from the factory and the factory cam profiles are pathetic too. The 4.8/5.3 were much cheaper to manufacture and shared all parts with each other except for the crank, connecting rods and pistons.

[@cbr5504]

God my mom had one of these when I was growing up like 10-12 years ago and I always dreamt of doing exactly this

[@dwhite9299]

I’ve always missed my trailblazer. Might have to grab another one soon.

[@Adam-ub9nu]

They make some decent kits for that trans and it's gonna need one.

[@ethanschocke333]

Been talking to calvin nelson quite a bit, these engines are nuts. Not to mention there is also the I5 and I4 variations of this motor. The bottom end is good for 700whp you can oush further but that is where you find that forged rods will get you much further. But these are stupid reliable and easily swappable engines.

[@2steaksandwiches665]

I loved my 2 trailblazers 5.3 and 4.2 and my 9-7X 5.3. They are no frills and reliable. For the 9-7x, i only spent $1200 in 100,000 in repairs. If I could find a 9-7x Aero with low miles I'd buy it.

[@angeljavier5320]

I always wanted to swap that I6 into some kind of small shell Prob a Miata or something RWD that can handle that engine cause an ex coworker used to rev his trailblazer and that thing gave me goosebumps, amazing sound and it wasn’t even that big 🔥 I’m still thinking that one day I’ll be able to do the swap just for fun.

[@japhethbonnema]

i knew this was inevitable. thankfully i just got one in the fleet

[@mazda_miata_]

I know that 4l60e is painfully screaming and shouting with every pull. But this thing is so rad man. You don’t see many oddball builds like this anymore. I didn’t even know the Trailblazer had a i6, now I’ve seen one with a big turbo strapped to it

[@Yeeyee-yj9hu]

I own one with a 4.2 L Champagne color never would have thought of doing that lol mine has exhaust and wheels that’s it

[@nezabytes]

I've always liked these engines!

[@millerbabbitt5347]

I just got a silver 08 she clean i still have my 04 sitting in the yard still runs great just needs a new frame

[@knpo5260]

I love to get on it and have a ton of fun

[@willbroccolo8389]

Very cool car! i'd love see another Barra swap car.

[@user-cu2qi6fw2z]

The GMT360 has been hot rodded for years. Trailblazers and Saab 9-7x's especially. Crazy 1/4 mile times. Check out more of them.

[@27Zangle]

I had a Saab 97X with this engine, I think the chassis was slightly tuned different because my uncle had a Trailblazer and while they're very much the same the Saab felt a little more tight and snappier. It was a great vehicle and since it was a 'Saab' all the other people who owned Saabs would smile and wave - which are not many left. The engine was buttery smooth, however, when the water pump went out, it was a very difficult job and those pumps are knowning for failing due to their design.

[@Grimm-Gaming]

Love the little JonTron "What!"

[@IzPOV]

Cool build 🤩

[@RedWolfGTR]

there were also 4 and 5 Cylinder versions of this engine. the 5 cylinder was available in the Colorado/GMC Canyon and Hummer H3 and the 4 cylinder I believe was the base engine in the Colorado and Canyon.

[@Hopelessthugg]

Look into performabuilt 4l60 i got one in my camaro. Game changer. Bigger stall too.

[@bryanr.5764]

That car has character for sure

[@totallynotbill1834]

We raising the prices with this one 🗣️🗣️🗣️

[@TsunamiSephi]

I watch you on my smoke breaks at work, and the drone is going through my speakers and rattling my teeth. So I can't imagine what you're going through

[@adamadams6740]

Chevy did some cool stuff with the SS version these years. I really like the TB and the SS Silverado(the Cobalts can be kinda cool also)

[@402car_kid4]

The ameribarra are such good motors I wish there was more aftermarket for these motors.

[@BuckeyeBallistics]

Yes weight is a big part of it being tame along with the 4wd, but so is that super tall gearing...

[@supraman2j83]

cool setup

[@arthurs7882]

Thank you for that 10x10 pixel photo of a trailblazer SS

[@chiefstabahoe]

I had to turb my sub down because I literally couldn't heard you over the drone 🤣

[@Lolbagged]

still need you to come review my tbss man.

[@legacy404]

with prices of 2JZ's/RB26 etc nowadays, this may be the way to go!

[@mugenmaniac1598]

I have the inline 5 but hearing about this Inline 6, I want one

[@Thumper68]

Thanks Nivlac57 for bringing this platform to the mainstream and getting the love it deserves. He’s the one making the big hp!

[@qpasas]

its not a huge surprise man. Here in latino america especificly in brasil the mf's turn the old ass 4.1 liter GM engine and boosted and make like 1000 hp

[@themadscientest]

Watch as this becomes the new engine to swap to for FD, I know the LS is the current one most FD cars use but damn does it just not sound like drifting with all V8's.

[@lagod63]

Imagine they made all the w bodys rwd with 4.2 inline 6s. That would’ve been so dope

[@2003.K]

You'd expect some crazy stuff from the 6.0 trailblazer but from the 4.2? Would've never guessed 😂

[@4BillC]

I used to have a 2005 GMC Canyon that had the 5 cylinder Atlas. I was planning to turbo that but I wanted something more fuel efficient. So I ended up buying an Audi and building that. It makes about 300whp currently, I have another engine just too lazy to put it in. But the car only weighs 3000 lbs. On E85 I still get about 18mpg city and 25 on the highway!

[@tone_bones56]

Love it!

[@travishenderson4663]

This makes me want to boost my trailblazer!!!!

[@jakefo449]

I have an LT. and I want this and an SS

[@ryurc3033]

They seem to withstand stupid abuse. Only thing that steered me towards blazer instead of trail blazer is the front axle passes through the oil pan..... Packaging is tight, and they are kinda a booger to work on in that platform, however, compared to awd jdm platforms, im sure it would seem simpler

[@SALTYDATTO]

Hopefully more buy and mod these so we get bigger aftermarket!

[@klwooten1]

I would love to see a manual transmission behind it. Theory A lt1 350ci t56 the zf t56 transmission has a close input. But yet far away. The atlas inline 5 had a 5 speed. I believe it was the nv3500. Correct me if im wrong. Don't know if the transmission would hold any power north of 400. But I have been wanting tinker around with the amera barra

[@richardliddle6442]

Always wondered about that engine

[@swishasnkush1573]

My buddy Devin would've loved this 😢 RIP🙏 I'm getting Typhoon vibes!!!

[@Thumper68]

Trailblazers are awesome the 4.2 is super slept on! I love mine it’s great to smoke tons of people on the street in a stock trailblazer lmao! I mean 300hp 300ft lbs stock isn’t bad

[@ncp61398]

thanks for bringing the atlas to light. cant wait for these things to soar above 8k with 245k miles

[@ncp61398]

(youre a douche)

[@maxomalo]

True if you can get your hand on the Saab 97x 4.2. and slap a turbo on it 👌 They modified the handling Though you will not have as many aftermarket parts as the LS versions. It's such a cool platform. I have a 97x 5.3 and I'm wondering if I should turbo it to keep it Saab taste just go with a cam and get my 450 horsepower lol

[@mindyabusinesses649]

Years ago I saw a video of someone turbo one of these and it almost sounded like a 2j but I couldn’t find videos of people truly boosting one and always wondered why people don’t look at these more. I’m glad people are starting but sad because a few years ago my pops had an envoy for years and blew the engine on it 😂 now I wish I kept it and boosted it

[@mufnkiller808]

inline 6 big single turbo is one of the best sounds of all time

[@SpazAntics]

I love uniqueness

[@thelifeofjp1996]

We need one of these in a miata now

[@user-iy1dn2zk4f]

Or a Ford Probe