Let's Build The ULTIMATE Sleeper - I Finally Bought A Trailblazer

[@23ADeathTech]

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.

[@davidhayes4957]

Dude that's bad azz

[@J-Whit]

Super stoked. Awesome find, and I am excited to have some friendly competition in the future!

[@andrewnelson3733]

Friendly....Bwahahaha....you funny!

[@J-Whit]

@@andrewnelson3733 haha

[@mastercricket7626]

O hell yeah .. time for yal to blaze a new trail 😅

[@JoeyRiz]

This is that good kind of competition that everyone benefits from.

[@jasonbrown2040]

I have the 2004 gmc envoy xlt and love it it has 226k and love it never really hade to put money in it

[@Jared45513]

As a full time mechanic I died laughing when the sad music started on the tb engine bay shot lol....

[@SamFBM]

trackhawk killer !

[@evangoff5511]

Welcome to blazerhood

[@Calvin-Nelson]

This is my third one, but thanks for the welcome.

[@sleepervega71hill28]

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.

[@rhecxx6941]

YESSSS

[@soldatolacrimosa1868]

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.

[@greenmachine5487]

Because they are lemons. I bought one and loved the way it drove, but it was broken down more than it was driving.

[@panissepadilla3539]

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.

[@soldatolacrimosa1868]

@@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.

[@passletters6465]

I think they're uglier than hell. But both the 4200 and the 6.0ls that came in the ss are great motors

[@frederickjeremy]

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.

[@rekleif]

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.

[@Dumbeddownbymedia]

@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

[@jamesblackii1124]

Because of your videos, I just bought a 2008 LT with only 64k miles 😁. I’m definitely going to be following this journey.

[@MikeSzJr]

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!

[@jasonbaker9862]

First thing to enhance sleeper mode: baby seat in the back.

[@chrisyanez2299]

Id guess its a timing chain Slack adjuster . and now im stoked to see this come together .

[@shtboxyj8406]

That's definitely rod knock.

[@joesaiditstrue]

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

[@NextLevel1978]

U AINT LYING! what was your issue with your instrument cluster

[@joesaiditstrue]

@@NextLevel1978 lost power intermittently while driving

[@nissanv6TT]

gut gut gut. get that weight out of the interior will go a looooong way. window motors, rear hvac if equipped, full size spare etc.

[@bryanedwards2730]

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.

[@7051mike]

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

[@vtwinaddicted5852]

This us what I've been waiting for...lol

[@REDW1NG94]

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

[@nunyaf-nbizness]

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!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Very cool!

[@Godscountry2732]

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

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yeah. That's what the wiki is for.

[@matthewlarson1050]

The Trailblazer/Envoy platform is one of my favorites and they aren't that terrible to work on besides the engine compartment!

[@GrandPitoVic]

Flywheel bolt is usually alot more of a tink tink tink sound. That's a deeper thump so ROD KNOCK!!!!

[@technicallyeco.2751]

Gut the thing out to the max

[@Calvin-Nelson]

We have many other projects that are much lighter running these engines. The goal with this is to keep all the creature comforts and still go fast.

[@wil8115]

#5 rod bearing

[@RAWRMotorsports]

Been thinkin about this

[@smott85]

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 🤞

[@offroaddreams4x4ed]

I have a TBSS I pulled the LS2 motor and put a 408 with a LSA supercharger and it was a fun challenging time

[@TurboWorld]

YEEEAASSSSSSSSSS MANNNNN!!!!

[@josephernest91]

Rodney rod knock says hello!

[@richardmcintosh9919]

That sticker on the mirror told me all I needed to know. Previous owner invited Rodney to the party

[@geniferteal4178]

Nice wireless mic.😊

[@thompsonswagnon3960]

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

[@klav07]

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!

[@thingthingsss]

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!

[@MinisterofDOOM]

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.

[@BrandonSanti-u1h]

Had an 2004 and put 185k hard miles . Only sensors and fan clutch. Loved it ! No on an 07 SS awd love it!

[@richb.4374]

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

[@anthonyscaglione8916]

Rod bearing!

[@rathealwatford3186]

Nice project. I’m down south and these things are dirt cheap, generally solid and plentiful here.

[@MichaelDurig1]

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.

[@ralphsperspective5015]

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.

[@76629online]

Get a rear axle out of a TBSS OR an LS2 SSR. Bolts in, and it's a C-clip 14--bolt. Indestructible.

[@nevmo]

I've got an '08 Trailblazer LT. I'm very excited for this series and I'll absolutely be taking notes

[@leroypaddleford8199]

Same vehicle here which has this same knocking noise...currently building a donner engine now to replaced the knocker currently in it.

[@natereinhold6180]

Me too, no knocks @ 172xxx miles yet, thankfully

[@MrMike7791]

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.

[@CapablePimento]

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

[@Zanehoward88]

I cant wait to watch this build. Im mad I sold my old one now.!

[@HumbleDaves]

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

[@GIGABACHI]

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.

[@Thumper68]

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.

[@clsickspeed904]

Could be as simple as a tensioner going bad, i guess that's best case scenario though

[@John-lc9vl]

I'm getting ready to buy a 2008 GMC envoy and I see it has the same motor so thank you for doing this build I'm very interested

[@merczeph79]

That's a good looking trailblazer!

[@tylorbretthauer7856]

Dodge 8hp70 AWD and Maxxecu would be sick for this build

[@Calvin-Nelson]

It's like he can read my thoughts. Lol

[@ROYteous]

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.

[@tri00azerath]

Dont forget to loop the CAN network wires on the stock harness once you go stand alone 🤙

[@SubSonicSubaru]

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!

[@Headsup9550]

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..

[@kde5fan737]

just heated. no perferations in the seats...

[@Lyfe_of_Sylvia]

Love to see it, absolutely excited to see base trailblazers starting to make a name for themselves ❤😎

[@thegage1984]

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

[@michaelk617]

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.

[@james10739]

I have thought about getting one for turboing since that one guy did

[@brian2e]

describing how to take off the intake was like poetry

[@Enter-a-name55]

Calvin is going really old school with the trailblazer. Carburetor.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Maybe. Who knows.

[@FLINTmitten810]

@@Calvin-Nelsonthat would be sweet actually

[@joelc3449]

​@@Calvin-Nelson ha

[@joelc3449]

DIY autotune..

[@RajunCajun1]

Wow! I didn't think that truck / SUV was that heavy!

[@leroypaddleford8199]

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.

[@mattbrady2160]

This is cool. But also - more Northstar content, please!!!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

It's coming.

[@mattbrady2160]

@@Calvin-Nelson yay!!

[@FranciscoJavierOutdoors]

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?

[@kezark31]

Funny story for ya…… unplug the oil pressure sensor on the motor it will still have oil pressure on the gauge…gm used an algorithm for oil pressure on the gauge..

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yeah. Someone else commented that. I'll have to put an actual gauge on it and see if I can measure the real number.

[@natereinhold6180]

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!

[@duranbailiff5337]

Absolutely, brother, build that Beast! We look forward to several great installments on this Project. 🤗 MAGA 🎉

[@3xeplodng_3agle_studios]

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 😁

[@milescarter7803]

I had one. The maintenance was not my problem (easier than Ford or Nissan, not to mention BMW/Audi). My problems were twofold. 1. The PCM pulled all low end torque and power. Whether this was to preserve the weak plastic 2nd gear actuator when towing, or to prevent yahoos from doing burnouts and blowing up axles from the shock loads I don't know. The result was the same, it was slower than my 15-year old Corolla. I was worried I was going to get run over pulling onto the highway. The fix was a re-programmed ECU, but I was on the West Coast and would need to mail the computer to North Carolina and be without the vehicle. 2. It was the 3-row chonky boy. Weighed the same as a Tahoe, had the same tow rating, got worse fuel economy than the V8 trailblazer. Love the motor. Wish there had been a handheld programmer. Bought it for $750, replaced the transmission and the radiator fan clutch. Sold it for $1900 to a guy who complained it needed new tires 🤦🏼‍♂️. I mean, come on guy, you are getting a mint vehicle (Interior/exterior was like new).

[@SteveMacdaddy]

Cool, this should be good. Can't wait!

[@jp2246]

Solid find!

[@elliotcurry2284]

Uncle Rodney

[@reyvancifuentes4146]

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.

[@TheDward0909]

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!!

[@jesscneal]

I just picked up a Saab 9-7x with the 5.3. Love it so far

[@davidw2214]

Rod knock, bottom end.

[@3wrapframe]

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.

[@morgansword]

This old man here in Alaska happens to be a guy who owned a few bikes. Not a sears and roebuck's bicycle but one with the varoom system... first came a 37 Indian and then a few variations of harley davidsons. Loved that thumping idle sound and when turned low enough, straight piped, I hope you get the picture. Now this engine in the car here... think a two cylinder engine from the GM platform. Instead of a one eighty on the crank, lets see a two hundred degree from first to second cylinder firing position!!! That quick boom boom, pause a hair and boom boom firing sound of the harley. Surely you can understand that sound I am trying hard to convey here. Set that idle at 350ish with some straight pipes pointed at the dirt. Yeah, dust everywhere or mud flying depending on the weather but If a guy is going to go crazy on it, make one cylinder from the 6.2 and the other from a 5.3 for even a best sound plus on two wheels, oh baby baby.... "lest" just see what she would turn up to and stay planted on earth. Yes I spelled a word wrong but trying for a southern sound.... tarheel sounding... give me a thought on this platform you think could come out to being?!!

[@nathanrobbs4954]

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! 👍

[@glennarnold3970]

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

[@RajunCajun1]

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.

[@jw1600]

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.

[@latayahill8995]

My guess for the engine noise is the cylinder 3 rod bearing.

[@matthewlarson1050]

It's a 8.6 rear differential and first thing you will want to do is get rid of the factory G80 gov- lock. It's the same center section as the half ton trucks and is the failure point.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

From my research it said all 4.2 trailblazers came with the 8.0

[@matthewlarson1050]

@@Calvin-Nelson you could be right, my research was done a few years ago and that's what all the information I found told me. I have never heard of a 8.0 in a GM vehicle and being as they weigh as much as Suburban and the wouldn't have to buy or manufacture a new off size axle assembly I tend to believe it's the same thing as the half ton trucks? I could be wrong but I think I cross referenced bearings and ring and pinion part numbers and Auburn gear limited slips for them and it all came back as the 8.6 rear differential. I have a 2003 trailblazer LTZ that the govlock blew apart in. Oh maybe 2008 has something different. I just don't see GM doing something like that. A generic search for rear differential for a 2008 trailblazer popped up a 8.6 differential at AutoZone .I mean the 4.2 is putting out as much HP and Torque as the 4.8 LS V8.

[@matthewlarson1050]

@@Calvin-Nelson from just doing Google searches for ring and pinion and carriers everything is coming up 8.6 from summit to AutoZone. I've never heard of a 8.0? There is a lot of bad information out there in Internet land. I was just counting and I have owned 15 of the Trailblazer/Envoys they all have the same parts. The Trailblazer SS could be the exception but I doubt that too.

[@coffeefish]

Drop the headliner and remove the DVD player and remover the sunroof mechanism. Ditch the sunroof and install a filler panel. All that stuff weighs a ton.

[@willsteele9249]

This and channel and J-Whit are the Ultimate Sleeper Channel😁

[@jonivanart]

Lifter issue 🤙🤙

[@josephcarlson1774]

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.

[@CapablePimento]

Maybe do a KZbin poll

[@pekrewrek]

Looking at this grown-up man's smile when he launches gamecube games on a car's integrated multimedia system makes me smile too :)

[@MisterLongShot_Official]

Yessssss I am doing the same project ❤

[@barkguitaramps6460]

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....

[@barkguitaramps6460]

Oh and replacing the tailgate with a custom fiberglass molded one.

[@zapa47]

0:28 Fact. Below the rust belt these thing are still pretty rusty.

[@Carbonneutraldrop]

Uncle Rodney!!!

[@ReignitedAuto]

Collapsed lifter is my guess.

[@Thumper68]

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.