Bucketlist Blazer -Restomod build 6.6liter L8T

[NDM]

Well, I figure I will update this with exciting stuff. I have been purchasing items for my swap. I have decided to move forward with Holley Gen 4 swap Terminator x max, ported injection and have been buying parts to make that happen. I also decided to stick with the truck intake vs the LT2 intake to retain the torque down low. I could have more power but the torque is what make me happy!

I have also received my 220 amp alternator and installed the dual alternator bracket. the 170 amp alternator is moved to the second alternator spot so the 220 amp will be my main alternator. I will likely end up running two 220 amp alternators.

I will upload and add photos later today.

-Current performance- harness adapter-
https://currentperformance.com/shop/...ort-injection/

-Oil pan-
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mast motorsports truck intake with ported injection-
https://www.mastmotorsports.com/coll...ld-up-to-650hp

Mast Motorsports DI injector plugs-
https://www.mastmotorsports.com/coll...ction-plug-kit

ICT Billet fuel injectorplug hold downs-
https://www.amazon.com/LT-Gen-Plates...f_=as_li_ss_tl

[NDM]

I am excited to say that I accidentally bought a NP205 case that has the correct big bearing bore. I have been purchasing parts to get this engine into my ride.

There has been a change in my setup though. Due to Mast Motorsports kind of messing up my order, I returned the intake and have decided to go with direct injection but using the Holley terminator X max kit. After looking at the numbers, the terminator x max gen 5 kit with 6l90e controller is going to be only about $500 more than the ported injection conversion and I will get to keep my VVT.

I will be ordering my advance adapters 6l90E to Np205 converter kit very soon.

[71KYK5]

build looks awesome! what head unit did you use? i want to build a custom center console and keep original radio for looks and put large screen head unit beneath in custom console and love the look of yours and it seems like you know about audio

[NDM]

Originally Posted by 71KYK5

build looks awesome! what head unit did you use? i want to build a custom center console and keep original radio for looks and put large screen head unit beneath in custom console and love the look of yours and it seems like you know about audio

I used a Joying android 11.6 inch unit. I chose this one due to the design that does not require me to cut the factory dash. It is essentially like a thin tablet but with a ribbon cable coming out the back. The brain and wires of the unit is behind the dash. This is a newer version of the unit I used.https://www.amazon.com/JOYING-Touchs...st_sto_dp&th=1

Joying hasbeen great for me. They are a higher tier Android headunit company along with a couple other quality companies. Teyes and Mekede are two more awesome companies.

If you plan to do a console, I would recommend Teyes or Mekede due to their design which has everything built into the screen. Joying will also work but you have to mount the brain (chassis) somewhere. Joying sells an extended ribbon cable for remote mounting. I am using it in my Blazer.

I started my car audio hobby back in the mid 90's and worked in the industry professionally for many years until I started making wayyyy more money in different industries. I have been building high end Car audio systems as a hobby/side gig for decades now.

One thing that I realized when considering a console build is that in the Blazer, with the top off you will not be able to see the screen due to the glare it you angle it up. Your best bet will be to try to angle the screen in a way with no glare before you make it permanent. I have almost the same unit in my 76 Regal and can barely see the screen due to glare. It was because I wanted the screen flat on the dash of the Regal. Once installed, I realized that I will have to redesign it.

Thanks for the post and if you need help, I love doing this stuff so just ask.

[71KYK5]

I really appreciate the reply. I hadn’t even thought about the glare with the top off. Will do some mockup/testing with ipad or consider going back to original location on dash. I really like the looks and size of those joying units and that they support carplay. I will definitely have some questions when it’s time for audio. I’ve had a local shop do several cars for me but want to give it a go on my own with the blazer.

Thanks again and keep posting pics of the build!

[NDM]

Well it is too late to go back now! I have now ordered the Holley terminator x max kit for Gen V engines (with 6l90e control), Holley stainless cast headers and a DBW pedal.

I am now going to order the mufflers, intake tubing, Advanced adapters 6l90 to np205 adapter and anything else that is needed!

This is getting exciting!
Holley parts-
558-499 GM 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION CONTROL
558-475 GM PWM ALTERNATOR HARNESS
558-465 WIRING HARNESS, CAN SPLITTER
558-443 USB/CAN HARNESS, SNIPER TBI
550-1621 TERMINATOR X MAX LT GDI LATE DBW
145-160 HOLLEY DBW ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Hooker Blackheart LT Swap Exhaust Manifolds BHS3116


Advanced adapters parts
50-9551A-DODGE & GM(10/27) 621.76 S NP205-29SPL INPUT TO GM 6L90 29SPL. TRANS
AS-8603-#/4 spacer ring

[NDM]

Talk about rapid escalation! I just ordered the advanced adapter part! Definitely no stopping the madness now!

[bambbrose]

Would love to see more pictures of this swap as it progresses. Looking forward to updates!

[NDM]

Originally Posted by bambbrose

Would love to see more pictures of this swap as it progresses. Looking forward to updates!

Absolutely. I typically use the forums to document my builds for myself and for those that are looking for the info to do the same thing that I do. I will be so thrilled to share my progress! Most of the items have begun shipping!! So exciting!

On that note, I have come up with a great idea! My dream has always been to have a K5 Blazer that did what my previous two SRT jeeps did. I am likely never going to use the thing off road but I absolutely loved the raw acceleration that my Jeeps had. After ordering the advance adapters kit, I realized that I could in fact grab a ford NP205 case and the front AWD diff from a Bravada (Same as a typhoon) or some stout AWD from another vehicle. By doing this I could in theory build a lowered K5 Blazer with IFS and still have my 4x4 for use as the "AWD".

That would be fricking awesome. If the dude with that twin turbo AWD 71 donk can stuff the front diff in his car then I am sure I could do it too. For those that hate donks....I feel you. If you see this car though, you gotta respect the build. This guy built it in his garage and has been tearing up the competition at the track. The name of the car is "The rusty bullet". While I do not like these cars, I am a car guy and do respect what these guys are capable of building. Different strokes for different folks.

Fo me though, I would love to have an 800hp K5 street machine that puts down 4 tire tracks on asphalt. Sure, I can do it with the gear that my Blazer came with but I would just like to have what I want to have. Low, wicked fast and able to put the power down on any surface.

Before the flaming begins... remember, I wanted a 2wd but came across this 4x4 for a great price. It is my money so I am going to enjoy it the way I want to until someone pays the bill.

[litebulblsc]

It is not rhe front diff you need from the awd vehicle. You need the "center diff". The awd transfercase that will help keep from constantly breaking stuff.

[NDM]

Originally Posted by litebulblsc

It is not rhe front diff you need from the awd vehicle. You need the "center diff". The awd transfercase that will help keep from constantly breaking stuff.

So what would prevent me from running a ford Transfer case. (for Drivers side drop. Then front driveshaft to a front Diff (Maybe an escalade/silverado diff) and then running the axles and adapted late model upper/lower control arms, etc. from the same escalade. This should get me "4x4" but with the ability to run lets say front struts from the same late model truck or even a custom aftermarket air ride setup.

I know that I am way outside the box here and I also know that I would technically not have AWD. It would be 4wd but give me better ride, lowered stance and essentially would have selectable "trackhawk mode" with big power.

[NDM]

Wow! What a royal pain in the ass that was! It took me 15 min to disassemble my 6l90e to convert it from 2wd to 4wd. Of course it took like 2 hrs to put it back together. In the process, the tip on my 26 inch cheap amazon snap ring pliers broke. I was pissed because I was stuck mid project without it. I put my thinking cap on and came up with a very simple solution to tig weld a screw in place of the tip. There must have been oil on the parts because it welded like crap. Either way, it worked just fine. Mission accomplished.

So I also test fit the holley cast stainless exhaust manifold. I don't really like how they look so I may cerakote them black.
All parts arrived except the terminator x max and the advanced adapters 6l90e to np205 adapter (arrives tomorrow I think).

I made a great mess due to tranny fluid that I forgot to drain. Oops!

[NDM]

Well....Given a little time, changes are bound to happen.
I have officially changed the plan again. I am no longer keeping direct injection. Due to a backorder for the Holley LT kit it made me do some thinking and at the end of the day, I decided that it will be better to run port injection for a multitude of reasons but the first being simplicity. The fact that everything for the ported kit is in stock kind of put the seal on the decision. I have a holley high ram intake, ported rails, 80 pound injectors and a gen 4 Holley terminator X max kit that should be here this week.

While I will lose about 9% power bu deleting the direct injection, the plan is to run a cam which will put me ahead of the game again. I should end up with about 530hp NA. The decision to run port injection will save me a ton of $$$$ in the future when I go forced injection. The whole plan has always been to have around 800hp with forced induction.

Other great news is that my Advance adapters np205 to 6l90e adapter is here. This thing is going to be really fun!!

[NDM]

Yes!!!!

[NDM]

More parts! Looks like my Truck will sound rowdy and scoot a little faster.

[NDM]

Holy crap! I ordered my cam this morning and UPS says that it will be here tomorrow!!!!


While that is fricking exciting...the next group of words and photos have got me grinning ear to ear today. My Holley parts arrived and I began mocking up everything. I am absolutely thrilled with the direction that I am going!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could literally giggle like a schoolgirl right now!!

[NDM]

Okay, Time for some updates.

The BTR 220 cam was installed last night but unfortunately I was sent the wrong VVT lockout.


Also, I mistakenly took out the wrong phaser screw and "CLICK"!! The damn spring let loose....My bad. So fortunately Amazon to the rescue. I had another Phaser on my doorstep before I got home from work today. Now I am waiting for the correct vvt lockout to make the journey from Kentucky to Illinois so I can finalize the cam install.

https://www.amazon.com/GM-Parts-1268.../dp/B08WJ32FVL






Today, I may swap the valve springs since I have the tools to do so.







I received the throttle body but I am currently using it on my Gen 4 swap in the Buick. I will be cleaning the one in the buick up and perhaps porting it before I put the old one back on the buick. I also got the same old cheap Amazon intake kit that I used on the Buick. It works well and is cheap so no need to reinvent the wheel.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LQMEY2...fed_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VZ7B3VJ...sin_title&th=1







I have the E85 flex fuel adapter kit ready to install. It is a neat device that allows for straight through feed of fuel while allowing the use of a factory GM flex fuel sensor.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PFCDHHN...fed_asin_title



So I am about ready to get this motor swap started. I need to get cracking again on the 304 Stainless steel tank that I am building since the GM fuel level sensor is on it's way. I also need to figure out what I am going to do about the engine mounts. Buy or build. I am likely to build them to keep the cost down.



Another real struggle that I am having is deciding the mufflers. I love my magnaflow mufflers but I may want to go a little quieter on the Blazer than I have on the Regal. I am considering buying the longer magnaflow mufflers or maybe going to dynomax super turbos. The Blazer will be driven daily and I realize that can barely talk on the phone in the Regal. I can but it kind of sucks. I am not so concerned with how loud they are. Hell, I am over half way through my 40's and loud exhausts are becoming a thing of the past. The magnaflows definitely got louder over time so that is why I may want the larger ones. While I would love to have some flowmasters......Nah! I do not like Borlas and I absolutely hate the way that Corsa sounds (never liked them ever).



So I am thinking that I will be able to go full speed after halloween. My Cars need to be mobile for my Halloween decorations every year. I want to have the motor run on the stand before then. I want the swap to basically be quick once the engine is running.



As always, I typed this up on my computer and will begin uploading a bunch of photos from my phone. Stay tuned!!!

[bambbrose]

Moving quick! You make me feel lazy. Great updates

[NDM]

Originally Posted by bambbrose

Moving quick! You make me feel lazy. Great updates

Winter is almost here. This will be my daily driver so I must move quick. I am 6 months behind schedule due to my layoff from Nov23 to end of Apr24. I should have been done by now.

I absolutely have to prevent from needing to drive my LS swapped buick this winter. It was terrifying last winter. Zero traction whatsoever in the snow and ice and barely any traction in the rain.

[NDM]

Still waiting on the correct vvt lockout but at least I got the new dual valvesprings and new pushrods installed. ( made a huge mess) The damn package with the lockout has been sitting at my post office since 0730 this morning. Why they did not deliver it is beyond me. I wish I could just pick the damn thing up.

Oh well, if they deliver tomorrow I will be able to install the phaser, oil pump and reinstall the front cover and oil pan. Officially it will be an approximately 560-570 hp motor. That will be nice to drive one day!

[NDM]

Finally got the vvt lockout. It took less than 60 seconds to put it back together and then I headed to the garage to close the motor back up. I did a little paint work and torqued everything to spec. I am happy with the progress. It is getting closer to test fire time!

[NDM]

Motor pics from my work today.

[NDM]

Since People may be getting sick of my posts here I will just post these random thoughts that keep entering my mind about this build.



I realized today that I may be underestimating the amount of power that my motor is going to be putting out. Brian Tooley Racing for me has been known to be pretty stand up folks amongst the other manufacturers inflate their numbers. Well I was on their site today and found the results from their testing of the motor that I am running on E85. I realize that I was estimating based off a factory intake and E85. That is clearly not what I am running. I have a Holley Hi ram intake and will be running E85. Well it just so happens that my high ram is comparable to the trinity intake that they tested it with and low and behold................I may just be underestimating a bit.



This is the one with the factory intake.

[NDM]

Following up on my last post a few min ago, I started thinking that my logic may not be far off for a few reasons.

The factory GM crate L8T motor (called L8P) comes with a slightly smaller cam at 218/231 vs the BTR 220/232 cam. The L8P is rated at 523 hp and 546 tq but it is rated at 91 octane fuel. Since E85 is said to offer around 15% more power that puts the smaller L8P cam at around 602hp estimated with e85 fuel. This is not very far off of BTR's numbers with the factory intake.



This is how my logic is working in this case. Eventually I will find out the truth but for now, I am intrigued by the idea that my 72 Blazer with a simple cam and valve spring swap may offer better power to weight numbers than a Jeep trackhawk. For those that like math this is that calculation.



Trackhawk is about 5356 pounds with 707 crank horsepower. The Blazer is only about 4200 pounds and will have about 581 hp (going port injection loses about 9% vs direct injection). Theoretically, a 4200 pound blazer (given the same suspension, drivetrain and electronic wizardry as a trackhawk ) would only have to have 541hp to be as fast as a trackhawk.



A different way to look at it would be that a 581hp blazer at 4200 pounds would be the equivalent of a 740hp trackhawk given the previously mentioned weight and apples to apples comparrison specs.



I am not about to sit here and claim that my 72 K5 Blazer in 4wd high with approx 581 crank hp is going to outrun a trackhawk.......but.........come next summer if I can swing getting the dream of a supercharger accomplished, I sure do think that I could give it a good shot!�� Prochargers kit is supposed to add 150 hp. I think that 731 total hp may in fact do the trick! Power to weight ratio calculation indicates that a 4200 pound K5 with 731 hp would be like having a 932 hp trackhawk.



I have seen a Silverado make 169hp additional with just adding a whipple and 8.95 pounds of boost. That aint much boost.



Either way, I am done dreaming and calculating for the night. Sweet dreams!

[NDM]

Exhaust purchases have begun. I will be running 3 inch 304 tubing so I will have to figure out how to adapt to the 2.5inch holley manifolds. I may end up porting the manifold exits to get closer to 3 inch. If not, It should not make much difference. The 3 inch tubing will be almost like running open headers anyway. The Speed engineering kit comes with an H and an X pipe in the kit. I will decide which I want to run eventually.



https://speed-engineering.com/produc...pr_seq=uniform