Newbie to the Blazer..Have a few ???

[gfreeze1025]

I just purchased a 1971 Blazer (350 V8) to be my DD, and would like to continue to restore Blazer that the PO had started.

Overall the truck is in pretty good condition but I would like to spruce it up a bit more.
Planned upgrades

1. Brake upgrade (bigger rotors on front and discs on back)
2. EFI (Don't know between TBI, TPI, or MPFI)..Looking for a bump in MPGs and something self tuning
3. Audio upgrade (Custom double din...like SamMargritz00 did... Link....http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=483399
4. Add AC ...Either Vintage Air or Classic Auto Air
5. etc etc etc

It's doesn't have to be all original but I don't want too get to crazy.

Here are my questions;
1) Does anyone recommend a good mechanic/shop in the Northern VA area?
2) TBI TPI or MPFI?... Looking for more MPG than raw HP increase...It's a daily driver...I don't mind to put money into the Blazer but I want it to be worth it.
3) Any major Difference between Classic Air or Vintage Air?
4) Anything else you guys would recommend?

This forum has already been so helpful in several things already.

Thanks
GF

[YBNORML]

Welcome!!! and sweet blazer! Although I may be a little biased Yours is like a twin brother on steroids.

[gfreeze1025]

YBNORMAL...Thanks... and you have a nice Blazer too.

A few other upgrades I'm Considering

1) Rear fold and tumble seats (with integrated shoulder harness)
2) Front passenger fold up seat so my daughter can get in and out
3) Rack and pinion add (for a 4 wheel drive)

Any thoughts and/comments welcome....

Thanks in advance for all those who help the newbie.

gf

[Dale99]

I have TPI on my camaro, and it is a ***** to work on. I have it running on a modern "0411" pcm so it is actually SFI. Little tricky to make work, but is easily tunable using efilive or similar program.

TBI would likely be your easiest to work on, swap to, and cheapest. Unless they have other ecms out beside the stock ones. IMO, they are hard to tune.

I am new to the blazers/jimmy/4x4, so I cant help you with the rest.

[gfreeze1025]

Originally Posted by Dale99

I have TPI on my camaro, and it is a ***** to work on. I have it running on a modern "0411" pcm so it is actually SFI. Little tricky to make work, but is easily tunable using efilive or similar program.

TBI would likely be your easiest to work on, swap to, and cheapest. Unless they have other ecms out beside the stock ones. IMO, they are hard to tune.

I am new to the blazers/jimmy/4x4, so I cant help you with the rest.

Thanks for the info...Right now every little bit helps.

It's amazing all of the info on these boards...It's a little bit overwhelming to digest it all

[Snake41_83]

Nice looking ride, I like the color. I have Vintage Air in my K5 and really like it. It was already in the truck when I bought it, so I didn't really do any comparing or shopping around, but I know it blows cold air and keeps it comfortable in the cab in the 100 degree Texas heat. I think a little tint on the windows would help as well.

[Snake41_83]

Also, what are the wheels you have? Planning to upgrade wheels and tires in the near future, and those look good on there.

[gfreeze1025]

Originally Posted by Snake41_83

Also, what are the wheels you have? Planning to upgrade wheels and tires in the near future, and those look good on there.

Snake...Sorry for the delay...The truck was in the shop and I forgot to respond.

I don't know the wheels that are on the truck but they are 17" wheels with
285/70/R17 tires.

I will say that if you have a 4x4 those wheels are a bit of a challenge to get off as the hub leaves little space for the socket to fit.

A regular tire iron won't fit.

[truckster]

If you're looking to increase fuel mileage, you should probably consider an overdrive transmission. There's a lot of information on the board about both automatic and manual swaps.

[jaros44sr]

X2 with truckster.....4l60 or 4l80, forget what they are called, would be the best mod for fuel mileage per cost. I will have about 3000 in fuel injection when done, and an automatic will be in the same ballpark, but i wanted a remote start on cold winter days. Next will be the trans mod.

I have 560 air conditioning, so im nohelp with that!

Nice looking truck, good luck with your mods. Nice to see more trucks in our area. Most of the guys are out in the Great PNW area

Nice idea on the rack and pinion, but i dont think its possible on 4X4, hope you prove me wrong, b/c i would like it too