52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build

[MrTucker]

good lord, fire down fellas. It wasn't an attack by any means.

I stated that I think the envoy is underpowered and was just wondering why you chose an inline that lacks power and handling vs. a loaded v8 with sport suspension to do such an involved and expensive project. Didn't think that was such an offensive question.

btw, I wasn't 4wheeling. I work as an engineer on highway construction projects and got stuck on a totally flat shoulder after the envoy sank in the mud about 3" - not exactly 4wheeling pal

[0331grunt]

I'll be interested to see how this all works out...

[884x4Sub]

very cool project....Im staying tuned for sure......I have a genuine '99 Winston Cup car that Im going to put a 69 Chevelle body on and make it into a roadcourse trackday car and eventually make it quasi street legal.....I can relate to all the measurements and planning your doing......One question....will you register it as a '52 Sub?

[BBEEP]

Originally Posted by 884x4Sub

One question....will you register it as a '52 Sub?

Oh yeah, still registered as a 52!

[Sub-versive]

Ah Lawd this will be a sweet build!
Subscribed.

Any more pics?

[Cautrell05]

Originally Posted by BBEEP

Mr. Tucker,
What good does you comment do for this thread. If you want to know why he chose an Envoy then ask why did you choose an Envoy. Your comment in my opinion is trolling and can be done without.

THANKS BRITNJC. Mr. Tucker: 1st, the Envoy is IMO the next level from the S10 conversion. The wheelbase and chassis should fit well. The '300hp' is an upgrade from the 270 cu splasher I6 my GMC had in it originally, and there are lots of upgrades I can purchase for a late model motor. Handling? never expected my truck to be a sportscar, why would you? And who goes fourwheelin in an SUV, DIDN'T YOU SEE THE MUD? AND if I wanted something to handle and have lots of power, I'd buy a new Camaro or Corvette. Or I'd go for a drive in the 2008 TBSS I already own!! (and probably get smoked by a grandma in a new Camaro) (OH, and its spelled rIdiculous)

Thought I would chime in on this one as I see one angle that no one has mentioned. Whats the curb weight on a stock envoy. Not the gvw on the door tag but if you roll it across a scale what does it weigh in at. How much does it weigh now after the cutting. Im willing to bet that even after putting the 52 body back on and full interior its several hundred pounds lighter than stock. And because alot of that weight is up high its going to corner better. Both of those are going to make it faster and handle better without trying.

The 02+ t chassis used on the trailblazers and envoys is so much better than the s-10. Way better front end geometry, rack and pinion steering, better brakes. Im on my second traiblazer now and my only complaint on this one is that it has 3.42 gears. Extended trailblazers with 3.42s are kinda poochy on 60 mph hilly roads. Other than that im looking forward to seeing how this one turns out.

Nick

[BBEEP]

Thanks Nick. If I end up bringing the Envoy chassis home for the few weeks the Burb is in the dipshop, I'll run it across the scale. Didn't weigh the Burb before I dismantled it, but I have my 48 Panel with a big block 700r I could compare it to. Also, if there is room I will channel the body a little, then do some lowering with aftermarket parts.
My bodyman has done an S-10 conversion, & he would most definitely agree with you. He says they are actually a little narrow to be premium.

[OKGMC4]

Makes me wonder if the Canyon/ Colorado would make a decent alternative to S10 chassis swaps. They are on the same platform as the trailblazer and also have rack and pinion steering.

I know it will tick people off but the 05 and newer Frontier has a fully boxed frame, 4 wheel disc, rack steering, and a 260hp V6 that can run with quite a few V8's...so it would also make an interesting choice as well.

[BlueJeep]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

Makes me wonder if the Canyon/ Colorado would make a decent alternative to S10 chassis swaps. They are on the same platform as the trailblazer and also have rack and pinion steering.

I know it will tick people off but the 05 and newer Frontier has a fully boxed frame, 4 wheel disc, rack steering, and a 260hp V6 that can run with quite a few V8's...so it would also make an interesting choice as well.

Both may make good donors, but aren't nearly as cheap and easy to find. IMHO, this is what makes the s10 swaps so popular.

[Cautrell05]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

Makes me wonder if the Canyon/ Colorado would make a decent alternative to S10 chassis swaps. They are on the same platform as the trailblazer and also have rack and pinion steering.

I know it will tick people off but the 05 and newer Frontier has a fully boxed frame, 4 wheel disc, rack steering, and a 260hp V6 that can run with quite a few V8's...so it would also make an interesting choice as well.

Sorry man. The colorado chassis is a completely different isuzu chassis and in my opinion is junk. Yea its got rack and pinion but the front end geometry is horrible and the rest is not much better. Sorry. I just despise them.

Nick

[BBEEP]

I guess mine is the guinea pig! Of course I used the Envoy because I wanted to use the floor, and the way the seats bolt in. Also, it had to be GMC to GMC

[Boomerswany]

BB,

IDC what you used or why, just glad your trying something cool!

[T Hilde]

Bummer, I was hoping for more pics. Looks like a fun build!

[Restrorob]

Was just passing by from the 73/87 section and stuck my head in, WOW what a project !!!

Couldn't help but to subscribe for the ride.....

[cajundragger]

yeah that I-6 motor is a dog. doesnt have any potential.

YouTube- NOVA WAGON 4200 VORTEC INLINE 6 TURBO

[ghettoluxury]

Any updates on this awsome project?

[BBEEP]

Just bought a bare firewall from an 04 Trailblazer. Will use it to create a pattern for the permanent Envoy firewall. The hardest part of the build is to get the measurements correct the first time! Will post pics of the fun after New Years.

[Jonboy]

Hey, while you are posting pics, can you throw some up of the Impala wagon? This is going to be a cool build, I dig the bus, too.

[BBEEP]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

Hey, while you are posting pics, can you throw some up of the Impala wagon? This is going to be a cool build, I dig the bus, too.

61 Impala Wagon. LT1, 4L60E, leather, a/c, airride, dechromed, dropped two taillights

[Jonboy]

That wagon is awesome. I had a 61 Impala in college (3 actually), and have loved them ever since. Beautiful, and a wagon, to boot.

[NONHOG]

Dropped 2 tailights ? Before pics ?
Oh and DAHUMM !

[BBEEP]

Originally Posted by NONHOG

Dropped 2 tailights ? Before pics ?
Oh and DAHUMM !

Yup, Impalas had 3 on each side, used a Brookwood tailgate--so lost two. Oh and THAHUNKS!

[entourageguy]

Nice ride .................

[BBEEP]

Decided it would be easier to practice cutting on a scrap firewall first. We'll make a template first before we cut the firewall on the Envoy that has wiring, master cylinder, a/c, etc. Should all this work out, I will save the template in case there are others on here who would like a template for future builds.

[BBEEP]

Firewall fits pretty good, floor level good. I won't be able to use the cowl vent, but I have front & rear a/c. I will have to use an aftermarket wiper unit of some sort.