I think the longer wheelbase trailblazer came with a 5.3 v8 as an option not sure but I know the GMC envoy which is the same thing had a v8 option

The 5.3L was optional in all EXT (GMT370) models since they first began production in 2003. The short wheel base (GMT360) trucks didn't get the 5.3L v8 until 2005, but it was slow to take off. The gap between the 5.3L v8 and 4.2L I6 was only ~30HP and 50ft-lbs of torque prior to 2005; and after it was only ~12HP/50ft-lbs. Not many ordered their GMT360 w/ the optional v8 which got worse gas mileage.

Having driven both, the v8 optioned truck did not seem to get off the line the same as the I6 truck(both vehicles I have test driven had the same final drive ratio - 3.73:1 and were both the same year - 2007 brand new on the dealer lot). One benefit that I could see to the v8 is the aftermarket support that there is for the LS series engines.

I find this kind of funny because I have an 01 Blazer and my best friend has a 99 Exploder. They are actually kinda the same in my opinion, same options on the inside. Almost the same locations too. But my Blazer is faster, more reliable, and it's made by GM. His sits a little higher but the Blazer can go through more mud :)

In my driveway, i have both a '99 Blazer & a '99 Explorer.

Like chalk & cheese! LOL Being Aussie, you're comparing Ford vs Holden!

Both the Blazer & Exploder were built in the US. But the Blazer was built for export to Japan, the UK & South Africa. That's where all Kiwi & Aussie Blazers came from. The Exploders were imported & sold as new vehicles here & in Aus as well I believe. Ford did not at the time have an SUV but rather promoted their ute's. Holden had the Monterey (aka Isuzu Bighorn/Wizard, Vauxhall something & Opel something - we have them all here) SUV's & that's why no Blazer or Holden variation of the Blazer.

By the way, did you get all the parts you were looking for? I know Bunce supplied the tailgate switch. If I recall correctly.

yeah thanks mate my mech end up fixing it didnt take long. the clip broke so he just made one :) will post pic of my blazer soon just had no time

V8 explorer's are the same size.............no difference in size......atleast in the 2nd generations....they came with the 5.0 V8.

It may sound shocking at first, but the Argentinian Ranger and the Brazilian S10 and Blazer shared an engine for a while. It was the 2.5L Maxion HSD engine, which had also been used in early Argentinian Sprinters.

Regarding the 4.6 V8 from the Explorer and the 4.3 V6 from the Blazer, I'd still rather get the Blazer. Though the displacement is a little smaller, the V6 has fewer internal frictions.