Hi. Just joined to post this. Apologies if this post is all over the place.

So, I’ve been aspiring about possibly buying one of these old Blazers in the future (hopefully I can find one with no rust) and doing some things to it, one of which being an engine swap. Hopefully I can daily it afterwards?

I just don’t know if a Blazer would be a good daily driver. I’m unsure of the build quality or if it’s too small, thin, or something. My biggest gripe, though, is the shape of the headlights - I don’t like the look… I’ll probably just put an aftermarket bumper/grill in front. I might also put bigger tires on it (30in) and a small lift kit if necessary and if there are still good ones out there. I’m also hoping to tow a camper around while traveling.

If the Blazer is not it, my other likely choice is the K1500 pickup, but I’m not sure about swapping engines on that truck. I’m sure the engine options don’t compare that well.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

Its a good daily driver. The 4.3 v6 is adequate power for the size of the car and the low end torque is good. I’m not so sure that it is capable of towing a camper… Maybe a smaller one but im not sure about a midsized one. The towing capacity is 5,000 i believe so small campers may do okay. I believe if you want bigger tires, just looking off of other threads here, you may need to do some trimming to prevent rubbing. Definitely look for one with no rust . I discovered, when I replaced my rockers, that there is foam in the front fender down by the drivers door and rocker. I also found this foam in the dog leg section too. Id be willing to bet this contributes majorly to trust issues so I would remove the foam and patch it back up. These cars are very reliable though, you will rarely find any major issues. Most of the issues ive had are minor ones that are just an inconvenience.

 

I agree that the 4.3L V6 pulls well. However it is also a fairly old engine and not as fuel efficient as I think it could be in the Blazer... but my experience with this engine was with a 2002 Chevy Express. I did see that the towing capacity was 5000 lbs. so I was hoping to get a camper within that range with decent room. Hopefully, it’s not too heavy for the Blazer. This was partly why I thought about the K1500 - has to be more than just towing though. I was also looking to have 4 seats with good room in all.
Call me crazy but I was thinking of swapping in a crate diesel engine that seems like a great match for the Blazer. Fuel efficiency is not entirely why I want to swap in the diesel though.

I’ve seen those threads, and comments seem mixed on having to trim or not. Seems like a lift kit could also help though. Good to know on the foam stuff.

I’m not limited to the Blazer by the way. I’ll take the GMC Jimmy as well.

 

You should buy a blazer

 

Oops, almost forgot about my thread.
Oh yeah? Why?

Also, I think I figured out my my hesitation for the Blazer. The first thing I noticed with the Blazer is its width… it seems skinny compared to other SUVs! However, I was in a Jeep SUV some time ago and it’s not too much wider. I guess I’m worried about it being possibly cramped. It’s also really not that tall which is interesting, but the tires (at least) will change that.

 

Youd actually be suprised with the interior, there is a lot of space actually even though it doesnt look like it. The center counsel is more skinny in order to leave more room on the seats. The legroom is pretty good aswell and the steering wheel is able to adjust pretty high.

 

Well that’s good to know.

I guess the only possible issues are rust, maybe age, maybe the crash ratings (somewhere on this forum, I read that the later Blazers have improved crash ratings - can’t confirm), and the headlights but that’s cosmetic/looks related. Not bad.

I also thought about maybe replacing the stock climate controls with the stuff from like Vintage Air and Dakota Digital or something. I’ll probably also re-upholster the seats and interior.

Still not sure if I’ll be happier with this over the K1500 though. I’m likely to complete the swap and daily it…

 

Had to make another post due to another thought...

But I am also wondering about brake upgrades... I'd probably like to put some stronger brakes on. Maybe that will make the towing experience a little better, not to mention stopping power when empty with the bigger tires. Not entirely sure what all is out there for choices yet.

 

Towing will need the Blazer's transmission hooked up to the radiator with the transmission cooling, else the trans will fail quickly.
Some Blazers came with the trailer tow package which should include this option.

Is a decent puller but struggles on hills (1994 Blazer S10 4.3 V6 with a 5000 lbs trailer) going mostly in second gear and then the TCC does not lock which will heat up the transmission.
Much and heavy towing is for the full size Blazers.

 

Oh, yeah. I’d be addressing this as needed.

Maybe it’ll do better with the diesel, lol. Not that I’ll tow this much regularly, but can the Blazer do 5000lbs safely? Or would something like the GMT400 K1500, Tahoe, or Suburban be better suited?
(I’m being mindful of curb weight for choices when it comes to potential diesel swap. Might kill any MPG benefit if the vehicle is too heavy.)

I'd love a full size Blazer but they have no airbags. I find airbags important so that is kind of a deal breaker.