1986 Chevy Blazer: Big-Block Bowtie

In these days of over-the-top custom chariots, it's easy to forget that one need not go to the extreme in order to build a decent ride. This 1986 Chevy Blazer is a good example of this fact. Here we have a nice custom unit that functions as well as it needs to without costing a fortune to finish.

Under the hood is a balanced and blueprinted big-block Chevy 454 V-8 bored .060 inch over. The mill's loaded with Manley forged aluminum pistons and a Lunati roller cam; it's lubed with the help of a Moroso high-volume oil pump and 6-quart chrome pan. Rectangular-port, closed-chamber heads help provide 12.5:1 compression, and K-Motion valve springs and Crane roller rockers let the combustibles in and out of the cylinders. The engine feeds off a 750cfm Holley carb and Weiand Team-G intake manifold, while Hooker headers and dual Flowmaster mufflers expel the after-effects.

The power runs through a B&M 8-inch torque converter (2,800- to 3,200rpm stall speed) and Hays heavy-duty flexplate to the TH 350 transmission, set up with a manual valve body and heavy-duty bands. The transmission keeps it's cool under duress with dual B&M super coolers and a B&M 4-quart aluminum pan.

GM Corporate 10-bolt axles, open and using 4.88:1 gears, are fed by the transmission and an NP 205 transfer case and spin 15x12-inch Mickey Thompson wheels and 38.5x15.50/15 Dick Cepek Fun-Country Radials.

A Skyjacker 6-inch lift keeps the rubber out of the bodywork and features Superlift Superride shocks and a dual Rancho steering stabilizer setup.

The body is painted in PPG Dark Metallic Blue with PPG Indy Silver colored flames and features a smoothed front bumper and steel rollpan rear.

Inside the cab, tunes pour out of a Clarion Pro-Audio CD player and Kicker Impulse amp to Kicker Impulse speakers. The occupants sit on gray tweed upholstery and the driver grips a Grant GT steering wheel. Auto Meter gauges, speedo, tach, oil pressure, water temp., fuel pressure and level, keep tabs on the necessary functions.