Image via Autotopia LA/YouTube
When most people think about building a Squarebody Blazer, they automatically start talking about a lift, big knobby tires, a bull bar, etc. But this one takes a complete opposite approach, lowering the classic off-roader and adding big power for plenty of smokey drifts. The fact it’s so unexpected makes this Chevy that much cooler.
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The owner has had this Chevy Blazer, which is a 1973 in case you’re wondering, since 2020. He purchased it from the original owner up in Idaho. Formerly it was used for hunting and sported a nice rattle can camouflage paint scheme.
In its present form, this Blaer is built for autocross, prioritizing not only big power but also tight handling and impressive skid pad performance. Like what happens so many times, the owner tells Shawn Davis of Autotopia LA that he didn’t start off with this vision in mind. Instead, it sounds like he was thinking of doing a straight restoration.
To get the heavy beast rocketing forward in a hurry, there’s a built 5.3-liter GM LT V8 paired with 56mm twin turbos is pushing a mighty 1,000-horsepower at the crank and just under 850-whp. On top of many of the internals being swapped out for performance parts, the engine is running port injection over direct injection, meaning there’s a lot of fuel getting dumped into each cylinder.
The guy is smart going with smaller turbos, something he mentions in the interview. They don’t take long to spool up, giving him instant power, which is what’s needed in autocross.
Helping to maximize that power is a Tremec Magnum F manual transmission, independent hubs sourced from a Corvette, No Limits suspension, Viking triple coilovers, plus Wilwood brakes with 14-inch discs and six-piston calipers at all four wheels.
As is always the case, this build is a riot and Autotopia LA gets the owner to really show what it can do, with plenty of tire smoke involved. Check out the video, it’s well worth your time.
Images via Autotopia LA/YouTube
