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Actually, I forgot to mention in my previous posting. I do have the 4 x 4 with the 4.10 axle ratio. The "off-the-line" performance is still not the greatest.
Thanks!
IExplore2000@aol.com
Thanks for all the information, and for reminding me of the Child seat classes, I completely forgot that they had them. Also for letting me know that you had to pull the belt all the way out, I did that the first time and it didn't seem to work, belt was still loose, gonna try again tonight.
Last night I received a pamphlet from Oxford Health on Child seats and they state that the middle is the safest position Also, that by 9/02 all vechiles built must have the child seat tethers these are the square loops located under the seats at the bend. Adapter straps can be purchased to retro any of the old style seats to fit in the new tether design (02 Trailblazers have the child seat tethers). SO I think for peace of mind I will go with the middle seat and purchase the tethers to adapt the seat I have (in 03 I will upgrade my child seats for both my kids).
Thanks again, oh by the way Zaino's show car polish works great on the Onyx Black..a lot of effort the first time though but worth it.. thanx tlauro for the tb information..
by the way does anyone know if anyone makes the Ventshade for the side windows for the EXT or running boards??
Regards
happy trailblazering
just my thoughts as an LTZ owner with 3.73's.
tim
As far as the screamer S-10, I used to drive a '72 Toyota pickup that would chirp the tire in third gear (manual). Pickups are so light in the rear it's hard NOT to spin the tires.
GAM2
12497726 (with flares)
12497608 (without flares)
What do they mean flares? As I said, I have the LT.
Thanks for all the help, this is a great group for a new owner to be using for reference.
segel10
-mike
I've had this problem for wahile now and I've been treated to the great GMC technical advice from 3 different dealers, "if it we can't reproduce it, we can't fix it."
Anyway, thought of doing the following. the next time this 'unreproducable" problem happens, I'll try to call OnStar to see if they can run one of their diagnostics. I ran this by one of the GM service managers and he thought it couldn't hurt.
Will report back next time this happens and see if I can stand the Dallas high heat long enough to get the OnStar to look at this.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
Unfortunately for me, my Envoy isn't driven that much during the week (hence I use my other vehicle to get to a from work) and there are not too many GMC dealerships in my area. For those of you who have many GMC dealerships at your disposal, I would strongly suggest that if the problem should recreate, maybe a quick "unannounced" visit directly to the dealership may get the wheels spinning on this issue.
Good Luck!
IExplore2000@aol.com
Lack of power: Remember that you have the 3.42, that is about 8% of a taller differential than the 3.73 and about 14% taller than the 4.10 you probably will only see about 5% better MPG, but IMO, the 3.73's have a soft torque converter anyways, so that with the taller gears should make a very smoooth ride, w/o the comfort. With the 3.73's I've had lots of fun =o) all my tires were @ 5/32's after 5k mi.(partially crappy BFG's, mainly my agressive driving) Then I changed to 245/75/16's (30.7") tires from the 245/70/16's(OE 29.7") 3.3% taller tires(final gearing change) make a pretty large difference in the accelerating characteristics so I can imagine what an 8% change in final gearing would do.(theoretically GM should have compensated somehow for this, though, right?)
Hope this helps some.
Just recently installed a K&N Filter and modified the air box much the same way as John Skiba did. (see Tlauro's webpage http://www.timlauro.com/cars/trailblazer/other-trailblazers/other-triplet-mods/john-skiba/john-skiba-main.htm for pics) Your site rocks...
I also put a K&N into my '98 accord. Increased pickup in the accord was much more noticable than in the TB. Climbing Hills was much easier than before, with the TB pretty much keeping a steady speed with my position constant on the pedal unless there is a really steep grade. Before I installed the K&N, I could remember having to push down the pedal when climbing hills, especially with people aboard. Haven't ran the tank yet so I can't comment on the mpg, although about half way through, looks to be the same.
As for the question about amplifiers, I've read that some people have upgraded their stereos and have installed amplifiers. I was wondering where it was mounted, and what the best place is for it. I don't really want to sacrifice any cargo room, so wondering what you all did with your amps.
When you changed tire diameter that will effect speedo calibration. Did you notice that? You could use a GPS unit to check speed and highway mile markers to check the odometer accuracy. Maybe some aftermarket company will figure out a way to recalibrate the computer to different tire sizes.
So, if your dealer is telling you the flat Generic ones are the only ones to fit, Grab the molded contoured ones and the dealer and show him that he is wrong!
The test drive wound up being close to 30 minutes, due to traffic conditions on the west side. This area is kind of an acid test for an SUV considering the condition of the roads, and the need to execute frequent avoidance maneuvers in order to dodge the taxis that that constantly dart in front of you then STOP.
I finally got off 11th Ave, and managed to get it briefly up to 60mph on the West Side Highway. I found the acceleration to be surprisingly good, and the numerous highway bumps were scarcely felt in the cabin. It was almost hard to believe I was driving a truck.
The Bose stereo sounded great, and the A/C was strong on a 98 degree day.
I managed to get the dealer to let this one go for invoice, and signed a 3yr lease. I pick up the truck in about a week, after I terminate the lease on my 300M.
I'm looking forward to driving this one home...
The power of the 4.7L V-8's used in the JGC is awesome! Only being rated at 235 hp, you would swear that you had at least 300 hp underneath the hood. Literally, if you see a lane and want to get in it..... nooo problem.. Whereas with the triplets, I was a little leery trying to steal a lane in Chicago traffic.
For me, I need to have HP on tap when I need it most.. Off the line and expressway merging..
Thanks!
IExplore2000@aol.com
thanks.
The K&N part number is E-1009. They might not have them in stock, but they most certainly can order them.
I'm all too familiar with some auto part store employees who are in the mindset of "if it's not in the computer, it doesn't exist." There's some that are really good, though.
Had the fuel filter recall done in May 2002.
Also at that time complained about:
-Brake pedal squeaking when pressed,
-Rear hatch sometimes remaining locked after removing key,
-Vibration felt in the gas pedal at 57 - 60 mph,
-sometimes smell a strong petroleum, not gas smell,
-Fan noise - fan clutch ordered.
Could not duplicate the problems.
Now the A/C.
Saturday drove to a wedding an hour away, A/C fine.
Drove around for another hour revisiting our hometown, A/C fine.
After reception no A/C, even after restart. Took in on Monday for new hatch strap, A/C fine of course.
Went to the bank this morning, A/C fine came out and no A/C. Went directly to the dealer and left the car on so they could witness it. Told them about the complaints lodged here. New to them. They turned it off and restarted it still warm, however when the mechanic got it in about an hour later, guess what? A/C fine. Stated that the freon was a little low.
Does this make one or two A/C trips since the first was not witnessed?
Fast forward... I pickup the vehicle, inspect the interior (for oil stains, etc.), scratches and mirrors. All looks good. Once home, I washed the vehicle so that I could do a better inspection. To my amazement, there were several vertical scratches along the drivers body cladding. Once again, I call them and they agree to correct the problem.
Fast forward... Today, I pickup the vehicle, half the vertical scratches are still there and now the passengers door has a door ding!! After several minutes of examining the truck, the service advisor wanders over and says, "Go and get into your rental again"!
What would you guys do? I was extremely pissed off. I tend to light up in these situations, but I kept my calm (its only a vehicle, right?).
Onto another topic. My Bravada makes a clicking sound (about 3-4 distinct clicks) when put into reverse and backed up. Is this "normal" behavior with all triplets?
I thought someone posted a question regarding driver doors that clunked when driven over large bumps like rail roads. I think it was a Bravada owner. What ever happen, did a service department fix the problem? If so, what was the fix?
Thanks in advance,
Tony
GAM
As for only feeling engine torque, that's not really the best way of looking at it. You feel acceleration, and nothing more. It doesn't matter if it's due to high revving and less torque, or less revving and more torque. Even if the torque is completely constant and you stay in the same gear, your acceleration won't be constant because the rate of rev increase will speed up (then probably slow down as you get going faster)
I think the engine has every bit of 270HP,
as evidenced by its excellent passing ability.
Those numbers don't tell everything, though.
That's at 6000RPM. Supposedly it's got like 90% of the maximum torque down low, but that's still significantly less than with a V-8. With that you can't expect too much off the line grunt when trying to move 4600 lbs. The JGC is a lot lighter, has more torque, and might be geared lower.
Anyway, I think a stick shift would work wonders with this engine. If not, the Rainier's coming out with a V-8, and we can stop this talk about the JGC's power. Those Vortec V-8's can't be beat.
It's kind of like the 300M we used to have. You just need to get on it more from a stop, and rev it higher, and there's more power. But, your fuel mileage will go down a little.
http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/accessories/modellistTra.html. They say the fronts won't work with the boards. If you think about it, the boards dont come that close to the front fender. I will get the fronts also.
Yeah the vehicle may weigh less, BUT they did pick a perfect combination on the design board to give you great combinations. Personally, I am glad that GM decided not allow the V-8's to be used in the regular wheelbased triplets and only the Buick Ranier.. WHY?? RESALE! At least that saves our butts (or maybe just mine)?
Thanks!
IExplore2000@aol.com
BTW, I think that the Envoy has plenty of power. I drive an Envoy XL, upgrading from a '98 Isuzu Rodeo, and I'm extremely pleased with the Envoy's power. No, the Envoy isn't the ultimate race-SUV, but it's got more than enough power to beat many cars and the vast majority of SUVs.
If you want a dog as far as acceleration - think 4-runner or Expedition IMHO. Sounds like people are comparing an I6 to a V8 as if they should be equal in performance. A more accurate comparison would be to compare the I6 to a V6 (like my old Rodeo) - hands down the I6 is a great engine.
-mike
I, too, have had the ice maker noise. It only happens on occasion when I start the Envoy in the morning and make one of my first turns. My seems to be coming from the right side of the dash. Now that I think about it, it has been a while since it has happened. It hasn'r concerned me too musch and I have not mentioned it to the dealer yet.
JAW
THE SQUEAK, I had a similar noise and could not pin point it right away--then low and behold it was the ceiling--somehow the ceiling came loose from the clips that hold it in place--squeak-squeak--so a firm push up on the ceiling right where the console is and around the sunroof area, click click click locked back into place and no more squeak--I don't know if you pin pointed it yet but that was where mine came from--hope it helps...
Happy Trailblazering
I know I have compared my TBs off-line torque and throttle response to my '88 S-10 4.3 V6 TBI w/ 700-R4 automatic and 3.08 rear gears, and yes the S-10 is about 1300 lbs lighter (3200 GVW vs. 4500), but the S-10's V6 is only rated at 160 HP and 235 ft-lbs torque too, giving it about a 20:1 weight to power ratio, as opposed to a 16:1 ratio for the TB. Where the other big difference is with these two, the S-10 runs out of oomph at 80-85 MPH, the TB is strong all the way to 100 mph, up there where all the power is. (Not too sure if it will go any faster than that. 100 is as far as I have pushed it - once. )
This might sound like a silly reason not to buy a SUV - but I HATE the name Ascender. It's just the butt of too many jokes (heh, sorry). The second anything goes wrong with it, I can just see my buddies saying, "Yeah, I guess that's why they call it the A**ender."
In addition, it felt really GOOD to buy a quality American vehicle. (Especially with most of the bugs worked out by the time the XL went into production.) Yes, I know that GM owns half of Isuzu - but I just feel better after 9/11 putting money back into America, rather than over-seas.
Anyone have any ideas? The dealers all say the typical ... " if we can't reproduce it, we can't fix it."
-mike
BTW, it's spelled Ascender, not Ascendor.
As far as versions of the TB, in my personal info for this discussion board since January when I 1st signed on is as follows: "My dream car is a TrailBlazer Xtreme V8 AWD" .
It took GM 5 years to finally put a 350 5.7L V8 in the 3rd gen F-body Camaros and Firebirds. From '82 'til the 5.7L finally showed up in '87. Maybe eventually TB sales will slow down enough that they will make more versions and options available to perk up interest.
I was ready to wait 'til '03 or '04 to buy a TB until the $2002 cash back deal (with that 1969 The Ides of March -" Vehicle" song for the jingle) started in January, and seeing base price increases coming, along with my almost $3200 in my GM MasterCard rebate account, plus getting 10% off the sticker, ( I got a heck of a deal on it!) I figured what the heck- I'll get one now and trade it in on another one a couple of years when they get them refined. Overall I am still very impressed that GM could come out with a completely new vehicle and be as good as it is.