Throwing a big turbo under the hood is one surefire way to make a vehicle a whole lot more interesting. This Chevy TrailBlazer is no different, boasting a boosted six-cylinder that lays down a claimed 500 horsepower. Now, we’re getting a closer look with the following feature video.
Recently hitting the web thanks to YouTuber ThatDudeInBlue, this video showcases a performance-modified first-generation Chevy TrailBlazer equipped from the factory with the Atlas LL8 inline-six engine. In stock guise, this 4.2L straight six was rated at 273 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Now, however, this thing is throwing down a whole lot more thanks to an additional nine pounds of boost, shifting from a 17-second quarter-mile time to an impressive 12 seconds in the test. In addition to the impressive increase in power, the exterior remains deceptively stock, hiding the turbocharged goodness under an unassuming facade. The vehicle retains its stock 4L60E-4 transmission and interior as well, including air conditioning, emphasizing everyday usability and under-the-radar operation.
Of course, the video host has to compare this Chevy TrailBlazer to the LS2-powered, 395-horsepower Chevy TrailBlazer SS. On balance, though, this sleeper TrailBlazer is considered the clear winner when it comes to the cool factor.
“This takes the ordinary, nobody-thinks-about inline-six that Chevy made, [and the owner] essentially took this, threw a turbo on it, and now it makes 500 wheel horsepower,” the video host states.
After briefly going over some of the vehicle features and what makes it special, the video gets into driving impressions, with the video host getting behind the wheel and taking the boosted TrailBlazer out on the street. Unfortunately, the conditions are less than ideal, with the rain-slick roads putting a bit of a damper on the fun. Nevertheless, it’s interesting to see and hear this thing fully unleashed, so hit play to see and hear it for yourself:
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Comments
I had a tuned 06 SS Trailblazer with the LS2 6.0L. Man I loved that thing. Hauled 5 people, or my boat with ease, and did it rather quickly. GM should have given it the 6 speed and it would have really been a rocket!
What could possibly go wrong? Rear diff, engine rods, pistons, … Ask people who beefed up CTS-V’s to extra power with a pulley swap. And the 1st gen V’s from the factory were eating rear diffs. Nearly doubling the hp is likely to break some stuff.
Not 500HP. That’s a fever dream. The stock 4L60 max can take 350HP, 400 with massive upgrades. For reference, the trailblazer SS had a 4L70, and much less power than what is claimed. He’s probably getting 315-330 if lucky. That’s a good boost over stock however
People do mods all the time without upgrading the other crucial parts. That’s why it’s never a good idea to buy someone else’s project.
Better have an airfilter on that turbo inlet or you’ll be seeing some massive FOD. That chicken wire pen15 display isn’t going to stop anything smaller than a quarter from being ingested.
Agree 100% w/ Steve – Absolutely no scenario where 9 psi on this motor equals 500 horsepower at the wheels. 9 psi represents a 61% increase over sea level atmospheric pressure, so 277 hp (stock) X 1.61 = 446 hp at the crank IF it was operating at 100% efficiency. It’s not. Maybe, maybe 375 at the crank, maybe 300 at the wheels. The tranny is struggling with whatever power is getting to it. The video shows the WOT runs, but it never shifts into 3rd. How long does it have to run at WOT to make the 2-3 shift?? And, 12 seconds through the 1/4 mile? No. Way. Jose.