At 190,000, motor was finally done. Replaced with rebuilt block and cleaned intake, exhaust, and such.
The transmission was all original and gave out at 193,000. Survived higher hp, performance of new block for 3000 miles.
Complete rebuild of front end, bushings, bearings, ball-joints, and tie-rods/steering linkage at same time as motor. Everything was original.
This is a 79 1/2 Blazer and was built with 78 and 79 parts under 1980 body. It has been difficult to "re-match" the original parts, but NAPA and others have many OE parts in warehouses across the country.
All things being said, the truck has held up much better than any manufacturer has ever claimed. 189k miles for a motor/transmission that really was not taken care of prior to my purchase is more than one would normally expect. This was also wearing 38s when I purchased, now 32.5s.
I have rebuilt and replaced, restored and repaired nearly to new for less than $5,000.00.
I would suggest this type of vehicle for anyone who is thinking about restoration for standard or off-road use. I have done and continue to finish the body work and it has been very easy to find replacement and repair parts for the work.
Proper distributor, coil, plugs, and exhaust set-up can bring you 32-38mpg on the highway, and this is something that new SUVs are incapable of. It also adds the alternative HP for off-road or utility use (less mpg of course).
I agree that this is a great truck, but I am afraid I do not believe that it gets the MPG you state, or even close. Something is off in your calculations. Good luck with your project.
38 mpg I don't think so what does it have for a motor a geo motor.
I agree, my 79 has 320,000++ miles on it and the best it's ever done on the road is 14+ mpg with factory 3.73 gearing dual exhaust and a fresh tune up.
350 Chevy engines with Turbo 350 trannies in 5,300 Lb trucks do not get 30+ mpg. Someone is pulling a leg here. LOL.
If you divide by 2, those stated mpg numbers would be in the ballpark.
Or maybe he was going 40 on the freeway downhill?
I did have a 1975 Impala 350 2bbl carb, 3:7 gears that got 21 on the freeway at 70 mph.
He he.
My 92 gets about 15 city and 17 hwy... possibly a little better, but not on average all the time.
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