My 2002 Z-71 "Til death do us part"

[MR_DIY]

I have a 2002 Avalanche 1500 Z-71 that I love. I will use this thread to get some information, but also document my restoration/build, as I have decided I will run this truck until I die.

VIN: 3GNEK13T02G104246
Mileage 190k

Leveling kit
285/70R17 AT's
Black headlights with LED bulbs
Amber DRL's & signals (hyper flash for now)
LED taillights
Flowmaster 40 series and cut off 12" later

Finally, here is my question.
I want to buy a crate engine and transmission. I have not found anywhere that I can buy these with some upgrades. Can you help me with that?

The pictures are progressive.

Thank you all.

 

[MR_DIY]

Any help on the upgraded Engine & Trans. question?

 

[frito]

Have you tried GM Performance? They have engine transmission combos that might work for you.

 

[Raekal]

Any help on the upgraded Engine & Trans. question?

I guess it all depends on what you want out of an upgraded powertrain. Performance? Just patch up the common failure points for longevity?

Making friends with a local powersports and tuning shop in terms of performance should be your first priority especially if you're not doing the work yourself. They might have better part sources, deals, or provide warranties with different manufacturers, or opt to build using your existing components instead. Sometimes the best combination, especially for your engine, isn't always a crate motor as you may need to modify the crate on top of purchasing one which can make a purchase cost inefficient unless you want a backup engine. (like replacing the whole lower end). They also will have an idea of how much power you can expect out of any particular block if you're moving away from the 5.3l.

And like frito said, gm performance is a good place to llook for crate motors and transmissions. https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/

When I was looking around for 4l80's just in case, i wandered into monster transmission's website. they seem to have their acts together and the prices dont seem unreasonable for being upgraded.

 

[ygmn]

Any help on the upgraded Engine & Trans. question?

Have you checked out the PERFORMANCE MOD sections?
many threads about various mods to improve performance w/engine & tranny

 

[MR_DIY]

Have you checked out the PERFORMANCE MOD sections?
many threads about various mods to improve performance w/engine & tranny

Yes, thank you.

 

[Gg05]

I have a 2002 Avalanche 1500 Z-71 that I love. I will use this thread to get some information, but also document my restoration/build, as I have decided I will run this truck until I die.

VIN: 3GNEK13T02G104246
Mileage 190k

Leveling kit
285/70R17 AT's
Black headlights with LED bulbs
Amber DRL's & signals (hyper flash for now)
LED taillights
Flowmaster 40 series and cut off 12" later

Finally, here is my question.
I want to buy a crate engine and transmission. I have not found anywhere that I can buy these with some upgrades. Can you help me with that?

The pictures are progressive.

Thank you all.View attachment 232913View attachment 232914View attachment 232915

Looks like my 05, I love it

 

[Dwdean0821]

I have a 2002 Avalanche 1500 Z-71 that I love. I will use this thread to get some information, but also document my restoration/build, as I have decided I will run this truck until I die.

VIN: 3GNEK13T02G104246
Mileage 190k

Leveling kit
285/70R17 AT's
Black headlights with LED bulbs
Amber DRL's & signals (hyper flash for now)
LED taillights
Flowmaster 40 series and cut off 12" later

Finally, here is my question.
I want to buy a crate engine and transmission. I have not found anywhere that I can buy these with some upgrades. Can you help me with that?

The pictures are progressive.

Thank you all.View attachment 232913View attachment 232914View attachment 232915

Which leveling kit did you use?
And did you have any issues with it?

 

[MR_DIY]

I bought keys from Amazon. No issues.

 

[MR_DIY]

Pics & changed the plan.

I tinted the windows (5% strip & fronts & 5% OVER 20% on the rears) & put a set of (5) 17x9 (+35) GRID Alloys on with my 33x11.50R17 AT's. I am not liking the stance. These are for sale now, on FB Marketplace.

I bought a set of 22x10 (-25) Mazzi Hulks & 33x12.50R22 M/T's. The chrome is pitting, so I'm having them powdercoated gloss black. They are 8 lug, so I've ordered a set of 2" adapters & lug nuts.

Monster seems to be my pick for beefed up Dtrain, when the time comes.

Next few items up are:
Headlight polishing or replacement.
Grille & cladding paint.
Tow mirrors installation.
Side exit exhaust tips.
Custom tube front bumper. Does anyone have a bender & notcher in the Eastern NC area?.

 

[MR_DIY]

I'll continue searching, but I'm struggling on 22" wheel & 33x12.50 tire fitment with a Leveling kit.

I had these 8 lug wheels redone, but they won't fit with the 2" adapters. Opinions?

 

[GregSS]

Those are some gnarly looking tires. What's the road noise like?

 

[MR_DIY]

Those are some gnarly looking tires. What's the road noise like?

I haven't heard a peep, because I will need a suspension lift to clear them. I'm going back-and-forth on whether to lift it, or not.

It goes in for body repair & full paint 11/22/21. Excited!

 

[GregSS]

Ah ok. Nice!

 

[MR_DIY]

 

[MR_DIY]

I "tubbed" the wheel wells & mounted the wheels & adapters today. They scrub if I turn over ~65%.

These are 22x10 (-25 offset) with 2" adapter / spacers & 33x12.50R22 M/T's.

 

[T’s BigDawg]

Looks good! I’m curious as to the 6-8 lug adapters. I’ve never seen those before

 

[MR_DIY]

Looks good! I’m curious as to the 6-8 lug adapters. I’ve never seen those before

Thanks. I need more plastic trimming.

 

[MR_DIY]

I cut more bumper. I have 95% of the turning radius back now.

 

[Auto Parts Guy]

Nice progression! Black is unarguably the best color
What LED headlights do you have and how do you like them?

 

[MR_DIY]

Nice progression! Black is unarguably the best color
What LED headlights do you have and how do you like them?

Thanks. I believe vehicles should be either black or white. My headlights are all chrome & off of eBay. I'm happy so far. The 1st set I bought had black background but their quality was terrible.

 

[Auto Parts Guy]

Did they come with the bulbs too? I'd like to get some replacement LED bulbs for my lights and some just don't have the light output that they should. Or they don't work well in the housing even when aimed correctly.

 

[MR_DIY]

Did they come with the bulbs too? I'd like to get some replacement LED bulbs for my lights and some just don't have the light output that they should. Or they don't work well in the housing even when aimed correctly.

No. I bought bulbs off Amazon.

 

[MR_DIY]

I put (4) Memphis M Class 6.5" speakers, with crossovers, in the doors. I have a SKAR 12", shallow mount, DVC sub in my under seat box. There is a Memphis 900.5 amp pushing everything at 2ohms. It's symphonic!

I put a set of vent visors on.

Next is body & paint.... Then I'm mostly done til I put a built Engine & Trans. in.