
One criticism leveled against many classics from the late 1970s is that they lack the engine power necessary to guarantee respectable performance. Such would have been the case with this 1977 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. However, the seller has made great strides in addressing that issue, installing an upgraded V8 that produces a whopping 410hp. The vehicle is rock-solid and roadworthy, although lifting its appearance would be a piece of cake. You will find this wonderful Blazer listed here on eBay in Moreno Valley, California. Bidding currently sits at $9,100, and with no reserve, it is guaranteed to find a new home within a few days.

Chevrolet’s Second Generation Blazer enjoyed a remarkably long production run, gracing showroom floors from 1973 to 1991. This Blazer Cheyenne rolled off the line in 1977, ordered by its first owner in a color combination of Buckskin and Brown Poly. The seller states that its paint is original, making the presence of minor chips and marks unsurprising. However, there are no serious panel bumps or bruises, and a life spent in California has left it rust-free. The paint retains a healthy shine, although the winning bidder could enhance the appearance by performing a cosmetic refresh without incurring a significant expense. That is a tempting thought, but one that some may view as unnecessary. If this Blazer’s future will include off-road adventures, maintaining the status quo means that any additional scratches won’t cause too much heartache. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the larger wheels and tires will prove helpful in slippery or muddy environments.

Decoding the VIN for this Blazer confirms that it left the factory equipped with a 400ci V8 engine, producing approximately 185hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. Those figures look respectable by 1977 standards, but I have never found an enthusiast wishing that their classic had less power on tap. The seller has taken matters into their own hands, blessing this Blazer with serious performance credentials. The original V8 is a distant memory, with the engine bay now housing a 383ci stroker that generates 410hp. They elected to upgrade the transmission to a four-speed 4L60-E automatic with a Stage 2 shift kit. The vehicle retains its original dual-range transfer case, while power-assisted steering and brakes should make life easier for the driver in confined spaces. The stroker recently received a long list of work, including a new timing chain, valves, rocker studs, and the cylinder heads were machined. It has only clocked around 2,100 miles since, but that isn’t the end of the story. The seller’s shopping list included new springs, KYB shocks, pitman arms, drag links, brakes, and other components. The results justified the effort and expense, making this Blazer a turnkey proposition that runs and drives extremely well.

One aspect of this Blazer showing its age is the interior. The cloth seatcovers exhibit wear, although there are no rips and tears. The dashpad has cracked due to UV exposure, and the aftermarket radio/cassette player is missing its control knobs. There is also visible deterioration to some of the plastic and faux woodgrain. However, installing slipcovers on the seats, a cover over the dash, and a replacement stereo would lift the appearance relatively cheaply. One striking feature is the chrome steering column, topped by a sporty timber wheel. It appears that this Blazer may have originally featured air conditioning, but the photos confirm that the engine bay components have been removed.

There’s a lot to like about this 1977 Chevrolet K5 Blazer, making it easy to understand why it has attracted ten bids, with sixty-two people adding it to their Watch List. It presents acceptably for a driver-grade classic, although lifting its appearance would be straightforward and inexpensive. One thing is certain: With the power generated by its upgraded V8, only the north face of Mount Everest would stop this beauty in its tracks.




I always find it funny how someone can throw out a nice round horsepower number yet can’t offer a dyno sheet to back it up.
For an owner built or one off engine from a machine shop I 100% agree, in those cases, the claim is often about trying to impress random people rather than reality. However, if it’s a crate engine from a reputable shop, the engines are mass produced based on a specific combination of parts that have been dyno tested. Think crate motors sold by GM, Ford and Mopar, they aren’t individually dynoed, same with Edelbrock and many others. Some manufacturers will dyno each assembly and include the sheet with the engine. There is receipt shown in the ad which shows the engine assembly with a part number, suggesting it is a crate engine from some supplier.
Steve R
Just like a CJ7, this is not really a fun car to drive at speed. Nice looking Blazer but I’ll take my hp with a lower Cg.