My observations and pictures of a Blue production TBSS [Archive] - Chevy TrailBlazer, TrailBlazer SS and GMC Envoy Forum

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Greg

10-08-2005, 12:46 AM

Went to the Texas State Fair and got to see and sit in a production TBSS. There were a few things that I was disappointed that GM didn't bring from the concept vehicle to the production model.

First, the single outlet for the exhaust. I know this has been discussed over and over and I understand why GM did it but I still don't care for it.

Second, the lack of painted brake calipers. GM does it on some of their other models why not the TBSS?

Third, the style (fonts) of the "SS" emblems. IMO the ones on the concept truck look a lot better. I believe they are borrowed from the Silverado SS. The emblems on the production truck kind of remind me of what they used to use on the Chevelles and Camaros.

Fourth, the lack of painting of the outside rear view mirror flanges the body color (unless you have a black truck then this doesn't apply). I have no idea why GM didn't carry this over. Maybe cost?

Fifth, the lack of a rear air deflector (http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/accessoriesjsp/accessorydetail.jsp?gmaz&make=chevrolet&model=trailblazer&year=2005&detail=rear_air_deflector&sid=4073443646459064&subline=EXTERIOR) I think this makes the TBSS even better looking but GM decided to leave it off. Fortunately they're not that expensive and can be purchased at dealer for around a $100.00.

Overall I'm still impressed with the versatility the TBSS offers and with the exception of the exhaust system all the above items are just cosmetic and could be changed rather easily. The only thing that is kept me from ordering one is the fact that I haven't driven (or heard) one yet. As long as it performs as advertised then one will find its way in to our garage. I might get a chance to drive one in a couple of weeks due to the fact that the dealership I work at is supposed to receive all of the Chevrolets from the Fair once it's over. If that happens, I'll let you know.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/555000-555999/555261_15_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/555000-555999/555261_17_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/555000-555999/555261_18_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/555000-555999/555261_19_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/555000-555999/555261_20_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/555000-555999/555261_25_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/555000-555999/555261_23_full.jpg

ScarabEpic22

10-08-2005, 12:55 AM

I want one sooooo bad!!!!! Its not in the budget though unless something happens to my 02. Thanks for the great pics!

ieatglue

10-08-2005, 01:01 AM

Awsome pics, thanks...and yes, i want one too, but if it's free, i want 2 :D

ScarabEpic22

10-08-2005, 01:07 AM

Awsome pics, thanks...and yes, i want one too, but if it's free, i want 2 :D
If there're free, give me 5, one each for the folks, one for the bro, and 2 for me!!! Muahhhhhh!!:D

FattyTBEXT

10-08-2005, 09:58 AM

Its not in the budget though unless something happens to my 02.

Unexplained vehicle fire, anyone? :laugh:

jauto98

10-08-2005, 10:24 AM

That looks nice!!! Thanks for the great pics :yes: . If only I had 50grand :rolleyes:

FattyTBEXT

10-08-2005, 10:42 AM

I'm glad the SS has the 02-05 style grille and headlights too... :m2:

TrailblazerSS

10-08-2005, 10:58 AM

Thanks for the pictures and comments.

The TBSS may not be released to your dealer. As a pre production model I would assume the problem that has caused the engineering hold may not be fixed in this one. They won't be releasing any of those to the public without that fix.

homertime

10-08-2005, 11:36 AM

Greg - i'm in complete agreement with you - The concept was more of a "pre production" car then a concept car - of which they added and subtracted some features.
You mention the "rear air deflector" and had a link - if you noticed on the 2002 concept pics it was more like a "wing" then a deflector, it wasn't an add on part. That, along with the LED tail lights and dual exhaust were big removals from the concept, and led me to be slightly disappointed with the final product, because in essence, it is NOT MUCH DIFFERENT, now considering the V8 option on the SWB model. I was expecting a different truck, and chevy let me down. It still is an awesome truck and I will idolize anyone that has one though
I agree, with an SS you SHOULD be getting painted calipers, and a few other things that make your tuck noticeable other then the removal of the door guards and 3 SS badges on the exterior and a new front bumper.
I think the current SS is a good start for them, and I hope they keep the line for when I'm ready to trade in my 05 in 3-6 years, but i hope they have made a few more significant changes (like dual exhaust) to make it worth my while.

Blulytes

10-08-2005, 12:46 PM

yeah... there are a couple of things that everyone would like to change to make their vehicle more how they would like it. That is why we modify.

As a production vehicle, I believe they have done a pretty good job!

Envoy Fan

10-08-2005, 02:54 PM

Unexplained vehicle fire, anyone? :laugh:

Matt, I know some guys that.....:x

Trailblazin

10-16-2005, 09:04 PM

why did u have t take such good pics of it! and its finally in production!!! i was hoping they'd wait until i started working !! MY HEART :(

FattyTBEXT

10-16-2005, 09:50 PM

Matt, I know some guys that.....:x

If I still had the job I did last year, I woulda traded in the EXT for a new XL Denali with the employee pricing. But I'll keep your guys in mind when I start making more money again... :laugh:

tb_ky

10-16-2005, 11:56 PM

zrwon

10-17-2005, 12:48 AM

Chevy made a big mistake with this...single exhaust and the bumper design that goes along with it. There is a cutout on the bumper for the single exhaust on just one side so if you do add duals its gonna look stupid.
Just wait and see the flow of aftermarket parts that will follow, you'll have everyting to make it look good and some will even have stuff to make them look stupid, the usual :p

tblazin18

10-17-2005, 12:53 AM

is it possible to swap out the rear bumper to the one from the SS? a

homertime

10-17-2005, 10:47 PM

I think it wouldn't be too difficult... the 06 LT's seem to be able to have the same mounting as the 05's, meaning the SS should be the same

again that's just by looking up close, couldn't take a screwdriver to it though!

Braves299

10-18-2005, 01:59 PM

I'd break someone's knee caps in for that...

lol jk.

SEMOscrew

11-05-2005, 01:25 AM

ScarabEpic22

11-05-2005, 05:08 AM

(sarcasm) yeah!!! dual echo chamber tips, glasspacks, and no catalytic convertors. THAT WOULD SO ROCK.

maybe we could throw some blackouts, vent guards, or basically any other plastic additive from autozone. its like it is 1993 all over again.

chevrolet - ill take the single exhaust. just turbo it for me.
Forget everything but the last sentence. "just turbo it for me" PLEASE GM, ARE YOU LISTENING OUT THERE???!!!!! At least make it an aftermarket kit like you have all the performance parts for the vetts and gtos and the like.

Z06 Tom

11-05-2005, 09:01 AM

Chevy made a big mistake with this...single exhaust and the bumper design that goes along with it. There is a cutout on the bumper for the single exhaust on just one side so if you do add duals its gonna look stupid.

The after-market will fix that... I have a Corsa system on my Z71 Tahoe, and it sounds great!! The duel tips look good too. All in all, I can live with it...

http://gallery.trailvoy.com/data/500/medium/PB040002.JPG

Talk about goofy looking...

Jeep SRT8:

http://automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2005_new_york/0503_jeep_cherokee_03.jpg

Can't tow my boat with that thing.

FattyTBEXT

11-05-2005, 09:06 AM

Can't tow my boat with that thing.

I remember thinking that same thing when I saw the guy on Car Domain with center exhaust on his TB. Plus, with my luck, I'd need the spare that currently resides there. :duh:

Z06 Tom

11-05-2005, 09:20 AM

...chevrolet - ill take the single exhaust. just turbo it for me...

Just wait... Magnacharger makes a blower for the SSR, won't take long to come up with a kit for the SS!! :D

http://magnacharger.com/images/lowres/SSR/ssr-3.gif