'06 SS vs. '02 SS Prototype

[JacozSS]

Anyone notice how we actually got a better truck than GM put in front of us 4 years ago at the autoshows? I have been doing some Google and Yahoo searches on the truck to see what other tidbits I can find. Was supposed to be 345HP (LQ9?) and we got the monster LS2. It was pretty close on the exterior features, but I can't help but think they did us right by taking it toe Nurburgring and then really giving us the gusto w/this engine. I don't think we could have gotten the LS7 due to production on the Z06 and cost-imagine a $55,000 trailblazer...yikes!

P.S. Anyone notice how these things aren't sitting on the dealer lots very long? I can't even find one around Milwaukee or So. WI at all.

[Greg]

Anyone notice how we actually got a better truck than GM put in front of us 4 years ago at the autoshows? I have been doing some Google and Yahoo searches on the truck to see what other tidbits I can find. Was supposed to be 345HP (LQ9?) and we got the monster LS2. It was pretty close on the exterior features, but I can't help but think they did us right by taking it toe Nurburgring and then really giving us the gusto w/this engine. I don't think we could have gotten the LS7 due to production on the Z06 and cost-imagine a $55,000 trailblazer...yikes!

P.S. Anyone notice how these things aren't sitting on the dealer lots very long? I can't even find one around Milwaukee or So. WI at all.

I agree it was a pleasant surprise to have the LS2 under the hood of the TBSS's but I was a little disappointed they didn't bring more stuff over from the concept truck. I outlined some of these things in a post (http://forums.trailvoy.com/showpost.php?p=22339&postcount=1) from early October of last year.

[Chotton]

I prefer the production truck to the concept for a couple of reasons. Tom Wallace and his team raised the bar on the performance front and left out the weight adding and cosmetic only dual exhaust. If the SS would have been built with dual exhaust it wouldn't have been true duels. It would have been a single pipe back the the muffler and then split. Second, all the other cosmetic only features that would have done nothing for the performance of the truck just add to the MSRP.

[Greg]

I prefer the production truck to the concept for a couple of reasons. Tom Wallace and his team raised the bar on the performance front and left out the weight adding and cosmetic only dual exhaust. If the SS would have been built with dual exhaust it wouldn't have been true duels. It would have been a single pipe back the the muffler and then split. Second, all the other cosmetic only features that would have done nothing for the performance of the truck just add to the MSRP.

I was expecting the exhaust to look like the SSR's with a dual split after the muffler but this particular concept truck sure appeared to have true duels to me. Below is a shot I took at a new car show in February of 05'. Also if you look at the interior shots you'll notice some nice differences. Such as the instrument cluster, different type pedals, SS floor mats ect. Sure all these things will add to the MSRP but they will also add to "the look". Just my :m2:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/555000-555999/555261_28_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/555000-555999/555261_30_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/555000-555999/555261_29_full.jpg

[TBSSTony]

Those proto pics are cool! Looks like they had a fatass driving it a lot - those lower seat "bolsters" gave up the ghost!

I'll take:
-White faced guages (heck, pick a color, just make them all match, geez!)
-Racing pedals
-Rear spoiler

I could care less about dual exhaust or dirty SS floormats.

[homertime]

I'll take:
-White faced guages (heck, pick a color, just make them all match, geez!)
-Racing pedals
-Rear spoiler


I totally agree...
I figured a few of the fun aesthetic features would have been preserved like the spoiler and painted calipers

[TBSSTony]

I totally agree...
I figured a few of the fun aesthetic features would have been preserved like the spoiler and painted calipers

Oh yeah, painted calipers too. Though I'll take care of that myself this summer for $15!

[turboawd]

those seats are slightly different. it looks like they don't have much side bolster support. they probably reupholstered normal trailblazer cushions.:confused: the suede also runs all the way to the front of the lower cushion, while current trucks dont.
the current ss seats look better, i just wish the folding of the bolsters didnt occur.:no:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/555000-555999/555261_30_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/555000-555999/555261_29_full.jpg

[turboawd]

remember the twin turbo prototype?:drool: :hail:
http://trucktrend.com/roadtests/performance/163_0208_twin/

http://trucktrend.com/roadtests/performance/163_0208_twin01_l.jpg
http://trucktrend.com/roadtests/performance/163_0208_twin04_z.jpg


that turbo motor would have been awesome to have also. plus the boost gauge fills that hole in the dash perfect.:yes:
http://trucktrend.com/roadtests/performance/163_0208_twin05_z.jpg

[ScarabEpic22]

I have been wanting the twin turbo to be a package the GM performance offers, but since it has been ~4+ years, I dont think so. In the meantime, I have a want list for an SS if/when I get one.

Since the SS production trucks are out now, and I am hoping to get one eventually, in the meantime I have been thinking of things I want to do to it when/if I get one.

My list so far is:
1. Replace air filter with the K&N one out of my 02 as soon as it comes home.
2. Swap the batteries, as I have an Optima Red Top in my 02 now.
3. Put my Husky liners in the SS until I get another set.
4. Have the ugly XM/Onstar antenna shaved at bodyshop within 1st week.
5. Have bodyshop at same time paint D-pillars.
6. Get a Vector tune.
7. Get an aftermarket Torque Converter (if it wont mess up the towing capacity).
8. Get aluminum molded dash kit.
9. Get a tranny cooler.
10. Change oil to Amsoil at 1K.
11. Paint calipers (if I get white, then paint black-if I get black, probably red.)
12. Get spoiler colormatched at same time when in bodyshop.
13. See if the Aeroforce Interceptor guage works with the LS2 engine, if so get one to monitor settings. Put in where 4WD switch is in regular TBs.
14. Transfer my alarm to the SS.


Thats all I can think of for now, but it will probably change when/if I get one.:hissy: :mad:

(I really need to stop spending $$$ on my 02 and save for an SS:duh:)

[TBSSTony]

remember the twin turbo prototype?:drool: :hail:
http://trucktrend.com/roadtests/performance/163_0208_twin/

http://trucktrend.com/roadtests/performance/163_0208_twin01_l.jpg



that turbo motor would have been awesome to have also. plus the boost gauge fills that hole in the dash perfect.:yes:


Never seen that before, thanks! I'll take the LS2 over that anyday though, plenty of room for mods.

This is cool though: "Street-performance-biased 295/45ZR18 BFGoodrich Comp T/As are wrapped around 18x9.5-in. Speedline wheels." Our SS definately needs wider tires, even moreso since the bumped the size to 20". At a respectable 255 they look like 215's when you put them on 20's.

[Kybuilt]

Thanks for sharing those pics, Greg. I'm glad that wimpy looking 10 bolt rear got left out of the production SS! Noticed also the coil springs (instead of air bags).