Opinions wanted: Crazy autocross Tahoe idea

[Al Von]

I have this beat '96 Tahoe 4x4. 5.7, 4L60E, 3.73 open axles, front/rear sway bars. After reading so many autocross stories, I got this crazy idea to maybe try it.

My idea:

Lower it with dropped rear shackles, diesel Suburban [bigger?] torsion bars with dropped keys, dropped shocks.

22" Escalade wheels with an appropriate tire.

Urethane bushings in the sway bars front/rear.

Weight reduction: Dechrome, remove running boards, seats, any unnecessary weight, lighter exhaust system, move battery to back storage compartment.

I realise a 2wd Z51 [police] Tahoe would be a better candidate, but I have THIS $350 beater that I have put around $1,000 in making it safe and reliable.

Sounds like fun at any rate...

[JOES66FURY]

Garlits or Shelby did a 4wd dakota like this...made it AWD, lowered it....wish I could remeber the details....


Go for it man...

[Bamfster]

I say why not? .... I've been trying to work a deal on an '01 'hoe w/a bazillion miles on it for the same reason.

[BOOOGHAR]

i had a crazy idea like that last week while looking at the tahoe shell in my driveway

[silver_bullet]

Do it!!!

[fast Ed]

Is that a 4WD or AWD system? If it's 4WD, it won't like being run hard on dry pavement. Is there an AWD transfer case from another full-size GM truck that can be swapped in? Maybe a later Denali or something? Don't know the GM stuff very well, so I am just throwing it out there ...


cheers
Ed

[Scott Liggett]

Lower center of gravity and losing weight would be my two.major concerns for better handling.

Not sure if those 22" Escalade wheels would be useful. They are really heavy. That's a lot of unsprung weight to get moving and stopped when cornering. If Escalde brakes are bigger, I would certainly go that route.

More power to the engine too. DNA Motoring makes a inexpensive turbo kit that will easily get you 550 hp. You would want better valve springs and lifters. The truck ones arent that good for power boost.

[AMeanXtreme]

Probably your best bet for the AWD system would be to find a front diff from a 2001-2006 denali, escalade, or Silverado SS I believe the front diff is a direct swap. For the transfer case most of the newer ones are electronically controlled. So you are going to want to find an older non-electronic one. also beefing up the transmission will need to be done.

[Whelk]

If you modify the suspension they make you run in a faster class. Can you make if faster enough to make it worthwhile?

[Al Von]

Wow, lots to think about...

It is 4wd rather than AWD. Has the buttons on the dash for 2H, 4H, and 4L.

I didnt consider how heavy a 22" wheel is. True, that is a bit of unsprung weight to stop & go. There are definitely more 18" Escalade wheels out there on CL than 22's. Not to mention tire prices...

So, modifying the suspension might move me up a class? Well, at 278k miles, I dont think modifying the engine without a rebuild would be wise, or cheap.

Thanks for the replies and food for thought.

[mopar57]

the whole point is making better that it is, anything you do will further that. Excellent idea mostly cause isn't cookie cutter! I like it.

[Dan Barlow]

Only thing I have to add is locking the front diff. Permanently like my Olds Bravada. Then getting a a wheel drive transfer case. I would do 18" wheel for all the reasons you mentioned.

[Dan Barlow]

Well 'I haven't been able to get this thing out of my head. I think you might be better of taking all the front drive stuff out except the hubs (c/v joints ,axles, differential ,front driveshaft.) I think the traction they would give you will be offset by all the weight. Get that stuff out and then if you need to you can steer a little with the throttle.If the trannie goes out then the transfer case would get sold and I would put a 5 speed in it or if I had the cash, a T56. The double overdrive would help on mileage too.I wouldn't gut it. It makes it good for only one thing. Unless you were to take out the back seat and make a light weight continuation of the bed up to the back of the front seat. That way it still has two purposes. (pick-up and auto-crosser). Keep us posted .

[phitter67]

If you would take the front drive out, I'm pretty sure the outer CV needs to stay through the hub/bearing to keep it together.

[Dan Barlow]

The tahoe should be like the Bravada. I've had to replace a couple of hubs. They bolt to the spindle. That's the stuff I would keep. The axles and the diff I would take out.C/Vs are basically a flexible joint in the axle. Take it all out. While I do like my wifes Bravada for being all wheel drive the best we've gotten on gas is 17 mpg on the high way from the 200hp 4.3 If I small block one I like the idea of the wheels off a third gen IROC or T/A fitting on without the tires hanging out. I like the torsion bars too.