1973 Chevy Blazer - K5 - 502ci V8

Looking at Tom Swanson's '73 Chevrolet Blazer, you would never guess how it came about. Back in 1990, Tom began racing his '77 Jeep CJ-7 in the HDRA series starting with the Gold Coast 300 race. Unfortunately, after a few successful races in the books, the Jeep went into the garage. Fast forward to 1997, Tom pulled the Jeep out of retirement and started racing the Whiplash Racing series. This is where Tom met Randy Ellis, the future builder of this awe-inspiring Blazer. Randy was one of Tom's competitors in Class 3, always giving him a run for his money. Tom was so impressed at how well Randy's Jeep worked that he took his Jeep to Randy for an update after he rolled it in the 2002 Parker 400.

Impressed again by Randy's craftsmanship, Tom delivered his Chevy to Randy's shop, Randy Ellis Design out of Phoenix, Arizona, and asked him to build an old-school, reliable, low-tech, stout toy that would seat four comfortably. It also had to be fast and strong enough to chase for his friends who continue to race. A year later, this bulletproof beast pulled out of the shop and onto the trail.

Specs
Vehicle: '73 Chevrolet Blazer

Owner: Tom Swanson

Tom didn't want his truck looking like any other Blazer, so he asked Randy to custom build much of the truck. This purpose-built bumper was made super stout, carrying a Warn winch, KC HiLites lights, and leaving enough clearance for large tires. Let's not forget, it keeps the front end looking clean unlike some of those huge gaudy bumpers you see running around. The rocker guards running along side the Blazer are also tucked tight against the body. If you are a Blazer lover, you know that front grille is not from '73. Randy added a '91 Blazer front clip and GMC grille to the truck. The updated hood also has a cowl induction built in.

Tom didn't want his truck looking like any other Blazer, so he asked Randy to custom build

Chassis: Stock with custom rollcage

Engine: 502ci V-8 GM crate motor, McCabe headers/exhaust

Drivetrain: Dana 60 front, Detroit locker, GM 14-Bolt rear, 4.56 gears, NP205, Turbo 400

Suspension: Alcan springs, King shocks

Steering: Randy Ellis Design

Brakes: Disc

Tires/wheels: 37-inch BFG KM2 M/T, 17x9 Mickey Thompson Classic II

Interior: Auto Meter, Lowrance, PCI, Art Carr

Other Parts: KC HiLites, Warn winch/hubs

Favorite Off-Road Areas: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada

One thing we always enjoy about trucks that come out of Randy's shop is how cleanly they are built. Everything is built to work with no extra nonsense. The front axle is a stout Dana 60 combined with Warn hubs and 4.56 gears. All four corners are running disc brakes with line locks for extra stopping force.
One thing we always enjoy about trucks that come out of Randy's shop is how cleanly they a
Randy setup the suspension to provide 6 inches of lift using Alcan springs and custom shackles. To keep the axlehousing froom bending, a truss was fabricated just below the axle. If you follow those gorgeous headers down the frame rails, you can spot the NP205 transfer case mounted down the center.
Randy setup the suspension to provide 6 inches of lift using Alcan springs and custom shac
New bushings and custom shackles allow the suspension to articulate at extreme angles.

Tom had a 502ci Ram Jet GM crate motor stuffed under the hood pushing 502hp and 565 lb-ft of torque. This big block has forged steel connecting rods and crankshaft, stamped steel rocker arms, 9.6:1 compression and an 11-inch fuel-injected intake manifold. It's big, bad and keeps your right foot happy. McCabe Racing built the headers and exhaust around the massive motor. All that power leaves the engine and moves through a Turbo 400 transmission controlled by an Art Carr shifter.
Tom had a 502ci Ram Jet GM crate motor stuffed under the hood pushing 502hp and 565 lb-ft
That big rear end is a full-floating, GM 14-Bolt rear end stuffed with 4.56 gears and a Detroit locker.
That big rear end is a full-floating, GM 14-Bolt rear end stuffed with 4.56 gears and a De
The rear suspension uses Alcan springs. Randy has this leaf pack custom built to soak up harsh impacts. This may be a big heavy straight-axle truck, but that doesn't stop Tom from occasionally thinking it's a prerunner. Randy also designed both the tie rods and drag link.
The rear suspension uses Alcan springs. Randy has this leaf pack custom built to soak up h

Parked behind the shock hoop, dual Optima Red Top batteries provide the juice. Although, there are a ton of aftermarket goodies found on the Chevy, Tom wanted to keep certain "off the shelf" parts on the truck including Suburban big-block motor mounts, radiator mounts, transmission cross member, and a bunch of items from the LMC truck catalog.
Parked behind the shock hoop, dual Optima Red Top batteries provide the juice. Although, t
The cage bolts down to the frame in six locations providing safety just in case Tom gets a little too crazy behind the wheel. The custom dash is laid out with Auto Meter gauges, PCI Roadmaster radio and Lowrance 3000MT GPS. The Art Carr shifter and fire extinguisher are built into the center console.
The cage bolts down to the frame in six locations providing safety just in case Tom gets a
Randy built a trick lever release system to hold a full-size spare tire in place. A metal storage box and Hi-Lift jack have also been mounted in. With all the dirt this truck sees, a Line-X sprayed floor was a must. Tom won't ever have to worry about knocking the mud off his shoes before climbing in. Simply hose out the floor and it's good to go.
Randy built a trick lever release system to hold a full-size spare tire in place. A metal

Tom still spends a lot of time running around the race course, which is why two King 2.5 piggyback shocks are mounted to either corner instead of just one. Extra shock on those long hot days makes a world of difference.
Tom still spends a lot of time running around the race course, which is why two King 2.5 p
The previous owner of this truck did a great job of cutting the wheelwells to accommodate a much larger tire. The 37x12.50R17 BFGoodrich KM2 tires look great and provide a ton of traction in both loose sand and through tricky rock gardens. The Mickey Thompson Classic II 17x9 wheel always looks great on old-school projects.
The previous owner of this truck did a great job of cutting the wheelwells to accommodate
The rear bumper matches the front in strength, looks and clearance.