The Chevy TrailBlazer SS is one of the few factory hot rods that actually has the right combination of performance, appearance, and pricing--an elusive mix. And while the TrailBlazer SS's 400-horsepower LS2 V-8 delivers admirable thrust, we know some people just see that as a starting point.
New Jersey's SLP Performance Parts' business model is rooted in that mentality and it's carved out a sizeable chunk of the late-model performance biz by developing styling and horsepower enhancements for dozens of different vehicles.
We recently sampled SLP Performance's TrailBlazer SS 440 PerformancePac. Its name, as you would imagine, refers to the 440-horse power rating. The ingredients include a low-restriction air filter, a set of 1.85-ratio rocker arms (stock is 1.70); a lower-temperature, 160-degree thermostat, and a stainless PowerFlo exhaust. Also included is a DiabloSport handheld tuner with SLP's custom tune.
Aesthetically, the SLP package cures one of the few shortcomings of the TrailBlazer SS--the awkward, single-outlet exhaust. SLP's system includes a dual-outlet exhaust with polished tips and an OEM-quality replacement dual-outlet rear valence. The valence is delivered ready to paint; when installed, it looks like what Chevy should have designed in the first place.
The approximate cost of the 440 PerformancePac is $2800 and is relatively simple to install; however, a lift (or some really tall jack stands) is suggested for the exhaust-system swap.
The TrailBlazer SS is no featherweight, but the SLP package's extra horses are certainly noticeable on the street--worth at least a tenth at the dragstrip.
With so many TB SS fans out there, we suspect this easy-to-install package will be a popular one.