The 1979 Blazer would close out the decade with its highest production numbers ever: 90,987 of the popular truck would be sold.
The base engine remained a 250-ci I6 rated at 130 horsepower at 3800 rpm. Optional engines include a 305-ci V8 rated at 130 horsepower at 4000 rpm, a 350-ci V8 rated at 165 horsepower at 3600 rpm, and a 400-ci V8 rated at 185 horsepower at 3600 rpm. Fuel tank capacity for the base model was increased from 20 gallons to 24 gallons; all the better to horde gas during the 1979 oil crisis. =D
These trucks are still sought after by collectors and restorers. The body is relatively easy to lift, and wheels and tires easy to configure. Many aftermarket performance parts are still available today.
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Big, Cool, Ugly, Loud, just the way a 4 wheel drive should be. Not bad on fuel, but have to run 91+ octane. Nice ride for being so tall, all springs, no blocks. But very loud in the cab with topper on. Feb 08, 2011
by Cory F
May 10, 2010
I wouldn't know about when it was new because it was before my time but when time, money, and a little heart is put into it, the blazer is a top of the line truck. My truck had over-steering and could park on a dime! When the oil was changed regularly and everything else maintained, this truck was outstanding. Braking was good if brakes aren't slammed. Build quality is a Chevy build. Solid design which can even take a few crashes after 7 years of really bad beach rust in Huntington Beach, California. I can personally vouch for that as well! The looks are really unique when you think about it. The 1979 is the only year that had those chrome bezels cover the park lights and the hood had a outward square push on the front end of just the hood. Plus the design by itself just say big, bad, and solid. It could have been considered the hummer of that age when jacked up with tires. The stock look was a little low even on the suburban model. It was a gas hog with that 350 Chevy small black and maintenance is only bad if its not done regularly like with all cars.
When you have a Chevy... you just fall in love. It's your best friend forever. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. If you don't and you let it sit and rust at the beach ( like my father did with this poor girl ) It wont stop till it is totally done for. In my case, when it throws a rod.. Remember that all the old Chevys are pieces of our American history and have hearts of gold.May 10, 2010
by Tim M
Jul 28, 2009
This is my bush toy. I love it and will probly never be done workin on it there is always something more i want to do to it in the time i have owned it i have replaced or upgraded almost every part on itJul 28, 2009
User rating:
by Joe P
Feb 08, 2011
Big, Cool, Ugly, Loud, just the way a 4 wheel drive should be. Not bad on fuel, but have to run 91+ octane. Nice ride for being so tall, all springs, no blocks. But very loud in the cab with topper on. Feb 08, 2011
by Cory F
May 10, 2010
I wouldn't know about when it was new because it was before my time but when time, money, and a little heart is put into it, the blazer is a top of the line truck. My truck had over-steering and could park on a dime! When the oil was changed regularly and everything else maintained, this truck was outstanding. Braking was good if brakes aren't slammed. Build quality is a Chevy build. Solid design which can even take a few crashes after 7 years of really bad beach rust in Huntington Beach, California. I can personally vouch for that as well! The looks are really unique when you think about it. The 1979 is the only year that had those chrome bezels cover the park lights and the hood had a outward square push on the front end of just the hood. Plus the design by itself just say big, bad, and solid. It could have been considered the hummer of that age when jacked up with tires. The stock look was a little low even on the suburban model. It was a gas hog with that 350 Chevy small black and maintenance is only bad if its not done regularly like with all cars.
When you have a Chevy... you just fall in love. It's your best friend forever. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. If you don't and you let it sit and rust at the beach ( like my father did with this poor girl ) It wont stop till it is totally done for. In my case, when it throws a rod.. Remember that all the old Chevys are pieces of our American history and have hearts of gold.May 10, 2010
by Tim M
Jul 28, 2009
This is my bush toy. I love it and will probly never be done workin on it there is always something more i want to do to it in the time i have owned it i have replaced or upgraded almost every part on itJul 28, 2009
I dropped a built 355 engine in it putting out about 300 horses and swapped the auto 350 tranny to a 4 speed manual. This thing hauls. Its a work in progress.Apr 12, 2008
I have a 79 K5 Blazer with an original 350 small block. Before it ran kind of good but felt like less power suddenly under load and had some backfire. Under full throttle, it missed out and felt like loosing power on the upper end. Now it just cranks, sounds like trying to start but runs terribly rough (sounds like on just 2 or 3 cylinders) and dies immediately - also throttle, hitting the gas doesn't prevent it from dying. I've changed the spark plugs, wires, rotor, distributor cap, and even a new MSD coil didn't help - it fired up for 5 sec and died with the same symptoms. Can anybody help? Have an idea?
K- 5 Rebuilt hubs top of the line, rebuilt trani, new brakes, new master cylinder, new neutral safety switch, new flex plate, starter, battery, smog, alternator, new tires, what is a starting $$$? Frame is straight, never been rallied, bought from original owner, can offer mechanic name and telephone # for receipts.
Bought a 79Blazer 350. Does anyone know the MPG? Going back to the states to pick it up in WA and drive it to IL. I got to calculate how much to save for gas. Thanks
