1994 GMC Sonoma

SLS Pickup truck

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

1GTCS19Z1R8512041

Clear

Gasoline

A “Transformed” Story This “transformed” GMC Sonoma truck is not the beat-up, tired ride of some bored teen-ager; it is the planned and inspired street-ride of an old-time hot-rodder who admires and respects high-performance vehicles and wanted to create a “last hurrah” ride. It was with these thoughts and ideas that this 1994 GMC Sonoma SLS, extended cab-short bed truck was TRANSFORMED With a long admiration for the design features and concepts of the Corvette-inspired LT-1 engine, it was with that thought that a 5.7l LT-1 engine with 87,000 miles on it, was acquired from a 1995 Pontiac TransAm. This year was chosen because it was the last year of the OBD 1 computer programming which is less costly and easier to make modifications to it, than the current OBD 2 systems. It was then rebuilt along with a cosmetic clean-up, and new parts added. New valves, new front & rear crank seals, new optispark distributor, new water pump, new spark plugs and new, bigger MSD performance plug wires, a new 140A alternator,and a new A/C compressor were added to insure years of trouble-free operation. Along with this, the 4L60e transmission was custom-rebuilt with Corvette-style, HD internal components, and a new extended-sump, aluminum pan, with an increase in fluid capacity of 2 quarts was added. A new, external trans- cooler was added at the front, to keep the temps down and in check for trouble-free operation. Due to space constraints underneath, a new, remote engine oil filter was also added up front, and this then allowed the installation of a custom-fabricated, true-2-1/2”dia., mandrel-bent, dual exhaust system, with “Magnaflow”-style mufflers to keep things quiet, but still provide evidence that this was no longer a “stock” mid-sized truck! The air intake system was also modified, to increase the air-intake capacity, and hopefully raising the horsepower above the stock factory rating of 275hp. Now that it had the “GO”, it needed the “WHOA”. A complete, 2000 Blazer, set of 4-wheel disc brakes were installed, with new, dual-piston front calipers included. To keep the new, larger 16” IROC-style aluminum wheels with their new BF Goodrich 235/60-16 tires planted on the ground, a new G80 “Positraction” differential was installed in the rear axle, with the 3.42:1 gears, and for more insurance, a set of custom-made, “CALTRAC”-style traction bars were added. Along with all the new mechanicals, to keep track of what was happening, a higher-reading, model-specific, stock factory instrument cluster was installed replacing the original one, but first was recalibrated for the V-8 instead of a 6 cyl. engine. This change created an anomaly. The original cluster, at the start of the transformation was showing 83,000 miles. The replacement, used cluster had an odometer reading of 132,000 miles. After the recalibration, the speedo shop forgot to reset the odometer to the trucks’ correct mileage, so we have an over-read error of approximately 49,000 miles! Currently with 143,000 miles showing on the new odometer, there is actually only 11,000 miles on the transplanted parts! With the re-birth, the “look” of this truck needed to be changed as well. I changed the factory emblems front & rear from “GMC” to just an “M”, representing “magnificent, modified, money-pit”, or whatever you can think of that fits! It also happens to represent the initial of my last name! I also added an LT-1 label on the tailgate and the throttle-body so folks would know what’s there. In the “looks” department, the front valence was changed over to a custom one from Wings West, and to complete that look, custom H3 driving lights were added along with Audi-style LED running lights in the center lower grill opening. These are all controlled by new, additional switches in the cab. New, streamlined, outside mirrors were added that include turn-signal lights. Since the Florida sun really beats up an interior, custom window-tinting was also added. The only blemishes on this fine, modified, custom truck that I call “Bruiser” is in the paint. The factory, custom-ordered paint is Black over Bahama Blue. Being Black & Blue, you can see how the name “Bruiser” comes about! The former owner of this truck apparently did not realize the paint damage that Florida “love-bugs” do when they get squished; the body fluids eat into the paint if not removed quickly. This truck has “blotches” in the hood paint, where the love-bug juices ate into the clear-coat. Due to the sun’s heat, the cab roof also has a few “blister” spots. The front area, around the grill shows some paint wear, due to wind & dust. Outside of that, this truck is very clean, in all other regards. As an old-timer who is a stubborn hard-head, everything had to, and does work, to pass my muster. This is all due to the diligence and tireless hard work of my “transformers” and caretakers, J & J Motorsports of Lakeland Florida. The best compliment that this truck has received from an interested observer was, “It looks factory!” It does! Here is a list of the mods, some of which I have not mentioned. Modifications made to 1994 GMC Sonoma SLS Vin# 1GTCS19Z1Rxxxxxxx At approx. 87,000 miles and after Installed used LT-1 engine, serial# S2154772 from 1995 Pontiac TransAm with 85K miles. Heads rebuilt & new 3-angle valve job. New A/T flexplate New rear main engine seal & new front crankshaft seal New starter New plug wires New custom-fabricated motor mounts New water pump New Optispark distributor New thermostat New oil pressure sensor New modified driveshaft, Central Florida Driveshaft New oil filter relocate kit, Summit#G4985 w/ Purolator L3001 filter, custom-made mtg.brkt. New mandrel-bent true 2-1/2” dual exhaust system, Flowmaster#FLO-15936 (2) New GM O2 sensors New LT4 knock sensor New modified air filter system, enlarged cold-air intake Custom-made new A/C & P/S hose assemblies New radiator mounts relocated & dual electric fans installed- 1998 Taurus 3.8V-6 fans Custom frame modifications for new engine profile & accessories New idler arm New(used) instrument cluster w/ 100mph speedometer – recalibrated tach from 6cyl to 8cyl. New custom-made wiring harness from Current Performance. VAT eliminator added 1995 Z-28 ECM custom reprogrammed for this use (w/’94 4L60e trans lock-up). Custom-rebuilt 4L60e transmission with H.D. internals, Wade Smith-Stingray Chev. New(used) 4-whl disc brakes from 2000 Blazer w- larger 2-piston front calipers(New). Custom-made new rear e-brake cable Rebuilt rear-end center section with new Eaton G80 style positraction-new bearings 3rd Gen IROC custom aluminum 16”x8” wheels New BFG 235/60x16 tires Wings West custom lower front valence w/ custom-made grill New additional lighting w/switches: H3 Driving lites, LED Audi-style running lites, Custom O/S mirrors w/turn-signal lites & separate marker lites New Caltrac – style traction bars installed on rear suspension O/L springs modified Grill and tailgate modified w/ custom insignia Maximum legal deep-tint film added to all windows Installed Stebel 139dB dual-tone mini airhorn w/ pushbutton switch in dash Installed AC-Delco 2-1/2 turns lock-to-lock steering gearbox, #36-0516561