1977 Chevy K5 Klazer with eCrate Conversion Feels Like the First Time
Chevy Performance makes major power levels in K5 Blazer concept with eCrate engine & battery combo. And more power is coming!
Every year we have a new Chevrolet Performance build to look forward to. The creative builds are a major highlight of the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. And in recent years SEMA has shown an increasing number of EV and hybrid builds. Due to Covid-19 concerns, the 2020 event was cancelled. The show went on as a virtual event, SEMA360. Chevy’s commitment to an all-electric future clearly influenced this year’s SEMA entry: The all-electric 1977 Chevy K5 Blazer. As a build concept, the rugged Blazer SUV was a perfect choice. Completed, this Chevy K5 eCrate conversion powerfully shows the real world application, scope, and overall possibility the electric feature.
Unlike Chevy Performance’s 2018 COPO Camaro and 2019 E-10 pickup SEMA builds; this year’s K5 Blazer project (dubbed the “K5 Blazer-E”) is much closer to the production version of a 60-kWh Electric Connect and Cruise package GM plans to sell mid- to late-2021.
“As GM introduces a new fleet of electric vehicles, it creates an exciting opportunity to bring EV technology to the aftermarket,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports. “Our vision is to offer a comprehensive line of Connect and Cruise systems from Chevrolet Performance – delivering a solution for every customer ranging from LSX V8s to eCrate conversions.”
I could go on and on (and on) about my love for the American V8 — and the potential for LS swaps to wake up your classic Corvette, for example. But I love this. As a person who lives in a city with driving needs that face no range anxiety, the idea of having a quick, but quiet and clean cruiser holds a lot of potential.
And apparently, I’m not alone.
Drivers, enthusiasts, and the auto industry pay attention to SEMA as a resource for new and improved technology. Certainly, bringing back a beloved classic rig like the Chevy Blazer is compelling enough to turn almost anyone’s head. Especially when the build is a potent union of unbeatable 1970s-style with modern high-performance tech and powertrain. Can a well-executed eCrate build change the minds of otherwise internal combustion engine loyalists?
Chevy Performance built the K5 Blazer-E in about 30 days, having sourced a clean K5 from the company’s internal fleet. They derived this first eCrate system mainly from the Chevy Bolt. In other words, it features an electric motor with 200 hp and 260 ft.-lbs. of torque. It’s much more akin to early 1980s Corvette power (or within spitting distance of my 1992 Buick Roadmaster wagon’s meager TBI 5.7L).
The weight and size of the 60-kWh battery pack required the team to remove the rear seats for it to properly fit. Helper springs were added to support, its boxy, half-tonnage.
But this is only the beginning. Chevrolet Performance is also evaluating additional eCrate packages with higher-performance options and new battery configurations to fit a wider range of aftermarket applications.
Chevy also mentioned transitioning to the modular Ultium battery system in the future. In addition to powering the new Hummer EV, Ultium batteries are interesting because they are more flexible in their arrangement and placement, which would be perfect for restomod project.
eCrate Components
As a proof-of-concept project, Chevy says the K5 Blazer-E features about 90% OEM Bolt components. Other bits, likely not part of the new Connect & Cruise system in the same way you have to buy accessories and intakes today, include an electric power steering kit, an electric pump providing vacuum to the stock brake system, and an electronic controller to drive inputs to the vintage Blazer gauges – such as displaying the battery’s state of charge on the original fuel gauge.
Outside of a 4L75E 4-speed transmission, also available from Chevy Performance, this K5 blazer retains its OEM transfer case, driveshaft, and axles. Just like many restomods.
Here’s what Chevrolet Performance plans to include with their system:
- 60-kWh battery pack
- 200-horsepower electric motor
- DC-to-AC power inverter to drive the electric motor
- DC-to-DC power converter to power low-voltage systems
- Wiring harnesses, controllers and water pumps for battery heating and cooling
eCrate Installer Certification Program
Due to the unique challenges and dangers of building all-electric hot rods, Chevrolet Performance also plans to ramp up Electric Connect and Cruise installer training. According to company, Chevrolet dealers and aftermarket companies will receive the training, tools, and equipment needed to work with high-voltage systems and charging stations to service customers’ vehicles.
Very smart.
Lingenfelter Performance Engineering in Brighton, Michigan plans to offer the first certification program. And what GM and Lingenfelter learn in the process will inform future certification programs.
Photos: Chevrolet Performance