Maverick803's 2022 Z71 Tahoe Build Thread

I am excited to be a 2022 Tahoe owner as of June 2024 and am looking forward to being a part of this community and contributing in any way that I can.

This is my build thread where I plan to document all my Tahoe modifications over time. Please feel free to post or message me directly if I can be of any assistance. Thanks in advance for your help and support on my Tahoe Adventure!

VEHICLE PURCHASE:
Hendrick Chevrolet - Cary, NC (Great Experience)
June 2024
$66,000

I was dead set on finding a Z71 that had the 6.2L engine, Air Ride, and Magnetic Ride.
Not too many in the southeast, so the search took a while, and had to drive to Cary NC.
This dealership was straight forward, and their GM was all over every detail, solving every issue we had.
Everything so far has appeared to be stock. Few bumps and scratches, but nothing too crazy.

Current Plan below. I would love to hear what else I should consider.

BADGES: Swap to Black and add 6.2L

TINT: Match the front to the rear factory tint. (Should I consider a clear ceramic over the factory rear and back glass?) I am considering a light tint on the tail lights and a clear film on the headlights for protection. Undecided.


EXHAUST: I was heavily considering upgrading to the black tipped Borla Touring exhaust. I'm now thinking I may pull back and just add the same black tips and keeping the current exhaust. I'm on the fence here on the benefits of a full cat back exhaust swap.

INTAKE: Probably the S&B intake

LED LIGHTS: Swap the incandescent for LED in the brake, reverse, and blinker. I will likely go the resistor harness route and try to attach those to metal using heat sink paste and metal zip ties. This is my theory anyway; reality may be different.



BRAKE FLICKER: I'd like to install a brake light flicker module on the single brake light above the back window.

Looks great! Welcome to the Forum.

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Great find, and you'll love the 6.2.

Congrats, and welcome!

Maverick803 said:

I am excited to be a 2022 Tahoe owner as of June 2024 and am looking forward to being a part of this community and contributing in any way that I can.

This is my build thread where I plan to document all my Tahoe modifications over time. Please feel free to post or message me directly if I can be of any assistance. Thanks in advance for your help and support on my Tahoe Adventure!

VEHICLE PURCHASE:
Hendrick Chevrolet - Cary, NC (Great Experience)
June 2024
$66,000

I was dead set on finding a Z71 that had the 6.2L engine, Air Ride, and Magnetic Ride.
Not too many in the southeast, so the search took a while, and had to drive to Cary NC.
This dealership was straight forward, and their GM was all over every detail, solving every issue we had.
Everything so far has appeared to be stock. Few bumps and scratches, but nothing too crazy.

Click to expand...

What are your plans for it?

First order of business: Removing the dealership crud and updating the badges.

1.) DELETING THE DEALERSHIP INSTALLED FRONT PLATE HOLDER:
I used a 1/8" drill bit to drill out the two rivets
Even though I have two small holes in the front, it looks much better without the plate holder, IMO.

QUESTION: Does anybody have a good solution for the two holes created by the front plate holder?

Yes -- Go to an automotive store and pick up a couple of those "Christmas tree" plastic trim push-fasteners, and just insert them in the holes.

Someone makes color matched plastic hole fillers, maybe EBay or Amazon.

2a.) REPLACE STOCK CHROME Z71 WITH BLACK Z71 VERSION

Black Z71 Badges Purchased:

The quality seems excellent out of the package. I hope the black does not fade with UV exposure over time.
The badges are slightly larger than the stock badges. I personally like the size of these better than the stock.

I used Goof Off Adhesive Remover Spray and a microfiber towel to remove the stock residue.
It took some work and 3-4 rounds to get it all off cleanly. (Perhaps there's a better product?)
I used a new microfiber cloth and alcohol to prep the surface for the new badge.

I'm quite happy with the look.