[TBlazer22]

Hi all,

I recently traded my 2022 Trailblazer LT AWD (1.3L / 9 speed AT) for a brand new 2022 Trailblazer RS (1.3L / 9-speed AT). I originally went to look at a Summit White RS FWD model with the CVT transmission, but after the test drive I was left unimpressed with the gutless feel from the CVT. The 9-speed transmission (while annoying at times) is a much better match with the little 3 cyl turbo engine. Anyways, when I returned from the test drive, I noticed a 2022 Mosaic Black with Crimson Red roof AWD RS with 4 miles on it. I asked the salesman to work out some numbers for me and the deal went through flawlessly. I couldn't be happier with my upgrade, and I must say the biggest difference between my LT and RS is the ride quality. The RS feels much more refined. There is without a doubt different shocks/springs on the RS models. Since bringing her home, I've installed the GM roof rack cross bars from my LT, reinstalled my aluminum pedal covers, swapped all interior lighting over to LED's, modded the factory air filter (removed the non-sense cotton noise suppression they add to the bottom of the filter), and ceramic coated all painted surfaces.

 

[nixrod539]

Hello and congrats on TB
I've just completed my first full year with my 2022 TB Activ... ln the same paint trim as yours.
Excellent!
My TB has been great, no issues at all .ENJOY!.

 

[cindidwhat]

Nice, did they give you a good amount trading in? I originally test drove a 21 lt and liked it but felt the drive was bumpy. ended up getting the active which was much smoother.

 

[Diceman]

The red roof is a great accent for the RS. Congrats!

 

[TBlazer22]

Nice, did they give you a good amount trading in? I originally test drove a 21 lt and liked it but felt the drive was bumpy. ended up getting the active which was much smoother.

I basically got what I paid for my LT for trade in. So, win for me haha.

Interesting about the suspension feeling bumpy. My LT felt much harsher than my RS does.

The RS ride def feels more "premium" between the two. I'm sure the Activ has a different feel as you mention since the suspension is a little softer for offroad use.

 

[TBlazer22]

Hello and congrats on TB
I've just completed my first full year with my 2022 TB Activ... ln the same paint trim as yours.
Excellent!
My TB has been great, no issues at all .ENJOY!.

Thank you!! Enjoy your Activ as well!

 

[TBlazer22]

The red roof is a great accent for the RS. Congrats!

Thank you. Def stands out a little more than just all black.

 

[MrNick86]

Hi all,

I recently traded my 2022 Trailblazer LT AWD (1.3L / 9 speed AT) for a brand new 2022 Trailblazer RS (1.3L / 9-speed AT). I originally went to look at a Summit White RS FWD model with the CVT transmission, but after the test drive I was left unimpressed with the gutless feel from the CVT. The 9-speed transmission (while annoying at times) is a much better match with the little 3 cyl turbo engine. Anyways, when I returned from the test drive, I noticed a 2022 Mosaic Black with Crimson Red roof AWD RS with 4 miles on it. I asked the salesman to work out some numbers for me and the deal went through flawlessly. I couldn't be happier with my upgrade, and I must say the biggest difference between my LT and RS is the ride quality. The RS feels much more refined. There is without a doubt different shocks/springs on the RS models. Since bringing her home, I've installed the GM roof rack cross bars from my LT, reinstalled my aluminum pedal covers, swapped all interior lighting over to LED's, modded the factory air filter (removed the non-sense cotton noise suppression they add to the bottom of the filter), and ceramic coated all painted surfaces.

View attachment 1628 View attachment 1629

Can you post pics and a description of your intake mod? I was shopping around for custom components to build one. Have not pulled the trigger yet. I really would like do a nice (no drone) free flow exhaust. I'm about to pass 97k on my 21' RS AWD all blacked out with custom color tinted DRL lights. I'm ready for performance mods. The Red-Top is growing on me. Very rare as well. Nice TB!

 

[TBlazer22]

Can you post pics and a description of your intake mod? I was shopping around for custom components to build one. Have not pulled the trigger yet. I really would like do a nice (no drone) free flow exhaust. I'm about to pass 97k on my 21' RS AWD all blacked out with custom color tinted DRL lights. I'm ready for performance mods. The Red-Top is growing on me. Very rare as well. Nice TB!

I modified the air filter by removing the white cotton "pad" at the bottom used as a pre-filter/emissions.

Most vehicles made overseas have this on their factory paper filters. My 2013 Regal GS (German Design) had this and it really helped with air flow once removed.

The factory TB filter actually flows quite well and has nice pleat spacing/surface area once this is removed.

It's simply adhered to the glue lines that hold the pleat spacing together at the bottom of the filter.

 

[ZR2LIFE]

A drop in K&N filter does improve airflow over the factory paper filter. It's most noticeable when passing someone or anytime in the higher rpm's.

 

[TBlazer22]

A drop in K&N filter does improve airflow over the factory paper filter. It's most noticeable when passing someone or anytime in the higher rpm's.

View attachment 1654

View attachment 1655

I had the K&N in my 22 LT Trailblazer and noticed no difference in passing power / acceleration from the factory filter with the cotton “pre-filter” removed. Also, what concerned me is when I removed the K&N from my LT before trading it in the clean side of the filter showed evidence of dirt being pulled through (I’ll post photos). The K&N only had 5500 miles on it when I removed it. No way was I installing it in my new RS.

 

[ZR2LIFE]

Interesting, I had no problems with the K&N in my 21 RS and it made a noticeable difference in acceleration. Maybe there was something wrong with your 22? The drop in K&N filter is still the best one available for the Trailblazer right now until somebody else decides to make a high flow version.

 

[TBlazer22]

Interesting, I had no problems with the K&N in my 21 RS and it made a noticeable difference in acceleration. Maybe there was something wrong with your 22? The drop in K&N filter is still the best one available for the Trailblazer right now until somebody else decides to make a high flow version.

Def nothing wrong with the LT. I did back to back testing with the factory filter with cotton removed from the bottom and the K&N. Both felt identical and both had the same amount of spool volume from the interior and recirculating valve “blow off” with the windows down. I’ll post photos of the K&N shortly. I know K&Ns are some peoples favorite filter but I’ve never been impressed by them… even in my 2014 Camaro ZL1 which has a factory high flow paper filter from the factory.

 

[TBlazer22]

Clean side are the first two pictures… dirty side is the last photo… as you can see… the dirt showing coming through the clean side is in the exact location underneath on the dirty side. No way would I put this filter in my new RS especially since my modified factory filter gave me the exact boost in passing power as the K&N.

 

[TBlazer22]

Here’s my modded factory filter in my RS which I also did in my LT when comparing to the K&N.

 

[ZR2LIFE]

Nothing abnormal in those pics. Dirt in the filter changes the color on both sides. I've used these filters for over 30 years in multiple vehicles and never once did I have a problem. Sorry to hear it didn't work for your LT, but I still believe something was wrong with it since your results weren't typical. Maybe you didn't wait long enough for the computer to recalibrate the added airflow (50 miles minimum) or you had a faulty MAF throwing off the airflow readings?

 

[TBlazer22]

Nothing abnormal in those pics. Dirt in the filter changes the color on both sides. I've used these filters for over 30 years in multiple vehicles and never once did I have a problem. Sorry to hear it didn't work for your LT, but I still believe something was wrong with it since your results weren't typical. Maybe you didn't wait long enough for the computer to recalibrate the added airflow (50 miles minimum) or you had a faulty MAF throwing off the airflow readings?

I’ve been modifying cars for 25 years… The clean side of the filter should not look like that… Some discoloration in the filter media at the end of the filters life maybe but not visible contaminate build up on the filters “clean side” with so few miles on it. None of the high flow filters, or even factory filters I’ve used in the past did that. Also, you are missing what I’m saying about the filters… I said there is no difference in passing power between the modified stock filter vs the K&N… I’m sure you felt a difference going from the unmodified stock filter to the K&N as the stock filter with the cotton still attached to the bottom is restrictive..

As for thinking there was something wrong with my LT there wasn’t… I purchased my LT brand new and installed the K&N when it only had 500 miles on the vehicle.. I put 5500 miles on the K&N… plenty of time for the computer to adjust parameters. In that time frame I tested the factory filter unmodified and modified against the K&N.

The OEM filter is designed just like the factory high flow unit in my ZL1 in terms of pleat design, pleat spacing and filter media.. remove the cotton from the bottom.. and you will see the $50 K&N isn’t worth it other than the ability to reuse it. Like I said if you truly believe in the K&Ns there is nothing I can say to convince you otherwise (and that’s ok). But in my testing and experience over the years they just don’t make enough of a difference to justify using them over the OEM filters.

 

[ZR2LIFE]

Lol, 👍

 

[TBlazer22]

🙄