New to the 355 platform, figured I'd try my luck here versus Facebook...
So I bought this 2009 GMC Canyon 5.3L ZQ8 from the Midwest, had 230k when I purchased it, now almost has 240k. From what I've learned this is a very unique/rare spec Colorado/Canyon, 1,109 built total, 150 crew cab Canyon built in USA total. Although rare, this truck was severely neglected and mistreated. Previous owner let every single warning light shine on the dash, wrong size wheels/tires, and no power steering at all. Truthfully, I think I paid too much, $7,000, but I knew the chance of me finding another surviving example was slim to none. What makes this one even more special is that it is a 2009, so no VVT.
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It took a lot to sort out this truck, but I knew I couldn't build a running and driving example (that was also emissions legal) for less than $10,000. The owner sold it to me without the hideous aftermarket wheels, here it is home with 17in wheels and bald tires...
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I wanted to make it more original so I sourced some Enkei 18in ZQ8 style wheels.
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The previous owner cut out the rear cats and also straight piped the muffler, I don't have pics of the exhaust but it cost a lot and took multiple trips back and forth to 2 different muffler shops to get it done right. It's now quiet and such a sleeper. Next I needed to pass emissions so I replaced the EVAP vent solenoid.
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Having the bed lifted made the job easier and it just barely passed emissions. The day after passing its 1st attempt, the check engine light came on... but it's good for another 2yrs! The power steering pump was also replaced along with the serpentine belt. I also did the rear shocks while the bed was lifted.
Now unfortunately, the truck has some bad rocker rust, and i noticed some rust holes in the bed floor under the spray on liner... to make it worse, I did see a spot in the frame that wasn't visible during purchase of a rust hole starting in the frame.
Soon, I'm going to tackle the rocker rust myself, and later down the road I'm thinking of possible drivetrain swapping it to a cleaner body... possibly a Regular Cab...?
So I bought this 2009 GMC Canyon 5.3L ZQ8 from the Midwest, had 230k when I purchased it, now almost has 240k. From what I've learned this is a very unique/rare spec Colorado/Canyon, 1,109 built total, 150 crew cab Canyon built in USA total. Although rare, this truck was severely neglected and mistreated. Previous owner let every single warning light shine on the dash, wrong size wheels/tires, and no power steering at all. Truthfully, I think I paid too much, $7,000, but I knew the chance of me finding another surviving example was slim to none. What makes this one even more special is that it is a 2009, so no VVT.
It took a lot to sort out this truck, but I knew I couldn't build a running and driving example (that was also emissions legal) for less than $10,000. The owner sold it to me without the hideous aftermarket wheels, here it is home with 17in wheels and bald tires...
I wanted to make it more original so I sourced some Enkei 18in ZQ8 style wheels.
The previous owner cut out the rear cats and also straight piped the muffler, I don't have pics of the exhaust but it cost a lot and took multiple trips back and forth to 2 different muffler shops to get it done right. It's now quiet and such a sleeper. Next I needed to pass emissions so I replaced the EVAP vent solenoid.
Having the bed lifted made the job easier and it just barely passed emissions. The day after passing its 1st attempt, the check engine light came on... but it's good for another 2yrs! The power steering pump was also replaced along with the serpentine belt. I also did the rear shocks while the bed was lifted.
Now unfortunately, the truck has some bad rocker rust, and i noticed some rust holes in the bed floor under the spray on liner... to make it worse, I did see a spot in the frame that wasn't visible during purchase of a rust hole starting in the frame.
Soon, I'm going to tackle the rocker rust myself, and later down the road I'm thinking of possible drivetrain swapping it to a cleaner body... possibly a Regular Cab...?
