Have you ever seen a classic build that you thought was so hot, you actually wanted to see it being sold to anyone? If you’ve spent so much time visiting online auctions like Bring a Trailer, you would know what we mean.

Like in this instance, a 1998 Tahoe was put up for sale at the online auction site. At first glance, the listing looks like a mundane one – just another 20-year-old truck that’s in pristine, almost flawless condition. However, the title of the listing included three alphanumeric characters that sounds eerily familiar: LS9.

LS9 is the crate engine offered by Chevrolet, which was originally seen in one of greatest sports cars in the U.S. – the Corvette, particularly the C6 ZR1. It can spew out 638 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque, all coming from its 6.2L supercharged powertrain.

Other LS9-powered cars:

So, yes, the Tahoe has been installed with an LS9 engine from the Corvette. It’s an unbelievable build and the owner knows about it, even joking that nobody believes him until he pops up the hood. And in case you’re wondering, the Tahoe can do burnouts, too. Crazy. It’s like a 1998 version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk a.k.a. the quickest way to be the coolest parent in a school parking lot.

Now, with this engine and upgraded parts like strengthened 1-ton 4-speed automatic transmission, upgraded Baer brakes, Superlift lowering suspension, 35-spline Dana 60 rear end with Detroit Locker rear differential, upgraded cooling, and custom traction bars, among others, why did this pumped-up Tahoe didn’t sell?

According to the comments on the listing, it looks like the seller was asking more than $100,000 for this build. That’s not the exact price, though, but we’re basing it in his remark that he had spent more than that amount to put up this project. That explains why highest bid for the car, which was $43,000, didn't meet the requirements of the seller. Too bad.

Source: Bring a Trailer / Northwest European

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The specification list follows, but truly is just an executive summary of the incredible work and invoices on this truck:

Engine

  • LS9 - 6.2L Supercharged Crate Motor from GM
  • Factory Dry Sump system retained
  • Lingenfelter pulley and ECU kit
  • Custom headers and full flow exhaust system
  • Oversized cooling system – BE-COOL
  • Spanky’s Rod Shop – Wiring Harness, Cruise Module, dealer serviceable as factory Corvette ZR1 electronics with all GM plugs
  • Spanky’s Custom Fuel Injectors
  • ZR1 fuel pump installed in tank that feeds a secondary Aeromotive fuel pump

Transmission

  • GM 4L80E – 1-Ton, Strengthened
  • Billet input shaft
  • Performance shift kit
  • TCI Maximizer torque converter
  • TCI Forged flexplate
  • Oversized Transmission Cooler

Driveline

  • Dana 60 Rear Axle - Shot peened 3.73 R&P, 35 spline axles, Detroit Pro Locker (rear end rated for 1000+HP applications), Billet main caps
  • Front Axle - GM performance 3.73 gears and bearings, Driveshaft Shop - Level 5 half shafts, strengthened main caps

Suspension

  • Lowered with Superlift components
  • Custom traction bars on rear axle
  • Custom sway bars

Brakes/ Wheels/Tires

  • BAER Brakes at all four corners with cross drilled and vented discs – 14” Front, 13” Rear
  • 20” Late Model GMC alloy wheels with fresh (almost! …maybe a couple burnouts on them now) Goodyear rubber all four corners

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