2011 Tahoe Z71 Build Thread

[mattjones]

A few weeks ago my wife had a flat tire so I let her take my '08 Tahoe to run some errands. Unfortunately some guy decided to get good and drunk at 7pm on a Monday and drive home, causing an accident with my wife and totaling the Tahoe. The thread with story and pics can be found here:

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/thr...h-a-drunk-driver-the-tahoe-is-totaled.110809/

Anyways, I ended up picking up a 2011 Z71 Tahoe with about half the miles of the last one (75k).

I test drove a 2015 but it just felt sluggish compared to the NNBS.

It came with captains chairs, Bose sound system, DVD player, touch screen, backup camera, sunroof, etc. Very similar features to my last Tahoe--it wasn't a Z71 and didn't have the touchscreen nav system, but other than that the last one had pretty much the same features, plus an intake/exhaust, 20" wheels, brushguard, and a nice tint. I had Weathertech allweather floormats in the last Hoe and this one came with the Weathertech floorliners. Call me crazy but I actually prefer the floormats. I'll really miss the tan interior of my last one, but I love the black exterior of the new one.

Issues I've noticed so far (all minor):
-The previous owner removed the moldings on the doors. I love the look of Tahoes without the moldings (like the PPV Tahoes), however they managed to scratch up the paint removing them. I've buffed some of the scratches out with NuFinish but I've still got some work to do before they're gone
-Rear window washer fluid doesn't spray out
-One of the daytime running lights is out
-Caps are broken off of both of the cigarette lighter plugs

Here's what I've done so far:
-Upgrade to Bosch windshield wipers
-K&N air filter
-Airaid intake tube
-Plasti dip rims black
-Upgrade reverse lights to LED projectors

And here's what I plan to do:
-Paint calipers red
-Tint
-Exhaust OR resonator delete with SLP
-Upgrade touchscreen to an aftermarket with Apple Carplay
-LED bulbs in daytime running lights
-Brushguard

A few ideas that I'm playing with but might not necessarily do:
-Black it out: black grill, smoke tail lights
-Upgrade headlights to something like this
-Lift it





Pour one out for the old Tahoe:

 

[Chrismnj]

Thats what I like about these trucks, it will protect you when needed.

 

[mattjones]

As I said in the OP I plasti dipped the rims black. Here's the way I did it--it was my first time plasti dipping and ultimately I learned a lot and would do it differently next time. I was able to do all four rims with two cans. These pics aren't all of the same wheel but you get the idea:

Wash the rims, then stuff some grocery bags in the rim to protect the rotor/caliper/brakes. Make sure the rims are COMPLETELY dry. I'd recommend washing them, drying them, and then moving the Tahoe so you rotate the wheels a little bit before you put the plastic bags in there. It seemed like random droplets of water would just appear the entire time I was doing this. Water WILL mess up the plasti dipping.

I lined the edge of the rims with a deck of cards like the how-to's online say--I would not do this again. It was a ***** to get the cards to actually stick between the tire and rim (hence the painters tape) and when you pull the cards out they pull the plasti dip off the edge of the rim. Lining the rims with cards took like 80% of the total time I spent on this. It's easier to just let the plasti dip get on the tire and peel it off later. Use a razor to cut it away from the rim.

First coat. You ultimately want the plasti dip to be on there thick, however each individual coat should be very light. Don't be afraid to do 5+ coats. The trick is to make sure the plasti dip doesn't drip. Keep it light and put a ton of coats on.

Another coat

A few coats later

A day later. I ended up doing the final coat without the cards since they had pulled the plasti dip off the edges. There's still a little on the tire in this pic but it will come off.

I didn't use the glossifier because I read it doesn't do much. If i did it again I would probably try using it though.


I may pull the dip off and redo it at some point since there are spots where you can see it kind of dripped and ran if you look closely but for now it's not bad. If I leave the rims black I'm also going to paint the calipers red at some point.

 

[trailblazer]

I watched a YouTube vid where the guy coats the tire surface with Vaseline instead of cards. Works great.


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[mattjones]

I watched a YouTube vid where the guy coats the tire surface with Vaseline instead of cards. Works great.


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Shit, that’s a great idea. I’m probably going to peel the plasti dip off and redo it this summer when I paint the calipers. I’ll definitely try the Vaseline trick. I’d imagine having the wheels off the truck would also cut down on the plasti dip running as well

 

[mattjones]

Airaid intake tube vs stock

It’s easy to tell one is built for efficiency and one is built to stay quiet.







Ignore the terrible lawn. I had to kill off carpet grass so I can plant fresh seed.

 

[The_Burban]

With that brush guard... did airbags deploy?

Frame damage or why total?

Glad wife is OK.

 

[mattjones]

With that brush guard... did airbags deploy?

Frame damage or why total?

Glad wife is OK.

Air bags did deploy.

They didn’t tell me if there was frame damage, basically just “it’s totaled.” The brush guard and front end were destroyed, hoses were broken and liquids were leaking, the passenger door couldn’t open. They gave me $5k over kbb value so even though I loved that truck I’m not too upset in hindsight. It definitely reduces anxiety having a Tahoe with half the mileage now—I’m not constantly waiting for something to break.

 

[08HoeCD]

How’s your wife?

 

[mattjones]

She seemed fine at the scene when her adrenaline was going but as she calmed down her back started to hurt. Went to the hospital that night and they prescribed muscle relaxers. It got pretty bad in the days afterwards but she’s been seeing a doctor and a chiropractor and it’s been getting better.

We didn’t realize it at first but the crash really jacked up her spine. The chiropractor pointed out that one shoulder was clearly higher than the other and an x-ray showed her neck was lacking a lot of its curvature. She actually had seen a chiropractor last year so we were able to compare her new xrays to the notes from last time and it’s clear that the crash caused a lot of misalignment.

Overall she’s doing alright though. She’s had to deal with a lot of pain and discomfort as well as time away from work, especially right after the accident, but she’s definitely improving. We’re just glad it wasn’t worse.

 

[DirtNap]

Airaid intake tube vs stock

It’s easy to tell one is built for efficiency and one is built to stay quiet.
.

What kind of power benefits does this intake give?

 

[The_Burban]

Air bags did deploy.

They didn’t tell me if there was frame damage, basically just “it’s totaled.” The brush guard and front end were destroyed, hoses were broken and liquids were leaking, the passenger door couldn’t open. They gave me $5k over kbb value so even though I loved that truck I’m not too upset in hindsight. It definitely reduces anxiety having a Tahoe with half the mileage now—I’m not constantly waiting for something to break.

Thank you. This is my only concern with front brush/push bumpers. Handled a crash with a newer Explorer with push bumper.. and no airbag deployment. Not saying it was or was not a brush guard issue. I just don't have enough evidence to say one way or the other.

Considering one for my own Suburban.

 

[mattjones]

What kind of power benefits does this intake give?

Not sure what the numbers are, but the throttle response seems to be improved. Feels like I’ve got a little more “get up and go” now.



Gave the Hoe a fresh wash today.

I picked up a set of Mother’s clay bars and some turtle wax scratch remover. The clay bars work wonders, especially behind the rear wheels where lots of dirt and grime gets kicked up onto the panel. Unfortunately though those damn scratches on the doors are still there. They seem to be getting better though so I think it’s just a matter of putting in more elbow grease. I’m planning on picking up one of those microfiber disks that I can attach to my drill or an angle grinder to see if I can buff those scratches out for good.

I also decided to replace a burnt out daytime running light and it turned into kind of a pain in the ass. I had some leftover 3157 bulbs from my reverse lights after installing LEDs a few weeks ago so I decided to use one of them. Big mistake—it didn’t have that plastic clip on the bottom so it didn’t sit tightly in the socket and this happened:

It took me forever to get that bulb out. I ended up using chopsticks and packing tape to get it.



I eventually got it out and swung by Walmart for a new bulb. I didn’t go crazy with LEDs or anything because I didn’t want the DRLs to be too bright. The LEDs I’ve got in my reverse lights would definitely be too much.

Finally got the bulb installed:

 

[mattjones]

On another note, my wife just got me this Apple CarPlay head unit:

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-...1-2676-104-3&vehicleName=2011+Chevrolet+Tahoe

Has anyone ever installed one of these? Trying to figure out what accessories I need to get with it. Apparently it requires all sorts of wire harnesses and bypasses and whatnot. I think I can handle the installation, I just want a list of everything I need before I start.

My Tahoe has the Bose system and DVD player.

 

[ZACHBORIS]

On another note, my wife just got me this Apple CarPlay head unit:

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-...1-2676-104-3&vehicleName=2011+Chevrolet+Tahoe

Has anyone ever installed one of these? Trying to figure out what accessories I need to get with it. Apparently it requires all sorts of wire harnesses and bypasses and whatnot. I think I can handle the installation, I just want a list of everything I need before I start.

My Tahoe has the Bose system and DVD player.

I actually just removed this exact unit from my 09 suburban, and installed a Pioneer AVH 4200 NEX. The main reason for that was that I wanted dual zone entertainment (meaning I can play the spongebob DVDs in the rear only, and not have to watch in on my screen in the center counsel.

Do you have rear seat entertainment?

 

[ZACHBORIS]

On another note, my wife just got me this Apple CarPlay head unit:

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-...1-2676-104-3&vehicleName=2011+Chevrolet+Tahoe

Has anyone ever installed one of these? Trying to figure out what accessories I need to get with it. Apparently it requires all sorts of wire harnesses and bypasses and whatnot. I think I can handle the installation, I just want a list of everything I need before I start.

My Tahoe has the Bose system and DVD player.

I purchased these items, but there are other brands as well. Crutchfield. com is a great resource.

iDatalink HRN-RR-GM5+ iDatalink Maestro ADS-MRR Interface Module
Microbypass for dvd play while driving
Metra # 95-3305 Dash Kit for installation
Metra 40-cr10 antenna adapter. (it says Chrysler online (amazon) but fits all domestic models i believe)

 

[mattjones]

I actually just removed this exact unit from my 09 suburban, and installed a Pioneer AVH 4200 NEX. The main reason for that was that I wanted dual zone entertainment (meaning I can play the spongebob DVDs in the rear only, and not have to watch in on my screen in the center counsel.

Do you have rear seat entertainment?

I do have a DVD player in the back. I haven’t used it yet though so I need to double check and see if it loads dvds directly or if they go into the head unit in the dash

 

[mattjones]

Newest update:
It gave me some headaches but I finally got the Pioneer head unit installed. The first wiring harness I tried was defective so I couldn’t adjust the door chime volume to anything less than absolutely ear splitting, but I sent it back and got a working one.

The toughest part was making it all fit in the dash.

Turns out there’s actually empty room behind the climate control and cigarette lighter units so it works best to stuff most of the wiring underneath the head unit rather than behind it.

Tested and adjusted before closing everything up.

I ran the mic wire through the dash underneath the steering wheel so that it would come out here

I picked up a USB to micro USB adapter so I could hook the existing USB port in the center console to the new head unit. I originally didn’t realize Apple CarPlay wasn’t wireless but with this cable here I just plug my phone in and throw it into the center console. There’s really no need to have the phone out since CarPlay takes care of music, google maps, and any calls/texts. If I’m in a hurry I can just keep my phone in my pocket and it will still connect to the Bluetooth and play music, I just won’t have the level of control that CarPlay gives me.

All set up and working

I need to replace the cigarette lighters since the existing ones had the covers broken off at some point. If I want I can replace them with USB plugs and even connect one to the head unit and plug my phone in right there for CarPlay to make things easier and more accessible, but it’s nice to have a clean center console with no wires

 

[mattjones]

Well my other daytime running light went out about two weeks ago so I finally got around to replacing that one today. Went a lot smoother than last time since I knew how to do it and didn't accidentally drop a loose bulb in the housing this time.

I also decided to replace these outlets that have been missing their covers since I've owned the truck

(These pics make me realize I need to get in there with a swiffer duster)

I pretty much just followed NathanJax's guide to replace these: https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/adding-usb-to-dash.41972/

I've probably taken these 7mm bolts out a dozen times recently in the process of installing that new radio

You just unclip these wires in the back and slide the whole outlet forward through the front of the unit

Then push the outlet through the front of the old broken cover and then slide the new one on from the back

The new covers are $3.62 from Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NF18V8E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


And then put it all back together

And now if I can finally get some decent weather next weekend I'm going to be installing a catch can and then taking off my wheels, painting the calipers red, and redoing the black plastidip on the rims.

 

[the_behemoth11]

The aftermarket head unit looks great! I’d love to get an Apple CarPlay compatible head unit for my LTZ. I have one in my 2016 Sonata and I can’t live without it


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