Rocket Man's 02 Denali Build Thread AKA "THE BEAST"

[Rocket Man]

Next I added a front air dam.

 

[Rocket Man]

Now to make the beast stop better. I looked into Wilwoods but those are stupid expensive so I went with the GMT900 front upgrade which swaps in bigger front rotors and calipers. I also went with braided stainless steel brake hoses at all 4 corners.

 

[Rocket Man]

Along the way, I also replaced the interior and exterior lights with all LED's. I also replaced all the HVAC controls as well as the headlight switch with '02 Escalade ones, which I think look much better.

 

[Rocket Man]

And as you can see I installed a brand new NNBS Escalade shift lever.

 

[Rocket Man]

I have also repainted almost all the entire console, as well as the dash and surrounding areas. Here's some before pictures of the dash.

 

[Rocket Man]

And some during and after.

 

[Rocket Man]

And today I installed a Femco oil drain system which is supposed to let me just screw in a drain tube and the old motor oil will just drain through a tube into the collection pan. No drain plug to remove; it has an internal valve that only opens when the proprietary fitting is screwed onto it. It turns out that I ordered the wrong one, it should have been a right-angle one since our drain plugs are vertical instead of horizontal. I forgot. But I just used a PEX plumbing fitting I had laying around to make it a right angle drain tube. Now I have to wait until the next oil change to see how it works. I need to go for a nice long 3,000 mile drive.

 

[Rocket Man]

That's pretty much it up until this point. I do have a cowl hood ordered that should be here any time now. I'll keep you guys posted. I'm sure that won't be the last mod!

 

[05Single]

Such a beatiful machine and I bet it drives like a dream.
I can't even add anything, I believe you are finished my friend. There's nothing left ...supercharger I guess lol

 

[05Single]

Oh yes caddy 3rd brake light and rack

 

[Rocket Man]

Oh yes caddy 3rd brake light and rack

Supercharger considered but I'm afraid I'd end up destroying the weak parts of the drive train. As in front differential. I don't care for the Esky brake light. And I'm considering the roof rack but I'd need to make the chrome rails black. There's always a rear wiper delete.

 

[Fosscore]

None of us are ever finished....there is always something to mess around with. Esky rack win. I think there is one still for sale on TYF. Esky 3rd brake light not a fan either. That's why I color matched my rear appliqué.

Agreed with SC that foot would destroy the rear end too quickly. But sure would be badass! You see rear wiper delete is next. Never finished...

 

[Rocket Man]

I just filled it up with premium and installed the BlackBear 91+ octane tune for the first time. Nice! A little more power.

 

[05Single]

Not a fan of the esky 3rd bl ? What is wrong with you people?!!!

Yes rear wiper delete is a must but since you didn't do any major body work or paint wasn't sure if you wanted to go that far.

Also was kidding about supercharge

 

[05Single]

@Fosscore you say WE never finish but you've been quiet these past few months (year), either you are finished or you have some secrets you're not telling us
I think I speak for others when I say we wanna see more

 

[Rocket Man]

Looks like an Esky roof rack is on its way. Thanks @OhioHoe for helping me spend some money!

 

[Fosscore]

Going to look sweet.

 

[adventurenali92]

I'm a big fan of the esky rack on the Denali. It just looks so much cleaner and classier with the esky rack! I put the caddy racks on my 2006 XL and don't regret it at all! Although I'm not a fan of blacking stuff out. But to each his own lol. your truck will look great with the esky rack!

 

[OhioHoe]

No problem @Red Rocket . Glad somebody is gonna get some use out of it.

 

[Rocket Man]

I'm a big fan of the esky rack on the Denali. It just looks so much cleaner and classier with the esky rack! I put the caddy racks on my 2006 XL and don't regret it at all! Although I'm not a fan of blacking stuff out. But to each his own lol. your truck will look great with the esky rack!

I have no chrome on my truck, and I'm not going to start now! Thanks for the compliments!