BLAZER INSPIRED! Where do I go from here?

Before a small issue I had with my Blazer I just thought of it as a vehicle to get me from here to there...since my interaction with this board I have a new found respect for my Blazer and I want to get it looking and running top notch...that means some body work, engine cleaning, interior work, tunes and other upgrades...thanks to everyone on the board for that! So, here is the question: if you were me, a guy with a 97 Blaze with a dead AC, cassette deck, cloath seats and stock everything - Where would you start?

Obviously $$$ is important but I can stand to put a few grand into the vehicle...

I can't wait to hear from everyone!

GoodTimePete

Get the engine tuned up and maintained.

Oka, that brings up a good question...I know all about changing fluids and whatnot but as far as keeping things clean...at the car wash I see the "engine cleaner" mode where you spray down your engine. Is that a good idea? I just think hitting an engine with a bunch of electronics in it with a presure washer to be a a scene from the "bad news bears" of auto mechanics....am I out to lunch and it is really super safe?

Oka, that brings up a good question...I know all about changing fluids and whatnot but as far as keeping things clean...at the car wash I see the "engine cleaner" mode where you spray down your engine. Is that a good idea? I just think hitting an engine with a bunch of electronics in it with a presure washer to be a a scene from the "bad news bears" of auto mechanics....am I out to lunch and it is really super safe?

Exactly BAD news!

Never hit your engine with anything higher than hose pressure.

You need to get off the looks and focus more on the mechanical.

Get the truck mechanically up to date with:

New Cap & Rotor
New AC Delco Plugs
New Wires
New PCV valve
Air Filter
Fuel Filter

Well, I;ve done at least one of the above....I put a new ai filter in last week...Just FYI I have approx. 120K mileage, I've hit one deer that took out the left side of my Blazer so I had to pull that out and to be honest it doen't run as true as it used to no matter how many times I get it aligned...

By the way is 250 miles per tank about right? Cause that's what I'm getting now....mostly city driving

should be a little higher.

When has the engine EVER been tuned up?

Replace the things I said earlier before you do anything about the appearance.