I don't get on here too often but It's a nasty stormy night and I figured I'd post up my doings over the past months.

Car is a 1995 Chevy Caprice Classic 9c1 Impala SS Clone. Has about 180k on the body. I have had the car for roughly 6 years. It's come a LOONG way since the day I purchased it from an abused home. Anyway after one year of sitting engine less. I decided to spend a gratuitous amount of money on the car. I was donated a an LT1 from a z28 that a friend and I had just finished swapping in a 383 in. With that, my interest was rekindled. I promptly sent it out to get shot peened, bored .030 over, aligned honed with ARP main studs. Had the crank polished, stock rods reconditioned with ARP cap bolts and new hyperutetic pistons. Upping the compression to 11:1

Wile the short block was being tooled on at the machine shop. I sent the heads out to Lloyd Elliott to become LE2's. Had him spec me out a custom grind cam. 224/230 .573/.568 110 LSA. Added new LS7 Hyd Lifters, JEGS hardened push rods, TFS guide plates and Scorpion Endurance series 1.6 roller rockers. New timing chain, oil pump drive gear with support brace, ARP oil pump drive shaft and a Melling 155HV pump.

I then picked up a CPT level 3 4l60e, with a Precision Industries 2800 stall triple disk converter. Acquired a set of Rustic racing Front upper and lower A-arms, which I had sand blasted, and then repainted with POR-15. Added a set of Hotchkiss rear upper and lower rear trailing arms and a set of Dick Miller Racing triangulation links.

Onto the pics!

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00323.jpg
The tear down.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00328.jpg
Engine coming together

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00331.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00333.jpg
Some sweet LE port work

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00372.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00343.jpg
Front end stripped ready for paint

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00378.jpg
After paint

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00376.jpg
Underside ready for paint

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00388.jpg
After Paint :)

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00365.jpg
I finally got around to installing my Kore3 325mm c5 ZO6 Front brake upgrade.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00366.jpg
Big'er brakes

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00397.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00381.jpg
Dropping the engine in

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00389.jpg
Looking good IMO

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00398.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00409.jpg
Plug wires on

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00410.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00412.jpg
Finished up the X pipe.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00414.jpg
3" to 2-1/2" trying to keep it as smooooth as possible

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00415.jpg
Jegs universal X pipe

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00418.jpg
Maze of stuff during painting. Painted everything in POR-15. Finders, inner fenders, bumper supports. Pretty much everything.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00419.jpg
Fenders painted

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00422.jpg
Pictures do no justice to how smooth POR-15 goes on.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00425.jpg
Sandblasted every bolt and nut I couldn't easily replace with stainless steel

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00427.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00430.jpg
Ready for the front clip :)

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00431.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00433.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00435.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00450.jpg
Almost finished with the coolers. Setrab oil cooler at the upper right. Bottom right is a modified Generac oil cooler used as a power steering cooler. Top left is a double stacked stacked plate transmission cooler with a 6" 300 cfm fan on the back Custom assembled by me.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00453.jpg
External transmission filter to protect my small investment.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00454.jpg
El'cheapo all aluminum radiator from China. Has 2 Zirgo 14" fans rated at 2785 CFM each.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00464.jpg
Here it is after a quick wipe down with some speed detailer. Looks pretty dang good after all the shop dust is wiped off. :D

Here it is ALIVE

LE2 Impala SS returning from first drive - YouTube

awsome build!!! you keeping the trailer hitch?:D

Wow! Sounds and looks amazing! What kind of horsepower are you anticipating?

Very nice and I like the simple color scheme under the hood, clean looking.

Looks clean. Time well spent and congrats on the hard work.

Thanks for the comments everyone. I plan to keep the fugly hitch for a little wile. Car used to pull my pos boat and a trailer. Has rescued many F bodys from the drag strip. As for power, its an LE2 heads cam 355. So I'm shooting for mid to high 300's at the wheels.

Nice. So what injectors and throttle body did you end up going with?

I am running 32lbhr Bosh III's from Fuel Injector Connection. For the throttle body I am running 52 mm BBK. Which I need to modify to lower my IAC counts. Sad to say its not all that great of a TB. But the price was right and I couldn't resist.

What part of fla are you in so i can come over and drool???

Clean Bro! Made it to My Top 5 Bubbles

Very nice build. I wish I had the time and space to do the same. Is that an oil filter relocation kit? Did you custom make it? Do the valve covers work as purchased or did you have to mod them at all?

Tim

Clean Bro! Made it to My Top 5 Bubbles

Thanks man. Was a long time coming.

Very nice build. I wish I had the time and space to do the same. Is that an oil filter relocation kit? Did you custom make it? Do the valve covers work as purchased or did you have to mod them at all?

Tim

Hey Tim, Thanks for the comments. The oil filter on the frame rail is for the transmission. I wanted to up the filtration for my tranny. The K&N will filter down to as small as 10 micron. I have read that the factory in pan filter is only good to around 100 micron. Its somewhat custom. I used a generic remote filter housing from Jegs, then just plumbed it in with stainless steel braided lines. Filter is in the cooler lines after the trans cooler. The filter I selected has a bypass valve and anti drainback valves.

The valve covers bolt on with no modification. For installation on an F body, the back of the alternator needs to be ground down some. They bolt up fine with no modification to the alternator on B bodys.

I love that sound! So did you end up porting the stock intake manifold or did you go lt4?

I gasket matched an LT1 intake manifold. Smoothed out the runners, gasket matched the ports and smoothed out the air entrance after the throttle body.

Quick update. Bumper is on, alignment is sort of done. Sent an email out with some data logs and descriptive text. Hoping to have a new tune by Friday so I can go show off at the local car show :). http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/LE2%20Impala%20SS%20Build/DSC00472.jpg

oh i forgot to ask, is your full exhaust installed in that video you posted?

No the exhaust is open x pipe, dumping before the rear axle. Waiting on a set of DynoMax VT mufflers...

awesome build, looks great! Thank you for posting the detail pics such as the coolers up front ect. Been trying to find a good place to mount a trans and oil cooler for mine as well. PLEASE post an exhaust video when you get your VT's on. Still debating on replacing my blowmaster 40s with those.

Nice ride man, keep up the good work

Thanks for the comments. I will make a video of before and after when I get the VT's. Should have them on this weekend if I don't run into problems.

Nice Build! Where did you get the valve covers from?

That is nice Blowneardrums.

A trailer hitch will really tie the flimsy b-body frame together. Much better than a Buick brace. You will probably be able to feel the difference if you remove it.

Are you spraying the POR on? Topcoating?

Good job so far.

Thats what im talking about !!!!! Great JOB!!!

Does the c5 brake upgrade is the same bolt pattern as impala/caprice ? 5X5? You got these from a corvette or aftermarket parts?


1996 Chevy Caprice LT1

Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

Does the c5 brake upgrade is the same bolt pattern as impala/caprice ? 5X5? You got these from a corvette or aftermarket parts?

If you look carefully at the pic on page 1 you will noticed the rotors have both 4.75 and 5x5 bolt patterns. Kore3 drills out the 5x5 holes. This brake set up is awesome!!

Keep up the good work man, nice build.

What part of FLA🌴 are you in?

Sorry for the late replys. Been super busy. Daily driver broke down and I have been driving my Imp for the last 2 months. Already racked up over 4000 miles on it. @ 10-13MPG this thing is running me dry lol. Thanks for all the comments. It means alot.

Are you spraying the POR on? Topcoating?

Good job so far.

Thanks, I have been spraying it with my HPLV gun. The POR-15 rust paint goes on just fine with a good brush. Levels out great. Can hardly tell its brushed if you apply it nice and thick.

The BlackCoat and Engine Enamel are another story. BlackCoat is very tricky to brush on. Does not like any humidity. (POR-15 is quite sensitive, Use cautiously) I painted the the rails on my intake by hand with a small arts/crafts brush. Took about 45 mins to get it on with minimal brush marks. I recommend spraying it. Testing on a few parts before using on something that will show. You get one nice coat with it. Any others like to get murky if not done heavy, being mindful of over spray.

The engine enamel, MUST be sprayed. (at least the Aluminum color) I tried brushing it on and it turned out like crap. Had to strip it down and put it in the HPLV gun. Word of caution. For some reason my alternator (which was painted in POR-15, Aluminum engine enamel) has turned slightly yellow. I think its from the 300*F temps it sees. Everything else, including the water pump and intake have stayed the same color.

If you look carefully at the pic on page 1 you will noticed the rotors have both 4.75 and 5x5 bolt patterns. Kore3 drills out the 5x5 holes. This brake set up is awesome!!

Keep up the good work man, nice build.

Nice Build! Where did you get the valve covers from?

I have received a few PM's about what valve covers I am tuning. Since I don't get on here much I'll list the part numbers.

Mine are black Crinkle colored. PN: 141-131

ProForm sells 2 others. PN: 141-130 and 141-132.

EDIT:

DO NOT USE THE PROFORM 141-630 Oil Fill Cap. 2 of mine fell out of the valve covers after 1000 miles.

I am now running 2 Spectre 17385 caps and they fit a billion times better.

Also, if you have to gut the internal baffles to clear your rockers like I did. You will need to run a filtered/baffled valve cover breather. Otherwise you will get oil in your Throttle body. I am running a breather similar to this MR Gasket brand breather. PN:2054

For the ones asking about the Dynomax VT mufflers. Click this link for a thread containing videos.

http://www.impalassforum.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=275918

Thanks

Thanks for the PM! I had already pulled the trigger on those valve covers. They fit great! I did need to trim the alternator a bit though.

Mine barely drives right now and I can literally see the gas gauge move it's running so rich. Hoping for a tune this week.

So I want an update! Did you get it tuned yet? How's she runnin?

Thanks for the PM! I had already pulled the trigger on those valve covers. They fit great! I did need to trim the alternator a bit though.

Mine barely drives right now and I can literally see the gas gauge move it's running so rich. Hoping for a tune this week.

So I want an update! Did you get it tuned yet? How's she runnin?

I know what you mean. My gauge is always on the move.


I guess there is more to update lol. So much going on I can’t keep up with all that I’ve done lately.

I took it to a dyno day at a local shop. Car made 350 WHP and 342LbFt on a base line tune. For some reason the engine falls on its face in the 5400-5800RPM range, then comes back strong. Car struggles running very rich at idle and it smells pretty rich during driving. Narrowband O2’s say its pretty close. I dunno WTF. Is still on the base line tune as the tuner I am doing email tunes with does not want to write a tune it until I remedy the power problem in the upper RPM ranges. Still trying to diagnose that without changing every ignition and fueling part on the car. It does it on the road as well as on the dyno. Car is also pig rich on cold starts but leans out when hot. It hates the A/C on, and will flood out and stall if I turn the A/C on before its in closed loop. As it warms up, it gets better and the car will idle with the A/C on. Plugs look great. Timing mark shows timing is a bit too hot but otherwise look normal. I’m pretty sure it’s tune related. I plan to play with the tune myself to see if I cant get it to run better.

Dyno Sheet here:
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i428/95ImpySS/scan0001.jpg
Had to start the pull pretty high in the RPM’s because I didn’t have time to modify the trans tables to have it hold 2nd gear the hole time. Couldn’t beat 3 pulls on the Dynojet for $40

Dyno Video Here:
http://youtu.be/tKoBNUkW5Wo

I have installed a MSD Digital 6 which seems to have helped the car out big time. Not as rich at idle crisper sounding engine through out the powerband. Under 2500 RPM if I blip the throttle the engine sputters then will rev up like a beast. After 2500ish RPM it will rev up very well. Digi 6 helped with that and leaned it out a bit at idle, but it’s still not right.

After about 1500 miles the front springs started to sag. Was riding on bump stops and hitting the fender during turns. Over the weekend I installed a set of Eibach (AKA, QA1) springs and Koni adjustable shocks. Ride is MUCH improved. The rear of the car actually feels like its attached to the car. Might take it to an autocross event towards the end of the month to wipe out some cones. ;) First time at an event like that. Should be interesting to see how both my driving and the car stack up to Miata’s, Mustangs and RX7’s. Fingers crossed not to come in dead last ;) Kicking my self for not dropping the frame and boxing it in. I was pretty close. Live and learn lol.

Your thread here had motivated me to do a 5 month overhaul of my 9c1. I must've spent $5k on this thing.

You did an amazing job, and once I get work space indoors, I will get into more detail. Thanks for the inspiration man! This is now saved to my iPhone homepage.

I am fully subscribed!!!

Your thread here had motivated me to do a 5 month overhaul of my 9c1. I must've spent $5k on this thing.

You did an amazing job, and once I get work space indoors, I will get into more detail. Thanks for the inspiration man! This is now saved to my iPhone homepage.

Thanks man. Glad it's bringing some inspiration!! Watch out, before you know it you'll be in 5 digit territory.

No real updates. Spent a ton on header gaskets trying to get them to seal. Ended up taking the headers to the machine shop to get the flanges milled. They were WAAAAAAY out of whack. They took off a little over 1/8" of the flange. FlowTech quality right there ;) So far so good. Still sealed 500 miles later. I changed the spark plugs from NGK TR55's to AutoLite 103's and closed the gap down to .035. Runs so much better now. Pulls really hard, idles better, and somewhat remedied the high rpm hiccup.

Finally got around to wiring a few new sirens on the car as well as a few more sensors. Today the brain took a crap. Old Clifford 10.5x Matrix has been good for the past 6+ years. Settled on a new Viper system that I will install this weekend. Hopefully get my air horns installed as well. Driving in Miami is just not safe with out em.

nice build man, very classy