Dustin's Caprice SS Project
This car began its life as a California
Highway Patrol Vehicle. For those of you who don't know, the Caprice (B-Body)
was redesigned for 1991 using much of the prior generation caprice frame
and suspension. It was also the last car built by GM to have a body on frame
construction, giving it superior strength and durability.
In 1994 Chevrolet introduced the Impala
SS as a high-performance, uplevel Caprice model. It was the first four-door
to wear the "SS" designation, and the first Impala SS in 25 years.
The Impala SS model gave the car a sporty appearance and ride as well as
a 260 hp small block V8 known as the LT1. The Impala was an immediate hit
with consumers and prices were driven by supply and demand. In 1994 there
were only 6,300 Impala SS's produced and less than 70,000 total through
1996 when it was discontinued.
What many people don't know is that the
Impala shares many performance parts with the police prepped vehicles known
as the 9C1 option package. Other than a few bolt on external body pieces
and a leather interior they are nearly identical. In fact the 9C1 has a
few things the Impala does not, such as external transmission cooler, power
steering cooler, stiffer springs and shocks, heavy duty brake pads and nearly
twice as many body bushings attaching the body to the frame. In fact, many
SS owners add several 9C1 parts to their SS for improved performance.
I've wanted a Impala SS for years but cannot
afford one. But with a little research and a lot of labor, I've been able
to build a car that looks and handles just as well for less than half the
cost. Keep in mind though, it will never have the resale value of a true
Impala SS. I don't try to pass my car off as a Impala, in fact the only
scripts on the car say Caprice SS. This page exists for the express purpose
of sharing the knowledge I've gained from others on the web and hands on
experience building my own Caprice SS. On the following pages, I will provide
pictures and some details as to the procedures I followed to transform this
9C1 into a Caprice SS.
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Email me at: dustinp@pacbell.net