Caprice engine swap?

[kevm14]

That would be pretty fun, both the truck and a B-body for potential LS fun. One could back up the other during work.

On the truck, I really don't know what to look for. 2500HD is best for a turbo application. 4WD is something I want, but you pay more, tend to get a filthier starting point, and there is more weight. Extended cab is similar - more practical but adds cost and weight. This particular one does sound interesting.

The thing about the B-body is I think I want a really nice one. Mine may be beater quality right now, but it used to be pristine and I don't think I am interested in buying one that is already beater status. Which means I'll pay more than beater prices. Not sure if I want to do that, either.

The E38 is something that isn't really going away until I get it out of my system. Not sure what that means exactly.

The ZF 5-speed auto is known to be pretty solid from research. I feel like the right car may pop up at some point, which has the right combination of being clean (but not mint), higher mileage but everything working (because it was maintained and repaired properly) and still affordable. What happens after is anyone's guess, of course. I wouldn't LS swap it. Part of the attraction is actually pulling off buying an affordable example and affordably maintaining and driving it, "against all odds." There is a contrarian appeal there for me. Plus I really like the car itself.

[bill25]

Well, any of these would be good for the show:

Turbo LS Plow Truck
Turbo LS Single Cab Race Truck
B-Body Sleeper (Roadmaster) - Probably in your price range for what you want.
B-Body Turbo LS Race Car (Impala SS) - Probably out of your price range for what you want.

E38 - "Look what broke this week (or even today...)" with a Cumulative Total Repair hours and $$$ meter on maintaining that thing

[kevm14]

That reminds me...if I get a 4WD...am I supposed to get a plow setup? I guess I don't have to.

[bill25]

Unfortunately the 4WD with plow and the truck race car are competing things.

You can make a truck racecar that can still use the bed and be pretty good as a truck, but once you start doing 4WD and plow setups you add so much weight that the racecar option is kind of dumb.


Best scenario:

Replace the Ranger with a 4WD truck w/plow - maximize capability
Replace the Caprice with a Roadmaster/Impala SS Turbo LS - have a really good daily that is also really fast

Save yourself a shit-ton of time and money and forget the BMW 7-series even exists...

Done. And you have the same number of vehicles as today.

[Bob]

Collector's Edition! http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5850693918.html

[kevm14]

3 grand for 238k!

It looks clean though.

Roadmaster Collector's Edition shame: All 1996s are.

[Bob]

I think B-Body pricing has reached a point where condition probably matters more than mileage. Also, prices seem to be rising for the good ones.

[kevm14]

It's funny that 3 grand can buy a 238k mile 96 Roadmaster. Or a 238k mile 96 750iL.

[bill25]

238k mile 96 750iL

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA... Those don't exist... Maybe you can buy a unicorn for 3 grand too...

[kevm14]

I posted plenty of high mile 750s in previous pages.