Caprice engine swap?

[Adam]

Probably could rename this thread to "Caprice swap" but I digress...

lol

- I assume the broken antenna is power...

I have a non-broken, non-power antenna.

I would like to look at the brake lines but that will be difficult.

After working with it on my Fleetwood, I would say immediately replace all the steel lines with copper-nickel lines. Then you will never have to worry about them again (for the life of that car).

A couple general pics of the rear axle area, as well as the frame rails on both sides (with some of the body also) would probably help.

Also the lower quarter panel area behind the rear wheels on both sides.

- I don't know how to check for leaks but maybe a shot from underneath of the front main seal and if you can reach, a shot of the oil pan/trans pan area

And the oil filter adapter area. Although you should probably just replace the seals and lines as a preventative measure. Especially the seal, its cheap from GM.

[kevm14]

Called Eddie, the owner. I think his cousin took the pics and may be selling the car for him, not entirely sure.

Quick low-down on history
- He's had it for about 5 years, bought it from an 88 year old person from down the street, or something along those lines
- I don't think he's done much for maintenance since buying, though he mentioned brake rotors and pads, a thermostat, and the defroster 30A breaker and probably little else. Hasn't needed anything.
- He was daily driving it but recently got a work van for his job and no longer needs to do so during the week.
- He did mention that, contrary to the ad, he doesn't really want to sell it...maybe that's just a line. The ad basically said motivated seller.
- They had a few bites, but after giving basic info, haven't gotten any call-backs

Condition:
- Aside from what's in the ad, he mentioned the passenger side mirror doesn't work. It, and the windshield crack, happened from a freak incident where his girlfriend backed into a ratchet strap, it snapped, and hit the windshield/mirror area. There is no actual body damage anywhere except what is listed in the ad.
- He said "it probably needs brakes" and that the passenger rear tire is low on tread (of course, that's the burnout tire if the posi is weak or failed)
- Everything else seems fine. Trans is good, fluid doesn't smell burnt.
- Power seats work.
- Driver's mirror works.
- Has defrost and that works.
- A/C needs a charge roughly once per NC cooling season, which isn't terrible I guess, since our cooling season is shorter.
- He says the gas mileage isn't very good. He estimated 18 highway and like 15 around town. It should get 22-23 highway (straight highway) so who knows.
- I specifically asked about exhaust leaks/ticks. He said he's never heard any. Again, who knows.

Apparently the listing cousin did send an e-mail with info, but I did not receive it. He texted that and the remaining pics to me and here is the info:

I am actually selling the car for my cousin but would be glad to answer your questions as best I could. As I am not an enthusiast of this type of vehicle and neither is my cousin. He bought it from an elderly man about 5 years ago with 90k miles on it.

-The paint isn't that bad, has little tiny rock chips, nothing serious. Prevalent water marks and the front and rear bumpers are faded.

-I will send you the pictures I took with my galaxy S4, that's all we have.

- I am not sure where those codes are located, I can get him to take some pictures so I can send them to you if you let me know where they are.

-I don't know the repair history, I can ask if he has any invoices, etc.

- The tires have about 7-8/32nds all the way around and the brakes are 5-6mm in the front and 4mm+/- in the rear.

-Nothing else I can think of that is not on the post or you haven't asked.

Let me know what you think. Thank you for the interest

[kevm14]

The pics I got in that one e-mail:

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[kevm14]

And from MMS:

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And a pic from 5 years ago from the current owner. He still has these but they are not on the car.

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[kevm14]

Upon closer inspection, driver's seat getting kind of beat. Stitching seam is opening up. 5 years of hard use (jeans, boots, etc.) probably. I doubt they were like this at 90k from an old man.

[Adam]

Upon closer inspection, driver's seat getting kind of beat. Stitching seam is opening up. 5 years of hard use (jeans, boots, etc.) probably. I doubt they were like this at 90k from an old man.

Probably wasn't conditioned in that time and the leather is drying out.

[kevm14]

Let me try to capture my requirements and/or reasons for buying this car:
- I need a huge head start on corrosion (body and frame).
- Much younger powertrain that my car, and hopefully a lot of life left (regardless of swap plans)
- Much better paint than my car
- I still like B-bodies and between my Caprice and Adam's 94 planter, I have a good selection of parts to choose from, plus what's been in my stash for over a decade.

These are the three key things that aren't easy or cheap to improve. The rest may be tremendously desirable but is not required.

Highly desired:
- 2.93 axle (vs 2.56), check
- I like the leather interior, aside from the driver's seat
- FE3 suspension, so I get more 9C1 ride/handling out of the gate without having to change as many parts even if I have them already, check
- LT1 (vs L99), check

What I do need to confirm is that I am not pigeon holing myself with a 96, as far as engine swaps. It is the only OBD-II B-body, and emissions expects a plug-in test and to find a 96 Caprice w/ VIN through the PCM. If I engine swap, that will register as, say, a 2003 Cadillac Escalade. I don't even think you can do a truck engine into a car. So perhaps the only way would be to make it kick back to a dyno test.

Regardless of WHEN I do the swap, I will say if it is going to be impossible, I may pass on a 96, since I am still interested in this down the road (starting with a much cleaner car).

Need some quick research here.

[kevm14]

Need some quick research here.

Quick research:
http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-h ... -swap.html

Sounds like if I program the swapped ECM/PCM with the correct 1996 Caprice VIN, it will work fine.

[Adam]

It looks in pretty good shape for the mileage. A visit would be required to see what it was like underneath.

The gas mileage doesn't sound abnormally terrible, based on my LT1 Caprice and Fleetwood experience. That said, it probably could use a tune up. Not sure if the Opti would have ever been replaced at 160K. Probably.

Brakes sound worn, but not totally failed at the measurements he gave. Nothing some maintenance wouldn't fix.

It sounds like the car would be a solid foundation (baring any issues from underneath). It would need some maintenance and a windshield. I would expect a windshield replacement would cost < $300. You are already familiar with tune up and brake part pricing and availability.

The big unknown would be getting it back here. You could fly/drive there and drive it back, but that may be risky depending on the condition of the car. Driving there with tools and spare parts may help. Towing it back may get expensive since you would need a vehicle and trailer that are capable of towing a ~4200lb car ~800 miles. Hiring a car carrier is also an option, and may be cheaper than you towing it yourself (providing you could get the equipment cheaply).

[kevm14]

SPID!

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Also he said the steering wheel cover is just because he liked the way it looked (matched the wood grain on the dash). He said it is "not cracked, just discolored" and "in good condition." I believe it is leather wrapped. This is good news.