[stich626]

the impala SS is nothing more than the cop caprice..
with a sporty gut..

[Mutt's37Buick]

I'm looking at using a 94-96 Roadmaster engine/trans in my '37 Roadmaster.
1) Can anyone tell me how important it is for me to get a '96 that allows use of the OBDII tool?
2) What is this tool used for?
Thanks

[Vetteman61]

OBDII is the type of computer used to hook up to the car to diagnose when a check engine light code comes up. That is what the OBDII pertains to. To my knowledge they switched to this type at one time and a certain year of car either would be an OBDII or it would not. I don't think they had a year where some were and some weren't, but I could be wrong.

Brandon

[Mutt's37Buick]

Brandon,
Thanks for the info. Sounds like it would be worth waiting for a '96.
Mutt

[Vetteman61]

I don't know a lot about the specifics but this page might help you out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On-board_diagnostics

I would check and see, but I would think the 94-96 should all be the same. Once again, however, I could be wrong, but it's worth checking into.

Also, I forgot to add this link. This is extremely helpful and should answer all your questions: http://www.impalassforum.com/vBulletin/index.php

Brandon

[Mutt's37Buick]

I did find on the buickforums.com that the '96 Buick Roadmaster was the first year was OBDII compatable. Previous years had OBD1.
Obvously these diagnostics are very helpful, but can anyone speak to questions I have:
1) Since the OBDII diagnostics are more capable, do they also add difficulty when performing an engine/transmission swap to a different vehicle?
2) Will I have to also swap more systems from the donor car in order for the engine/transmission to work properly.
3) I had planned on swapping the instruments as well. Would OBDII make this more difficult to swap?
Thanks

[lt1silverhawk]

Originally Posted by Vetteman61

OBDII is the type of computer used to hook up to the car to diagnose when a check engine light code comes up. That is what the OBDII pertains to. To my knowledge they switched to this type at one time and a certain year of car either would be an OBDII or it would not. I don't think they had a year where some were and some weren't, but I could be wrong.

Brandon

Rumor is that OBD-II was mandatory on '96 and up cars, but the switch was made some time in '95. According to the F-body crowd, it is not unusual to find an OBD-II set up in a '95 LT1-powered car.

Originally Posted by Mutt's37Buick

I did find on the buickforums.com that the '96 Buick Roadmaster was the first year was OBDII compatable. Previous years had OBD1.
Obvously these diagnostics are very helpful, but can anyone speak to questions I have:
1) Since the OBDII diagnostics are more capable, do they also add difficulty when performing an engine/transmission swap to a different vehicle?
2) Will I have to also swap more systems from the donor car in order for the engine/transmission to work properly.
3) I had planned on swapping the instruments as well. Would OBDII make this more difficult to swap?
Thanks

I would definitely recommend visiting the Impala SS Forum to get more info on the Roadmasters. Lots of knowledgeable guys there. And there is also LT1Swap.com for more general swap info.

[Mutt's37Buick]

Thanks for the info.
Can anyone tell me if there is a foolproof way to tell if a car has OBDII or OBD1 diagnostics by looking at the car.
Thanks

[Valkyrie5.7]

Originally Posted by Mutt's37Buick

Thanks for the info.
Can anyone tell me if there is a foolproof way to tell if a car has OBDII or OBD1 diagnostics by looking at the car.
Thanks

Well an OBD-II system has a specific port in it for identifying codes, where the OBD-I system usually requires you to make a connection with a wire or paper clip in it's diagnostic port and read the CEL Flashes. Though I have a friend with a 95 cavalier that has an OBD-II style port in his car that he claims gives OBD-I codes. FWIW, the port looks like this and is usually found under the dash, drivers side:

[Mutt's37Buick]

Thanks for your help
Mutt

[topmeat69]

Originally Posted by Vetteman61

OBDII is the type of computer used to hook up to the car to diagnose when a check engine light code comes up. That is what the OBDII pertains to. To my knowledge they switched to this type at one time and a certain year of car either would be an OBDII or it would not. I don't think they had a year where some were and some weren't, but I could be wrong.

Brandon

Only the 96 can use the OBDII computer just like all car after that date, I have the factory service manuel for the 91 and 96 caprice.Also the 96 has sensors before and after the cat converters.

[gearheadslife]

Originally Posted by Vetteman61

My friend has an Impala SS and he ordered a front end kit. He swears there's a difference in the way part of the frame up front is shaped on the SS vrs the regular Caprice.

Brandon

he be wrong