[sharp21]

im looking for a donor engine & was wondering what the difference is between the 94-96 impala ss & the caprice of the same year. is the caprice just a de-tuned version of the impala? or does the caprice use a 305 & the impala a 350?

 

[benwantland]

I think that, in those years, they both used 260 horse 5.7L (350) LT1's, although the caprice was also availible with a semi-uncommon 4.3L V8 as well, which was also LT1-based.

 

[sharp21]

i was thinking that a caprice would be a good donor, i just wanted to make sure that it was an lt1 block. i suppose it would be the same deal in the wagon too?

 

[DoubleVision]

The wagons mostly recieved the reverse cooled 4.3 liter V8`s.

 

[benwantland]

Yeah, the 5.7's are all basically the same from 94-96, just make sure that, if you pull one, you check codes on the block or the emissions sticker under the hood and be sure you're not getting a 4.3.

 

[MI2600]

Or...you could count the plugs.

 

[sharp21]

of course! they had 7 plugs that year right? :mwink:

 

[benwantland]

Or...you could count the plugs.

No, they had a 4.3L V8 availible in those cars. Counting on plug counting could still get you home with 85 fewer cubic inches than you deserve....

 

[sharp21]

what is the engine code i should be looking for?

 

[jimfulco]

If you can see a casting number on the block, the 4.3 (L99) will say 588, and the 5.7 (LT1) will say 327.

 

[sharp21]

perfect!
cheers

 

[Michael T.]

ONLY the 96 LT1 350 uses the OBDII computer hookup

the OBDII is the computer tool that is still used TODAY. ONLY the 96 can use that tool.

 

[against all odds]

i wonder why they didn't just use the 4.3 v-6 in lieu of a 4.3 v-8. BTW the only reason why this car line was discontinued is because gm need the extra factory capacity to produce suv's.

Yet another reason why gm sucks.

 

[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

 

[thirteen20z28]

The wagons mostly recieved the reverse cooled 4.3 liter V8`s.

Nope, I'm pretty sure ALL 94-96 Caprice and Roadmaster wagons came with the 5.7L LT1...

4.3 L99s were somewhat common in the 94-96 civilian sedans, and quite a few of the taxis and police cars have L99s, also (I've owned 2).

EDIT: wow just noticed this is an OLD thread!

 

[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