I put my snow tires on this week. I decided to put the good ones on the front. I ordered two new ones and they are here. Which means I am cleared for donuts when the time comes.
I believe it will roll over in Feb, which is not the greatest time to be driving on bald tires. But if logistics really look challenging, I can make the appointment and go burn the tires off just prior.
I'm so old that I have to plan my donuts. Speaking of which, I don't know where I should do them.
Caprice engine swap?
Re: Caprice engine swap?
The commuter lot near I-91 in Windsor? 
Re: Caprice engine swap?
This one has been listed again: http://columbia.craigslist.org/cto/5385685715.html
Re: Caprice engine swap?
That one is quite nice. A little pricey and a less desirable color combo are probably why it hasn't moved yet. It appears to be in excellent condition.
Re: Caprice engine swap?
Looks like this is a good ~3 hours from Charlotte. I think I'd have to be more than casually interested to make a move. Like starting with e-mail contact.
I think my real question is, does everything work and is it a V92 or not?
I think my real question is, does everything work and is it a V92 or not?
Re: Caprice engine swap?
Yeah, breaking away to go look at this could be challenging. It does appear to be in exceptionally nice condition though. It is definitely better than the $2k-range cars.
Re: Caprice engine swap?
That's because it is 50% more expensive.
Re: Caprice engine swap?
Agreed. This may be a case where paying a bit more (a lot on a percentage basis, but not a lot in real $$$) may net you a significantly nicer car. I guess the best thing for your search is that you have time on your side. If you look long enough, you may be able to find a car like this one for significantly less.
Re: Caprice engine swap?
So all this struggling with CTS-V vs B-body vs E38 vs whatever...we had a lunchtime discussion yesterday. We are going to put the Caprice on a lift at some point soon and just do a full exam. Issues will be put into categories, starting with safety, followed by potential future inspection issues, followed by potential future anything else issues.
That said, I think one of the many reasons I am struggling is because I have always said I want some kind of fleet of different cars. Not necessarily expensive cars, just different cars (like a 77 Seville). To that end, and in the realistic context of my Caprice engine swap/replacement discussion, I think what I really would like is:
1) Keep my CTS-V, and cam swap it, light flywheel, and MAYBE do the anti-hop stuff to the rear end. That car serves a specific purpose and I think a cam swap LS6 (maybe with headers) would fulfill that nicely. As my handling car, I do not think forced induction is the right move. A cam swap won't add much torque, just extend the usable power band. Usage would remain below 4k miles/year
2) LS-swap a B-body, preferably my Caprice. Which means it will need some level of reconditioning (see first paragraph of this post). Usage would probably drop but I could use it a good part of the year. Depending on how nice it ends up (or a replacement if I go that route), I may need to improve my parking situation and add additional cover (and not park it on moist dirt).
3) Add something new and interesting, such as the 750iL, that would fill in the remaining driving time that the other two do not. It could be a "daily" as I would not intend to keep this as a long term car, unlike the other two. Certainly it would be my bad weather car.
4) Keep the Ranger because it's useful. A 4WD truck would be better but the 7-series with snow tires will do just fine.
As to the budget required to accomplish this, these things will happen slowly over time, and I could see the CTS-V being the last to be modified (so, possibly never).
If I keep my Caprice, then I could justify getting an E38 and taking my Caprice off the road whenever it is necessary to do so. Still need to prove that they are truly in my price range. I want to say even $4k is probably more than I should be spending on a car right now.
I don't really want 5 cars, and neither does Jamie, but I really like cars, and I see a use for everything I mentioned. There is no one single car that I want. Even Bill is now realizing that it would be ideal to have both a G-body hotrod build and some kind of Camaro.
That said, I think one of the many reasons I am struggling is because I have always said I want some kind of fleet of different cars. Not necessarily expensive cars, just different cars (like a 77 Seville). To that end, and in the realistic context of my Caprice engine swap/replacement discussion, I think what I really would like is:
1) Keep my CTS-V, and cam swap it, light flywheel, and MAYBE do the anti-hop stuff to the rear end. That car serves a specific purpose and I think a cam swap LS6 (maybe with headers) would fulfill that nicely. As my handling car, I do not think forced induction is the right move. A cam swap won't add much torque, just extend the usable power band. Usage would remain below 4k miles/year
2) LS-swap a B-body, preferably my Caprice. Which means it will need some level of reconditioning (see first paragraph of this post). Usage would probably drop but I could use it a good part of the year. Depending on how nice it ends up (or a replacement if I go that route), I may need to improve my parking situation and add additional cover (and not park it on moist dirt).
3) Add something new and interesting, such as the 750iL, that would fill in the remaining driving time that the other two do not. It could be a "daily" as I would not intend to keep this as a long term car, unlike the other two. Certainly it would be my bad weather car.
4) Keep the Ranger because it's useful. A 4WD truck would be better but the 7-series with snow tires will do just fine.
As to the budget required to accomplish this, these things will happen slowly over time, and I could see the CTS-V being the last to be modified (so, possibly never).
If I keep my Caprice, then I could justify getting an E38 and taking my Caprice off the road whenever it is necessary to do so. Still need to prove that they are truly in my price range. I want to say even $4k is probably more than I should be spending on a car right now.
I don't really want 5 cars, and neither does Jamie, but I really like cars, and I see a use for everything I mentioned. There is no one single car that I want. Even Bill is now realizing that it would be ideal to have both a G-body hotrod build and some kind of Camaro.
Re: Caprice engine swap?
Less realistically, but on the subject of wanting multiple functional cars in my fleet, I would also like to own:
1975-1/2 to 1979 Cadillac Seville
I also like the huge body 1971-1976 Broughams, maybe something with the 500 w/ EFI
I can't think of anything prior to the 70s that I'd actually want.
1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham (L05)
Wouldn't mind also having a 93-96 Fleetwood around
1994 to 1996 Impala SS would be cool, since I've never had one
I would say CTS-V2 or Chevrolet SS but even in this wet dream it's probably not going to happen until they are well below $20k and even then...
Chevrolet Caprice PPV maybe
Some, all or none of these could be modified from stock. It all depends.
Aside from the trend of these all being large sedans, they are either Chevrolet or Cadillac. As far as BOP cars, I can't think of much except maybe the Grand National.
1975-1/2 to 1979 Cadillac Seville
I also like the huge body 1971-1976 Broughams, maybe something with the 500 w/ EFI
I can't think of anything prior to the 70s that I'd actually want.
1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham (L05)
Wouldn't mind also having a 93-96 Fleetwood around
1994 to 1996 Impala SS would be cool, since I've never had one
I would say CTS-V2 or Chevrolet SS but even in this wet dream it's probably not going to happen until they are well below $20k and even then...
Chevrolet Caprice PPV maybe
Some, all or none of these could be modified from stock. It all depends.
Aside from the trend of these all being large sedans, they are either Chevrolet or Cadillac. As far as BOP cars, I can't think of much except maybe the Grand National.