Want to convert my 97 LS to a LTZ

[spdfrk1990]

As far as the body panels I guess ill need a front bumper, rear bumper, and a trunk. Will the ltz tail lights fit in the ls just fine? Im asking cause some one hit me last week and I now need a new front pass door and fender so I was just going to look for some ltz parts also if they have some. Another question I prob wont do this but im curious. Will monte carlo springs work on the lumina? Also is there some forums just for the lumina/Monte?

Thanks,
John

[jeffcoslacker]

Taillights should fit. The stuff on the trunk is just different trim, the deck lid is the same....I put the LTZ spoiler on mine (have to drill two holes) and blacked out the panel between the reflector and the lid, for a similar appearance (too cheap to buy the LTZ trim)

I'm trying to think what's different about the LTZ rear bumper and coming up blank...the LS cover is notched for duals, I thought it was the same part...the front is slightly different, same as the Monte I believe...

It seems you've noticed the same thing I have...performance catalogs list performance suspension parts for Monte Carlo but not for Lumina...my guess is that they are interchangeable, but I don't know why they wouldn't list the additional models covered if they were...puzzling...

[spdfrk1990]

I was looking around last night and it looks like the monte springs should be fine I was just worried about the back end sagging on the lumina. Anyway I think ill look for some monte stuff and repaint the whole car. Then maybe ill sell it and look for a lower mile LTZ with the 3.8. These car make great daily drivers and I really like the style of them.

[jeffcoslacker]

You know I'm trying to remember if the LTZ/Monte bumper covers have the chrome strip through them that the LS has going all the way around....

Might mismatch, check that first...I can't picture it...

[gw84]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

You know I'm trying to remember if the LTZ/Monte bumper covers have the chrome strip through them that the LS has going all the way around....

Might mismatch, check that first...I can't picture it...

here's your answer...

no chrome. **ps, there are more LTZ pics in my gallery

In fact there are several differences between your Ls and the LTZ that are often overlooked.
*Front and rear "fascias" are different
*Wheels
*Chrome strips on bumper (not on LTZ)
*Body colored mirrors on LTZ (they're black on base and LS)
*optional 3.8L engine with 4t65e trans (if i remember correctly)
*dual exhaust (optional on LS)
*I think the door "side moldings" are different on LTZ as well
I'm sure there are more differences but I can't think of them at the moment

Obviously there are some options for LTZ that are also availiable on the LS trim....leather, sunroof, floor mounted shifter/console.

If you can find an LTZ I'd say get it while you can. They're much harder to find than you'd think...unless you're willing to drive awhile to get one like I did. 200+ miles to get mine. <64,000 miles, every option except OnStar...paid $6,500 + tax.
I searched AUTOTRADER and CARS.com daily to find one "nearby"

[dwalmop]

My 96 monte LS has the chrome strip around the bumpers.

PS - is anybody getting dick of the hyundai "DUH" commercials? I'm going to kill my TV!!!

[spdfrk1990]

Thanks for the reply I could tell by pics that the chrome strip was different im getting ready to go to the junk yard in a few wish me luck .

[spdfrk1990]

Just got back from the junk yard. Found the tail lights, trunk, fender and door I need. I found a front bumper also but not sure if im going to get it.