95 9c1 Caprice Performance Upgrade Help Wanted = )

[SEVILLEMAN601]

I recently bought a 1995 9C1 (police package) Chevy Caprice with a 5.7L V8. I am wondering what all I should change to boost the performance. It is already very fast, but I am just wondering... how much faster can it get??? = )

Also, does anyone know where to get good quality parts for a cheap price online? I need a Rear Control Arm (might as well replace both) and the dealership wants $259 each. No parts stores have this in stock and they cant order it. I think I found a pair on ebay but I am not 100% sure they will fit my car. The auction states that they will fit a 90-96 impala (never heard of a part from a 90, fit a 95). I know most parts are exactly the same on impala/caprices from, but not all of them are the same. Also, all parts from a 91-92 caprice will not fit a 93-96 caprice. The part # for the control arm is FB382. The ebay auction # for the control arms I am looking at is 120158151072. I hope to hear from someone soon.

[Blue Bowtie]

Have you tried a salvage yard?

[SEVILLEMAN601]

yes, I tried the salvage yard, but they don't have any caprices. Is the control arm interchangeable with an control arm from an impala? Also, what else should i get canged since it will already be taken off/exposed??

[96capricemgr]

The Impala was basically a trim package and the 9C1 was largely a lack of trim package so get any ideas that either of tese is special out of your head right now.

Stock control arms are dirt cheap from the right sources.

Really though you might consider UMI Performance rear lowers as the stock arms will break if you put on stiffer swaybars and use them. The UMIs are IMO the best value out there, BMR is what I have but the design is inferior to the UMI, bushings too small and the swaybar mount leads to a stress point that has broken for a few guys with hard use.

If you want stock lowers I can get you an email or number too order them from, I would not bother with used lowers because replacing the bushings in them will cost as much as whole new arms from a good source. I say that as someone who has 2 sets of them in my garage I could try and sell you but would rather see you go at least new if not new aftermarket performance units.

Thing you have to understand is dealership markup frequently exceeds 100% and there are places out there who will sell GM parts at closer to 10% markup, even so I do not know where the dealer came up with $260.

[96capricemgr]

Far as making the car faster start with things like a homemade cold air intake, headers, catback, then look at things like gears, reprogramming and a higher stall torque converter. Pretty much in that order. Talking about a fair amount of money here already and still have not touched the engine.
I did all this in another order and this is the order I recommend based on learning from the mistakes I made.

Modifying these cars is not cheap, but they are a good platform. It feels great to have the kid with the Mustang or f-body you just beat at the track aproach and ask if the car has nitrous when it doesn't.