LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

CERBERUS; A Daily Driven 97 SS Rescue Project

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-16-2011 | 04:45 PM
  #21  
Tampa_97_SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: St Petersburg, Fl
Default Interior: BUSTED Tan

The interior was the tan leather set up from the factory. The carpet was badly stained, the driver seat and rear seat were ripped and stained in multiple places. Sadly enough, the rear plastics were not the factory tan pieces, but rather grey pieces that had been painted tan. Why you ask? I have NO earthly idea. Additionally, the headliner was missing.

So my friend Mike sold me his charcoal seats, and i found some nice black carpet and plastics from a donor car. Total interior investment for seats, carpet and plastics is about $190. I purchased and installed the headliner a few months ago for $50.

THE OLD













Old 01-16-2011 | 04:56 PM
  #22  
Tampa_97_SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: St Petersburg, Fl
Default Interior: Black Replacement

So here are pics of the Black Interior. I still need to get matching door panles, seat belts, and a set of sunvisors to complete the interior.









Thanks to MIke selling me his seats, i was motivated enough to purchase the black carpet and plastics to get this part of the restoration started at leats. I am very happy to finally have a clean and presentable interior.
Old 01-16-2011 | 05:00 PM
  #23  
marc97taws6's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 0
From: DSM
Default

I am so proud you are doing this! That thing was beat to a living hell
Old 01-16-2011 | 05:20 PM
  #24  
Tampa_97_SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: St Petersburg, Fl
Default Suspension: BMR 1.25" Lowering Springs and Bilstein HD Shocks

The suspension and tires on this car were shot from the day i purchased the car. The Springs sagged, the shocks no longer absorbed ANYTHING on the road. The ride was just absolutley horrible; between the bad tires and shocks, the car would randomly try and drift in and out of ruts and grooves in the road, NO traction what so ever, and cornering was like trying to take a turn at 70 mph in a caprice.

I sadly had to drive the car like that for nearly a year due to budget issues. I was not going to purchase brand new tires if i couldn't afford to buy my shocks and springs at the same time. So i waited and researched Tire and Suspension Set Ups.

Once i finally had the money for parts, i purchased BMR 1.25" Lowering Springs, and a set of Bilstein HD Shocks. My friend Mike helped me install everything and saved me major cash by not having to have a shop do all the work, and i actually got to do some work on the car which is always good.

THE OLD



THE NEW



Although we ran into a few snags with rusty stock parts, the install took one night.

OLD SPRINGS COMPARED TO NEW





INSTALLED



Mike under the car, couldn't have done it without ya buddy!





So thats the Shocks and Springs. Next month i plan on some BMR Sub-Frame Connectors and a BMR Torque Arm.
Old 01-16-2011 | 05:21 PM
  #25  
Speedy's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 634
Likes: 0
From: In the garage fixing LT1
Default

Nice work. I actually prefer the cloth seats for a DD. I find them more comfortable.
Old 01-16-2011 | 05:23 PM
  #26  
Tampa_97_SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: St Petersburg, Fl
Default

Originally Posted by marc97taws6
I am so proud you are doing this! That thing was beat to a living hell
Thanks man! I'm still not sure why i didnt just walk away from this car. But i found myself feeling really bad for it as it sat there in his drive way. Some people rescue dogs, and others rescue cars.
Old 01-16-2011 | 05:26 PM
  #27  
Tampa_97_SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: St Petersburg, Fl
Default

Originally Posted by Speedy
Nice work. I actually prefer the cloth seats for a DD. I find them more comfortable.
Yeah the cloth seats are SO much better IMO. They made a big difference.
Old 01-16-2011 | 05:44 PM
  #28  
SILVER 2288 SS's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: boaring place where theres more cows than people
Default

its come a long way since we started working on it man and im glad ure letting me help. lookin forward to getting some work on my car done here soon to lol
Old 01-16-2011 | 05:48 PM
  #29  
Tampa_97_SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: St Petersburg, Fl
Default Exhaust: TSP Rumbler Catback

The kid cut off the exhaust right passed the cat. Needless to say, the car was LOUD. The car was missing a good amount of torque, throttle response, and I constantly woke up neighbors.

I was able to purchase a used Texas Speed Rumbler Catback for $120. Mike and i were able to bolt everything right on with no fitment issues. Shortly after we stopped by a local exhaust shop and had a set of quad tips welded on. I just have pics for now, but will try and get some sound clips. The car sounds AMAZING now. Nice and deep tone, and i can hear myself think inside the car now..lol

Mike and i also got a chance to paint my "Camaro" letters on the Berger Panel, which you can check out in these pics below.

WHAT THE REAR LOOKED LIKE WHEN I BOUGHT IT

No SS Spoiler
Cracked Rear Bumper Cover
Euro Tail Lights
Chipped and flaking Berger Panel
No Exhaust



WHAT THE REAR LOOKS LIKE NOW

Semi-Gloss 00-02 SS Spoiler
Semi-Gloss Berger Panel
Red "Camaro" Letters
Bumper Cover
Stock Tail Lights
Quad Exhaust Tips



MUCH MUCH BETTER!!!!!!
Old 01-16-2011 | 05:55 PM
  #30  
marc97taws6's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 0
From: DSM
Default

Originally Posted by Tampa_97_SS
Thanks man! I'm still not sure why i didnt just walk away from this car. But i found myself feeling really bad for it as it sat there in his drive way. Some people rescue dogs, and others rescue cars.
Rescuing cars is much more pricey for sure - lol

I have a feeling I might get into F-bodies again once I get bored with my future C6 and want the "raw" feeling and nostalgia of an f-body again
Old 01-16-2011 | 05:56 PM
  #31  
twelver12's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
From: Mooresville, Indiana
Default

I hope the engine hasn't beenbeat to hell like the interior, I'm glad to see it getting some respect now
Old 01-16-2011 | 06:12 PM
  #32  
SILVER 2288 SS's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: boaring place where theres more cows than people
Default

the motor seems to sill oull hard
Old 01-16-2011 | 06:23 PM
  #33  
Tampa_97_SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: St Petersburg, Fl
Default

Originally Posted by jeffs93z28
Very nice man. Hey tbird, wanna make some $$$. Do you paint cars? PM me if so. Good looking car and man I cant believe you got those bumper covers so cheap. I need a front one now and cant find one nowhere.
Check Craigslist on a daily basis my friend..lol. Thats how I got lucky enough to find a matching set in black.
Old 01-16-2011 | 06:28 PM
  #34  
Tampa_97_SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: St Petersburg, Fl
Default TIRES: Nitto 555's 275/40/17

So for the last set of upgrades for the month i purchased a set of Nitto 555's, 275/40/17 for all four corners. I did a lot of research for a good set of tires, and these had the best reviews by far.

THE OLD



THE NEW

Old 01-16-2011 | 06:34 PM
  #35  
Tampa_97_SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: St Petersburg, Fl
Default Stance and ride height after shocks, springs and tires

I am very happy with the new ride quality of the car. The Springs ride smooth, the shocks do their job, and the tires grip and handle like a charm.

We are having to work out some kinks with the front right shock, but toher than that i am a very happy man!!

THE OLD RIDE HEIGHT ON STOCK SPRINGS



THE NEW RIDE HEIGHT WITH BMR 1.25" LOWERING SPRINGS



Old 01-16-2011 | 07:51 PM
  #36  
nascarnate326's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
Default

damn man!!!!!!!

Your car has had a transformation like mine.
Old 01-16-2011 | 10:03 PM
  #37  
fergymoto's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (129)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,810
Likes: 3
From: Rock Hill, SC
Default

Great looking SS! It's nice to see people fixing up LT1 cars.
Old 01-16-2011 | 11:15 PM
  #38  
SILVER 2288 SS's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: boaring place where theres more cows than people
Default

his car is gonna be even more beautiful when were done
Old 01-16-2011 | 11:34 PM
  #39  
TrybalRage's Avatar
Staging Lane

 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Reading, PA
Default

Bravo dude! Keep up the great work!
Old 01-16-2011 | 11:36 PM
  #40  
Tampa_97_SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: St Petersburg, Fl
Default

Originally Posted by SILVER 2288 SS
his car is gonna be even more beautiful when were done
lol Yeah but we cant be forgetting your car though. We need to ride out to BMR next month and grab some suspension upgrades for our cars and knock all that out in a weekend

Thanks for all the compliments guys! Its great even for me too look at this thread from start to now and think.."DAMN...thats what my car use to look like?" lol. Its a lot of fun though and will post more pics as we continue restoring it.


Quick Reply: CERBERUS; A Daily Driven 97 SS Rescue Project



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:00 PM.