Canuck Caprice
Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 11:34 pm
Well, since I'm the one that suggested this section, figured it's about time I posted the beginning of my build.
My 2011 was a test vehicle that was bought by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for testing as a possible patrol vehicle replacement for the departing Crown Vics. They quickly abandoned that idea when they saw the price tag. Besides, they wouldn't have been able to buy any because the United Auto Workers Union basically told GM that they will not sell that car in Canada. It went up for sale on the government auction website, put in my bid and won it. These were sealed bids so nobody could see what anybody was bidding. I paid $8513.22CAD. I stole it!
It's totally unmolested. No equipment, lights, spotlight or anything were ever installed and had only 87k km. It's not exactly mint with underbody and exposed areas rusty but mechanically perfect.
So now I'm just looking at what mods to do. Here's my initial list:
- exhaust (headers, full exhaust and mufflers for a G8 with extended tips)
- AFM/DOD delete and throw in a better cam
- send the radio to Chris (doing that this winter while it's in storage)
- maybe a diff swap to 3.42 gears
- wheels (already working on that below)
- G8 center console and maybe seats
- remove intake resonator (done)
- Brembo brakes
So I've already eliminated the resonator by using silicone turbo hoses from China. Looks good but this engine is quieter than the 5.3 in my Saab 9-7x. I don't believe in CAI's but I do eliminate resonators for esthetics and sound.
Over the weekend, I picked up a set of wheels and winter tires. They're 19" BMW M6 repros that were used on a Camaro. Wheels are pitted and peeling clear coat but I'll be getting them powder coated. I test fitted them but the tires are a little taller and only left a couple of millimeters of clearance with the front coil spring perch. They're 265 55R19. Also looking at getting center caps. Will be selling the winters which should make the wheels cost almost nothing.
Well, that's the beginning of my build. It will be going in storage after I rip the radio out to send it to Chris so I won't have down time.
My 2011 was a test vehicle that was bought by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for testing as a possible patrol vehicle replacement for the departing Crown Vics. They quickly abandoned that idea when they saw the price tag. Besides, they wouldn't have been able to buy any because the United Auto Workers Union basically told GM that they will not sell that car in Canada. It went up for sale on the government auction website, put in my bid and won it. These were sealed bids so nobody could see what anybody was bidding. I paid $8513.22CAD. I stole it!
It's totally unmolested. No equipment, lights, spotlight or anything were ever installed and had only 87k km. It's not exactly mint with underbody and exposed areas rusty but mechanically perfect.
So now I'm just looking at what mods to do. Here's my initial list:
- exhaust (headers, full exhaust and mufflers for a G8 with extended tips)
- AFM/DOD delete and throw in a better cam
- send the radio to Chris (doing that this winter while it's in storage)
- maybe a diff swap to 3.42 gears
- wheels (already working on that below)
- G8 center console and maybe seats
- remove intake resonator (done)
- Brembo brakes
So I've already eliminated the resonator by using silicone turbo hoses from China. Looks good but this engine is quieter than the 5.3 in my Saab 9-7x. I don't believe in CAI's but I do eliminate resonators for esthetics and sound.
Over the weekend, I picked up a set of wheels and winter tires. They're 19" BMW M6 repros that were used on a Camaro. Wheels are pitted and peeling clear coat but I'll be getting them powder coated. I test fitted them but the tires are a little taller and only left a couple of millimeters of clearance with the front coil spring perch. They're 265 55R19. Also looking at getting center caps. Will be selling the winters which should make the wheels cost almost nothing.
Well, that's the beginning of my build. It will be going in storage after I rip the radio out to send it to Chris so I won't have down time.