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1995 Chevrolet Caprice (Impala SS) Spec Sheet (from GM Media Center)
1996 Chevrolet Caprice (Impala SS) Spec Sheet (from GM Media Center)
Read Motor Trends review of the 1994 Impala SS
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Full Text COPYRIGHT Petersen Publishing Company 1994
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The first problem is that a Caprice Classic looks like your dad's car. The
second problem, Caprice power, is related to the first. Even if you bought a
5.7-liter-equipped LTZ model last year, with its top-line 180 horse-power, you
still don't look bad. You aren't going to pick up any cheerleaders in this car.
Fortunately, the loan arranger is here to help you. This isn't a famous masked
man, but the finance wizard down at the Chevy store where you sign the note on
the back-in-black '94 Impala SS. The car is back to save the town after a
25-year hiatus, and this time, the good guys are wearing black.
The first Impala SS (for Super Sport, Simply Stupendous, or Sorry, Speeding)
since 1969 rolled off the assembly line in Arlington, Texas, February 14. It's
been a long, dry season for such hot full-size, rear-drive sedans. Chevy badly
needed the SS model to shore up a flagging performance image.
Some of you, however, will have to wait until next year to get one. Only about
6000 copies will be made in the '94 model run due to an assembly choke-point
attributed to the wheel supplier, but next year, more than 12,000 units can be
planned if demand warrants. Consequently, this car is a rare and elemental
thing, like plutonium, with enough street performance to be proud of.
The Impala badge fails to disguise the Capriciousness of the underlying car.
Yeah, it's built from Caprice Classic bits, but the good ones used (up until
now) only on police packages. Historically, going back to the first appearance
of the nameplate in '58 as a trim option on the Chevy Bel Air, the Impala began
as a clone. In '59, the success of the package inspired it to become a
stand-alone variation, and in '61, the Super Sport hit the streets as a
performance model of Impala coupes, sedans, and convertibles. The badge was
retired in '69. Now it's back as a new bad boy born of the Caprice line, but in
sedan form only.
The wait was worth it. An impressive 260 horsepower is supplied by Chevy's LT1
5.7-liter V-8, the same power pump provided for the police car and a direct and
close descendent of that used in the Corvette. The neo-classic small-block eight
gives the Impala SS impressive low-end punch and a charge to redline. New for
the V-8 in '94 is sequential fuel injection for more precise fuel metering and a
powerful new powertrain control module that can oversee the fuel injection, the
"Opti-Spark" ignition system, and the shift points of the 4L60-E electronically
controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
Compared to the output of last year's LO5 engine, the SS LT1 makes 80 horsepower
more and an additional 30 pound-feet of torque. Impala avoirdupois tips the
scales at slightly over 4200 pounds, but plenty of git is ready to be spurred
into action by your right foot. Careful modulation of the throttle is necessary
to keep rear-wheel contribution to global warming down to the indispensable
minimum, but the car flat goes, bud, no kidding. It clocked an impressive 0-60
time of 7.1 seconds, compared to 8.5 seconds in our last Caprice test (April
'93). Yet despite the improvements, this engine also starts to run out of breath
in higher rpm registers like the V-8 it replaced. The quarter-mile dial of 15.4
seconds at 91.1 mph is 1.2 seconds and 7.7 mph faster than the last 5.7-liter
Caprice we tested, making this significantly quicker than the legendary SS396
Impalas of yore.
In instrumented testing, the SS shined most brightly in braking from 60 mph. At
a staggering 120 feet, it's about a boat and trailer shorter (13 feet) than in
our last Caprice test. Though the car comes equipped with GM's first-class Delco
ABS VI as standard equipment--same as the Caprice--the brakes are radically
upgraded for the SS. The four-wheel ventilated power disc system includes huge
12.1-inch rotors (gratifyingly visible behind the classy five-spoke mags),
modernized from the Caprice's standard 9.5-inch rear drums.
Its home-sweet-home is the street, and here, chassis improvements made over the
last 25 years stand out. The Impala's front suspension features the same
independent short and long arms, steel alloy coil springs, and stabilizer bar as
the current Caprice, though the settings are firmed up to heavy-duty standards.
In the rear, all cars on the platform have a four-link live axle with coils,
stabilizer, and shock absorbers 10 millimeters larger; the Impala is tuned
stiffer. Handling, with quick firm-feel power steering, is so good this setup
ought to be expanded to the entire Caprice brotherhood. The SS has a natural
tendency toward tail-happiness, we found, but clocked 62.9 mph (versus the
Caprice's 61.7) in our 600-foot slalom. An 0.83g figure was scrubbed off
the skidpad, a negligible difference from the Caprice's 0.82.
The Impala SS is as great a value as it is a performance statement. Your $23,355
buys the right engine, ride, and performance. And best of all, it ain't Your
Dad's Car--unless you're Luke Skywalker.
Impala SS FAQ's
This file contains Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) as well as a
general source of info on the late model Chevrolet Impala SS and the
Caprice models from 1994-1996, and some info on other Caprice/Impala
models.
This FAQ also has a wealth of information from actual Impala SS owners who have
corresponded about problems, modifications, and experiences.
Impala Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Who is responsible for the design of the Impala SS, and how did it come to
be?
2. How many late
model Impala SS vehicles are there?
3.
What kind of standard features are available on the Impala SS?
4. Where is the Impala SS built?
5. Was the Impala SS recalled?
6. How fast does it REALLY
go?
7. Are there companies that make aftermarket modifications for the Impala SS?
8. What's that buzzing sound I hear near the blinker control when I accelerate
in my Impala SS?
9. What kind of problems have owners of the Impala SS experienced with their
cars?
10. If I bought an Impala SS, is there anything I should do to it right away?
NEW IMPALA SS OWNERS READ THIS!!!
11. What kind of gas mileage can I expect in my Impala SS?
12. How come the Camaro has a 300 HP LT1, and the Impala SS is rated at 260 HP?
What's the difference?
13. What are the differences between the '94, '95, and '96 Impalas?
14. Isn't the Police Package Caprice (9C1) basically the same as the Impala SS?
15. Listings of magazine articles on the Impala SS.
16. What do the numbers in the Vehicle Identification Number mean, and how can I
decode them?
Top of Page
___________________________________________________________________________________
1.Who
is responsible for the design of the Impala SS, and how did it come to be?
Chevy 2 studio chief John Albert noticed his neighbor has lowered and
customized a late-model Caprice with big wheels and dark paint. He
liked it so much he showed it to Chevrolet General Manager Jim
Perkins. Perkins instructed John Moss to work up a similar car for the
1992 SEMA show. It was named in honor of the large muscle-cars of the
60's. Because it was such a hit at the show, it was rolling off the
production lines 14 months later.
2.How many late model Impala SS vehicles are there?
Total Production was 66,886, broken down as follows:
| 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | |
| Standard Onyx Black (BBB) | 6,303 | 9,858 | 19,085 |
| Dark Cherry Metallic (DCM) | 0 | 7,132 | 12,180 |
| Dark Grey-Green Metallic (DGGM) | 0 | 4,442 | 10,676 |
3.What
kind of standard features are available on the Impala SS?
The Impala SS comes standard with the following features:
* 5.7 liter LT1 engine.
* Sequential fuel injection
* Four speed 4L60E automatic transmission
* Bosch System 5 Four Wheel Anti-lock Disc Brakes
* 3.08 ratio Limited Slip Differential
* 17" Aluminum Wheels
* BFGoodrich P255-50-ZR17 Tires
* Heavy Duty Radiator
* 23 Gallon Plastic Fuel Tank
* Leather Interior, Driver and Passenger Bucket Power seats - Gray
Only.
* 94-95: Digital Speed display with KPH/MPH switchability and
digital mileage indicator. 96: Analog speedometer and tach,
digital mileage indicator.
* Driver and passenger air bags.
* Three point rear passenger seatbelts
4.Was
the Impala SS recalled?
There were a few minor recalls for various runs of the Impala SS. The
only mass recall to date was the Shift Linkage Recall. The other
recalls were for specific runs. Check with your dealer for info, go
armed with these recall notices:
_________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 28 Jun 1995 17:51:48 -0400
95-C-23, June 1995. "G.M. has decided that certain (bold)
1994-95 Chevrolet Caprice and Impala model vehicles may have
been built with a defective accelerator pedal assembly which
causes the vehicles to fail to conform to the requirements (of
some govt rule)...Under some circumstances at low temperatures,
there may be excessive friction in the accelerator pedal
assembly. If there is excessive friction in the pedal assembly,
in the event of a failure of a throttle return spring the engine
speed may not return to idle as specified in (some govt rule)."
_________________________________________________________________
Date: 09 Jul 95 13:22:33 EDT
Service Bulletin 53-32-05, June 1995
Subject: Horn may honk without driver activation (replace
steering wheel and SIR module assembly)
Models: 1994-95 Chevy Caprice
Condition: The horn may honk without driver activation, usually
when the tilt lever is released quickly, letting the wheel slam
to the "up" position (sometimes called "tilt and toot"). The
horn may also honk when closing a door or when turning a corner.
Cause: The design of the switch is not strong enough to prevent
the contacts from closing when a sharp bump occurs.
A new membrane design switch was introduced in production
approximately May 15, 1995 for base steering wheels and June 15,
1995 for leather steering wheels.
Correction: Replace both the steering wheel and the SIR module
assembly (air bag) following the directions in Section 3F of the
service manual. Be sure to disable the SIR system before
removing any parts, and follow all cautions and notices.
Parts Information:
Item/Description Part Number
------------------------------------------------------------
Wheel Assembly, Steering (Leather), Light Grey 16757633
SIR Module Assembly, Light Grey 16757619
Parts are expected to be available on 7/3/95 at GMSPO.
Warranty Information: For vehicles under warranty, use Labor Operation E7020.
_________________________________________________________________
Service bulletin is # 53-33-02 dated April, 1995.
Models: '93-'95 B-cars (Roadmaster, Caprice, Impala)
The torque specification for the upper and lower steering
knuckle nuts would be as follows:
Tighten:
-Steering knuckle nut (upper) to 83 Nm (61 lb-ft), additional
tightening may be required to insert cotter pin. Do not exceed
60 degrees of additional tightening.
NOTE: The '93 service manual states 61 lb-ft (which is correct),
however the '94-'95 manual incorrectly states 125 lb-ft!
-Steering knuckle nut (lower) to 112 Nm (83 lb-ft), additional
tightening may be required to insert cotter pin. Do not exceed
60 degrees of additional tightening.
NOTE: The '93-'95 service manual incorrectly states 125 lb-ft.
_________________________________________________________________
GM Service Bulletin No. 53-34-03
Subject: Rear Wheel/Tire Position in Wheel Well Openings
Models: 1994-95 Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS
Condition-
Some customers may comment that one rear wheel may appear more
forward in wheel well opening than wheel in opposite side of
vehicle or that vehicle appears to dog track when viewed fro the
rear when in operation.
Cause-
Rear lower control arm frame bracket holes pierced off location
during frame manufacturing.
Correction-
Elongate holes in rear axle control arm bracket per service
procedure
_________________________________________________________________
General Motors has decided that certain 1995 Chevrolet
Caprice/Impala model vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 114, "Theft protection". Some
of thesae vehicles have been produced with an improperly
adjusted shift control linkage. As a result, it may be possible
to shift from the "Park" position with the ignition key removed.
This condition may increase the risk of accidents resulting from
unauthorized use or from unintended movement of parked vehicles.
Top of Page
5.Where is the Impala
SS built?
The Impala SS, Caprice, Buick Roadmaster, and Cadillac Fleetwood, are
all built at GMs Arlington, TX plant.
6.How fast
does the Impala SS REALLY go?
The Impala SS in stock condition, on level ground can achieve speeds
of around 140 MPH. There is an internal RPM limiter in the Impala SS
which would cut fuel at 5500 RPM, or about 157 MPH. Stock 0-60 times
as tested in most major magazines show between 6.9 and 7.3 seconds. Stock
quarter mile times as tested in magazine articles range in the high 14's to mid 15's.
14.97, 15.23, 15.55
7.Are there companies that make aftermarket modifications for the Impala SS?
Yes! With the confirmation that '96 would be a large production year
for the Impala, marketing products for the Impala and it's iron head
LT1 became a profitable venture.
A complete list of the products available for the Impala SS is being
developed for the web site the following is some information on
available aftermarket products.
Hypertech,
JET, and Z-Technologies , all market PCM reprogramming, or
PCM fooling (JET) products.
Edelbrock has begun producing headers for the Impala SS. Many
companies offer aftermarket exhaust systems,
SLP,
Borla, which
has a pricy cat back system.
There are also literally hundreds of products available to modify the
LT1, but use caution. The Impala SS's LT1 engine is not the same as
the Z28 or Corvette. Most noticeably, the Impala comes with an iron
head LT1 whereas the others are aluminum. This makes things like
roller rockers and valvetrain components for the LT1 questionable as
to their compatibility with the Impala.
In addition to aftermarket products for the Impala, there are a
plethora of parts available from GM to modify your Impala.
Since the Impala is based on the Police 9C1 Caprice, most of the
options found on the 9C1 can be applied to the Impala.
Here is a list of some of those modifications:
- FRONT SPOILER DEFLECTORS FOR BRAKE COOLING ALSO NEED TO PURCHASE THE DUST SHIELDS FOR THIS MOD TO BE EFFECTIVE.
- TRUNK POPPER
- WIPER ARMS
- SPRINGS
- BILSTIEN SHOCKS
- POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER E
- ENGINE OIL TO AIR COOLER
- LIFETIME SILICON HOSES
- TRUNK MAT
- DRIVERS DOOR LATCH TO UNLOCK
- TRUE READ OIL PRESSURE SENDER
- REAR WARNING LIGHTS - OPEN TRUNK
8.What's that buzzing sound I hear near the blinker control when I accelerate in
my Impala SS?
This seemed to be a common "problem" reported by Impala SS owners.
There is a small 1" by 1" "cube" of plastic which is part of the
steering column. It's located just behind the blinker control adjacent
to the tilt wheel adjuster. This part tends to vibrate at certain
frequencies of road noise or RPM's. Users have: Removed it and lined
it with tiny chunks of "DynaMat" (a dampening material used in auto
sound acoustics available in JC Whitney). OR Just press it back in
tightly when it finally loosens up...about every day and a half or so.
OR Place a piece of electrical tape on the bottom of the "cube" out of
sight.
9.What kind of problems have owners of the Impala SS experienced with their
cars?
Unfortunately, the Impala/Caprice carline fell, and continues to fall
victim to many quality control problems during it's production. On a
positive note, many of these issues can be easily resolved with a
small appointment at the dealership. Armed with the following
information, however, new owners will be able to inspect the car for
the problems and have them fixed prior to delivery! So you're lucky
you're here! You're welcome!
Some of the common service issues:
* Misaligned body panels.
Many new Impalas came with the body panels misaligned as much as
1/4 inch! A quick look at the tolerances on the tops of the doors
where they meet the roof, the fenders where they meet the doors,
and the closing and opening of all the doors should be all that's
needed to see if your Impala is crooked. The rear doors were the
most common misaligned panel. Next came the passenger's side
fender. The best way to check the fender alignment is to look down
the length of the car from the front then the rear.
The Progressive Assembly Line Tolerance Error theory was explained
to me by my very poor service department about how my passenger
fender could be sticking out almost a 1/4 inch. Don't ask.
In most cases this problem was fixed by the dealer subletting to a
real body shop who knows how to align body parts. My car was more
than satisfactory when returned only 6 hours later.
This problem continues into '96, although apparently not as wide
spread as in '95.
* Buzzing around the steering column at certain RPMs.
See section
8 of this FAQ.
* Power Steering Pump Leaking/Failure/Grinding
Many Impalas develop or are even delivered with badly illing
steering pumps. They make noise, leak, even spray fluid in the
engine bay near the pump. Curiously, usually only a minor amount
of complaining is required to get your dealer to replace a noisy pump or to
order seal kits for leaky pumps, which led us to believe that they know the pumps are trash! Yikes.
There have been no reports of the replaced pumps being bad, and as
of yet, only a few 1996 Impala steering pumps were reported bad,
but these were hose leaks to the pump.
* Exhaust Hanger Bolts Missing/Loose/No Nuts.
The dual exhaust system has U bolts and brackets just forward of
the rear axle. Many '95 Impalas were delivered without them, or
them being loose. Jack up the car for this one, and check it
out. Obviously a simply yet annoying fix. The worse thing that
happens if you have no hangars is the there is a "clunking" in the
rear end as you hit bumps.
This problem appears to be fixed for '96.
* Ball Joint Torque.
Two major issues have developed regarding the ball joints...both
are potentially very serious.
First, the ball joint nuts are supposed to be torqued to the
factory specs, and then if necessary, tightened further, just
enough to get the cotter pin through the holes that are in the
knuckle, and the slots in the castle nuts. Unfortunately, users
report that the nuts have been well below the specifications, even
to the point of causing play in the joint. Speculation surfaced
that the nuts were being backed off for cotter pin
insertion...yikes.
The fix is to simply check the torque of the ball joint nuts to
their proper specifications:
UPPER BALL JOINT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS:
61 ft-lbs
LOWER BALL JOINT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS:
83 ft-lbs
TIGHTENING PROCEDURES:
Remove cotter pins.
Loosen the castle nuts slightly (This is optional, but a good
plan, should the joints be over tightened)
Using a torque wrench, tighten the nuts to the specified torque.
Continue to turn the nut until the next notch in the nut comes
clear for the cotter pin to go through the knuckle.
Do not exceed 60 degrees of additional rotation.
This brings us to our next major ball joint issue.
The FACTORY repair manual, and the Helm shop manual, both have
INCORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS listed.
Both list 125 ft-lbs! This, in the case of the lower joints, could
actually damage the ball joint!
This was discovered by a police fleet mechanic, who after
replacing many ball joints twice figured something was wrong.
This problem continues into '96.
* Alignments.
As with many other GM cars, alignments at delivery were off in
many cases. It's always a good plan to have it checked. Most
Firestone service centers will check the alignment for free, and
provide a written statement to that effect for your return to the
dealer.
* Rust.
No under tarring was standard on the Impala SS. Most cars were
delivered with a fair amount of surface oxidation on the
undercarriage, rear axle, and suspension. Some users reported
oxidation in the engine compartment as well, on the dampener and
the heads where the meet the intake manifolds. This rust is not
much more than cosmetic and cleanable, but still a bummer.
* Glove Box Latch
Members report that the little pin that holds the latch shut on
the glove box is mounted through flimsy plastic. After some use,
the plastic can crack and the glove box will not latch. To fix
this, you must REPLACE THE ENTIRE GLOVE BOX ASSEMBLY, as the latch
is not available as a single item. Be gentle with that latch, I
have and no signs of wear yet. Some rumors of owners reinforcing
the plastic with metal to solve this problem.
QUALITY OVERVIEW:
Several theories have developed as to the reasons for the poor quality
control of this car. The Impala was produced as sort of an
afterthought. Just after the announcement of it's production, rumors
began about the Arlington plant being converted to truck production.
The cancellation of the Impala/Caprice/Fleetwood/Roadmaster seemed
evident as early as April of 1995. Some rumors indicated that the
plant would shut down and convert to trucks at the end of the
95 production year (August of 95). GM actually had not made any
decisions on the matter, and had a wait and see policy. This may be
the reason that little efforts were made to correct plant problems.
Why spend time and money to correct problems in a plant that could
wind up being completely re-tooled?
In any case, it is the opinion of most of the Users, that the above
problems don't detract completely from that fact that the Impala SS is
one kick ass car, and most wouldn't trade it for anything!
10.
If I bought an Impala SS, is there anything I should do to it right away?
*NEW IMPALA SS OWNERS READ THIS!!!*
In addition to the common problems listed in
section
9 of this FAQ,
this section is important to consider.
If you look at the rear differential cover, you will notice two small
indentations on either side directly in line with the axle tubes.
These indentations are to direct the flow of oil through two holes in
the differential case which then flows down the axle tubes to
lubricate the axles and the outer axle bearings. The differential
cover gasket is also supposed to have two holes in it, which line up
with the holes in the case as well as the indentations to allow oil to
flow down the axle tubes.
Starting in the 1990 model year, GM has been improperly installing
differential cover gaskets THAT DO NOT HAVE THE LUBRICATING HOLES!! If
you do not change this gasket to one that has the proper holes, your
outer axle bearings, as well as the axles themselves, could be damaged
by around 70K miles. The damaged (under lubricated) bearings
potentially may wear grooves in the axle shafts, requiring that they
also be replaced. If this is left unchecked, the metal bits from the
damaged outer bearings and axles will also damage the inner bearings,
pinion bearings, as well as cause the spider gears to wear into the
differential carrier.
GM will not acknowledge this as a warranty or recall issue, because
any damage that can occur will only happen well after any warranty
period has expired. In addition, the wear that will occur may not be
that noticeable until it progresses slowly to the point of rear end
failure.
All Caprice/Impala SS vehicles produced in 94, 95, and still in 96 (As
well as 90-94 B-cars) have the improper gasket. The proper gasket is:
Fel-Pro: RDS 55028-1
Get it replaced!
11.What kind of gas mileage can I expect to get in my Impala SS?
What Kind of a question is that!? Seriously, I have actually exceed 22 MPG when
I was on a road trip between gas station and gas station cruising without A/C
through the flat plains of South Dakota. I don't usually average that but
city/highway driving in various climates would say that I usually average 15/17 MPG.
12.How come the Camaro has a 300 HP LT1, and the Impala SS is
rated at 260 HP?
What's the difference?
For the Impala, GM produces an iron head version of the LT1. The
Camaro, and Corvette come with a lighter, aluminum head LT1. The
camshaft in the iron head LT1 is milder than the ones available in the
other LT1 powered GM cars. The basic idea is that such awesome power
in the hands of normal America could be dangerous. GM limited the HP
rating on the Impala so as not to push it's handling envelope. Here
are some major differences:
Item/Description F/Y-car(Camaro) B-car(Impala)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Heads: Aluminum Cast-iron
Cam/valve lift specs.: .450/.460 (int/exh) .417/.429 (int/exh)
Valve springs: 268 lb/in 393 lb/in
Valve spring od.: 1.300" 1.241"
Valve spring inst. ht.: 1.78" 1.70"
MAF id.: 3.5" 3.25"
13.What are the differences between the '94, '95, and '96
Impalas?
The only outwardly distinguishable differences between the 94 model
and the 95/96 is the quarter panels adjacent to the rear quarter
windows and the side view mirrors. For 94, a small plastic insert is
installed, and the Impala emblem is on the insert. This feature is
part of the quarter body panel shape, and not an insert for 95-96
Impala SS/Caprice, with the Impala emblem mounted there. The side view
mirrors on the 94 model are mounted to "stalks" on the doors while
'95/96 they are flushed into the front lower corner of the windows.
Colors for 94 were black only. '95 and up Impalas can be ordered in
two additional colors: dark cherry metallic and dark green metallic.
Green was to be replaced for 96 with a silver/gray, but this idea was
scrubbed. Some dealer pamphlets still indicate that as an available
color. Contrary to popular lore and superstition, there are no grey
(or white!) factory Impalas, Although rumor was that one factory
Impala was accidentally painted bright Cadillac emerald green!. Who
got this car!? We need to know.
95-up Impalas now have the speed-compensated volume (SCV) stereos
standard.
94 Impalas have the "Oil Change" sensor reset in the fuse panel area,
and 95-up are reset by pumping the accelerator pedal three times at
ignition "on."
There are differences in the amp ratings of the HD radiator cooling
fans on the 94-95up Impalas. The 94 fan appears to be a more powerful
fan, and was deleted presumably because the efficiency of the cooling
system in the Impala LT1 creates no need for such a high powered fan.
In 96, major changes occurred to instrumentation and shifter of the
Impala SS. The column shifter was deleted and the floor shifter this
car was aching for was added. There was no tach for 94-95, which was
solved for 96 with analog gauges and a tach. Unfortunately, oil
pressure gauges were eliminated for 96. Mixed reviews from Users on
the gage cluster.
Sales brochures indicate that all Impalas have the 2nd gear start
capability. The car, when the shifter selector is in the (2) position,
will accelerate from a stop in second gear. This could be advantageous
in the snow and ice. The PCM routine for this feature is ELIMINATED
from the 95-96 Impalas, and only the 94 models have the 2nd gear
start. We still don't know if we can modify the PCM for this.
14.Isn't the Police Package Caprice (9C1) basically the same as
the Impala SS?
The following are differences between the Impala and Police Caprice
(9C1). Don't fret! They don't have to be differences forever! See the
MODIFICATIONS section of this FAQ for info on incorporating 9C1
options into your Impala.
EXTERNAL/CHASSIS Besides the obvious external differences such as
wheels and tires, grille and trim, and badges, the Police Package
Caprice (9C1) is different from the Impala in many ways. While the
frames of the Impala and 9C1 are both made from a larger gauge metal
than that found on the standard Caprice, the suspension is firmer on
the Police Caprice. The springs are heavier and more firm on the 9C1.
The 9C1 gets a non-posi rear end of the same 3.08 ratio as the Impala.
INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
The 9C1 has an external oil cooler in front of the radiator in
addition to a power steering fluid cooler. The 9C1 Caprice has the
green silicone lifetime "superhoses" instead of the black normal hoses
for the heater and cooling hoses under the hood. The oil gage in the
9C1 is a "real read" gage and the sending unit on the block sends the
actual oil pressure readings to the gage. The stock Impala has a
resistor set up which essentially causes a false "always good"
reading. It essentially makes the Impala oil pressure gage, an idiot
light.
INTERIOR/GADGETS
The interior is not leather in the 9C1, and the floor mats on the 9C1
are usually rubber. The 9C1 also gets a rubber trunk mat, and a "fuel
bib" on the rear license plate. The truck popper for the 9C1 is
located where the cigarette lighter is on the Impala. The lighter is
then located inside the ash tray. The 9C1 has a dash panel light kill,
to turn off the speedo and dash lights when the car is blacked out at
night. (To prevent the cops from being blinded while they're sneaking
around.) The 9C1 driver's door can be unlocked by pulling open the
door latch, unlike the Impala. The dome lights do not activate when
the driver's side door is opened on the 9C1. The 9C1 is available with
a full Heads Up Display, Night Vision Camera system, which projects
images onto the combined glass display on the windshield. A must have
item at around $17,000. Imagine taking that cool country road, no
headlights, at night, at 60 mph.
15.Listings of magazine articles on the Impala SS.
* Chevy High Performance: Aug, 1994, pp. 112, "New Wheels: Impala SS"
* Autoweek: June 13, 1994, pp. 30, "Call of the Wild"
* Road and Track: July, 1994, pp. 60, "Chevrolet Impala SS"
* Motor Trend: June, 1994, pp. 37, "Chevrolet Impala SS"
* Car and Driver: June, 1994, pp. 95, "Chevrolet Impala SS"
* Autoweek: Oct 31, 1994, "American Iron", special Impala SS issue
* Car Craft: March, 1995, pp.80, "Heavy Metal II", Vortech and Borla install
* Chevy High Performance: June, 1994, "Chevy Thunder Insert: Impala SS Returns"
* Chevy High Performance: December, 1994, "Chevy Thunder Insert: Super SS"
* Car Craft: Nov, 1994, pp. 94, "Real Factory Muscle"
* Chevy High Performance: January, 1995, Special Impala SS Issue
* Car Craft, April, 1995, pp. 80, "Heavy Metal Lives!"
16.What do the numbers in the Vehicle Identification Number
mean, and how can I
decode them?
Position 1: Nation of Origin (1 = United States)
Position 2: Manufacturer (G = General Motors)
Position 3: Make (1 = Chevrolet Division)
Position 4-5: Carline
(1994: BN = Caprice Classic LS/Impala SS Sedan)
(1995: BL = Caprice Classic Sedan/Wagon, Impala SS Sedan)
Position 6: Body Style (5 = Four door sedan)
Position 7: Restraint code
(2 = manual belts w/ driver and passenger inflatable restraints)
Position 8: Engine code (P = 5.7L LT1 V-8, SPFI)
Position 9: Check digit position 39
Position 10: Model year (R = 1994, S = 1995, T = 1996)
Position 11: Plant code (R = Arlington, Texas)
Position 12-17: Plant sequence number.
100001 = 1st vehicle
200001 = 100001st vehicle, etc.
A derivative of the VIN is also stamped on the engine and
transmission. This stamping is 9 characters long:
1SR164896
Position 1: Division (1 = Chevrolet)
Position 2: Model year (R = 1994, S = 1995, T = 1996)
Position 3: Plant code (R = Arlington, Texas)
Position 4-9: Plant sequence number (from the VIN)