My 1987 Monte Carlo SS project.

[Small Block LSX]

I've had so many new builds that I finally decided to hit up some old school cars. It's amazing (to me) to think that I was 4 years old when this car rolled off the assembly line.

After searching for almost a year I found my gem. I wanted a hardtop Monte Carlo, with low chassis mileage, extremely clean interior, straight body and frame, floor shifter, manual windows/locks, and something bigger than the stock 305.

I fly out on June 26th and am driving the beast home. Here is what I found. The restoration was completed in the fall of 2008. The car has a brand new GM ZZ4 crate engine with everything replaced from the radiator to the cowl. Rebuilt transmisison, new drive shaft, 3.73 posi, new springs/shocks, upper and lower control arms, etc. Even the original SS wheels were restored and refinished. Basically, everything mechanical has been completed. Only 1400 miles have been added since then. The only thing that wasn't touched was the paint. The current owner said the ONLY issues are some tree sap stains on the hood that may come out with a detail. He also said there is minor checkering (not peeling or flaking) of the paint near the passenger side quarter window. My plan would be for new paint in a year or two. If the stain doesn't come out of the hood I'll end up getting a new hood anyways.

I do have a few questions for you guys. What would be a decent suspension setup for this vehicle? Hotchkis? I don't have a monster budget, but I'd like it to handle pretty well. I also have no idea what size wheels and tires I can get in there. I'd absolutely love to have an 18"/19" combo if possible. Is there a way to fit 300+ tire without a minitub? What about wheel offsets?

Here are some pictures of what I am working with. Forgive me as these pictures are what the current owner sent me. My future plans are to remove the ZZ4 and plop in an 376ci carb'd LSX motor and possibly a blow through setup. :)

I'll get better pictures when I pick up the car if anyone is interested.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/monte_carlo_photos_007-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/monte_carlo_photos_006-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/monte_carlo_photos_010-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/monte_carlo_photos_009-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/monte_carlo_photos_004-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/monte_carlo_photos_003-1.jpg

Here are some of the stances that I like. I would just prefer a different rim choice.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/PURPLEMONTECARLO1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/4657524575_34a3bd6e0f_o-1.jpg

Thanks for the help!

John

[Small Block LSX]

I like these wheels, but I've never seen them mounted on a car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

They come in sizes of either 18" or 20".

http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/wheels.php?item=HR1

[Mascoll]

Congrats on the purchase
I've always loved the G body cars. Had a 85 cutlass supreme 2dr...it was one of the coolest cars i have owned.

I have only seen the HR-1 wheel on a sn95 mustang and it looked mean as hell. One of my buddies had monte SS with 17's and the stance was near perfect. I'd imagine the Hr1's in 18 should look good mounted. Pm me regarding rim choices

[montessaj]

YES!!!! Another SS! lol. Welcome man. I'm subscribed to this one.

[Small Block LSX]

Thanks guys!

Does anyone have a guess as to what size wheels are on that purple and black Monte? 17s or 18s?

18x6 in the front and 20x16 in the rear? That would be so awesome if I could make it work!

[Small Block LSX]

Alright, I just figured out that those wheels on the black Monte are 18s.

So, 20s would fit fine from what it appears... now whether it's possible to get a 16" wide wheel in the rear without major modifications is a different story.

[jackfrost]

I would give Marcus @ SC&C a call. he can help you find a suspension to fit what you're looking for.

are you serious about the 20x16? you'd need a complete back-half and full tubs to make it work unless they're going to stick out 4 inches.

[1BAGTO]

Congrats! Keep us posted!!

[montessaj]

The purple car has 17's on it. The largest you can fit in the rear are 9.5" without any modification.

[woody80z28]

I love Monte SS's. I almost made an 88 my first car when I was 16 but it was already sold... Looks like nice paint on that bad boy!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/monte-1.jpg

[youngdeezy]

glad to see another gbody around. good luck with everything man this should work out to be a sweet build

[somcamaross]

Looking forward to the future of this project also!

Projects liek these are what keep me going on mine!:1st:

[Small Block LSX]

I would give Marcus @ SC&C a call. he can help you find a suspension to fit what you're looking for.

are you serious about the 20x16? you'd need a complete back-half and full tubs to make it work unless they're going to stick out 4 inches.

My plan was to complete the motor work and then have a mini tub done in the rear with a Moser M9 axle. Looks like it would cost a small fortune for that.

I may just end up going with a different wheel choice. I don't want to run the stock suspension at all. I will most likely get an 18x8 up front and either a 19x10 or 20x10 for the rear. Not sure which route to take for the rear. I do like staggered wheel stances. I just need to make sure I leave room for a slightly lower suspension.

[Small Block LSX]

The purple car has 17's on it. The largest you can fit in the rear are 9.5" without any modification.

So, a 10" wide wheel is out of the question? Damn... this is really taking the wind out of my sails!

[Small Block LSX]

I forgot to mention I did some reading on the ZZ4. It sounds like a half way decent crate motor for what it is. Looks like the head are the choking point. I did find a Whipple for the ZZ4 which is $2,995 for that draw through setup. It doesn't look half bad and would make plenty of power.

Thoughts on this blower?

http://www.whipplesuperchargers.com/product.asp?ProdID=1171

[mc84_zz4]

Nice Monte! it is a very clean car, just a few tweaks and you'll be really enjoying it.
As mentioned before, contact Marcus at SC&C, some of the goodies I have put on mine are the front triangulated frame reinforcement, and a Lee Performance steering box, i'd recommed both mods highly.

Others I would recommend is their Street Comp level 2 front end upgrade, and Currie rear LCA/UCA setup.
There is still a lot more you can do, the limiting factor being budget.

I have some 17x9.5 with Nitto 285/40/17 on the rear on mine, and they are a very tight fit.
I believe Minotaur has almost the same setup, and is swapping out for something larger (?).
To go wider you would need a frame notch and possible mini-tub depending on how much space you want. You can fit a 9.5 wheel on the front 5.0" bs, you just cannot slam it unless you make some custom front inner fender wells, and you find some rubbing on the sway bar at full turn.

The easy option is an 8" wheel on the front 4.5" bs, with a 245/45/17.
The rear a 9.5 w 5.0" bs is usually a good choice if you run a 275/40/17, I mounted 285/40/17 and added 5/16" spacers on both rear wheels, a rear disc upgrade later could make the spacers obsolete. Rolling the rear fenders is a good idea if you lower the car.

Give Marcus a call, he will give you a whole bunch more ideas regarding suspension.
The 'candy' store: http://www.scandc.com/suspensions.htm

If you swap heads, add roller rockers, and add the hot cam, the zz4 puts out around 425 hp, I assume you are looking for something a little wilder though...

Here is mine with Nitto 255/45/17, 285/40/17, on Centerline Retro's 17x8 4.5" bs, 17x9.5 5" bs (additional lowering coming this summer)
HTH

[montessaj]

So, a 10" wide wheel is out of the question? Damn... this is really taking the wind out of my sails!

Small BLock, if you do a frame notch and small mini tub, then 10's even 11's are doable, but with factory tubs and frame it just wont happen without sticking out or rubbing. 9.5" wheels are the way to go if you ask me, 5" backspacing is what you need on those.

Keep at it!

[Small Block LSX]

Nice Monte! it is a very clean car, just a few tweaks and you'll be really enjoying it.
As mentioned before, contact Marcus at SC&C, some of the goodies I have put on mine are the front triangulated frame reinforcement, and a Lee Performance steering box, i'd recommed both mods highly.

Others I would recommend is their Street Comp level 2 front end upgrade, and Currie rear LCA/UCA setup.
There is still a lot more you can do, the limiting factor being budget.

I have some 17x9.5 with Nitto 285/40/17 on the rear on mine, and they are a very tight fit.
I believe Minotaur has almost the same setup, and is swapping out for something larger (?).
To go wider you would need a frame notch and possible mini-tub depending on how much space you want. You can fit a 9.5 wheel on the front 5.0" bs, you just cannot slam it unless you make some custom front inner fender wells, and you find some rubbing on the sway bar at full turn.

The easy option is an 8" wheel on the front 4.5" bs, with a 245/45/17.
The rear a 9.5 w 5.0" bs is usually a good choice if you run a 275/40/17, I mounted 285/40/17 and added 5/16" spacers on both rear wheels, a rear disc upgrade later could make the spacers obsolete. Rolling the rear fenders is a good idea if you lower the car.

Give Marcus a call, he will give you a whole bunch more ideas regarding suspension.
The 'candy' store: http://www.scandc.com/suspensions.htm

If you swap heads, add roller rockers, and add the hot cam, the zz4 puts out around 425 hp, I assume you are looking for something a little wilder though...

Here is mine with Nitto 255/45/17, 285/40/17, on Centerline Retro's 17x8 4.5" bs, 17x9.5 5" bs (additional lowering coming this summer)
HTH

Great information! Thank you so much!

I am positive that I will be doing 18x8" wheels in the front and either 19x9.5 or 20x9.5 in the rear. Would be nice to get a 10" wide wheel, but you said it's not possible without additional work, right?

Your car looks great! I am just having bigger wheels and would want the car to sit a bit lower. I'm going for more of a Pro-Touring look. Once I get the car and drive it I will give Marcus a call and see what options are best to get started.

What mirrors are on your car? They look like Buick mirrors. Where did you pick those up at?

[Small Block LSX]

Small BLock, if you do a frame notch and small mini tub, then 10's even 11's are doable, but with factory tubs and frame it just wont happen without sticking out or rubbing. 9.5" wheels are the way to go if you ask me, 5" backspacing is what you need on those.

Keep at it!

Thanks!

I wouldn't rule out a minitub in the future, but for now that money can be allocated to a different area of the car. I am so excited for this build. I went "overboard" for my wife's birthday this year. That way when I'm ordering parts all summer I won't feel as guilty and she may stay off my back for a few extra months. :)

[montessaj]

Thanks!

I wouldn't rule out a minitub in the future, but for now that money can be allocated to a different area of the car. I am so excited for this build. I went "overboard" for my wife's birthday this year. That way when I'm ordering parts all summer I won't feel as guilty and she may stay off my back for a few extra months. :)

Thats the ticket! I hope to see progress on this car soon.

[mc84_zz4]

...What mirrors are on your car? They look like Buick mirrors. Where did you pick those up at?
The stock 83-85 Monte SS had them, 86-88 they swapped to the 'Aero' mirrors.

[Small Block LSX]

The stock 83-85 Monte SS had them, 86-88 they swapped to the 'Aero' mirrors.

Got'cha. I like those mirrors better than the aero mirrors for sure.

[Small Block LSX]

I got the car home Saturday night. What a wild ride. I got off work at 2:00am. I got home at 2:30am and went to sleep. Woke up at 4:00am to get ready and leave for the airport. At 5:30am my flight left for Milwaukee and then immediately after I landed I had to catch my connecting flight to Indianapolis. The guy picked me up at the airport and was a really nice guy. I was so excited to see the car as he was talking it up the entire way there.

When we pulled up to his house I started to drool. Then as I got closer I started to feel my blood getting warmer and starting to boil. He said he didn't have a chance to detail the car, etc. The grass in the car is the same grass that was in the pictures he took 4 months ago. Once the interior is vaccumed and wiped down it will be a 9.5 out of 10. The interior quirks are that the factory tach doesn't work, the dome light doesn't work, the cruise control doesn't work, and the horn doesn't work. None of them really bother me THAT much as the car has an aftermarket tach. I will most likely race the wires back and hook up the factory tach and ditch the monster tach. So, interior is/was great.

Then I moved on to the engine and it was damn near spotless. It could use some polish on the chrome pieces but that was really it. All the small nookes and crannies were super clean without any rust. Only thing I could complain about is the grass/weeds/small branches up in the cowl. Again, it's just because the guy didn't really maintain the appearance of the vehicle. Its obvious he hadn't washed it or driven it in months.

I then started a walk around of the paint. The hood has the tree sap stains which he did tell me about. It should come out with some polish and claybar. The checkering on the rear quarter window that he said was quarter sized turned out to be the ENTIRE panel. This checkering is also the same sun faded look on the driver side door. The pictures he took of the door jams were slightly misleading. He said this car had zero rust. After looking closely there was surface rust starting in the door jams on both sides. Right in the lower corners. Then on the underside of the driver door it was starting there as well. On the trunk (behind the lip) some surface rust was starting. The worst spot was bubbling behind the paint under the passenger side mirror. Then there is just the misc. light scratches because it looked like he had no idea what he was doing the one or two times he probably washed the car.

I was disappointed because he said, "This is a Barrett Jackson car." He also said how much of a car guy he was.... well it didn't show. When I drove the car it drove solid and it put a smile on my face. I know that I will be working on it and giving it a better life. I figured I couldn't expect the world from a 25 year old car.

Lastly, he said he had receipts for $15,000 worth of parts. The receipts are definately there from what the previous owner had spent. However, it appears that he parted the car out. There are recepits for 18" wheels with KDW tires, a 6" cowl hood, a stereo system, etc. Out of all the receipts the only things still in the car are the engine, rebuilt trans, driveshaft, and the crate engine. Oh well.

He was also wrong on the engine itself. He said it was a ZZ4 and after inspection its actually a Fastburn 385 so it has better heads... albeit they are still pretty mild. I also noticed the car has true dual exhaust. The car has a custom and very nice transmission crossmember which was a surprise. Other small goodies like March brackets for the belt system which are nice to have.

Then, I decided to go along with the purchase anyways. About an hour in on my road trip the car started to get a lot louder. I stopped and didn't notice anything. Then when I got around Chicago I left a toll booth and it because crazy loud. When I looked in my rear view mirror I actually saw a bolt bouncing down the road. I pull over at a Burger King and noticed that my passenger side exhaust fell down (where it meets the header). The car sounded like a damn stock car. I was going deaf with the windows raised! I then grabbed the hood latch to take a peak under the hood and the T-handle hood latch breaks off. I start to second guess my purchase and become extremely upset. I grabbed a Whopper, looked up some local shops, and hit the road again. I stopped at 4-5 different shops that were all closed for the day. I ended up just chugging all the way home with the hanging exhaust.

The next day we bolted the exhaust back up and worked out all the small quirks. I am happy and disappointed at the same time. I guess when someone says they are a "car guy" you can't always trust them. I know I can make it better... but I feel cheated in a way. I paid over excellent condition RETAIL book value for this car. Besides the engine and clean interior it is "average".

I haven't even spoke about the messed up trans now. The car will shift from 1st to 3rd. Whether I am feathering the throttle or under WOT the car does not shift into 2nd at all. Tried to trouble shoot and searched the internet and found nothing that helped. It also sucks that he said it was a built 700R4 and I find out its just a rebuilt 200R4 with a high(er) stall.

I've been so busy with work this week I haven't even been able to wash it. The car does rip through 1st (gets sideways quite easily) and pulls like a raped ape in 3rd gear from 60-115mph. :) I will get her all washed up this weekend and take pics for you guys if you are interested. Until then, the paint job will be pushed up towards the top of the list.

Today I registered the car in MN and got my vanity plates. I was happy that my first choice was available. My new MN plates will say, "ONGRNGO" (On Green Go!)

Sorry for the novel,

John

[jackfrost]

uhh... pics? :razz:

[trapin]

I am positive that I will be doing 18x8" wheels in the front and either 19x9.5 or 20x9.5 in the rear. I'm going for more of a Pro-Touring look.
The 20" wheels could probably work but they're not exactly Pro-Touring. We're not so much "a look" but rather a build philosophy that centers around optimal all-around performance. Typically it's the smaller wheels (such as 17's and 18's) that lend themselves better to achieving this goal. One of the editors of Camaro Performers (Steve Rupp) actually uses a "track wheel" on his '68 Camaro that is a size smaller than his usual 18" wheels because they help his car perform better on road courses.

I would go with 17's in the front and 18's in the rear and drop the ride height like the purple car, that would look absolutely bad ass. But it's your car and the 20's would probably work. I will say though that it's nice to see different cars on here for a change. I have always been of the opinion that the Monte Carlo SS never truly got it's due back in the 80's because of Camaro and Corvette. It seemed like it always got stuck with the stinker engines. I'd love to see one built up to represent what that car really should have been back in the day. It also has sentimental value for me because the first "sports car" I ever drove was a 1986 Monte Carlo SS. I was 14 and my Dad tossed me the keys to wash it while he and my Mom went out for dinner (it was a GM company car). As soon as they left I took it out on the main roads and beat the living snot out of it. Old man never found out. LOL

[Small Block LSX]

Here are the pictures after washing up the car today. I can't find the charger for my digital so I just used my iPhone.

They'll have to do!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Small Block LSX]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


I know the air cleaner is a pile of trash. I tried fitting a larger K&N filter with a new hat and it wouldn't clear the hood. Unless I change my hood that setup stays... unless I get a low profile setup.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


I have no idea why the coolant is a yellowish color. I wonder if it was just water and the water wetter that people use at the track. I think I may have it flushed out and get some new coolant in there.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


Adding an electric fan and a shorter water pump would give me tons of clearance. Might be first on the list... not sure yet.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


Haven't had a chance to hit the interior. It is mint. It just needs to have the grass sucked out and polished window crank handles or just replace them with new billet ones.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The guages are also pretty lame. I will most likely end up replacing them all with a new dash setup.

[Small Block LSX]

The 20" wheels could probably work but they're not exactly Pro-Touring. We're not so much "a look" but rather a build philosophy that centers around optimal all-around performance. Typically it's the smaller wheels (such as 17's and 18's) that lend themselves better to achieving this goal. One of the editors of Camaro Performers (Steve Rupp) actually uses a "track wheel" on his '68 Camaro that is a size smaller than his usual 18" wheels because they help his car perform better on road courses.

I would go with 17's in the front and 18's in the rear and drop the ride height like the purple car, that would look absolutely bad ass. But it's your car and the 20's would probably work. I will say though that it's nice to see different cars on here for a change. I have always been of the opinion that the Monte Carlo SS never truly got it's due back in the 80's because of Camaro and Corvette. It seemed like it always got stuck with the stinker engines. I'd love to see one built up to represent what that car really should have been back in the day. It also has sentimental value for me because the first "sports car" I ever drove was a 1986 Monte Carlo SS. I was 14 and my Dad tossed me the keys to wash it while he and my Mom went out for dinner (it was a GM company car). As soon as they left I took it out on the main roads and beat the living snot out of it. Old man never found out. LOL

I am going to take the forums advice. I think even with lowering the car and adding 20s it would look awkward. Since I won't be doing a frame notch (most likely) the wheels wouldn't tuck anyways. I think my best choice is 18s to get the look without compromising THAT much performance.

I will most likely end up doing my suspension and then figuring out what I have to work with. I don't want to put new shoes on the car and then realize I will have clearance or rubbing issues.

[montessaj]

The car looks flawless man. I totally dig it.

[Small Block LSX]

The car looks flawless man. I totally dig it.

Thanks!

It was the best one that I found after searching for 6 months. Still has some small issues, but that is part of the fun getting it all fixed up!

[CruizinKev]

cool project man! keep it up!

[72Chevelle454]

You can get a lot of your questions answered on www.montecarloss.com . You will find the owner of the purple Monte on there....SickSpeedMonte....you can also see his ride on www.sickspeedmonte.com I think that his stance is about as perfect as you can get with a G body. He goes in detail of how he built it up.

BTW - that's a clean Monte you have.

[SS1156]

I had an 85 and I loved that car. I thought about doing a PT Monte SS, but I really want to do a 70-73 Camaro or 70-75 Firebird. The Monte's do make a bad ass PT car. They are full frame, V8 and rear drive, what more could you ask for????? And you can put a 6 spd in them too!!!! Nice cars guys.

[blazer4corners]

If u change 2 a shorter water pump none of ur brackets or pulleys will work As a owner of multiple m/c ss's radiator clearance never a prob.