DEFINITIVE RORA PART SWAP LISTING w/ links

[Speed Neon]

*** STAFF NOTE: This thread, despite its "definitive" title, should not necessarily be considered 100% accurate. Use it as a reference only, and double check with someone qualified (like Aurorabrain) before you start swapping parts ***






IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD PLEASE PM ME AS I DO NOT WANT THIS THREAD TO BECOME COVERED IN UNTESTED PART INTERCHANGES.


THE CLASSIC RETROFIT PART INTERCHANGE LISTING:

THESE UPGRADES WILL FIT ALL CLASSICS, THO SOME MAY BENEFIT MORE THAN OTHERS. 95-97 MODELS WILL LOVE THE NEW ENGINE MOUNTS AND ALUMINUM SUSPENSION BITS AS THE 98-99 MODELS WILL GAIN MORE FROM OIL COOLERS AND THICKER RADIATORS. MIX AND MATCH TO FIT YOUR NEEDS OR WANTS.

aurorabrain said:

These interchanges are nice to do to your Aurora, and it will perform better as far as ride quality and braking go, but are labor intensive and parts are hard to come by.

95-99 4.6 N* ENGINES

Its been tested, fitted, and driven about 6000 miles to date. You can use any 4.6 n* from 95-99. The 00-07 engines are a no go due the GM engine management system,CAN. The classic pcm can not decode the new crankshaft notches and thus the engine will not start, but it would bolt right up. Bummer

-WHAT ABOUT THE DISPLACEMENT DIFFERENCE, WONT IT RUN LEAN?

aurorabrain said:

speedneon said:

yeah i am fine, brain says that the stock ecm will trim the fuel back to normal.

The fuel pressure and injector size is the same for both engines. All the electronics are the same. The PCM will see more airflow and should adjust to compensate because it's looking to maintain a programmed A/F ratio. If not we can fake it out by upping the fuel pressure or changing to a slightly larger injector. I don't see a problem at all, but i guess we'll have to find out.

This has proven to be of no issue. The classic pcm runs the engine flawlessly, neither rich or lean.

UPGRADED CLASSICS: 1

00-06 CADDY DTS TRANNY
TRANSMISSION MODEL 4T80-E

While most of the caddilac trans come with the beloved 3.71 final drive ratio, you are wise to run the trans identification tag to match ratios. As classics come with both 3.48 non-autobahn and the 3.71 autobahn 4T80-E transmissions. Also do not use the 3.71 trans in a non-autobahn classic! Torque management will kill your acceleration, and shift points. In short make your classic a very unhappy car, but a quick pcm re-flash could fix that ;D.

-NOW THERE ARE THREE DIFFERENT RATIOS USED IN THE CADILLAC TRANSMISSIONS ........

aurorabrain said:

parts68 said:

You might want to also add that the upgrades to tranny
really need to follow the ratio that came in your car from factory.
Caddy offered 3 different ratios one of which wasn't offered in Auroras.
You can change the PCM to follow a ratio change but thats another can of worms.

Differentials can be swapped on the 4T80 because the drive and driven sprockets are the same across the 3.11-3.48-3.71 ratio range. Done it a few times. If you get a 3.11 trans you can put in a 3.71 diff and get a 3.71 trans out of it..

UPGRADED CLASSICS: 2
-AURORABRAIN

95-MID YEAR 97 OIL COOLER LINES
95-MID YEAR 97 OIL FILTER HOUSING
95-97 RADIATOR

Mid year 1997 olds dropped the engine oil cooler from the classic, so 98-99 classic owners can benefit from retrofitting our cars with the oil filter adapter housing, oil lines, and radiator from a factory equipped classic. Also if the oil cooler is not your thing per se, the lines do eventually leak, the radiator from factory equipped classics also feature a thicker radiator core for enhanced cooling that all classics could benefit from.

NEED HELP SWAPPING A CLASSIC RADIATOR CHECK OUT THIS THREAD:

aurorah.proboards47.com/index.cgi?board=1stgen&action=display&thread=1124750440&page=1#1124750440

UPGRADED 97-99 CLASSICS: 1
-SPEED-NEON

95 N* OIL PUMP

A little known fact is that the 95 classic was equipped with a high flow oil pump, a feature that was cut in the following model years. Sure the pump is 13 years old and your chances of finding one are slim to none. But it is good to know if you just happen to luck up one.
Another note is that all EBAY pumps are the lower flowing post-95 pumps, so you wont find one there, sorry.

UPGRADED CLASSICS: 0


06-07 BUICK LUCERNE FRONT SUB-FRAME

Hydro-formed foam filled steel, and better sub frame bushings highlight GM's lastest take on our classic sub frame. It does not fit however without modification to other systems, that are not that big of a deal to replace while you have the sub frame out of your classic.

NOTES FROM THE BRAIN:

aurorabrain said:

The sub frame has to be done as a package. You need the rack and all the lower mounts and all the bolts for them. The CV's (axles) are nicer also and should be changed with this setup. This is easier said than done because you would have to know someone at a salvage yard to get all these parts and at a decent price. The front 6-8" of the cradle has to be cut off also as it protrudes into the back of the fog lights if you don't. This doesn't create a problem at all. I currently have this driving on a '95 and '97 Aurora with no problems, just miles of smiles and no drivetrain movement.

UPGRADED CLASSICS: 1
-AURORABRAIN

06-07 BUICK LUCERNE STRUTS (V8 MODEL PREFERRED)
06-07 CADDY DTS STRUTS

Better upper bearing plates, and upper strut mounts highlight the new struts. Combined with better matched spring and damping rates means a much better riding and handling classic. Now this upgrade is not a bolt on for pre-98 classic.
But it has been installed on many 95-97 classics.


Have questions PM Aurorabrain, as he has personally done this retrofit. My classic is a 99 and this was a direct bolt-on for me.

NOTES FROM THE BRAIN ABOUT FITTING THESE STRUTS ON 95-97 CLASSIC:

aurorabrain said:

austinator said:

So are you able to use lucerne front struts and springs on a 95 without swapping anything else(like the subframe...)? If so, I'm interested. I might eventually do some other swaps, but I'm probably doing struts within the next few months, whether new or off a Lucerne

Lucerne struts are not a direct bolt on unless you have a '98+ Aurora due to the 3 strut mount holes . 97 requires the relocation of the strut mount holes, but only 1 hole has to be changed(the one closest to the fender has to be elongated at a 90 degree angle and made closer to the fender edge). 95-96 steering knuckles are cast iron and the mounting holes for the strut in the knuckle are closer together and will not work. If you change to newer knuckles you still have to change the strut tower like the '97. You can't swap mounts and struts either because the springs are a different shape from the top to the bottom.

aurorabrain said:

speedneon said:

can you post pics of your strut mount holes

The only one that has to be changed is the hole closest to the fender, it has to be turned into a "T" shape (moved out to the edge of the fender) but only about 1/2". This was done by using an old 98+ strut mount that i cut to be just a plate, (cut the center out so it was flat) and then i used it as a template to make the hole in the correct location where the bolt pattern didn't line up. I would have to remove a strut to take a picture.

UPGRADED CLASSICS: 2
-AURORABRAIN (LUCRENE/MODIFIED UPPER STRUT PERCH)
-SPEED-NEON (DTS)

97-99 CLASSIC FRONT KNUCKLE AND HUB ASSEMBLIES
06-07 BUICK LUCERNE FRONT KNUCKLE AND HUB ASSEMBLIES

In between the 97-98 model year GM went to a new control arm and knuckle setup. The older design stamped and cast iron, and the new design are cast aluminum. GM claims the changes were for better ride and handling, and to a point that is true. But really the cast aluminum was cheaper, but its prob just as strong as the cast iron parts.

By the way the buick lucrene (07 aurora) uses the exact same knuckles all 98-99 classics, and all second gen rora do. that being said 90% of all lucrene suspension parts will bolt on to second gens, and about 70% will fit 98-99 classics. The same figure applies to 95-97 classics with minor modifications.

UPGRADED CLASSICS: 1
-AURORABRAIN (LUCERNE)

06-07 BUICK LUCERNE POWER STEERING RACK
(requires 06-07 buick sub-frame)

Hey it mounts to your classic if you are also installing the lucerne front sub frame. In fact it is a requirement of the sub frame upgrade. Made of cast aluminum, and using GM's lastest rack and pinion knowledge. It is a worthy upgrade to your classic. Shed a few pounds from your nose heavy classic with this bundled upgrade.
UPGRADED CLASSICS: 1
-AURORABRAIN (LUCERNE)

06-07 BUICK LUCERNE AIR SHOCKS

They bolt right into the stock location, using stock hardware and airlines. Boasting a larger diameter shock cylinder, aluminum bladder guards, and matched to the buick springs. This shocks will provide a better overall ride for your classic, reducing the chop we get sometimes over washboard surfaces.

This shocks are the perfect compliment to buick lucerne rear spring upgrade, which is also a bolt in affair.

UPGRADED CLASSICS: 2
-AURORABRAIN (LUCERNE)
-SPEED NEON (LUCERNE)

06-07 BUICK LUCERNE REAR SPRINGS

While your factory springs will work with the buick air shocks, they are tuned to the spring rate of the buick springs. the buick springs are a progressive design that offer good ride quality and above comfort. And combined with the buick shocks, this setup will nearly eliminate the classic chop, and your rear passengers will thank you.

These are a direct replacement for factory springs.


UPGRADED CLASSICS: 2
-AURORABRAIN (LUCERNE)
-SPEED-NEON (LUCERNE)


06-07 BUICK LUCERNE REAR SUB FRAME

Better sub-frame bushings, and hydro-formed silence foam filled steel highlight GM's lastest spin on the rora rear sub frame. Mainly a bolt-on affair, with the exception of needing the rear abs harness from the donor car, as it is a tad longer than your stock one.
You will also need to fab up a mount for the rear elc level sensor, not a big deal. But do yourself a favor if you consider this upgrade and save the rear control arms off of your old rear sub frame. GM is still using that exact same part number to this day, and spares are nice to have.

UPGRADED CLASSICS: 1
-AURORABRAIN


06-07 BUICK LUCERNE ELC COMPRESSOR

GM decided to complete enclose the elc compressor this time and installed a better compressor head. So feel free to upgrade your aged or failed compressor with this handy bolt on upgrade. A few washers will be needed to space it properly from the body, but not a biggie. Uses factory airlines and electrical connectors without modification.


UPGRADED CLASSICS: 2
-AURORABRAIN
-SPEED-NEON


CADDY STS FRONT STRUT TOWER BRACE
PART NUMBER 25653157 ( THX 95MUSHROOM)

Shore up the cornering and overall ride quality of your classic's front end. This brace is stock to caddies and is readily available at your local wrecker for a song and dance,or head to your dealer with the above part number. A proven upgrade for miles of smiles.

check out this thread for pics of this upgrade:

aurorah.proboards47.com/index.cgi?board=Zoom&action=display&thread=1118699725&page=1#1118699725


UPGRADED CLASSICS: ?


CADDY STS REAR SWAY BAR

Increase the cornering ability of you classic with a stock caddy sts rear sway bar. A bit of caution should be used with this upgrade, as maneuverability in a front wheel drive car comes with a certain degree of over steer, and the classic is already prone to over steer bone stock. Don't say that you have not been warned.

UPGRADED CLASSICS:

06-07 BUICK LUCERNE FRONT BRAKES
(PADS,CALIPERS WITH MOUNTS, AND ROTORS)

Remember the dual piston w-body setups of the early 90's. Well GM has revived them and they are a direct bolt on for 98-99 classics, and 95-97 classics with 98-99 knuckles.
And to boot they come in two flavors, "stop now" and "the hand of god". Now the v6 lucerne came with 11.75 inch disc with dual piston calipers while the v8 lucernes and dts came equipped with 12+ inch versions of the same. If you opt for the larger 12 inch brakes you will need 17 inch or better wheels.

But with either you will get excellent initial bite and fade resistance. This is an entirely bolt on and bleed upgrade, with no change in brake bias. I drive this upgrade everyday.

UPGRADED CLASSICS: 4
-AURORABRAIN (LUCERNE V8)
-SPEED-NEON (LUCERNE V6)
-PHYDEAUX ( LUCERNE V6)
-RCA99AURORA (LUCERNE V6)

PONTIAC GXP REAR BRAKES
(PADS,CALIPERS WITH MOUNTS, ROTORS)
BUICK LUCERNE V8
(PADS,CALIPERS WITH MOUNTS, ROTORS)

Stock classic rear brakes were good for their day, that was last year sometime. upgrade to gxp rear disc brakes. They feature larger disc's and a parking brake design that is compatible with the classics stock setup. To boot they fit under stock wheels, and look good doing it.

UPGRADED CLASSICS:
-AURORABRAIN (LUCERNE)
-SPEED-NEON (GXP)
-PHYDEAUX (GXP)



ANY QUESTIONS POST OR PM I WILL WITH THE BRAINS HELP TRY TO ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS, THAN UPDATE THE LISTING TO REFLECT NEW INFO GATHERED. THIS IS BY NO MEANS FINISHED BUT WITH EVERYBODY'S HELP IT SHOULD BE DONE SHORTLY ;D ;D ;D

[95mushroom]

Man, this is exactly what I wanted to do with mine after wreck, but never got the chance.

One thing that would be cool is links in your post to the stickies for the upgrades (your brake thread, my STS swaybar thread, etc). Then I'm sure future upgrades will be done somewhat individually and they can be added in the future.

[JimW]

This thread has been stickied and will continue to evolve and be updated as things happen.

[cadillacsts2003]

Hey
i though i would chime in with a few more mods
idk if you are familiar with the STSi, but basically it was a modified STS for pacing the Le Mans Series.

ive spoken with builders and fabricators of the project and complied a list of parts which GM built for the STSi's and they later found their way onto PRODUCTION GM cars.

All these parts have been verified by Wheel 2 Wheel as well as an original builder of the STSi project cars

These parts will supposedly work on all newer K Body Cars:
2000+ Deville
1998+ Seville
2006+ DTS
Lucerne
Aurora
2005+ Bonneville


Strut Tower Brace (found on stock export STS)-22653157
Front Stabilizer Bar (found on 2004-2005 Bonneville GXP, the increased performance comes from the fact that the STS and DTS bars
are hollow while the GXP bar which came from the STSi is solid)-25649664
Front Springs 30 n/mm (again built for the STSi and used on the 2004-2005 GXP)-22197599
Bushing/Craddle Mount Front (same as above these are stiffer than stock ones)- 25665905

Anyways i hope this helps....let me know if there are any questions

[ericpine]

Very Valuable thread! Thanks!

[Speed Neon]

cadillacsts2003 said:

Hey
i though i would chime in with a few more mods
idk if you are familiar with the STSi, but basically it was a modified STS for pacing the Le Mans Series.

ive spoken with builders and fabricators of the project and complied a list of parts which GM built for the STSi's and they later found their way onto PRODUCTION GM cars.

All these parts have been verified by Wheel 2 Wheel as well as an original builder of the STSi project cars

These parts will supposedly work on all newer K Body Cars:

this listing has to be accurate and supposedly fitting parts can not be listed

[cadillacsts2003]

it is
ive been told they will fit the Seville and sister car the Aurora

[clevelandslim]

I need to stick the first tranny i can find on my 95 aurora. can somebody let me know what to look for in a used tranny? specs, please... i need some specs!

~Slim~

[aurorabrain]

Unless you plan on changing a few things in the trans, you're pretty much stuck with 95 only.

Edit:
I've done my research and have your answer. Use any transmission 95-99 with your correct gear ratio, or swap your differential to the new trans. You have to change the shift cable bracket and the shift lever on the top of the trans to match your old one. The wiring harness and all internal parts are the same, the 95 shows a different wiring harness part number only due to the housing for the harness (where the wires come out of the case) being slightly larger which isn't a big deal because you're not interchanging internals.

[jose]

great thread, but can you tidy it up, IE take away all the caps (really hard to read) and put proper titles instead of quotes from aurorabrain?

[Speed Neon]

an extreme revision is on the way

[CollegeAurora]

anyone know if you can interchange the led gauge cluster from the caddy sts with a 2nd gen? they look similar but i would love to have the led look

[majoraurora]

Did you know if you have a late model Chrysler or Ford luxury car, they are desireable direct swaps for Classic and 2d Gen Auroras! The only modifications are to change the vehicles into cash and replace the cash with an Aurora!!!

I Rock!!!

;D

[danzig69]

you should change the word Lucrene for Lucerne. Go on www.gm.ca in the buick section if you don't trust me.

[Speed Neon]

good point i will change that asap

[parts68]

aurorabrain said:

Unless you plan on changing a few things in the trans, you're pretty much stuck with 95 only.

Edit:
I've done my research and have your answer. Use any transmission 95-99 with your correct gear ratio, or swap your differential to the new trans. You have to change the shift cable bracket and the shift lever on the top of the trans to match your old one. The wiring harness and all internal parts are the same, the 95 shows a different wiring harness part number only due to the housing for the harness (where the wires come out of the case) being slightly larger which isn't a big deal because you're not interchanging internals.

I did the 99 trans into the 95 body a couple of years ago.
it wasnt a bolt in,a couple of sensors have different values
and the park neutral switch needs to be swapped to.
There are a couple of other items that I dont remember right off hand.

[phydeaux]

Add me to the upgraded classics for brakes. Lucerne v6 up front, GXP in the rear. Big ole honkin' brakes:

[aurorabrain]

parts68 said:

aurorabrain said:

Unless you plan on changing a few things in the trans, you're pretty much stuck with 95 only.

Edit:
I've done my research and have your answer. Use any transmission 95-99 with your correct gear ratio, or swap your differential to the new trans. You have to change the shift cable bracket and the shift lever on the top of the trans to match your old one. The wiring harness and all internal parts are the same, the 95 shows a different wiring harness part number only due to the housing for the harness (where the wires come out of the case) being slightly larger which isn't a big deal because you're not interchanging internals.

I did the 99 trans into the 95 body a couple of years ago.
it wasnt a bolt in,a couple of sensors have different values
and the park neutral switch needs to be swapped to.
There are a couple of other items that I dont remember right off hand.

I've done 5 2003-2006 transmission swaps into pre-'99 Auroras so far, and all of them are working nicely, IMO better than new. Did an '06 DTS trans into a '95 Aurora this weekend, and yes my back is killing me.

The unique things about a '95 are the shift cable bracket (and lever) and p/n safety switch. The internal harness will not interchange into a newer case due to the seal (at wire/case pull through) in the case being larger, but the pinout of the connector is the same. '96-99 are a good interchange even though salvage yards will tell you they are not.

[Speed Neon]

phydeaux said:

Add me to the upgraded classics for brakes. Lucerne v6 up front, GXP in the rear. Big ole honkin' brakes:

u been added

[parts68]

will those clear the stock 16 inch wheels?

[Speed Neon]

yes parts, and they are the most popular upgrade for your classic. the stock brakes suck, upgrade it!

[aurorabrain]

If you go with Lucerne brakes (in the rear) you have to swap hubs and dust shields, and the e-brake will not work.

[Speed Neon]

u mean the rears on that statement right brain?

[aurorabrain]

I modified it so the statement in my last post is correct.

[aurora2001tan]

Speed Neon please check your PM box I have also sent an email. Need to ask a question about getting a classic a new motor.

thank you

[Randy T.]

Oct 3, 2007 21:55:35 GMT -6 Speed Neon said:

95-99 4.6 N* ENGINES

Its been tested, fitted, and driven about 6000 miles to date. You can use any 4.6 n* from 95-99. The 00-07 engines are a no go due the GM engine management system,CAN. The classic pcm can not decode the new crankshaft notches and thus the engine will not start, but it would bolt right up. Bummer

-WHAT ABOUT THE DISPLACEMENT DIFFERENCE, WONT IT RUN LEAN?



This has proven to be of no issue. The classic pcm runs the engine flawlessly, neither rich or lean.

UPGRADED CLASSICS: 1

[/u][/quote]

You say here that there is 1 upgraded classic with the 4.6. You have no name here so I am thinking you mean Auroraguy95. This forum is about pictures, we all love them. Auroraguy95 has proved he has done the 4.6 swap so you should put his name in there. Pictures are easy, this thread should require picture proof before someone can claim an upgrade.

[Randy T.]

By the way, I have been lucky so far. All 4 of my '97's have the engine oil coolers. And they also have the stamped aluminum control arms. Does that mean I have the newer knuckles also? I think it does but I don't want to assume anything.

[Randy T.]

I am 25% there. I got a Lucerne V6 right hand front caliper. I just need the left front caliper and rotors! I would liked to have had a matching set, but they are not to easy to find. I will let you know when it is completed so you can add me to the list. These calipers are huge, I am really looking forward to installing them. It might take me a month or two to find another caliper, rotors, and install them.



.

Stock Aurora front caliper with bracket next to a Lucerne V6 front caliper with bracket.

[Randy T.]

PONTIAC GXP REAR BRAKES
(PADS,CALIPERS WITH MOUNTS, ROTORS)
BUICK LUCRENE V8
(PADS,CALIPERS WITH MOUNTS, ROTORS)

When you say Pontiac GXP could you be more specific? Do you mean Grand Prix GXP? There are also Bonneville GXP, Solstice GXP, G6 GXP? Or is it all of them? Some more info would really be helpful.

[aurorabrain]

This wasn't my thread but to clairify.... '05 Bonneville GXP will work, also the same as '04 STS rear brakes. The date ranges are surely there but i'm not going to do all the research again when i know what years fit. Those rear brakes aren't as good as the Lucerne rear brakes, but they are an easier fit, and they are surely an upgrade over stock braking. Lucerne rear brakes require different hubs for the rotor offset. This is something i didn't realize a couple years ago. If you guys on here want these parts most of them are on ebay.