DEFINITIVE RORA PART SWAP LISTING w/ links

[aurorabrain]

V8 Lucerne front brakes are practically overkill (almost 13" rotors) and won't fit with 16" wheels. The V6 version is a great upgrade from stock Aurora brakes and should do most people fine.

[Randy T.]

Thank you Aurorabrain! I have been feeling like I have been talking to myself in this thread. Do you know if since I visibly have the stamped aluminum control arms if that means I have the newer knuckles. Thanks again!

[Randy T.]

Jun 17, 2008 23:57:25 GMT -6 aurorabrain said:

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.

Correct me if I am wrong, based on your info I think these are the years:

'00-'05 Pontiac Bonneville

'00-'05 Cadillac Deville with JL9 Brake System (Brake Option Code)

'00-'04 Cadillac Seville

'01-'03 Aurora

'00-'05 Buick Lesabre and Park Avenue

I could be mistaken but I have been using Autozone.com to check the numbers of the rear calipers, and all the numbers match for these vehicles.

[aurorabrain]

All '97 Auroras have aluminum steering knuckles, control arms are unique to a '97. '95-'96 are cast iron with the crappy brakes along with steel control arms.
2004-2005 Bonneville GXP only.
1998-2005 select Cadillacs, STS, Deville JL9 option.
2003-2005 Park Ave (Ultra only)
The Bracket is the difference, not the Caliper.

[Randy T.]

Jun 18, 2008 14:26:04 GMT -6 aurorabrain said:

All '97 Auroras have aluminum steering knuckles, control arms are unique to a '97. '95-'96 are cast iron with the crappy brakes along with steel control arms.
2004-2005 Bonneville GXP only.
1998-2005 select Cadillacs, STS, Deville JL9 option.
2003-2005 Park Ave (Ultra only)
The Bracket is the difference, not the Caliper.

That would explain that! Thank you.

[Randy T.]

Jun 17, 2008 23:20:21 GMT -6 Randy T. said:

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.

Front left caliper is on it's way '07 Impala. When I get it then I will just need rotors and pads. I am still looking for some rear caliper upgrades if anyone sees any.

[Randy T.]

Got my Impala Caliper in today. It was supposed to be an '07 but the caliper tag says '08. Now I am on the hunt for some rotors. I have been thinking about getting some drilled rotors. But I would really like to just go to the parts store and pick some stock ones up. When I figure it out I will let you know! When I tighten that last wheel nut I want added on this list!! Next I will be focusing on the rear. I am about to do a local salvage yard Lucerne hunt.

[Randy T.]

I am working on rewriting and improving the understanding of this thread. This is all Aurorabrains info, I am just trying to make it easier to decipher. Hopefully it will make it easier to upgrade. I am sure to make a few mistakes, so a little help would be appreciated. Most of this info I got from www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php so you can find a lot of these parts there.


Suspension and Brake Upgrades


Bolt on Front Brake Upgrade w/ 16" Wheels Requires Caliper, Rotor, and Bracket.

2006 BUICK LUCERNE CX 3.8L 231cid V6 FI (2)

A-1 CARDONE Part # 18B4988 {[Caliper w/Installation Hardware] Remanufactured.}
Front Left; w/16" Wheels; Original Equipment Metal Piston;Supplied w/Mounting Bracket

A-1 CARDONE Part # 18B4989 {[Caliper w/Installation Hardware] Remanufactured.}
Front Right; w/16" Wheels; Original Equipment Metal Piston;Supplied w/Mounting Bracket.

BUICK LUCERNE CX (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE CXL (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE CXS (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE SUPER 2008
CHEVROLET IMPALA 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION 2008
CHEVROLET IMPALA LS (2006 - 2008)
CHEVROLET IMPALA LT (2006 - 2008)
CHEVROLET IMPALA LTZ (2006 - 2008)
CHEVROLET IMPALA SS (2006 - 2008)
CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO LS (2006 - 2007)
CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO LT (2006 - 2007)
CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO LTZ 2006
CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS (2006 - 2007)

Speed Neon

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 lucrene came with 11.75 inch disc with dual piston calipers while the v8 lucrenes 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.

Bolt on Front Brake Upgrade with 17" wheels or bigger. Requires Caliper, Bracket, Rotors, Dust Shield, or Dust Shield Modification.

2006 BUICK LUCERNE CXS 4.6L 281cid V8 FI (Y)

A-1 CARDONE Part # 18B4988 {[Caliper w/Installation Hardware] Remanufactured.}
Front Left; w/16" Wheels; Original Equipment Metal Piston;Supplied w/Mounting Bracket

A-1 CARDONE Part # 18B4989 {[Caliper w/Installation Hardware] Remanufactured.}
Front Right; w/16" Wheels; Original Equipment Metal Piston;Supplied w/Mounting Bracket

BUICK LUCERNE CX (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE CXL (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE CXS (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE SUPER 2008
CHEVROLET IMPALA 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION 2008
CHEVROLET IMPALA LS (2006 - 2008)
CHEVROLET IMPALA LT (2006 - 2008)
CHEVROLET IMPALA LTZ (2006 - 2008)
CHEVROLET IMPALA SS (2006 - 2008)
CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO LS (2006 - 2007)
CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO LT (2006 - 2007)
CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO LTZ 2006
CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS (2006 - 2007)


Rear Brake Upgrade. Requires Caliper, Bracket, and Rotor.

2004-2005 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE GXP 4.6L 281cid V8 FI (Y)

A-1 CARDONE Part # 18B4718 {[Caliper w/Installation Hardware] Remanufactured.}
Rear Left; Original Equipment Metal Piston;Supplied w/Mounting Bracket

A-1 CARDONE Part # 18B4719 {[Caliper w/Installation Hardware] Remanufactured.}
Rear Right; Original Equipment Metal Piston;Supplied w/Mounting Bracket.

BUICK PARK AVENUE ULTRA (2003 - 2005)
CADILLAC DEVILLE (2000 - 2005)
CADILLAC DEVILLE DHS (2001 - 2004)
CADILLAC DEVILLE DTS (2001 - 2005)
CADILLAC SEVILLE 2000
CADILLAC SEVILLE SLS (2001 - 2004)
CADILLAC SEVILLE STS (2001 - 2003)
PONTIAC BONNEVILLE GXP (2004 - 2005)


Rear Brake Upgrade. Requires Caliper, Bracket, Wheel Hub switch and Dust shield removal or r & r. Ebrake will not work.

A-1 CARDONE Part # 18B5014
Rear Left; Original Equipment Metal Piston;Supplied w/Mounting Bracket

A-1 CARDONE Part # 18B5015
Rear Right; Original Equipment Metal Piston;Supplied w/Mounting Bracket.

BUICK LUCERNE CX (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE CXL (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE CXS (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE SUPER 2008
CADILLAC DTS (2006 - 2008)
CADILLAC DTS PLATINUM 2008


Strut bolt on upgrade '97 newer Aurora from V6- v8 Lucurne. And '95 to '97 mid year with newer knuckles..


ACDELCO Part # 505554 {#15220434}
STRUT KIT,Front Suspension w/FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41)

ACDELCO Part # 505553 {#15211374}
STRUT KIT,Front Suspension w/SPORT SUSP(FE3)

BUICK LUCERNE CX (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE CXL (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE CXS (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE SUPER 2008
CADILLAC DTS (2006 - 2008)
CADILLAC DTS PLATINUM 2008

Aurorabrain

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. 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.

Bolt on Rear Shock Upgrade.

ACDELCO Part # 504115 {replaces 15786900 #15786900, 15873313}
ABSORBER KIT,RR LVLG SHK LEFT HAND; w/FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41)

ACDELCO Part # 504116 {replaces 15786901 #15786901, 15873314}
ABSORBER KIT,RR LVLG SHK RIGHT HAND; w/FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41)

ACDELCO 504116 Shock Absorber
BUICK LUCERNE CX (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE CXL (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE CXS (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE SUPER 2008
CADILLAC DTS (2006 - 2009)
CADILLAC DTS PLATINUM (2008 - 2009)


Rear Spring Upgrade Bolt on.

'06-'07 Buick Lucerne


ELC Compressor Bolt on w/ Minor Mods

'06-'07 BUICK LUCRENE

Speed Neon

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.

Front Subframe Upgrade

'06-'07 Buick Lucerne

Aurorabrain

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.

Rack and Pinion Upgrade (Requires Buick Subframe)

BUICK LUCERNE CX (2006 - 2008)
BUICK LUCERNE CXL (2006 - 2008)


Rear Sub-Frame Upgrade

'06-'07 BUICK LUCRENE

Speed Neon

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.

[scottydl]

*** 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 ***

[RCA1186]

is this still a sticky? it should be!

[sall]

Oct 3, 2011 22:06:51 GMT -6 RCA1186 said:

is this still a sticky? it should be!

Agreed.

So, I want to replace my control arm bushings and ball joints this summer. Figured this would be the time to upgrade brakes. My '96 indeed has the early steel control arms. Not swapping to the later subframe to have a little less unsprung weight with the aluminum control arms. That being said if I understand the brake section of this thread to upgrade to the Lucurne et al brakes '95-'96 models with steel control arms one would need:

• '98-'99 Steering Knuckles
• '97 Struts(w/ '95-'97 mounts)
• '97-'99 Front Hubs(mounting is different than '95-'96)
• '06+ Lucerne Et Al from list Calipers, Pads, Rotors.

I'd be opting for the larger setup as both sets of wheels for my Classic are 17"+. Am I missing anything here?

[RCA1186]

Mar 10, 2015 9:42:54 GMT -6 sall said:

Oct 3, 2011 22:06:51 GMT -6 RCA1186 said:

is this still a sticky? it should be!

Agreed.

Done.

[sall]

Randy T.... if using a '95-'97 or '98/'99 dust shield what needs modified?

[Randy T.]

I put them on my '97 Autobahn using the stock dust shields, IIRC I just had to bend the lower part of the dust shield out to keep it from rubbing on the rotor, it was not a big deal.

They changed the dust shield design in late '97 to a smaller shield, my '97 DD had the older type of dust shield and I switched it to '99 Aurora shields.

Image shack sucks.

[sall]

Mar 12, 2015 6:35:19 GMT -6 Randy T. said:

I put them on my '97 Autobahn using the stock dust shields, IIRC I just had to bend the lower part of the dust shield out to keep it from rubbing on the rotor, it was not a big deal.

They changed the dust shield design in late '97 to a smaller shield, my '97 DD had the older type of dust shield and I switched it to '99 Aurora shields.

Image shack sucks.

Thanks for the quick response, but that confused me . So, the '95-[mid]'97 dust shield needs no modification but the [late]'97-'99 needs modification?

The updated knuckles are in the mail now and priced calipers[remanned], rotors and ceramic pads. It's actually not going to be as expensive as I thought to convert the '95-'96. Just have to price the hubs, struts and do the math and locate the proper lowering springs.

[sall]

Some of this info here I found to be dated or incorrect for front brake upgrade. Listed proper 17" A1 Cardone caliper numbers and updated model year info for both 16"/17". Here is updates/corrections. Probably a lot more model years that could be updated across the board as most seem to stop at '08.

Suspension and Brake Upgrades


Bolt on Front Brake Upgrade w/ 16" Wheels Requires Caliper, Rotor, and Bracket.

A-1 CARDONE Part # 18B4988 Reman. Friction Choice Caliper w/Bracket & Installation Hardware
Front Left; with Metal Piston; with 16" Wheels; Supplied with standard boots

A-1 CARDONE Part # 18B4988 Reman. Friction Choice Caliper w/Bracket & Installation Hardware
Front Left; with Metal Piston; with 16" Wheels; Supplied with standard boots


BUICK LUCERNE (2006 - 2011)
CHEVROLET IMPALA (2006 - 2013)
CHEVROLETMONTE CARLO (2006 - 2007)



Bolt on Front Brake Upgrade with 17" wheels or bigger. Requires Caliper, Bracket, Rotors, Dust Shield, or Dust Shield Modification.


A-1 CARDONE Part # 18B5024 Reman. Friction Choice Caliper w/Bracket & Installation Hardware
Front Left; with Metal Piston; with 17" Wheels

A-1 CARDONE Part # 18B5025 Reman. Friction Choice Caliper w/Bracket & Installation Hardware
Front Left; with Metal Piston; with 17" Wheels


BUICK ALLURE (2008 - 2009)
BUICK LACROSSE (2008 - 2009)
BUICK LUCERNE (2006 - 2011)
CADILLAC DTS (2006 - 2011)
CHEVROLET IMPALA (2012 - 2013)

[sall]

Also, more info... Here is my conclusion. Take it with a grain of salt.

In order of best front upgrade:



05-08 Grand Prix GXP

These are Dual Piston Aluminum Caliper/Larger Brake Pad/12.72" Rotor --- 18" + Wheels Required. May fit some 17".

---

BUICK ALLURE (2008 - 2009)
BUICK LACROSSE (2008 - 2009)
BUICK LUCERNE (2006 - 2011)
CADILLAC DTS (2006 - 2011)
CHEVROLET IMPALA (2012 - 2013)

These are Dual Piston Cast Iron Caliper/Larger Brake Pad/12.72" Rotor ---- 17"+ Wheels Required

---

98-02 GM F-Body

Chevy Camaro
Pontiac FireBird

These are Dual Piston Aluminum Calipers/Larger Brake Pad/11.92" Rotor --- Will fit all stock wheels

---

BUICK LUCERNE (2006 - 2011)
CHEVROLET IMPALA (2006 - 2013)
CHEVROLETMONTE CARLO (2006 - 2007)

These are Dual Piston Cast Iron Caliper/Larger Brake Pad/11.92" Rotor --- Will fit all stock wheels

---

Brake pads by surface area largest to smallest are GM F Body, GXP and then the others are the same size. All still much more area than stock. GXP rotors are thicker and a couple pounds heavier then Lucerne/DTS/Et al 12.72" and 11.92". Aluminum Calipers offset this weight. I would say the F-Body and Lucerne/DTS/Et Al JL9 are a close tie. Could probably be flipped either way. While the rotor and caliper is larger and weighs more the larger diameter of the rotor, the more force that is available to stop a wheel. The aluminum F-body calipers weigh less than the cast iron DTS/Lucerne calipers at the same time and have a larger pad. If ZZP price reflects which one is better between F-Body and DTS/Lucerne it is the DTS/Lucerne JL9. The non JL9 Lucerne/Impala/Monte Carlo come in last for caliper weight and smaller rotor.

Update: Brain at ZZP has confirmed in order of raw stopping power it's GXP, DTS/Lucerne JL9, F-Body. While the GXP is very desirable not easy to come by used to rebuild and are more expensive brand new.


Again just my opinion but based off of what I have read thus far. Of course no real world experience with all these setups. Larger wheels and quality tires will have an effect on all setups. My 20" wheels/tires with a GXP setup for example may not stop any quicker than a stock 16-17" wheel with a great tire and the non JL9 brakes.

In my case I am going to stick with the JL9 DTS/Lucerne/Et al. It is compromise between performance and looking best behind my 20" 5 spokes wheels. it is also what I already have.

Anyways, the Aurora isn't a race car so I couldn't care less about a little bit of unsprung weight. I am already shedding weight on my 96 by going to the aluminum knuckle but all of these are certainly upgrades for the fronts.

[gdouaire]

I'm doing the 2006 Buick Lucerne V-8 front brakes on my 2003 Aurora. Since I wanted to replace the 180,000km calipers and rotors anyways, why not...

Will be a direct fit using the Buick caliper brackets, calipers, rotors and pads. The rotors I have are 12.75" and the calipers are dual pistons with a much larger pad area.

Only waiting for the last part to come in the mail - I thought a could reuse the Aurora caliper sliding bolts, but they are completely different design on the Buick Lucerne.

[gdouaire]

If you need a front caliper bracket / 2006 Lucerne to go with your 12.7" rotors, Cardone 14-1117 is not the one you need. You need Cardone 14-1123, which I just ordered... more waiting.

[gdouaire]

I did the change: 17" buick lucerne calipers up front, 2002 Cadillac STS rear. Very neat setup. Stops very well... Never had a car with this much braking power. And looks good too.



FRONT:


REAR:

[AmunRoo]

Do all these upgrades for lucerne rear shocks and springs apply to 2nd Gen or classic only?

[AmunRoo]

Do all these parts work with the second Gen Aurora?

[gdouaire]

some parts are for 1st gen and some others for 2nd gen. You need to read the whole thread from top to bottom to figure this out.

[gdouaire]

One thing not to miss: If you start using a new brake combo that does not fit 16-inch wheels, then you spare tire will become unusable.

Cadillac DTS from 2006 to 2011 will have proper 17-inch spare wheels - right bolt patter & center bore. Some of these DTS spares are even aluminium instead of steel...! I ordered one, and it fits in the trunk right where the 16 inch was

[NinEFivEFourOH]

Just to confirm, all that is needed for this swap on a 2nd gen are the calipers, caliper brackets, caliper bolts, rotors and pads right? Don't have to grab the steering knuckle/wheel hub to make this swap work?

[gdouaire]

Jul 31, 2018 12:26:38 GMT -6 NinEFivEFourOH said:

Just to confirm, all that is needed for this swap on a 2nd gen are the calipers, caliper brackets, caliper bolts, rotors and pads right? Don't have to grab the steering knuckle/wheel hub to make this swap work?

Correct, on 2nd gen, for the bigger Lucerne brakes, nothing to change at the steering knuckle/wheel hub level.

[NinEFivEFourOH]

Excellent, thanks for the response! I mentioned the caliper bolts because I read somewhere on here someone had to swap for the ones that would come on a GXP/Lucerne or whatever... Is that true? Or does that only apply to first gens?

[gdouaire]

Jul 31, 2018 14:29:06 GMT -6 NinEFivEFourOH said:

Excellent, thanks for the response! I mentioned the caliper bolts because I read somewhere on here someone had to swap for the ones that would come on a GXP/Lucerne or whatever... Is that true? Or does that only apply to first gens?

Not sure if you can reuse them. I remember that I had new ones when I bought the caliper and caliper brackets so I used these.

[RCA1186]

Just did the Lucerne V6 brake swap on my classic. Here are some photos












My only concern

Aug 5, 2018 19:15:57 GMT -6 RCA1186 said:

Can confirm did not need banjo bolts for 16" Lucerne calipers


I wonder if I should replace the brake hose though. It bolts up but I'd guess it's moved about an inch further (as far as where it mounts to the caliper) it bolts up fine but it was noticeable that there was a bit less slack than stock. I gave the bracket on the strut a slight bend to where I felt comfortable although I figured it was fine either way.

I think I do notice a bit more braking power. Too early to tell for sure till I've been in a variety of stopping situations haha. All in all I can confirm that the V6 (16") Lucerne calipers do in fact bolt right up to the classic. (1998) Spare tire does fit as well.

[gdouaire]

great! on my 2nd gen, I went for a 17-inch Lucerne swap in the front and I was able to re-use the same brake hoses.

Question: did it change the brake pedal travel/feel?