C5 Dash in C4?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 254
Likes: 34
From: Puyallup Washington
C5 Dash in C4?
Here's a conversion I've never seen before...
I was browsing the local Craigslist auto parts section, and came across this 1984 C4 that is being parted out. The body is straight so it caught my eye. But as I looked at the photos in the posting, I noticed the dash was oddly different. Below the photo it says "C5 Dash and steering wheel". I wouldn't believe that it could be possible without seeing it in the ad.
Has anyone ever heard of this being done. Personally, I like the dash in my 1990 C4. I've always thought the older C4's dash was a little too squared off for my taste but then the style definitely evokes the trend of the early 1980's. I remember climbing in one when I had just turned 16 years old. It was amazing! So I still have a deep fondness for the early interiors and the C4 exteriors overall. But I can't imagine the trouble it would be to swap in a C5 dash!! Holy cow!
Here's a link to the ad while its still live:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/pts/4106379336.html
I was browsing the local Craigslist auto parts section, and came across this 1984 C4 that is being parted out. The body is straight so it caught my eye. But as I looked at the photos in the posting, I noticed the dash was oddly different. Below the photo it says "C5 Dash and steering wheel". I wouldn't believe that it could be possible without seeing it in the ad.
Has anyone ever heard of this being done. Personally, I like the dash in my 1990 C4. I've always thought the older C4's dash was a little too squared off for my taste but then the style definitely evokes the trend of the early 1980's. I remember climbing in one when I had just turned 16 years old. It was amazing! So I still have a deep fondness for the early interiors and the C4 exteriors overall. But I can't imagine the trouble it would be to swap in a C5 dash!! Holy cow!
Here's a link to the ad while its still live:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/pts/4106379336.html
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 254
Likes: 34
From: Puyallup Washington
That's one project that would be the end of an otherwise cool car if you didn't finish it. Other things people do can be undone easily if you get cold feet. Not a dash conversion, I think.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Peoria Arizona.. Resident Gold Cylon
If it came with the working HUD maybe otherwise not sure how everything would work. Just buy a C5 your life would be a lot simpler. however, some folks love a challenge. GC
Safety Car
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From: Minneapolis Mn
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 254
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From: Puyallup Washington
No kidding. Maybe it's the challenge that drive these projects. I have all the parts to install a C6 Z06 brake upgrade on my C4 front and back. As I look at the pile of stuff and consider the daunting task, I cringe. ...And I know it can be done! Not so sure about some of the things people do. They are the Lewis and Clarks of the Corvette world!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,933
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From: Peoria Arizona.. Resident Gold Cylon
Just like LSX conversions etc. It has to be a labor of love or a money is not an object situation. Really no in between.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Peoria Arizona.. Resident Gold Cylon
No kidding. Maybe it's the challenge that drive these projects. I have all the parts to install a C6 Z06 brake upgrade on my C4 front and back. As I look at the pile of stuff and consider the daunting task, I cringe. ...And I know it can be done! Not so sure about some of the things people do. They are the Lewis and Clarks of the Corvette world!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Sugar Land Texas
Last edited by miker94; Oct 3, 2013 at 10:28 AM. Reason: spell check
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 993
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From: Iowa
I can see a brake conversion as with that system there isn't a whole lot you can do the existing system. You can either upgrade to the J55's, duct and bilge fan the crap out of them....or start changing parts. I like changing out to the J56 or J57 C6 OEM calipers, iif done correctly the OEM pad that will always be available will drop right in. Can't same the same for Alcon's or other high end manufacturers that make parts strictly for race use and change models like people change pants...
With engines on the other hand I have yet to see a LSX engine go into a C4 that made anymore power than a Gen1 could have. To be frank, the SB2.2 and R07 are the ultimate small block platforms so hp isn't the issue. I have been behind the wheel of the LS1,2, and 3 power plants and none wow'd me to the point of wanting to mess with a conversion (let alone deal with a car someday that very, very few people are interested in buying). I guess if I wanted more hp I can always buy a gen 1 aluminum block and go to town :-) Just my .02
With engines on the other hand I have yet to see a LSX engine go into a C4 that made anymore power than a Gen1 could have. To be frank, the SB2.2 and R07 are the ultimate small block platforms so hp isn't the issue. I have been behind the wheel of the LS1,2, and 3 power plants and none wow'd me to the point of wanting to mess with a conversion (let alone deal with a car someday that very, very few people are interested in buying). I guess if I wanted more hp I can always buy a gen 1 aluminum block and go to town :-) Just my .02
Last edited by Deakins; Oct 3, 2013 at 10:32 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Houston Texas
There was a guy doing an LS swap that also started the dash. I dont believe he ever finished the swap and maybe the dash was what did him in. Just a guess 
BTW you guys can keep saying an LS swap is expensive but its just not true. I did it for under 3K. You can deny it all you want but it's true.
Here is the one I was talking about. I think it might be the car in the add.
http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...-ls1-swap.html
BTW you guys can keep saying an LS swap is expensive but its just not true. I did it for under 3K. You can deny it all you want but it's true.
Here is the one I was talking about. I think it might be the car in the add.
http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...-ls1-swap.html
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: PA
Thats nothing. Back when I was active on 4-eyed Mustang forums, I saw a 85-ish hatchback stang with a COMPLETE 03-04 Cobra interior swapped in(as well as the drivetrain). EVERYTHING worked and fit like factory. The rear speaker lid even acted as a privacy cover for the hatch area.
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From: Riverside County Southern California
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