Thread: Why are 04-05 the odd man out?

I've encountered this enough it's starting to get annoying. I've been running in to situations with the '05 GP and I'm seeing the same with the '04 where they just don't make the parts.

Examples :
Can get rear end strut assemblies, but nobody makes ready to go front end strut assemblies. Can get the pieces, but not the whole deally.

Can't buy complete replacement control arms. Tons made for every year before and after but us 04-05'vers. Can get the bushings but not the whole deally.

What gives? Is there anything else I should be aware of to give me reason to throw the thing at a dealer and drive home a new Camaro?

front LCAs are different, that's why the front suspension is different. swap out for the 97-03, 06+ setup and you'll have the choice of everything else.

Why would you want a prebuilt strut assembly anyway? I would rather buy a quality strut and run the springs I want then mess around with some prebuilt 1 year warranty crap from the parts store.

If you have a negative attitude about the car, you'll never like it, so you might as well "throw it at the dealer and buy a new camaro" like a boss.

Originally Posted by Gorecki

I've encountered this enough it's starting to get annoying. I've been running in to situations with the '05 GP and I'm seeing the same with the '04 where they just don't make the parts.

Parts are all the same buddy.

Originally Posted by Gorecki

What gives? Is there anything else I should be aware of to give me reason to throw the thing at a dealer and drive home a new Camaro?

Here's a reason NOT to do it, the new Camaro's suck, I can verify this. If you like seeing what's to the side of you and behind you don't get one.

Originally Posted by Explicit_Spade

Why would you want a prebuilt strut assembly anyway? I would rather buy a quality strut and run the springs I want then mess around with some prebuilt 1 year warranty crap from the parts store.

I'm sorry but the KYB complete strut assembly contains the exact same strut I would buy stand alone. Not sure what *quality* you're referring to? I'm looking to make the best use of what little free time I get to work on things, that so wrong?

If you have a negative attitude about the car, you'll never like it, so you might as well "throw it at the dealer and buy a new camaro" like a boss.

After 166K miles in about 6 years, I think it's safe to say this isn't about if I like the car, it's more about salvage or sell. It's got to make it another year (averaging 25K) and a 3000 mile drive cross country before I could dig into an engine refresh...or maybe it's best I just cut bait!

Originally Posted by Dboy23

Parts are all the same buddy.



Here's a reason NOT to do it, the new Camaro's suck, I can verify this. If you like seeing what's to the side of you and behind you don't get one.

Yeah I know, but dealing with some (like LCA bushings) are more of a PITA than others. Even looking at assemblies is a matter of limitations in time more than anything else.

Oh, I had the use of a '11 Camaro SS for a month as a birthday present. I really liked it. Only thing I didn't like was the stereo.

Originally Posted by OH4CompG

I don't know what you're talking about on the control arms. The local oreilly auto can get em where I'm at

They do not have a control arm for a NA 05 GP. This is *the* problem! Bushings, ball joints...no assembly. They also don't have a store anywhere near me.

Originally Posted by Bio248

front LCAs are different, that's why the front suspension is different. swap out for the 97-03, 06+ setup and you'll have the choice of everything else.

Thanks Bio...I had thought about that. The 06+ LCA looks so freaking close!!! The only issue really would be is it worth it? I've had the car for 6ish years, I really don't expect I'll be doing it again...hmm. Thanks again..

Get the Camaro ZL1 and be done with it.

Originally Posted by mystic231

Get the Camaro ZL1 and be done with it.

Oh, yes...oooooooooh yeah!

Originally Posted by SlowNA06

BMR doesn't make this?

You mean BMR Suspension? Unfortunately basically the same problem, there 'package' stuff is 1996 - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix and single pieces are just rear end. Wish it wasn't the case but...

Originally Posted by That Canadian Guy

if you changed LCA's you need new sway bars and struts.

In the rear if you change the spindle to the 97-03 style or the GXP style you'll need new rear brakes as that whole setup is different.

Struts are part of the scope/plan regardless. Actually the rear end really isn't a problem for strut assemblies, KYB's (for example) are exactly the same from 97-07 GP's. The front end is the weird part and the majority of the '06 and up looks basically the same, I just haven't concluded *how* different they are.

Originally Posted by Gorecki

Yeah I know, but dealing with some (like LCA bushings) are more of a PITA than others. Even looking at assemblies is a matter of limitations in time more than anything else.

Oh, I had the use of a '11 Camaro SS for a month as a birthday present. I really liked it. Only thing I didn't like was the stereo.

I'll be completely honest with you, I'd get a 5.0 Mustang for less that's faster, handles better, is lighter, and more well equipped.

Originally Posted by mystic231

Get the Camaro ZL1 and be done with it.

Or a Super Snake.

Originally Posted by Dboy23

I'll be completely honest with you, I'd get a 5.0 Mustang for less that's faster, handles better, is lighter, and more well equipped.

I have to admit the new Mustangs look and sound nice, but if I did that my grandfather (deceased GM Master Craftsman) would crawl up out of his grave, hunt my ass down, and throw me a beatin!

Originally Posted by That Canadian Guy

I assume you`ve driven both not just saying that

I haven't driven a Super Snake but I've driven a 5.0 and an SS and as much as I hate Rustang's and other than the fact that they look girlie in all honesty it handles better, it feels quicker, it's smoother, you just feel more comfortable driving it. Road feel is a lot better in the Mustang also, with the 20" Wheels and Summer only Pirelli P-Zero's don't ride that great on Michigan Roads (in the Camaro).