[Sephx1]

As they say the devil is in the details- or so it seems now that I have ordered parts and committed to installing a complete ZL1 front body on my recently acquired salvage 2016 SS. I wanted the additional wheel clearance for what will be a car that will see a lot of track time. Since it needed a front end anyway, I figured why not. I wasn’t expecting to have to do the hood and rockers, but after searching old threads I found it’s not quite as simple as one might think.

I found a good used hood insert in Mosaic Black that will match the car which saved some $$, plus getting a good discount on the GM parts. Of course it won’t be badged as a ZL1.

The challenge I am having so far is knowing where the SS parts end and the ZL1 parts begin. There are useful search tools on some of the GM parts sites that tell you if the part queried fits one, the other or both cars. There are a number of parts that only work on one or the other, including some unexpected ones like the windshield washer reservoir, hood struts, and lower deflectors. Also in question would be the ducts for the radiators and brake cooling. One of the threads on this site listed about 20 part numbers used, but when I tried to query them about half of the numbers were invalid. If there’s a conclusive thread out there I would like to see it and if not maybe we can get one started here.

[Sephx1]

So as far as what ZL1 parts I have ordered so far:

Fascia
Grilles
Bumper reinforcements

ZL1 parts I need to order:

Fenders
Fender liners
Lower rocker panels (it appears that the rocker extensions are built in to them?)
Ducts

What else? Would like to come up with a complete list.

[arpad_m]

I'd work with a parts department at a dealership I trust and ask them to help put a complete list together based on their VIN-based parts breakdowns. The entire front end of the ZL1 is slightly different, all the way down to the underbody trimmings.

[4sfed4]

I am not knowledgeable enough about this platform to be of help on this thread.....but man this looks like it will be a fun project!

[Alexj100]

Yea the rocker panels have the skirts built into them and clip right where the old ones were. Since you’re going a ZL1 front end you might wanna look into installing the rear valance as well. I just posted a thread detailing what you need and how it’s installed. As for the rest of the front end, I know it’s possible as ive seen a couple examples on instagram though ihave no clue on the intricacies. I suggest starting with the skirts, then wheel wells, fenders, front bumper and finally the hood. Take care of any smaller parts as you come across inconsistencies. Here’s a website that should help locate many of the parts and part numbers you need https://www.gmpartsonline.net/v-2017...1--6-2l-v8-gas
Good luck!

[WillyZ83]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

I'd work with a parts department at a dealership I trust and ask them to help put a complete list together based on their VIN-based parts breakdowns. The entire front end of the ZL1 is slightly different, all the way down to the underbody trimmings.

This

I myself work in a Lexus dealership in service and have friends in the bodyshop and there can be small differences and things you may not think of that will save some headache down the road by getting it right the first.... first couple of times. Good luck sir.

[Sephx1]

Thanks to those who have replied so far. I have purchased the front end pieces, fenders, fender guides, rockers and bottom skid plate will come up with a complete list as I get into installing the body. I am not doing the 1LE version but all the little hidden surprises should be the same.

[kropscamaro16]

how much have you spent so far if you dont mind me asking?

[MightyBobo]

$5900 for that originally? What a steal.

[Sephx1]

Originally Posted by kropscamaro16

how much have you spent so far if you dont mind me asking?

About $12k on GM parts alone. If anything was questionable or had ANY sign of damage it got replaced. I could have gotten away with keeping the radiator, fan and some other pricey pieces but opted not to. Battery cable, engine wiring harness, body wiring harness all needed replaced and were expensive, ZL1 grilles and DRL’s were expensive. Way more melted plastic parts than I thought. Not sure if the heat damaged the ECM yet. I’m very close to having everything but maybe some fasteners.

You could definitely save a lot by buying fasteners somewhere other than GM and buying whatever parts you can from other forum members. Since this car was burned a lot of fasteners got tossed with the melted plastic. Another source would be a wrecking yard. I rebuilt a couple Corvettes when I was younger and there was all kinds of little gold that could be picked off those cars. I didn’t have the time and the good condition of this car made me want to use new parts. According to Carfax the car went through emissions in September with 46k miles and was totaled out two months later in November. I bought it in December. Auction fees brought the original price to $7,100.

[Sephx1]

Well I powered it up tonight, no issues yet but it’s not ready to start. Took both seats out to clean underneath and get access to the body harness and battery cable which are the last major electrical pieces to be replaced. Mileage is now known, less than 46,500 which is lower than I expected based off of the carfax.

[Sephx1]

Finished tonight. Will get a complete list together and post all necessary parts.

[Dabjbr]

Unsure I read this right but did you buy for 7k, get 6k worth of parts and have a running 2ss??!

[Chrome383Z]

Looks outstanding! Nice job.