Chevrolet's Last Muscle Car: 1983-1988 Monte Carlo SS
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- čas přidán 4. 07. 2024
- During the 1980s there was a big revival of the American performance car and one of the cars that led the movement was the 1983-1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. It was a rear-wheel drive 2-door performance car with a powerful for its era V8 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor. It was a modern 1980s muscle car with all the good things muscle cars from the original golden era had.
#chevrolet #montecarloss #musclecar #musclecars #v8 - Auta a dopravní prostředky
When GM announced they were discontinuing the G body platform back in 1987, I scraped up enough funds, went to my local dealer and purchased my 87 Monty SS. $16,100.00 was a lot of coin back in 1987. Black with T-Tops. It sits in my garage under a cover awaiting Spring. With those Goodyear Eagles it screamed around the corners. It`s the last of its kind and there will never be another vehicle like the Monty Carlo SS. Even to this day I can see the rubberneckers turn their head when I drive by them. Classic Styling never gets old. Great vid.
I love those car had t type Buick wish I had keep it
I also have an 87 SS. In my opinion that year was the best looking of any year. 86's and older didn't have the wrap around style tail lights, and 88's only had the silly lay-down style spoiler. I also preferred the mirrors that were from the Camaro/Firebird/Corvette.
@matts1166 didn't know the difference on 87's, guessing engine 307?I wish they had 350 ! I got to mention the 442 cutlass, they had that good sounding 4 barrel carb too (I LOVE ALL THOSE CAR) MONTY SS,GRAND NATIONAL, 442 &BUICK MADE THAT GNX WOW LOVE THEM TRUE MUSCLE!¡!!!!!
@@leosanders3784 Even if all you do is throw a decent (350 hp) crate 350 into a G-body it makes a world of difference. Once youo start monkeying around with positraction, brake upgrades, steering shaft upgrade, and some suspension tweeks you get a totally new driving experience. Also, FYI, if you find a keyless entry module from a late 90's Lumina/Monte/Bonneville you can wire it into a G-body with almost no effort.
if I took my 66 original corvette and ripped out the 327 and put an LS3 in i would be a moron. but it be faster so that's what's important rather than keep it original
I bought a Monte Carlo SS new in 1986 which I still have today in all original condition including engine and trans. The first 2 years were problematic and I was back at the dealership all the time. But once all the bugs were ironed out it's been a pleasure to drive and still gets thumbs up everywhere I go.
That’s what’s up. I have 86 Ls T-top Monte Carlo. Same year I was born.
Let me buy it 😅
Still got my 86. Bought it new off the showroom floor and it’s been garage kept ever since. Just turned 15,000 Miles on it. She’s my baby. Why oh why can’t they build cars like this today??
Drive it and enjoy it,
Sounds like you haven't been driving it enough lol
@@GreatBirdOfHope Starting to feel like Seattle here in Pennsylvania. Can’t catch a nice weekend anymore. Although I do store it away in the winter months. Drive it to shows though during the nice months.
I would have done the same as you! Can I ask you... Is everything still working well in the car? Have any components degraded over time that might require replacement to keep your car reliable and roadworthy?
@@slick4401 Every fall before I store it I fill the tank with non ethanol gas and put Stabil in it. The car is completely original except the normal stuff like tires and batteries. I did put in a new air conditioner compressor in it 2 years ago and switched it over to the new R134. Everything still works great. Also has a new completely stainless steel exhaust custom built by a local company here that makes it look and sound stock but added another 25 horsepower. Thank you for asking. I also change the oil and filter every fall with Royal Purple oil and filter.
That was one cool car back then, and it still is. I wanted one so bad when I was 20!
I had two. The first one was stock. Let me tell you. A stock version with crank windows. A/C removed. Spare tire removed. Whem properly tuned and with a good shifting tranny and 373 stock gears,they will move out nicely. People said some were slow. Small inexpensive things made them run decent. The 85 was quick. The trannys were good in theory. Low first gear and that overdrive gear meant a 373 rear was not excessive. Helped that lower torque 305
Hopefully pretty soon I will be in the market to buy an SS with a 383 Stroker. I've always driven "regular" cars with the exception of an '00 Grand Prix GTP. Now that I'm 40, it's time for me to get a car I've always wanted.
I worked at the Arlington assembly Plant back in that day putting on the Stripe decals and doing paint repair processing in the Final Assembly department. Loved working on those Babies and got to drive them around the various holding lots after I was finished working on them. Burned a bit of rubber every once in a while, too. I was going to buy one, but I had already bought a Z28 in 1982 and was very happy with that purchase at the time. We were using lacquer paint back then and a few years later we went to the basecoat, clearcoat system of paint application. Brings back some very fond memories watching this video. If anyone has questions about the build process of these cars, then post a reply and I will share what I remember for you.
Please tell us anything about the build process - I love that stuff.
sad face he never replied😢
The SS was built with other models at that time, including the Oldsmobile Cuttlass and I think the Chevy Malibue. Back then, we made about 10 to 12 dollars an hour. There were very few women working at our plant in the early 80s, but by 1990 women were being hired at a rapid rate. The 305 V8 was the go to engine if you wanted a V8 and we also had a V6 being installed for those who wanted better gas mileage.
86 SS with T-tops. Miss that car.
I had an '84. I drove it til 1997. I loved every mile in it.
Thanks for doing this video. I bought a 1985 SS in 1989 from a man that had only driven it 25,000 miles. It was perfect. I drove that car for four years commuting to East Carolina University. I sold it to buy a Mustang GT. That Monte Carlo was a sweet ride.
That was the dumbest thing you could have done. That Monte was very rare with a limited amount done. Those crummy mustangs come a dime a dozen and they are nothing compared to that Monte.
@@youthmanrecords965 I remember a kid had a mint 86 SS, super low miles, he sold it for a 89 mustang GT because the mustangs would walk all over Monte Carlos, took a lot to get a monte in the 14s while the mustang ran it stock
traded an SS for a mustang????
@@stephenkowalski2448 My stock Trans Am would walk away from a mustang
@@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman depends, mine did too in the 90s once they went to LT1, but prior to LT1 fox bodies walked all over GM cars
Was one of my dream cars as a teenager in the 80's, Bought my self a 86 with t tops this spring. every time im driving it, im smiling ear to ear, not to mention all the thumbs up I receive. G bodys were all great cars
A shame the 350 engine from the Camaro was never put into that car. GM had a goldmine with that G body across all divisions, and I think it was a huge mistake discontinuing it.
I think it was a huge mistake getting rid of all the rear wheel drive platforms; Of that period Malibu, Astro vans even the Nova. Stupid govt. cafe standards. Were we not suppose to have been out of oil by now.
Funny enough the Mexican monte carlo SS had a 350 and a 4 speed manual. It also had a dashboard from the Grand Prix !
When we were growing up these Montes were on every block.
These cars are so awesome, but oh I wish they had a 5-speed option.
Most of the pure stock and street stock class race these at my local dirt track. I freaking love it.
@@Champwsox05 How do they look when they drive them? Mostly fully modded correct? Also, what state is it in that those events happen? I love checking out drag races and anything automotive related.
@@CB12345 Sycamore Speedway in Illinois. I have some videos on my channel. They do Pure Stock, Street Stock, and Late Models.
I THINK YOU FORGOT ABOUT THE 1994 TO 1996 CHEVROLET IMPALA SS CAR BIG BODY MUSCLE CAR THE TRUE LAST MUSCLE CAR 😉👍.
That car was BadAss.
That would be a good video idea for this channel.
Started out at 19 years old with a new 55 Chev hardtop,next was a 87 Monte SS bought in 1988,had it for ten years,Last Dec 2023 bought a nice 85 Monte SS and am back in the realm again ! Should mention I also enjoy a LS 5.3 E.F.I. powered1937 Chev. Master Coupe a lot, and it performs as nice as these iconic Monte's! This video on the Monte's is very well done ! Thanks for what you do !
!
I bought in 1989 wen I was 19 a 1986 Monte Carlo. I didn't know till many years Later I had a Rare Bird. 1986 was the Last Year for the SC , Yes SC ( Sport Coupe) Model. It was the Base Model But with the SS HO Drivetrain & SS interior minus the SS Badging. I was told by the Owner of Southampton Buick, Pontiac, GMC that my Monte had to be a Special Factory Order as the Dealer would not have ordered that Combo. Overtime I did some upgrades. I took out the Cats & did Tru Duel Exhaust, I Replaced the Springs with Stronger Springs that Where for a 71 Chevelle, but fit perfectly into Not only the Monte, But the Caprice/Impala's. The Car Stood Slightly Taller allowing for a Taller & Wider Tires. I put in a Turbo 400 Tranny with a Shift Kit, changed the 2 Core Radiator with a GM 3 Core. I Kept the Monte Factory Center Cap/ Beauty Ring Wheels with a Skinny Whitewall Tires & Hood Ornament along with Vinyl Landau Top to Keep the Car Looking as Factory as Possible. I Fooled Many SS on the Road those Days wen I pulled along a SS at a Red Light. The Few that wanted to Play kept looking over with a Look of how in the World is this 6 Cylinder looking Monte Keeping up with Me. Only once did I get the wave to Pull over. What do You have under the Hood. Wen I popped the Hood & He Saw the HO Decal he was Completely Lost & asked this ain't Stock, I said Yes Sir, it is. Wen he saw my interior that was exactly like his SS but minus the Badging He left Scratching his Head. I Kept my Monte for 14 Years wen I Sold it to Buy a Triple Black 1999 Cadillac SLS. The Caddie blew the Doors off any Monte. Wish I had Both Cars. That's my Monte Carlo Story. Hope You Enjoyed. Thank you
I worked with a guy that did nothing but upgrade his 2 Monte Carlo's. Both had huge super chargers. Fastest car I have ever been in.
It would have been so nice and doable if Chevy made the same drivetrains available in both the Camaro and Monte…if only. Can you imagine how cool a 5.7L TPI Monte SS would have been?
It would have been a monster.
I think it should have had a list of engines.
1. The original option 305 ho
2. Carbed 350
3. TPI 350
@@AndyR1982 and how fun would a TPI 5.0 with a 5 speed have been?
@goodbonezz1289 well I think the Montes were great as auto cars. I've driven tpi F bodies and they are fun, but u less you realize that the power falls off at 4600 and shift they just make noise. An auto with the shifts set at the right spot will always be faster. But, I have said in other videos, the 200-4R would have been a better match for the tpu torque curve.
@@AndyR1982 funny…I’m experiencing exactly what you’re describing. I’ve had a bunch of F bodies, 2nd 3rd and a 4th gen. The only manual was on the 4th gen and it had a built LT4. That thing went like a raped ape. HOWEVER-just recently I got a ‘91 Corvette with the ZF 6 speed and YES, what you said is EXACTLY what it’s like driving the TPI L98 5.7L. Don’t get me wrong, I knew what I was getting but never actually experienced this engine in this particular way. Yeah, it definitely falls on its face over 4K.
@@goodbonezz1289 , you would have to look up the video by Richars Holdener, but he dynoed an L98. So you would be able to see right where it falls off and would know where to shift.
Would love to see a part 2 to this video. Doing the luxury version of the monte carlo. I have an 85 CL model with factory 4.3 fuel injected . She's a tire burner lol. Plush velour seats and burlwood trim. Not sure how many were made like that.
One of my favorite cars I’ve ever owned was my black 1987 SS Aero coupe !!!
I was a messenger in NYC in 1983. I sat in this car right in the GM building on 5th avenue when it came out. They used to have all their cars on display right in the lobby. I always knew about Monte Carlos, but there was something special about the look of this car. I wanted it, but couldn't afford it. But I have great memories from a time when nobody knew what that car really was.
I bought a blue 1984 Monte SS in 85 with about 12,000 miles. I had to have one so bad after seeing the Nascar cars at Daytona. Went out on a limb to buy it. Kept it almost 10 years till kids warranted a family ride. Sold it just after a compete repaint and new decal graphics. Wished I still had it and my 70 Chevelle SS now.😢
Love Monte Carlos. All G-Body cars are great. There hasn't been a car worth buying since 1988
It was THE car of the 80's. I really miss those Glory Days! Great video!
My buddy had a 1987 SS with the HO 305 and we STRUGGLED to get a 16.3 1/4 mile time out of that car.. with mods to the ignition system and carburetor. Not sure how they got that 15.3 but it was not a factory engine.
Your buddy's was tired.
@@TeeroyHammermill It had 50k miles on it was not tired lol
this was 30 years ago
We do live in Northern Illinois so its possible that MAYBE they would break into the 15s at sea level.
@@JoshKetchum Right. Plus tires, temp, humidity, etc. 50k miles is low miles but still has some wear and tear.
Were they available with different final drive ratios?
My race car was a lowered , cammed, 74 . My wifes 76 couldnt catch me top end. She buys a 86 SS and that extra gear in the 700R4 made it a lot closer.
I had a 1988 SS. Boy I miss that car !
Great car, great video!
i own a 1988 ss with 73000 actual miles inherited from my dad its all original and like new i absolutely love it its black and turns heads everytime i take it out
Wow love that white colour 😮 so elegant
I thought this was the most beautiful car since the 1969 Camaro RS I worked and saved and bought a 1986 black T top bucket seat SS but I always wondered how come GM didn’t put a tune port injection in the SS like the IROC with maybe a manual transmission to that would have been awesome but still I’m so proud I got to purchase one and cruise in the 80s with my friends thanks for the video and memories GOD BLESS!!!!!!!!!!!! ✌🏻from Ga.
Thank you for covering the SS! I loved this car!
I absolutely loved these cars seen a blue 84 in my neighborhood in 84 I was absolutely hooked 👍🏻
Seeking a time portal to take me back to 1983 to pick one of these up.
It's too bad Chevrolet didn't give the Monte power in the range of the Buick Grand National.
Agreed. I'm sure though they didn't want that to compete against their own Camaro and Corvette.
@@paulbenderavich3833 Good point.
All that was required to get it to pin you in your seat was to rejet the CARB. The carb was jetted so lean to meet emissions regs, which effected performance.
I wish I had bought one of these (in white with no T top) back when I could afford it. I like it a lot better than the black Buick Grand National, with its turbo V6. I am now retired and no longer have the funds to buy one.
Great car, my late ex father-in-law Bob Crowe had a 2001 Monte Carlo ss
I was never a fan of the FWD Monte Carlos, but I did like the 2006-2007 LS4 SS models.
I use to have 87 LS and it was so amazing best ride ever so comfortable love it
Great car
By sheer luck I ended up with an 87 SS Aero-Coupe as my first car back in the late 90s. My dad bought it from a private seller for about $3000. At some point we realized the rear window was quite unusual looking, and radically different to the typical Monte SS. A bit of digging online revealed the mystery. An extremely limited NASCAR inspired edition of which only about 6,000 were ever made. A small fraction when taking into account the nearly 600,000 produced by GM over the span of several years. In truth I didn't care much for the aero-coupe styling but also pretty cool to randomly end up with the most rare edition.
Owned an 85 and an 87 SS. Best car ever
Frankly, these really underwhelmed me at the time, and the intervening years haven't really changed my opinion. Ditto same era 442 and the GP version. The Grand National, now that was another story.
I agree totally.
I totally agree. I owned a white 1984 (identical to the one at 1:51). They should have dropped the SS 454 engine in there instead of that garbage 305/180 HP. What it did have was looks, it was a really good looking car for that era. I traded mine to a small dealership for a restored 67 Mustang GTA.
@@peterwhite507, Chevrolet should have at least included the Z28’s tuned port injection on the SS 305. That would have added 200+ horsepower in the later years.
@joe seeking: these were rocket ships compared to the regular versions. Have you ever drove a 140hp-150hp stock 5L 4bbl GM engine from 1984 or 85? I can tell you it's very underwhelming.
The best thing about it these cars is that they are easy to work on and cheap to mod, with incredible aftermarket support and surprising compatibility with new car parts. You can add keyless entry for about $20 and a couple hours of time. You can also direct bolt-in the spindles, hubs, and brakes from a 2005 Blazer for cheap, but 100% new parts.
I had one. Loved it.
Thanks for posting your excellent video! I sure do wish I had kept my '84 Monte Carlo SS as it was a great car that really turned heads wherever I drove.
This was the last for sure and I see them all the time where I live in Georgia, Thank God, others keep them on the road.. If you can find on the T-Tops, that is an xtra HUGE bonus. Great video..
My Pops was kicking himself to this day for selling this vehicle before going into the Service.
Good looking car. Wish I had one now
2014 Chevrolet SS : AM I A JOKE TO YOU!?! HEY I EXISTED!!!
Not having a 5 speed manual available for the SS was just downright criminal.
I agree with you. Never understood how Chevy had manual transmissions available in other car models, but didn't do it for a high performance SS model vehicle. The Camaro, Corvette, some of the pick up trucks they offered may of had it and if I am not mistaken the Beretta even had stick shifts available.
Your Videos are always over the very knowledgeable keep up the excellent work you help keep these vehicles alive
Loved the video keep'em coming.
your narration is nice to listen to thanks
I'm bought my 1985 SS MONTE CARLO from the original owner in 1991 and I'll never part ways with it they never had neck-snapping power but thanks to the aftermarket stepping up power,suspension and restoration-wise and the fact that the going price for them has went up tremendously is another reason it'll always be in my possession until the day I'm no longer on earth!!
Miss my 87 Monte SS ran away from most cars with a built 350 in it that replaced the original 305 and was beautiful and comfortable 👍
Still have my 87. Blown 200r4 and all.
Fun fact
The aluminum optional rims were originally from the 80-81 Z28.
GM didn't use them for a few years after that, then to get their moneys worth put them back on the Monte SS for it's entire run.
These were cool cars and people loved them but engine performance was severely lacking and very much out shined by the Grand National
Very true. I’m going to run Monte Carlo n90 wheels on my 79 z28. Lug nuts, center cap, and backspacing is different but they look correct.
@@theol3199 how much different is the backspacing? just curious if you know. knew about the caps but the offset is interesting, never tried a swap to notice. Actually don't think I've ever seen them side by side either
The backspacing is quite different. You can put Monte rims on a Camaro, but not the other way around. The Monte had zero backspacing, and the Camaro had something like 25mm positive spacing, might have been more.
I never knew about the aero coupe!
I want one of these. specifcally a 1985-87 model. The Aero coupe looks unique, but I would take the regular model with the bigger trunk opening. Speaking it into existence in the future soon. 😂
I was a kid working at a gas station and i always wanted one of these cars. Still do to this day.
I learned how to drive in my parents' '86 Monte Carlo SS. It was white with the dark red interior, bucket seats but had a column shifter. It was definitely a fun car.
I loved my G bodies they were great cars!! I'm tempted to see if there's anything out there now worth buying!!! Great video!!!👍👍
Really enjoyed this video, bought my 86 t-top in 97, was my daily driver for 3yrs here in the northeast. Still own, now only drive it from May - October, not the best looking car but I STILL get offers to sell when I drive it. Lol (never going to sell)
I remember reading a quote from one of the GM stylists when these were new..he referred to the Monte Carlo as a ‘rolling identity crisis’.
Thank you for doing this great video. Thank you for sharing and the effort placed into the video. I liked just watching and seeing this. You do know there was a front wheel drive V8 powered Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS that came later.
Yes! I prefer RWD drive, but definitely give respect to the FWD Montes and Impala SS of the mid 00's . Pretty fast cars for their day! Always great to see your comments brother!
Love my 86 with TPI and Tremec 6 soeed
GM should have seen writing on the wall. The SS sold like crazy right up to the end, yet they refused to make a successor in the same configuration. The FWD fetish they embraced led to their eventual downfall.
Awesome video. An 87' AeroCoupe in burgundy would definitely be one of my dream cars. My only gripe with these cars wasn't the engine, it was the mandatory automatic. How cool would these be with a factory 4 or 5-Speed
Mexico got the standard transmission
The Mexican Montes also had a 350 engine. Also, oddly enough, they used the interior from a Grand Prix.
Still to this day love the look of this car. Still want one.
I had an ‘86 LS and loved it! Yes I know it wasn’t a SS
Had an ‘84 W:top tops and checker board rims.. was not the SS version but I have always dreamed of having an SS
I had the Pontiac version of the Aerocoupe. Ugly car but I miss her.
Very rare car....unfortunately also very underpowered.
@@MK356BC I did swap in a LT1 350 from a 72' Z28. Unfortunately the trans couldn't take it. Another automotive victim of my misspent youth. Like the Cosworth Vega I decided to turbo charge without understanding how a waste gate worked. Made about 500 hp for all of 10 seconds.
Great vid!!!! 👍👍
Dale.
Miss him😕
I had a 88 with t tops. Miss it
My favorite car, loved them since I was a kid
These were some of the very best cars of the 80's along with the Grand National and Olds 442
Great vid! Still love these G body!
I love the SS. One of GM’s best looking cars. I would say the 2004-06 Pontiac GTO was a muscle car without a doubt. Lots of power, very comfortable to sit in and drive. Really good rear seat space and I’m 6’2”. But it had a very small trunk due to the fuel tank. That was a great car. I would own it again.
It didn’t have lots of power
@@davidkruse4030350-400 is still a lot of power bone stock.
I miss my ‘70 Monte I got used as a kid in ‘78. Just a 350 4bbl, auto. My buddy’s dad had an auto parts store at the time. I told him it would be be a classic one day. He laugh at me 🤷♂️😏😆
I had an 87 MC SS, unfortunately the car was severely under powered (189hp) to be a "real" muscle car, but I did love it. So in 2001 I got a 2002 Camaro Z28, 320hp done right.
i didnt have an SS, but i had an 86 LS. had a 2 barrel, so i swapped it to a 4 and that thing was super fun
Did you use one of those quadrajet carbs? Great when they worked, but you wanted to throw it out the window when you needed to work on it.
I remember checking these out at the dealership when I was a boy. It was out of our price range eventually though eventually my father gave in and we ended up with a 88 Taurus L . I still wish we could have afforded that SS....
My first car which I still have was an '86 MCSS in silver with the gray interior and t-tops with the bench seat. So many people have offered to buy it over the years that I have lost count. If you have one definitely keep an eye on it because thieves love to steal those cars.
Thieves don't steal old cars. They want the latest and greatest models.
We appreciate the video
Cool 🥰
Beautiful Car
I LOVE the Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe! The Aerocoupe was a fastback modification made specially for NASCAR. The purpose of this modification in this area was to improve aerodynamics to better compete with the Ford Thunderbird in NASCAR. I actually have a Hot Wheels replication of the 1986 Aerocoupe in my diecast collection. This casting is known as the "Chevy Stocker". As the name implies, it's modeled after the NASCAR version of the 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe. This is evidenced by the lack of door lining on the sides and the lack of taillights. NASCAR Stock Cars have the doors welded shut to better maintain the car's integrity in the event of a crash. The only way to get in and out of the car is to climb through the driver's side window. But anyways, the Chevy Stocker that I have is from the 1999 Criss Cross Crash 5-Pack series.
I absolutely love the SS Monte’s but all the ones I can find up that aren’t obscenely priced here in Canada have rear frame rail issues
Had 2 of these.. a black 85 and a white 86.. miss those rides...
The best color these came in was the 83-84 blue color, and the 85-87 dark cherry color just like the 95-96 Impala SS had.
In 1987 I chose a new IROC 5.7 T-top over the Monte Carlo SS. I just love the styling of these Monte Carlo's.
I've always liked the 2nd generation Montes the best but this generation Monte is very quickly growing on me. One of these days, I plan on shopping for one of these SS versions.
I have always wonder how much the aerocoupe option was
GM's G-body cars are absolute beauties. I'm a big fan of the Monte Carlo SS in black exterior with red trim. I miss the days of muscle cars having traditional thick radials with white lettering and mean-looking wheels.
In today's market, the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger are what a true American muscle car looks like and drives like. Ever since the Camaro was reintroduced, its size, performance, and comfort make it more of a sports car/track car. The Mustang has become a combination of true muscle car and sports car/track car.
Loved the car.
In México Monte Carlo had 265hp with a 4 gear Hurst Manual Transmission and 44 Dana differential.
I had 85 ss monte Carlo I had 252000 miles . my best chevy ever
They also came in blue in 1983
My favorite
Chevrolet Monte Carlo Super Sport Totally Amazing Badass Modern Muscle Car 80s
More of a personal luxury car really....
Always was
Nice looking car too
My friends dad had an 87 with a bubble back window.
The arrow coupe's rear window was from the Caprice classic coupe. Hot wire bent glass..