Aristo300

I've searched.... yes I know swapping the absorber is a part of the conversion, but who here has modified there 92-96 absorber and what did you do to make it work?

ChronoJ1

iTrader: (2)

Isn't it just a block of styrofoam (sp?) ?

Aristo300

Oh... hmmm that shows my body skills. I thought it was that seriously tough piece of plastic that basically reinforces the bumper......... can someone clarify?

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

yup.................

MongooseGA

iTrader: (6)

So is the 97+ absorber piece even necessary for the front end swap?

Aristo300

I bought it anyway so there isn't any downtime.. I'm going to return it if we don't use it.

MongooseGA

iTrader: (6)

When are you putting the new bumper on? Will you upate the thread with the answer if no one else chimes in before?

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

You can do whatever you want, I'm running all stock '92 foam front and rear.

Aristo300

The car is currently getting completely repainted and adding the 97 front.... I'll update as soon as he gets it sprayed and put on. Should be before the weekend.....

mikeloc24

When we did Ted's (TechSC400) swap he didn't get a new absorber...I'm doing my 97 swap before X-mas and I'm not buying a new absorber. I don't think SC400Dude bought a new absorber either...it's one of those things where if you really want to buy a new one you can, but it's definitely not necessary for the front end.

If you do however want to get one just for shyts and giggles I've seen them go for as cheap as $15 on the net. Look around.

Aristo300

My body guy is going to modify my 93 absorber... so I can save the money and return the 97 absorber. I got the parts in less than 24 hours.... not bad service. Wasen't so bad with a 15% discount. I wish I could have got the parts from Carson, but I'm sure the shipping would have made the totals about the same. The cover was $297, the absorber was $49.

Aristo300

The bumper was fitted up today with the 97' absorber behind it. My body guy said it fits like a glove... he said it probably fits better than the 93' cover.

SoarerJzz3

Cool! Be sure to post pics. Can't wait to get mine on!

techsc400

iTrader: (6)

Hey Mike! Cool! you are doing a 97+ upgrade. Let me know if you have any questions.


When I did my front bumper upgrade from 95 to 97, I used a new 97 absorber (around $40).
Both 95 and 97 absorbers are made with same materrial (Styrofoam). (Pretty strong though)

The difference is the top part.
As you know 97+ front bumper has an open grill slot right below the L-emblem.
The pre 97 bumper does not have this opening.
Because of this grill opening, 97+ absorber is shorter than pre 97 ones for clearing this grill opening.

If you use a pre 97 abosorber on 97+ bumper cover, it will block the grill opening and you will be able to see this white styrofoam from outside thru the grill opening.

You can try to cut a pre 97 absorber with a knife and use it.

For me it was not worth my time for $40 and I did not know what I was getting into.
If I will do it again, I will have a 97 absorber in hand and try to reuse pre 97 one by cutting it.
If I fail to cut it nicely, I will use 97.

If you see both pre97 and 97+ abosorber, you will understand what I am talking about.
Hope this help

bigmalik00

so to complete the conversion how much did everyone pay for the panels and bumpers?..or better yet how much should I expect to pay