Differences: `96 vs. `97

[Izzmo]

All I know is that the head unit (EATC) is different in the 98-99 models.. so you will need to get a 96-97 one.

Also.. yes, you can switch it all out if you get the amps, speakers, and all the wire.. but we're talking an overhaul of the whole system basically..

 

[SHOZ123]

No the wiring is not there for ther JBL subwoofer. It has the amp mounted on the speaker IIRC.

 

[1bad98SHO]

Ok so not even worth it then. Better to go aftermarket.

 

[Izzmo]

.... either way you will have to rewire everything lol.

If you go aftermarket, you will have to get a new amp (or should..).

 

[1madSHO]

My '97 has the double visors as well as a leather wrapped shifter.

ditto.

 

[SHOGrabber]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Funmart6
My '97 has the double visors as well as a leather wrapped shifter.

ditto

What are the build dates on you 2 guys SHO's?

 

[Motoman991]

I have the double visors on my 97, but my steering wheel is only leather on the round part, I have the rubber things.

 

[Funmart6]

The data sticker on the inside of the driver's door says 04/97.

 

[SHOGrabber]

It seems that it was common to use up parts left over from the previous year until they ran out, then the remaining cars built for the rest of the year were just SOL.

You are correct on this. That is why I asked what you guys with 97's build dates are to see how late into the next year those parts lasted.
What Eric said said about the shifter handle was that it was different from 96 to 97. Not leather wrapped. The leather wrapped shifter handle lasted through 98 and was something that was decontented(dropped) for 99.
Eric could explain what the difference is between the handles and those of you with 97's could see if you have the 96 one.
And who knows. maybe some 99's have a leather handle left over or it can go the other way on somethings. As in they(factory) could run out of things that should be in a certain year car but then started useing what was to replace it that next year.

 

[Orvbaby]

My 97 has a build date of 08/96.....very very early 97

It has double visors, leather all the way to the airbag, SARC sensor on 4 wheels, etc....I think the rest of it looks like a 97.
VIN is 1FALP54N6VA109243
Jeff

 

[rpettey]

All I know is that the head unit (EATC) is different in the 98-99 models.. so you will need to get a 96-97 one.

Also.. yes, you can switch it all out if you get the amps, speakers, and all the wire.. but we're talking an overhaul of the whole system basically..

I have a 98, build date 12/22/97.
I installed the 96 subwoofer.
All you need is the 96 JBL amp and the small independent wiring harness that goes from the amp to the subwoofer.
I also modified the rear speaker deck carpet panel; separated carpet and drilled holes in backing panel just above the subwoofer.
Think that was all I did.

 

[GEN 3 SHO FAN]

Another difference between years is the hoses bolting of the A/C radiator, which were snap rings for 96 and a screw bolt-on for 97-99. Check this before changing A/C hoses or rad. (I recommand if you have repair to do on a 96 to convert to screw (rad and 2 hoses) because snap ring is a PITA to change. At this lower place, dust will enter in the snap ring and makes it difficult to unsnap.)

P.S. Rpettey, if you have the time some people may be curious on how you plugged your 96 JBL sub (with photos if possible). I tweaked my system too. Start with a defective JBL, replaced it by a Mach and found a way to keep the sub working... As I added this sub into my SLO, I can say it's giving a much better song. Create a thread like "Adding a JBL sub" if you want, we will discuss about our tricks there.

 

[rpettey]

Another difference between years is the hoses bolting of the A/C radiator, which were snap rings for 96 and a screw bolt-on for 97-99. Check this before changing A/C hoses or rad. (I recommand if you have repair to do on a 96 to convert to screw (rad and 2 hoses) because snap ring is a PITA.)

P.S. Rpettey, if you have the time some people may be curious on how you plugged your 96 JBL sub (with photos if possible). I tweaked my system too. Start with a defective JBL, replaced it by a Mach and found a way to keep the sub working... As I added this sub into my SLO, I can say it's giving a much better song. Create a thread like "Adding a JBL sub" if you want, we will discuss about our tricks there.

Here are the photos. It is plug and play except for the 12v power. I Just splices that into the existing harness ps to the amp..

 

[gamefanatic]

Found another difference this week between '96 and '97 models. I had many years ago swapped out the Seat rack in my '97 SLO for a '97+ 6-way with lumbar from a SHO. Fast forward this week the motors on my '96 SHO were not moving in at least one direction, so I swapped it with the one I had in the SLO. All went well until I attempted to take it for a test drive...



So there is a notable difference in the size of the buckle for 97+ models. Weight savings? So I had to spend another hour digging out the two buckles routing the wires and I am back in the safety seat again...

It's the same for both my 96's and they were from different parts of the country.

 

[GEN 3 SHO FAN]

Good observation. I remember that the buckles were different from my 96 SHO and my 98 SLO too.

But in this case, I'm not sure if the difference is between 96 and 97 or between SHO and SLO. Maybe buckle could be made bigger on SHO. (?)

 

[gamefanatic]

But in this case, I'm not sure if the difference is between 96 and 97 or between SHO and SLO. Maybe buckle could be made bigger on SHO. (?)

I think they down sized from 97 on. Looking at the buckles, I'd think they might be closer to Gen2 variations. Then decided to update them to reduce the size and update the release button to be more functional. As I didn't have this problem when installing the rack originally in my SLO. Though, I have had no issues with the older design.