1955-96 Fullsize Parts & Performance Upgrade Guide


Upgrade your classic Fullsize Chevrolet with modern braking, steering, suspension and fuel-system performance from Classic Performance Products. CPP offers individual components and complete upgrade systems for popular Chevrolet models such as the Bel Air, Biscayne, Impala, Caprice and other fullsize passenger cars. Whether you are restoring a weekend cruiser, improving a daily driver, building an LS-powered restomod or preparing a Fullsize Chevrolet for long-distance driving, CPP can help you create a car that stops, steers and handles with greater confidence.
Classic Fullsize Chevrolets are known for their styling, comfortable ride and strong road presence. However, original drum brakes, manual steering, worn suspension components and aging fuel systems may not provide the performance expected from a modern street-driven vehicle.
CPP Fullsize Chevrolet products are designed to help improve:
- Braking performance and pedal response
- Steering control and on-center feel
- Suspension geometry and handling
- Ride height and vehicle stance
- Highway stability
- Fuel delivery for carbureted and EFI engines
- Overall driver comfort and confidence
Choose from individual replacement components, matched upgrade kits and complete systems based on your vehicle, driving style and project goals.
Popular application groups include.
| Years | Full-Size Chevrolet Models |
|---|---|
| 1955–1957 | Bel Air |
| 1958–1964 | Biscayne, Bel Air, Impala |
| 1965–1970 | Biscayne, Bel Air, Impala, Caprice |
| 1971–1976 | Impala, Caprice and related full-size models |
| 1977–1990 | Impala, Caprice |
| 1991–1996 | Impala, Caprice generation |
Fullsize Chevrolet Disc Brake Upgrades
Converting an older Fullsize Chevrolet from drum brakes to disc brakes can improve stopping consistency, heat management and serviceability. CPP offers several levels of brake upgrades, allowing the system to be matched to the vehicle’s wheel size, suspension configuration and intended use. Some kits are designed to work with original-style wheels, while larger brake systems may require 15-inch, 17-inch or larger wheels. Always verify the required wheel diameter, wheel backspacing, bolt pattern and brake-system offset before ordering.
Available Fullsize Chevrolet brake products include:
Fullsize Chevrolet Steering Upgrades
Original manual steering and older factory power steering systems may feel slow, loose or inconsistent compared with modern steering. CPP steering upgrades can provide more responsive steering, improved highway control and better overall road feel. The correct steering system depends on the vehicle year, existing steering configuration, engine, accessory drive, exhaust clearance, steering column and intended driving style.
CPP Fullsize Chevrolet steering options include:
Fullsize Chevrolet Suspension Upgrades
A Fullsize Chevrolet’s ride and handling depend on every part of the suspension working together. Worn bushings, ball joints, control-arm shafts, springs and shocks can create wandering, uneven tire wear, poor alignment and inconsistent handling. CPP suspension components can be used to restore the original driving characteristics or create a more responsive performance-oriented suspension.
Final ride height is affected by the springs, spindles, control arms, vehicle weight, tire diameter and other suspension components. Plan the complete system before combining lowering parts.
Available products include:
Fullsize Chevrolet EFI Fuel System Upgrades
Modern fuel injection requires a fuel system capable of maintaining the correct pressure and delivering a steady supply of fuel. CPP offers year-specific fuel tanks and complete EFI fuel-system kits for several Fullsize Chevrolet applications. These systems can help simplify the fuel-system portion of an LS swap, modern small-block installation or aftermarket EFI conversion.
Before ordering, verify the vehicle year, body style, tank capacity, filler-neck location, fuel-pump requirements and sending-unit compatibility.
Depending on the application, complete kits may include:


Choose the Correct Kits and Parts for Your Project
Choose Parts Based on Your Project
RESTORATION OR FACTORY-STYLE CRUISER
A restoration-focused build may benefit from stock-height springs, rubber suspension bushings, replacement steering linkage, original-style control arms and disc brake kits designed to work with traditional wheel sizes.
STREET-DRIVEN RESTOMOD
For a car that will regularly travel on highways and city streets, consider a power steering conversion, front and rear disc brakes, upgraded brake assist, tubular control arms, improved shocks and an EFI-ready fuel system.
LOWERED STREET CAR
A lowered Fullsize Chevrolet may use drop spindles, lowering springs or a complete adjustable suspension system. Confirm tire clearance, wheel backspacing, alignment range, suspension travel and exhaust clearance before choosing a final ride height.
PRO-TOURING OR PERFORMANCE BUILD
Performance-oriented builds may require larger brakes, tubular control arms, performance springs or coilovers, upgraded sway bars, modern power steering and wider wheels with performance tires. These components should be planned as one complete system.
LS OR EFI ENGINE SWAP
An LS engine swap may affect the fuel system, steering pump, accessory brackets, brake assist, exhaust clearance, cooling system and front spring requirements. Verify compatibility between all systems before ordering.
Choose Parts Based on Vehicle Specifics
Start with the exact year, model and body style. Similar-looking components may have different mounting points, steering connections, suspension geometry or brake-system dimensions.
Next, identify the vehicle’s current configuration:
- Manual or power steering
- Drum or disc brakes
- Stock or modified spindles
- Stock or lowered suspension
- Original or swapped rear axle
- Carbureted or fuel-injected engine
- Small-block, big-block, LS or another engine
- Original or aftermarket steering column
- Wheel diameter, width and backspacing
- One-piece or two-piece frame where applicable
Use the CPP Part Finder to narrow the product list and review the individual product description, specifications and installation requirements before purchasing.


Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT FULLSIZE CHEVROLET MODELS DOES CPP SUPPORT?
CPP offers products for many Chevrolet full-size platforms, including Bel-Air, Biscayne, Impala, and Caprice applications. Product availability varies by year, model and body style.
WHAT YEARS ARE COVERED?
CPP has especially broad performance coverage for 1955-1957, 1958–64 and 1965–96 Fullsize Chevrolet applications. Selected products are also available for earlier and later models.
CAN I CONVERT MY FULLSIZE CHEVROLET FROM DRUM TO DISC BRAKES?
Yes. CPP offers front, rear and complete disc brake conversion packages for numerous Fullsize Chevrolet applications. The correct kit depends on the year, spindle, rear axle, bolt pattern, wheel size and desired brake configuration.
CAN I KEEP MY ORIGINAL WHEELS?
Some brake kits are designed for original-style or OEM drum wheels. Other systems use larger rotors and calipers that require larger-diameter wheels. Check the minimum wheel size and use a brake-clearance template whenever one is available.
DOES CPP OFFER MANUAL-TO-POWER STEERING CONVERSIONS?
Yes. CPP offers power steering conversion systems for several Fullsize Chevrolet applications. Kits may include a steering gearbox, pitman arm, pump, brackets and hoses, depending on the part number.
SHOULD I USE A VACUUM BOOSTER OR HYDRASTOP?
A vacuum booster is commonly used when the engine produces sufficient and consistent vacuum. HydraStop operates from hydraulic pressure supplied by the power steering system and can be a strong option for engines with low vacuum, aggressive camshafts or forced induction.
CAN I LOWER MY FULLSIZE CHEVROLET?
CPP offers drop spindles, lowering springs and adjustable suspension systems for selected applications. The best method depends on the desired stance, wheel and tire combination, available suspension travel and intended use.
DO I NEED AN ALIGNMENT AFTER INSTALLING STEERING OR SUSPENSION PARTS?
An alignment should be performed after replacing major steering or suspension components or changing the vehicle’s ride height. All fasteners, clearances and steering connections should also be inspected before the vehicle is driven.
HOW DO I CONFIRM THAT A PART FITS MY CAR?
Use the CPP Part Finder and verify the complete product description. Confirm the year, model, body style, engine, steering configuration, brake system, spindle, rear axle, wheel size and any previous modifications.


Chevrolet Fullsize Performance Videos
Explore our performance video library for in-depth installation guides, product overviews, and side-by-side comparisons. From brake upgrades and suspension tuning to steering system conversions, these videos give you practical tips and expert insight to help you build your project with confidence.
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