2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

kimpala1962

Does anyone know if installing Dual Exhaust voids the factory or extended warranties.

b4z

Usually cat back systems do not affect the warranty.

mediumfry

Teo, sorry to hear you're leaving this forum. I'd be interested in a short description of why...you have my email.

I checked my engine cradle against the ones shown on Nathan's site. The welds are there and the part number matches the '2001' cradle he shows too. No doubt, though, something is clicking/popping.

Figuring that there's no clunk (ISS) and it's not a 2000 cradle, I'm going to look into the bushing issue.

Mine will get fixed, and I'll post whatever ended up working.

So long, Teo. It's been good having you here.

spider717

where can I find info on the cat back system?

b4z

I think SLP makes one that will fit. I am sure there are others. Or possibly just a muffler.

b4z

Teo said that he would be going over to yahoo. But i don't see him over there. Also there is no activity. Sometimes nobody posts for 3-4 days. Sometimes a month or more goes by.
I don't like their bulletin board style either. It is time consuming to use.

b4z

In contrast to the poor sales reports coming out of Detroit, the Chevy Impala continues to set sales records.
The August sales as reported by autosite.com are:
August 2001: 15,449
August 2000: 13,345

2001 YTD: 133,119
2000 YTD: 121,340

Thats a rate of about 190,000 cars a year!!

By comparison, Intrigue, regal and grand prix have fallen substantially.

I think impala is about #8 or 9 for the year.
Pretty impressive.

300silverbulit

I am a member of a small city/borough volunteer fire dept. We are run by the town' management just like the water, road dept. ect except we don't get pay or benifits and get paged and respond whenever a call comes in.

Anyway our Chief whom we elect from our membership is supplied with a car to respond in from home/work and basically use as his own car for his two year term. Our town just outfitted a new torch red Impala with the police package and it is a absolutley stunning car. it is the best "fire engine red" I have seen with the gold lettering of our towns name ect on it. The blackout front headlights backgroung give it a very aggresive look and the lightbar/ strobes accent it also.

The interior is tan and is very comfortable. Overall the car is very solid. The trunk is alittle small for all the gear but the performance and front wheel drive over the old crown vic is way ahead.

It is just a awesome car for the role it will have.

The kicker is it was purchased through a state bid process and cost just 18k with the police package. That doesnt include the light bar, siren, radio ect. but what a car for 18K with the high tuned engine, brakes, suspension ect. The wheels are a little strange though. They are typical black steel wheels with a polished type of metal center hub with the Chevy bowtie on it. The tires are goodyear GSA performane tires and have a very aggresive tread pattern.

Now if I could just get impala for myself through the state bid process!!!

bdime

I'll miss you too and hope you check in from time to time- let us know where
you will be posting and maybe we'll start " lurking " there . Whatever your
reasons I'm sure you'll keep on enjoying that Impala. BDIME

hvan3

Welcome to our board. Rest assure that the Impala is one of the best domestic sedans. IMO.

Hey, is there a pic you can show us? Torch red Impala with gold letterings is way cool!

[Deleted User]

Those numbers should be taken with a grain of salt. I believe they include fleet sales to rental agencies, so our car may not be as popular with consumers as you think.

Also, personally, I prefer driving an unpopular car with lower sales numbers. I hate sitting at a red light with the same model, and even worse...same model AND color, on either side of me. I've seen it happen with Mustangs, BMW 3's, and Camry's. Embarrassing.

spider717

One of the reasons I bought an Impala was for that very reason. I love having something noone else has. It gives you a warm fuzzy feeling.

[Deleted User]

I can feel the love in this room. ;-)

b4z

I still don't see a huge amount of impalas on the road. With my navy LS it feels pretty exclusive. There are more base cars around. There are also three different kinds of wheels so there is quite a bit of variety.
The taurus is also sold to rental agencies. The impala is a superior car, but more expensive.
There is no reason why chevy couldn't sell 200,000 impalas a year. They just need to offer a more sporting car with more powerr to get more people in the showroom.

300silverbulit

Sorry I don't have a digital camera or scanner at the momment. The car deserves to be seen though, it is downright stunning to look at. However new fire dept. vehicles do get published in regional and national firefighter trade magazines and websites like firehouse.com so I will keep a eye open to see if it or a similar model makes it and post it. the car alone is enough incentive to run for chief and put up with all the paperwork you have to do.

hvan3

Today was the first time I ever saw a Navy Blue Impala LS. Looks really nice from a distance. I think the best looking color is the black Impala LS.

Here in Orange County, CA, I have seen lot more base Impalas then the LS.

A local dealer here is marking off $4K on the 2001 LS. 2 at this price.

00impala

I had mentioned a month or so ago that I had some vibration and shaking of the steering wheel on my LS @ 19K,(While Braking from 55 mph to 50 mph) I made an appt a the dealership and had the car checked out for that reason and some general "loosness" in the front end, (Mostly when driving over rippled pavement) I got the car back and they had Turned the Rotors and gave me the usual Blow Off "Cannot reproduce front end noise". I figured that would be the case since this was my Selling Dealer and they seen to be pros at running people off, anyway. Now the next Dilemma, I seem to have to strain my Right leg to get this thing to Stop!! I noticed the pedal seems to go farther to the floor to stop the car than before I had the rotors turned, Also while sitting at red light/ Stop Sign, If I hold the brake at my normal rate my car is inching foward. I am calling tommorow and express my Frustration, We just bought a Base Impala (Love It) there a few weeks ago, And Man is the Steering on the '01 Tight compared to my '00 LS, Makes my LS seem overall "Loose". I just cannot stand that feeling that I can judge when I am going to stop and then go 10 feet farther with this recent Brake Rotor turning, Has seriously happened 4 times to me (almost rear-ending someone) and my Wife also noticed it, We swapped cars one day and she returned to say Your car is "Loose' and what's up with those Brakes? I DO NOT have the Clicks or Tics ( Holding my breath..Built 11/00) But the rattles I hear sound like loose Plastic Inner Front Fenderwells, Maybe it is the Steering Shaft, I am tired of the GM Service BruHaHa Everytime, I am glad I have had no major Problems in almost 2 years, But Do you really think a Year and a half old car with 19,000 Miles should have Warped/Turned Rotors? Didn't think so... Are there any alternative Brake Rotors and Pads yet? I seem to have read about some "Green" pads that eliminate the Black Dust? How about Rotors? Thanks Don

impalanator

Do not under any circumstances let them get by with turning the rotor on a car that is under warranty! It the rotors are warped then they are DEFECTIVE. It's different than just simple wear. Make them replace the rotors or you will be footing the bill for replacements just as soon as your warranty runs out.

It also sounds as if they did something wrong when the turned/reinstalled them. It should not be noticably different at all (except no "grabbing" caused by the warpage). Make them fix it. Its sounds like a dangerous condition as is. If they give you any flak take it to a different GM Dealer and tell them your doing so and that you will not purchase any other vehicles from them. Make sure you tell the same to the salesman that sold you the car (do it on the sales floor in front of other customers and the manager for maximum effect). Don't be timid. That's what they're counting on.

The "loose" steering sounds like an Intermediate Steering Shaft (ISS) problem. The is a TSB for this. Make them look it up. Others will probably atest to this although I haven't had that problem.

Good luck.

b4z

Here's my story. Bought a brand new intrigue in '99. Put 76 miles on it the first day. Suddenly noticed that the brakes were pulsating when i came to a stop. Took it in. They turned the rotors because they were warped. Picked the car up and was driving home over a steep bridge. Got towards the bottom of the bridge and stepped on the brakes. Nobody home! Practically put my foot through the floor to stop the car.
They had glazed the rotors when they turned them.
They got me a rental car and new rotors the next day. You need new rotors.

A new intermediate steering shaft will fix the other problem.

hunter39

I posted awhile back concerning the poor wear of pads on the Impala. I have just over 24k on my 2k and at my last oil change they told me my front pads were at 30% and the rear at 50%. I am very easy on brakes and found it very hard to believe I would wear them down so quickly. I didn't talk to the service writer about it but plan to soon. Is it possible I have warped rotors that are contributing to the excessive wear? Honestly, I had a 93' Caprice before this Impala, way heavier and yet I had over 50k on a set of brake pads for that car. I don't brake late or hard but it sounds like others are having the same type of problem. I will ask about the pads.

Also someone mentioned they got a low coolant warning? I got one the other day too, checked the side container and it was empty. It occured to me someone said it takes a special coolant, not just ordinary anti-freeze. True?

00impala

I just called and made an Appt for this Friday morning, my Wife and I are both off and we will go together, I intend to be firm since I too feel this is unacceptible, I read the article on Nathans site about the brakes from GM, it states towards the end that there may be a "High Pedal" after recent Rotor Turning and it says to refinish (again why?) or Replace the Rotors, (Is that what they mean by High Pedal? Meaning it goes farther to the floor to stop, It stops OK. Meaning the Brakes Work and everything, they do not squeak or Pulsate anymore But the pedal feel is the culprit I rarely ever complain about my car and have had no real reason to, I am going to hold up my side of this situation on Friday. Is ther a TSB Number for the Steering Shaft? They will not hear that noise either, I do intend to go to the other closer dealership that has a better Service Dept in the future, But I went to the Selling dealer first and they are the ones that turned the rotors,so I am going back to let them make it right.

garnes

Pedal to the floor could also be a master cylinder on the brakes too - couldn't it??

00impala

I mistakingly said my LS Build Date was 11/00. It was 11/22/99. Thanks! It will be 2 years old in 2 mos and I will have had it 2 years on Dec. 15 2001. Don

00impala

I can't say that they go to the Floor so to speak, It is not like there is nothing there, it is firmer to the floor I should say, I have to press Harder the more the car stops until it stops, it is like I am straining th muscle in my Right leg to get the car from a roll to a definate Stop, add that to a somewhat short stop or quick stop and you feel like you are stopping the car with your feet, aka Fred Flintstone ha ha Don

b4z

Just wanted to clarify my story. i did have some breaking but even when i pushed down hard on the pedal it did not stop any quicker.

tpken

You'll be sorely missed, buddy.

Please remember the open invitation from me - Maine or NH any time of year - just email me.

God Bless - and best wishes to you, Frank.

Ken

hunter39

Just got back from the dealership the car is in for a laundry list of warranty items, here goes...

The side impact airbag module on the leather package has pulled away again, this will be the second time it has been fixed, once more and I'll ask for replacement. I mentioned the seat rails as well, that at times it rocks forward if I brake too hard, which isn't often but I do feel it.

Turn signal works intermittenly, they will replace the module they said, but you never know. I told them they probably wouldn't be able to duplicate it and should just replace it, which is what the Shop Foreman said he'd do last time.

When they were looking at the coolant problem (they agree it should not be losing coolant) they noticed that around the battery there appeared to be some leaking fluids, they suspect I might have a leaking battery and will replace it if necessary. The temp runs the same no matter how hot it is outside (we have cooled to low 100's and even had a high of 98 the other day!)so I don't know where the coolant can be going. It is Dex Cool and is supposed to last 150k but they said it should be changed at about 75k. I have only 24k and it should not be missing anything.

They are going to do the brake job now, there are no alternative pads from GM for the Impala and they won't install aftermarket pads and still guarantee the job so I have to go with what they have. 160.00 for all 4 wheels isn't too bad actually.

So the stuff has been building up and this was the first chance to get it all done, they said they need it for possibly 2 days. I got a 2001 Malibu as a rental on their dime. They upgraded it for me since there was no way I was going to fit into a Metro.

[Deleted User]

Are you sure it's the rails? My seat also jerks forward during hard stops, but the movement is mostly in the seat back. The recliner/hinge mechanism seems to be the culprit. The dealer supposedly replaced the recliner/hinge deal, but it didn't do anything, so I'm asking for a new seat.

Please post what your dealer says about your loose seat, and if you get a new seat. I'd really like to know.

Thanks.

hunter39

Sure, not a problem, however SweetPolly had this problem and the way she described it sounds exactly like what mine is doing. I can feel it on the floor, not the seat back. She said they replaced her rails(and that they were expensive)There may be a tsb on these though I haven't checked yet. I suppose I should have before I mentioned it to them.

The new seat would be because the leather (ne pleather) keeps coming away from the side impact airbag. I keep the seat all the way back so you can't really see it, but of course that's not the point. I don't know if it's a safety issue, but I wouldn't want to find out after the fact!

00impala

I was reading up on some message boards that some Service Writers post on and it was related to GM Brakes and the inferiority of them, they mentioned tactics used by Dealers to make the Customer feel that the warped rotors and the like are the Fault of the Customer,ie Customer pay or CP, not out of the question, But they also said how dealers are very cautious of the Warranty work they perform to protect their bottom line, they say they are in business to make money not give away the Store, something about charge backs on non approved Warranty replacment items that they ultimatly have to eat, also read about how BMW Does not turn rotors ANYTIME Within the warranty period, they replace them, And one guy said he would scream if he heard the response from a customer "I Paid $25,000 for the car" blah blah blah, so I am convinced they have a response for every question I have before I ask it, I do not want the Store, Just my Car to work properly, without something that I should just get used to, they also mentioned to throw yourself on their mercy, since flying off the handle will just sour the effects of your trip for Warranty work, or lack thereof. The Brake problems are epidemic, They say Cadillac Escalade and the like eat the rotors around 13K and they do not do much for the owners of those Heavy vehicles with weak brake rotors. Will See what happens,I would rather get a Steering Shaft replaced. My Car Stops, Yes, But it is remarkably different than before they turned the rotors, it doesnt have that power feel, Like how you can sense the car slowing while applying the brake, it just goes down a bit then gets really firm, during the stopping process until it stops. Kinda straining your leg. Don

hunter39

See I don't want this to happen to me, I don't have warped rotors and they told me that they routinely turn the rotors when they do brake jobs, to me that means that if I have to get the brakes done every 25k miles i'll go thru rotors by 75k, that seems excessive to me.

wyoimp

Someone earlier listed a good website that explained about disc brakes. May be one of us can find it and repost it?
Turning rotors is NOT an unacceptable practice for warped discs. Remember the old LP records and how the tone arm would move up and down? "Turning" ensures there are no high or low spots on the rotor. That said, it is only good for MINOR warpage. In other words the problen just started and is caught in time. Warped rotors are normally felt with a "pulsating" pedal. If the rotors have been warped for a long time then they will start to develop "hot spots" (due to additional friction from one or both pads dragging), this fault cannot be solved by "turning". The metal has had its temper changed unevenly and the only fix is to replace the rotor. Even new rotors must be "resurfaced". What this does is remove the polished finish off the discs, so that the new pads and rotors wear together. The sickening feel of the pedal not seeming to do the job properly could very well be a symptom of this not being done. If the master cylinder was going or gone, you would get a brake failure light.
It's sad that some of you are getting a ride from a bum Service Department - gives not only the Impala a bum rap but also the good mechanics get more baggage dumped on them.
Teo - we will miss you. Good Luck.

wyoimp

Here's the URL:

  http://www.shotimes.com/brakes/part1.html

[Deleted User]

Wanna hear something strange? My brake pedal pulsated on my first day with the car. It was especially noticable when lightly pressing them at highway speeds.

However, it went away the next day, and hasn't returned after 4500 miles. I chalk it up to rough new pads and rotors "grabbing". It seemed to have stopped once they "smoothed out".

Does this sound like a reasonable explanation, or could it have been soething else? I'll bet Teo would know! ;-)

night_owl1

Garden State Hubcap & Wheel carried the Impala logo caps that fit the '00-'01 rims. Actually, it's the caps from a '94-'96 Impala. You can find a link to the company on the Accessories page.

http://home.hawaii.rr.com/impala/

night_owl1

The Impala police package (9C1) is the 3800 V-6.

b4z

It is okay to have your rotors turned. I got 200,000 miles out of the ones on my camaro. They were turned several times.
If your rotors are warped then turning them usually doesn't help unless it is very mild. Replace em.

b4z

Saw a brand new 2002 LS in green. Looked great. This is a new color right?

b4z

The 2002 that i saw had a price of $26,150. That is $650 more than my equivalent LS.

nodinero

Hello there fellow Impala drivers!

It's been a little over a year since I last logged in here and did some posting. Hopefully some of the "old-timers" in this group might remember me.

My name is Joe Mitchell from Chicago, IL and am the proud, original owner of a beautiful bright white 2000 Impala LS, loaded, minus 2 dealer installed options.

I'm just getting back into the swing of things in the board and hopefully would like to stay regular in the group, provided my work can slow down!

Anyway, I'm wondering how things are in the world of Impala owners. Anything I should be aware of? Anyone adding aftermarket stuff? Warranty issues?

Hope to hear from everyone and if anyone has anything to ask me, go ahead!
JOE

this_is_nascar

For those of you that had the steering shaft replaced, how long did it take? Is it changed from inside the car? Do they have to remove the dash or sterring wheel?

night_owl1

I didn't say that it couldn't be improved, I said it wasn't as bad as others.

The reason that the center of the filter is dirtier than the surrounding area is due to the air velocity and filter flow. The air enters the box through the air horn at a high velocity. If the filter flows air well, the air should flow in a straight line and all the debris would be deposited in that area. As the filter loads, the air will be re-directed around this area and the rest of the filter will become dirty.

You cannot quickly dismiss the diameter of the pipe. To use your snorkeling analogy, change the diameter of your snorkle to that of a drinking straw. Again, I am not saying that the filter does not play an important part here. I have designed ventilation systems for industrial applications and filter selection, duct diameter and duct wall construction are major design criteria that affect the performance of the system.

My suggestion to change the corrugated tube connecting the air box to the throttle body was to address air turbulence. A smooth walled pipe creates less turbulence and flows air better.

If you are really looking to flow the air better, this is what I would do:

1) Replace the corrugated connector tube with a smooth walled plastic one. Plastic does not conduct heat as easily as metal and will help reduce engine heat effects on the instake air.

2) Increase the opening of the air box to expose more of the filter on the dirty side.

3) Remove the drivers side headlight. At higher speeds this would act like a ram air system.

nodinero

For those who were interested in knowing, I found Borla has a Cat-back system available for the 2000 Impala with the 3.8L Series II. Go to borla.com and you can get more info on it there. I went to a local authorized dealer here in Chicago and found that this system gives you the dual exhaust look that most of us are probably looking for. If you can afford nearly $1000, that's what they cost. Although, it may be worth it considering you might get a 15-20 HP gain, a nice, not annoying sound, dual tips on each end, and it's backed by a Million Mile Warranty. Anyone else got anything on Cat-Back systems for the Impala?

JOE
Chicago, IL

[Deleted User]

>>>3) Remove the drivers side headlight. At higher speeds this would act like a ram air system.<<<

I know you weren't 100% serious with this recommendation. But, couldn't the same thing be accomplished by extending the intake opening to some area on the front of the car where more air will be forced into it?

It's so crazy, it just might work.

night_owl1

There is a company that makes kevlar brake pads and they do make one for the Impala. I was looking into these because one of the benefits was that it does not produce black brake dust. However, I have been told that some Focus users have having problems with brake disk warpage when using these pads.

If you are interested here is the website:

http://www.ebc-brakes.com/autopads.htm

discgolfer

I just had "DUAL MUFFLERS" installed on my 2000 LS last week. It cost me $235 out the door, without Chrome tips. They cut a large hole in the elbow of the tail pipe, just behind the gas tank. From there, they welded another piece of 2.25 inch pipe and routed it to the drivers side of the car and out the back. They installed 2 Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers. Great sound! I also got the Dual Exhaust look, and some small performance improvements as well, for much less than $1000. True, its not really "dual exhaust" since they don't both come from the engine, but hey, for $235 I got the look and the sound I wanted. I also put on Chevy Bowtie Chromed Exhaust Tips, $27 each from chevymall.com. TOTAL $300...

I will post pics soon...

night_owl1

The intake horn for the airbox is right behind the headlight. I only noticed that when I was doing the how to on the grill and headlight bulb replacement. So if you removed the headlight assembly, instant ram air intake.

I didn't see if there was enough room to run a duct to somewhere else, like under the bumper or something.

It might be something to look into, but I am busy with Halloween projects at the moment. I just finished a fog chiller and am working on a flying ghost for the yard.

nodinero

Hey thanks Discgolfer. I'd love to see pics on that set-up, especially a distance shot of those bow-tie tips! But 2 questions I have is whether your sound is too loud and whether your set-up ands any performance to your Impala? How is it?

If you ask me, I don't see why Chevy could NOT offer dual exhaust on this car, especially when the Sister car, the Monte Carlo, can get them! I love my Impala, but this car is like 2-3 pieces away from being absolutely PERFECT.

JOE

nodinero

By the way, has anyone heard any news or such on a future Impala SS with a manual V8?

With Ford's soon-to-be introduction of the Mercury Maurader muscle-car sedan, I certainly don't believe Chevrolet would stay idle in that market.

Something has to be in the works now that after the 2002 model year GM will drop the Camaro/Firebird body entirely, leaving GM with no other performance-style-sports car V8, besides the Corvette. Leaving Ford with huge market share offering the Mustang and Maurader.

Hey current generation Impala owners! If Chevrolet offered a performance/sports car style Impala SS V8 with our current body style, would you trade your car in for that???

JOE
JOE

dmac8

If you get the base with the 3.8, does it come with a tach?

After years of cars with consoles, I drove a base Impala with the column shifter and got to like it the more I drove it.

By the way, the base struck me as quite peppy and smooth, how noticeably faster, if at all, is the 3.8?

Thanks