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Comments
;-D
However that rear end is a love it or hate it impression. It grows on you after awhile.
Love the logo on the door!
"Boomerang" hahah... I like it.
If you really want to it to look "importish," how about clear/chrome corner signals?
I only tease the import section because I am jealous. Do a search on "Honda" and you will find thousands of accessories. Try one on "Impala". Then again, I wasn't looking for the 3 foot wide wing.
garypen: bro, you are showing your age! LOL!!
RR
I suppose that as younger people become more able to afford these near luxury cars, the more loud and gaudy accessorizing we'll be seeing on them. No offense to younger people. I was actually young once myself(for most of my life, mentally at least). There just seems to be a different concept of what's cool looking, when one is young. As a person matures, I think they begin to appreciate subtlety over flash.
A perfect example would be the "dubs" Impala in the member photos section. I think that most people over 30 would find it unattractive and over the top, while quite a few 20-somethings and teens (but not all, I hope) would think it looks pretty cool.
It would be nice to have a few more choices of accessories for our Impalas, though. I'm sure as this model is around a little longer, we'll see more stuff to stick on or in our cars.
As a side note: I'll bet none of those asians/orientals would like to be called "rice eaters", though. Germans probably wouldn't care for "kraut burners" or "krauty-looking" when referring to BMW's, Audis, VW's or Porsches, either would they? So, Pat does have a valid point.
The LSS pictured in the brochure is a Galaxy Silver model, however it looks almost white to me. One thing I know is that I would not like the rear treatment on a white LSS. I think the rear color matched panel must look awesome on a Black LSS. May be so-so in a Sandrift LSS. Silver must be the best compromise as far as light colors go, but until I see it in person I would be able to give it the thumbs up or down.
I like the stainless steel exhaust tip, the interior tid bits (Impala log on doors and the carbon fiber trim) and the front bumper cover and treatment. The wheels are OK but I still like my "Classic" LS alloys better. Now if they could get the hubcap covers with the Impala logo on them, I would be the first in line to get them.
I agree that Chevy should have done more beyond cosmetics to really distinguish the LSS from the regular LS models, but I think they got themselves in a "catch 22" situation...Let me explain:
As Garypen has said before, It would have been very easy for Chevy to drop the 3800 Supercharged engine in the LSS or at least do some suspension and tire tweaks. Without a shade of a doubt the 3800 S/C will fit perfectly under the Impala's hood since this engine is shared with other W Body cousins. Ditto for the tranny. The problem is that if Chevy had done that, then the car would not have really been a LSS, rather more like a SS model. But since tradition calls for a V8 on a SS model, then a Supercharged V6 on a SS Impala is nothing short of sacrilege.
GM canceled the SS V8 project last year, so a LSS with a 3800 S/C, while highly desirable, somehow would not fit the marketing plans of Chevy with the Impala.
Another problem is that GM keeps denying Chevy access to the 3800 S/C on both of its W Body offerings, the Impala and Montecarlo. If GM allows Chevy to drop the 3800 S/C on both of these cars, the sales of the other 2 S/C offerings, namely, Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and Buick Regal GS, would suffer considerably.
Why pay more to get the S/C 3800 on a Pontiac or Buick when you can get it on a Chevy which by most accounts is a better car and seller than the GP or Regal combined?
I think the problem of not having the S/C 3800 is more the by product of internal product conflicts of interest at GM than actual technical or pricing related limitations. The GP outsells the Regal, but the Impala outsells both..not worth the risk of compromising GP and Regal sales..
I know this sounds stupid, but I think if you 'Chew' this in your mind you'll arrive at the same conclusion. It makes more sense to 'starve' the lower division from engine/suspension choices to justify charging higher prices at the other higher divisions for basically the same exact product.
I still have faith that GM will re-think their position of not releasing the Impala SS model for 2003. The Marauder is almost here and GM should not sit and wait to answer back to Ford until the next generation Impala arrives in 2005. May be Bob Lutz is considering this as we speak...
I really like the '02 LSS, it is one sweet looker, but make it better with more HP under the hood and a different steering/suspension setup to make it worth to pay the extra $$$.
As it is I am still thrilled by the performance and quality of my 4 month old 2001 "Classic" Impala LS.
It really is a shame that Chevy doesn't have ready access to the supercharged 3800, but that's always been a Buick/Pontiac exclusive.
I always assumed that 'dub' was short for 'w', which was short for 'wheel' - but I may be dreaming that one up...
Being that "Dub" magazine seems to apply to all sorts of auto modifications and "improvements", it may apply to "doubling" the car's performance or appearance. It could be like "props" being used for "proper respect", or "dis" for "disrespect". Wild guess.
Daveleck has a good theory: Dub = W = wheel.
If you really want to know, email me.
RR
Teo - I dropped by Niagara Falls in June on way back from Philly. (Well not EXACTLY on the way to Maine - but only 500 miles off track!) It's a great spot and the beautifully landscaped and developed Canadian side makes the American side look pathetic. BTW - definitely do the Quebec trip - it is a magnificent place to visit - intense character in that city. Try to stay a night or two at the Chateau Frontinac - the center piece of the entire city - you and your wife will love it!
Got to drop by the local Chevy dealer and pick up that 2002 catalogue. Hope to spot a 2002 on the lot too. I'm in PA on monthly biz and look forward to dropping in there as usual.
On the trip down from Maine yesterday - chased a red 2002 T-Bird and Mustang SVT COBRA - both with Michigan mfg plates - probably local NY auto press out for comparison drives - lucky guys!!! The T-Bird is nothing short of spectacular in person!
Have a great day all
Ken
Nice but.....
Teo - just read your argument about why the S/C will never show up in the Imp, is that based on something factual, or just your opinion? Either way, it's to damn depressing as my gut says you're probably correct.
for the life of me, I don't see any great difference in the dash, my eyes must truly be gone.
I don't think Buick and Pontiac sales figures are to blame for the lack of the SC 3.8 in the Impala.
GM division brand identity, Pontiac=Sporty, Buick=Luxury, Chevy=Affordable, pretty much accepts the fact that comparable Chevy models will have higher sales numbers due to price.
The Impala and Monte Carlo have historically outsold the Pontiac and Buick equivalents, if I'm not mistaken. I think Chevy doesn't want the added expense of producing a model that they mistakenly feel will not be popular enough to justify that expense.
I'm sure they'll come to their senses and release a supercharged version right before they cancel the line, similar to what they did with the 90's version, just in time for a completely redesigned Impala/Monte Carlo, which will also take a few years to get just right.
As for the tailpiece: I know it's only a scanned image, but it looks to me like it isn't an actual photograph of a real tailpiece. It looks kind of fake, like it was "created" in Photoshop or something like it. It's entirely possible, if they don't actually have any Sports in production yet.
The seams also make it look a little added-on. It would have been better if the trunk was one piece, instead of just replacing the red plastic with body color material. The same applies for the quarter panels/tail lights.
RR
I am just wondering how sensitive the tire mon. actually is. How 'off' would a tire's pressure have to be to set it off. Since it works by comparing rotaional speed to the other wheels, maybe they are loosing air in sync!
I am taking her in in a day or so for oil change and tire rotation. I'll see if the service dept. has a clue. Oxymoron - you bet.
Take care,
RR
Aside from running the risk of damaging your tires/suspension components, it is just dangerous to drive around without monitoring the state of the air pressure in your rubber. Other problems are decreased fuel economy.
Make it a weekend habit to check the air pressure and do so when the tires are cold (Driven less than 3 miles) that way you can get the most accurate air pressure read outs when using your mechanical or electronic air pressure gauge.
You can also check/add air to the tires when they are hot. According to the trunk sticker, add 3 to 4 PSI of air on top of the actual PSI rating when these are hot.
last but not least, also make it a habit to check the air pressure of your compact spare tire in the trunk. You don't wanna get a flat tire and find out that your spare is also deflated...
The air pressure rating for the compact spare is around 60 PSI cold. I wish we could get an option for a full size spare tire.
the tire monitor is pretty accurate. It once came up while I was driving on I-95 at 75MPH on my 2000 LS. I did not have a flat but the rear right tire was 3 to 4PSI underinflated. Tire was not punctured, just it needed air.
Very useful gizmo I might add. The government will make electronic tire monitors mandatory on cars in just a few years. Glad that GM is two steps already ahead of the game.
Just for perspective on how spoiled we all are. I have a 1977 Monte Carlo (dark blue metallic with white interior and white landau top - remember the "landau") I restored it 11 years ago. It has a 305 that was rated at 145 HP, the 350 was 160 +/-. The car weighs just under 4,000 lbs. You have to love those detuned dummy engines of the 70's and 80's. It literally can't get out of its own way - but looks cool with some good-ol' crager type wheels. Now we complain about a 200 HP 3,400+ lb car. But yeah, pass the HP please.
Sooner or later K&N will have a filter for the new Impala. That will be good for 5 HP at least. Call them and demand one. In my quest for more HP for an Aurora, I came across Corsa at 1-800-486-0999. They make the cat-back exhaust for Wheel to Wheel who does the modifications for the GM pace cars. They had good things to say about Corsa. In talking, they mentioned the Monte Carlo. Call them up, they may have a performance exhaust system for the Impala that shouldn't be too loud either. W2W said they were not too loud for everyday driving. It might add 15 or more. They did a 300 Caddy and it got 22 more at the wheels - thats probably 30 from the engine (for reference). So in theory a 220+ HP Impala could be possible.
http://www.toronto.com
http://www.montreal.com
http://www.ottawa.com
http://www.niagarafalls.com
http://www.ontariotravel.net
http://www.montreal.com
http://www.quebecweb.com
http://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/anglais/
If you go to Quebec City, be sure to book your hotel ahead of time as you will be hard pressed to find one, especially during the summer weekends.
Loved the inside logo, hate the wheels (prefer 2K LS wheels). Tailights, prefer the current look (different from all other cars). Graphite interior, OK if it matches the interior seats. Controls on steering wheels? hard to tell from picture.
I remember the 70's era Montes. They were extremely popular in Brooklyn. They were especially popular with the Italian kids that couldn't afford Eldorados, which were basically the same cars as were the Grand Prix's and Rivieras (I think). GM has been doing that shared platform thing for quite some time now. It was even more obvious in the 70's and 80's.
Thanks.
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
However you guys hit the nail on the head by alluding to what GM parts are out there for W body cars. Isn't this what American Hot Rodding is all about? "We can handle stock, but modifying is where it's at!" I'm trying to picture an El Camino based on the current Impala (with all the goodies). What happened to the guy who installed the supercharger in his LS? Last I heard he couldn't get above 4,000 rpm.
I guess 9899olds would be happy with [non-permissible content removed] tails, wolf whistlses, Lake Pipes, Dummy Spotlights, flames out the exhuast pipes with spark plugs in the tips, Wide White Wall tires, etc. Sorry "Dad"; times, styles, tastes, and technology move on. ;-)
What will they think of next? Charge consumers for inventory carrying cost? LOL
The good news is it will be very easy to swap out the center piece and/or corner taillights. I just went out to the parking lot and removed them. Nine plastic wing nuts on the center piece (or "applique" in GM parlance) and four nuts on each taillight.
Now for the bad news: the list price for the applique is $203!!! ($140 at partszoneonline). The plastic taillights are $131 each ($90 at partszoneonline). Just imagine what the body color parts will cost, if they're steel!
Add the prep and painting costs, and whew!... That's a slightly pricey upgrade. It will involve some serious consideration (and a little overtime!)
remove and install the pieces yourself.
Nick
Nevertheless, I'll start checking regularly.
Thanks again!
RR
Here's an idea for the center piece: Brushed aluminum diamond plate (or maybe polished stainless instead) with a chevy or impala logo in the center. I don't know, maybe thats to much of an SUV/Truck look.
frankf3 - the oil life monitor is supposed be based on a number of things like engine rpms, temp, driving style and engine run time (total hours)all combined. If for instance you do a majority of highway driving then it will probably get about 5000 miles before it comes on. All city traffic? About 3000 or less. The big thing here IMO is to check your oil. If it looks dirty change it. Just because your oil has 3000 miles on it does not mean it "needs" to be changed. It all depends on the operating conditions. No other piece of machinery has its oil changed based on mileage. Usually hours of run time. There are more issues involved here but the 3000 mile thing is really a gimick by the "Quikylube" places to generate business. Check the owners manual. The 3000 mile limit is generally for hard driving conditions such taxis and police. Having said all that, most people just find it easier to do every 3000 miles.
Have fun and be safe...
Spyder - I think the tires have to be spinning for the tire monitor to work. It uses the ABS system to sense different spin rates in the tires. Also, if all the tires are all underinflated equally, it probably won't sense anything out of the ordinary either.
The Oil Monitor does not light up based on MILEAGE.
Also, as stated in the owner's manual, the Oil Monitor doesn't detect dirt in the engine oil. If you drive on dusty conditions you must check the oil yourself and adjust the intervals between oil/filter changes accordingly.
I am an old school believer of changing oil and filter religiously every 3000 miles. Cheap insurance against problems. Some people love to wait 5K to 7K miles in between changes which I consider excessive. Why go cheap on a $20K + auto?
Last Oil change that I had the dealer performed on my LS (I have the 3 year/45,000 smartcare plan so oil/filter and tire rotations/balances are FREE)I did not reset the Oil Change monitor, that way I find out when the computer 'thinks' I should be changing it. At 3,090 miles the oil change light hasn't come up in the dashboard's message center.
In all and all I think the Oil Change Monitor is a useful tool to establish a reasonable maintenance pattern but I would not recommend solely relying on it. The good old gas station under hood check up is still the best way to go.
I sat inside and it is one of the most claustrophobic and uncomfortable cars. I am 5'10" and I can't even see out front due to the short and steeply positioned windshield and long hood.
If this is your 'Meat and Potatoes' you should seriously consider getting one as the Quebecois would be building the last samples this year.
I believe that it is a neat device,3000 miles was the way to go 20 years ago,engine were running colder,carburator, ignition not managed by computer,name it.
On the other hand during the last 20 years the oil was improved as long with the filtration,this is why I beleive that changing the oil at 3000 miles is waisting time money and ressources,furthermore this is not environmental friendly.
Why is this so?
Again, it all boils down to driving habits and traffic/weather conditions.
My Oil changes are FREE for 3 years or 45,000 miles whichever comes first. Even a $19.00 dollar oil filter change is cheap insurance and can't break your bank account.
By the way, my dealer only takes 20 minutes to change the oil. In and out in a blink of an eye.
Why go CHEAP on your car?
I don't understand that logic..