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> seen for a 3.4 impala was 10.1 sec
> 0 to 60 , for the 3.8 impala
> ive seen a low of 7.5 and a
> high of 8.6
Not sure where the 10 sec rating is originating. Sorta hard trying to marry the engine specs to specific cars, but here's some stuff for comparison sake: Try Car and Driver for some 3.4 performance specs for the various GM car models. Impala. 0 - 60 is 8.5 for the 3.4.
Grand Prix specs for the 3.8: 0 - 60 is 7.8 for the 3.8.
Even the Cavalier's 2.4 is an amazing 0 - 60 at 8.7
At any rate, you don't have to worry about 10 second ratings on any of these motors, no matter what GM car you drive.
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/previews/1999/June/199906_preview_chevrolet_impala.xml?&page=3
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/previews/1998/February/199802_preview_pontiac_grandam.xml?&page=3
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/roadtests/1998/August/199808_shorttake_chevrolet_cavalier.xml?&page=2
"Warning!
International Security Registration
Silent Sentinal
All Glass Etched"
If this turns into a debate, I will contact the Chev dealer and pose the obvious question: What is this and why do I have it?
http://www.luckyjdr.homestead.com/impala.html
HERE IS A SNEEK PEEK
As for the rest of the car I really like the "Stealth" monochromatic color scheme, the red bowtie on the solid black grille and the beatiful 17" wheels. Unfortunately, the pics don't reveal anything about the interior, instruments, seats and also the rear end with the dual tip pipes; however, the spoiler looks more streamlined that the current stock LS spoiler.
My prediction is that the SS model will, for good, shut up the fanatic crybabies of the 94-96 SS generation car. If the current 3800 V-6 equipped V-6 spanks the heavier "Whale" mid 1990's Impala SS on 0-60 acceleration times, the new 2003 SS will simply blow its doors off!
My only concerns are:
* Torque steer issues with at least an extra 125 pounds of torque and 100+ horsepower sent to the front wheels.. (Has any one driven a V-8 FWD Cadillac?)
* Fuel costs
* Insurance premium costs
* Purchase price hike (Even at $30K or $35K this car will blow off most of the Import competitors...none of them will match the power, handling and speed of the SS at those price points).
My pluses:
* Great resale value (Hopfully as good as the old SS)
* A collector's limited edition piece.
Since Chrysler cancelled the RWD Dodge Charger due for the 2004 model year (Also the Ford Taurus SHO is dicontinued) the only other competitor for the Impala SS to watch out for will be the upcoming RWD Mercury Marauder (Aka Grand Marquis) but even then I suspect the SS will be even faster.
I believe GM's purpose on dropping a V-8 on the current Impala is two fold:
* To bring back Impala SS loyalists (Convert new ones) and increase the car's presence and reputation in the high performance domestic sedan arena.
* To demonstrate to still unconvinced law enforcement agencies that the Impala is a great Police cruiser and it will mix even better with a V-8 and FWD...no more excuses from the men in blue to avoid the Impala and keep on driving the archaic Crown Victorias.
"Sorry officer - I just wanted to see how fast you could go!"
Ken
Oil & Filter: Every 3,000 Miles
Tire Rotation: Every 5,000 Miles
Coolant Service: Every 30,000 Miles
Transmission Oil and Service: Every 25,000 Miles
4-Wheel Aligment: Every 12,000 Miles
New Spark Plugs: Every 30,000 miles
Engine Air & Fuel filter: Every 15,000 miles
Cabin air filter: Every 15,000 miles
Most of you would say "Teo is Obessive-compulsive"...fine, but I am a strong believer that the best and cheaper mechanic is preventive maintenance. I know the Impala can go 100,000 miles between new Spark plugs and coolant, 50,000 miles between transmission service and 6,000 miles between oil & filter changes...that sounds very nice but I am not willing to take those risks to find out if it is actually true. Remember MAINTENANCE is the key word to car reliability and longetivy.
I bought a gallon of the orange coolant at Pep Boys last year: my 98 Malibu needs addition of the coolant (50/50% water) sometimes. The price was somewhere in the $6-7 dollar range, not $20. And the last time I was here, the price did not change much.
I assume, Pep Boys also does not sell it at loss. The wholesale cost must be around $5.
Shoot, that was my next car..
guess I'll just have to buy another Impala when my lease is up in 2003...sigh....
Just joking! I really don't see that I would buy a different car than this one. I love this car, heck, I might just buy my leased vehicle!
But I did so want to test drive that Charger.
Dang!
On winter storage, I have stored my 1979 Corvette for a number of years from October to April (heated indoors facility) and I only use gas stabilizer in the tank. This prevents the additives from precipitating out in a nice gooey mess that plugs the fuel system. Available at Canadian Tire. My 'Vette is started only once a month to get the various juices flowing. The battery gets a 12-hour trickle charge at the same interval. I see no need to plug the car in: the anti-freeze should be good to -40C. Just let it sit, start it every four weeks or so (those AC Delco batteries are very good) and wait for Spring....
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/y2kmontecarloclub
Are any of you having rear window defroster problems?
This morning, I set my defroster in #5 position and the window did not start defrosting until I got onto the freeway, approximately 2 miles away from home (and all this after sitting with the engine running a good two minutes!). If anyone has had this problem, tell me how you solved it.
Thanks
1. I was surprised to find that neither the Impala or Monte Carlo had underhood lights. I think GM is trying to save 30 cents per car by not including them. Cheap, cheap, cheap! Does anyone know of an aftermarket of underhood lights that can be installed in my new 2001 Monte Carlo that comes with instructions and easy installation?
2. I noticed that the Impala had a middle rear seat shoulder belt, whereas the Monte Carlo just offered the lap belt. As a matter of fact, the Impala middle shoulder and lap belt retracts very nicely into the rear shelf whereas the Monte Carlo middle lap belt just lays there on the back seat. Is this another cost cutting move by Chevy? Does anyone know if we can retro-fit the middle shoulder and lap belt combination that comes with the Impala to the Monte?
3. I noticed that the outside rearview mirrors only come in black regardless of body color on the Monte Carlo. On the Impala the outside rear view mirrors match the body color of the car. Has anyone had the outside rear view mirrors on a Monte Carlo repainted to match the body color of the car? If so, what was the time and effort involved and was it worth it?
4. In reviewing the 3.4 and 3.8 liter engines, it appears that all of the vital fluids are up front where they can be checked on a regular basis without much hassle, with the exception of the power steering fluid on the 3.8 liter engine. Can someone tell me where that sucker is located? I can't seem to find it on my Monte SS. Do I have to put the car on ramps and come up from underneath to get at the power steering reservoir? Even though I have only owned my car less than two weeks I'm really bugged by the fact that I can't find the power steering fluid cap on the 3.8 liter engine.
5. I notice that both the Impala and Monte Carlo outside rear view mirrors are stationary and do not give if they are hit. Both the Malibu and Cavalier have the forgiving outside rear view mirrors and also many of the Chevy trucklines. Can outside rear view mirrors with the spring loaded mechanism be purchased to fit the Impala and Monte Carlo? These are rather newly designed models and I'm really puzzled as to why Chevy went el-cheapo and didn't put the ones that move if you hit them with the side of your garage. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
St. Louis MO
Thanks
Cobra
33-2141. Jacob, Hon., HI jijco@aol.com Bo)
Cobra
And when it got real bad... had to switch to the Bravada... What can I say... you have to drive what is right for the weather conditions. But the Impala got me home with no problems.
I chuckled when a guy in a big RWD Mercedes was spinning his wheels.
2. The Impala is touted as primarily as a family car, while the Monte is a Sport/Luxury personal coupe. 2-door cars are not meant to be people haulers as sedans are. Take a look at the back seat of a new Honda Prelude and compare that to the rear seat of a new Honda Accord...the Prelude's rear seat looks cheap and unfinished and the Accord's very well organized, full array of lap shoulder belts, armrest and cup holders..get the idea? I bet your Monte SS doesn't have a rear folding armrest and cup holders...the Impala LS does...after all it's a family car. I am not sure if GM has a center position Lap/Shoulder belt retrofit kit for the Monte's rear seat. I doubt it. But ask your dealer to see if they can come up with a part number, if it exists.
3.Rearview Mirrors:: I hear ya, that sucks! My Hondas all had "Breakaway" folding exterior rear view mirrors..very convenient to prevent costly damage to the mirrors housings. On the current Impala/Monte, you have to live with it until GM comes up with a retrofit housing that can be folded. I suspect the 2003 model year refreshining will bring the fold away mirrors. Don't try to put springs in there...you are risking braking them! As for the color match paint, I am sure it can be done. I would recommend having this type of job to be done by a good Paint/Body shop. I don't see a problem in that respect.
4.I had the same problem locating the power steering reservoir bottle on my 3800 V-6 engine...the sucker is located in the back of the engine right behing the manifold against the firewall...very difficult to get to. I am surprised about this choice of positioning since everything else in the 3800 engine is very easy to access..well can have everything in life I guess! The Owner's manual gives detailed instructions on the locations of main engine components...read your manual!
The "Rocket" is no more...
too cool..
As for the SS teo... As much as I would LOVE To have one, I'm sure that's not the car for me. And for only one real reason. I would get IN SO MUCH TROUBLE with it. This 3.8 ltr v6 is perfect for me. Plenty of power... but not "too much" power. I tend to drive a little heavy on the gas anyway,,, I would be a speeding duck for tickets in an SS. Also, I imagine the jump in gas and insurance would put it out of my range. If that Charger is a no-go...I'll be back in a new Impala 3.8 in 2003.
Those Cutlasses were great cars. Mine had the Rocket 350 four Barrel that flew! Olds had great styling in the 69-72 series and the next edition, 73 - 77. I still yearn for a 72 Supreme convertible. Even the 80's Cutlass coupe style was classy and those with the T tops were great. I debated long and hard over an 86 Supreme coupe vs the Camry I eventually bought. MY MISTAKE!!
Farewell Olds. You left some great memories.
Ken