Possibly making the Jump
01-01-2011, 12:44 PM
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Possibly making the Jump I've owned 3 f-bodies, so I"m familiar as far as the LSx architecture goes. I currently have a Ford Lightning, but I am selling it because I'm sick of paying for premium gas in a 25 gallon tank on a truck that gets 9-10mpg in the winter in the city. I do 90% city driving and in the summer I get maybe 15-18 on the hwy and 11-13 city. The Impala SS is not my style, and the Monte Carlo SS makes my insurance premium go up by over 200 bucks. No thanks. I was considering a Grand Prix GXP to replace my truck. I've narrowed my choices down to either a Dodge Magnum R/T or the GXP. I'm finishing college, so I just want something reliable. When I graduate, I plan to start saving for a house, and I'm done modifying cars until I get that house. Only thing either car would see is an exhaust and intake because I cannot drive quiet V8s. I've been reading about all of these transmission issues, and its kind of scaring me. What are the pros and cons to these cars. I've read all the stickies, just want some more real world experience.
01-01-2011, 12:59 PM
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The trans is the main weak link. Some of us have beaten our cars hard with no issues, and some baby the car and have gone through trannies. I beat mine like the red headed stepchild it was, and only had a bad TCM at 55k miles.
If your lookin for one, id suggest making sure it doesn't have a rebuilt trans. GM rebuilt trannies don't have a good track record at all. Also, get an 07-08 for the 100k powertrain warranty.
If your lookin for one, id suggest making sure it doesn't have a rebuilt trans. GM rebuilt trannies don't have a good track record at all. Also, get an 07-08 for the 100k powertrain warranty.
01-01-2011, 01:04 PM
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The one I found is an 06. It has 49k miles, and they're asking 13.9. Does that seem like a good deal? All the 07+ for some reason seem to have more miles than the 06s. Weird. Besides the trans cooler and what not, is there anything else that should be done to the trans? This car will not see the track. Just daily driving.
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01-01-2011, 02:27 PM
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good thinking. I'm waiting for my truck to sell first, and its close to be, so we'll see what happens. I found another dealership that has an 07, but the 07 has 17k more miles than the one I'm looking at. Both are black.
01-01-2011, 02:35 PM
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Well from there, there are a few things you may want to consider:
- Price
- Alcoas vs. Knockoffs
- Black vs. Silver center caps
- Indirect vs. Direct TPMS
- E40 (24x/1x) vs. E67 (58x/4x) ECM
- Warranty
- Center console changes
01-01-2011, 03:51 PM
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If you're not planning on going any further than cai/exhaust, then I wouldnt sweat the tranny at all. As far as what GXP25 listed, the only thing I can assist with is the Alcoa wheels. After '06 GM stopped using real Alcoa wheels and went with some cheapo knock-off's. I think some of the early '07's still got the Alcoa's, but most didnt (correct me if I'm wrong here). I have no clue about the other stuff he listed, I need some education here as well!
01-01-2011, 03:53 PM
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- '05-early '07s had forged Alcoa wheels stamped "Alcoa" and "Forged." later '07s-'08s had Taiwanese knockoffs.
Alcoa:
Non-Alcoa:
- Halfway through the 2006 model year, the center caps of the wheels went from black to silver. They can be changed out.
- '05-'06's TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) was indirect and used the ABS to determine whether a tire was low. It had to do with tire rotation. The DIC would display a [nonspecific] message if a tire was low. '07-'08s have sensors in each tire which sends an RF signal to the keyless entry receiver. The PSI in each tire is displayed on the DIC. This can be retrofitted and I am in the process of getting everything together.
- '05-'06s: 24x crankshaft reluctor wheel (or crankshaft trigger wheel), 1x camshaft timing gear (or camshaft trigger wheel), and E40 ECM.
'07-'08s: 58x crankshaft reluctor wheel (or crankshaft trigger wheel), 4x camshaft timing gear (or camshaft trigger wheel), and E67 ECM.
- '05-mid '06 have a "more expensive" center console. Later '06s-'08s have a redesigned console which appears to have been done to cut costs.
First design:
Second design:
The GXP will have a HUD switch where the hole is located in the first design (no hole in second design) and the shifter will be different than in the pics. Also, the first design cup holder can be removed while the second design is fixed. However, the second design cup holders are slightly larger in diameter and have a rubber bottom that can be removed.
There's also an ashtray in the first design that is covered by a spring-loaded door. Finally, the traction control button on the first design is raised whereas the button on the second design is much more recessed.
- Child door locks were introduced in '07+.
Alcoa:
Non-Alcoa:
- Halfway through the 2006 model year, the center caps of the wheels went from black to silver. They can be changed out.
- '05-'06's TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) was indirect and used the ABS to determine whether a tire was low. It had to do with tire rotation. The DIC would display a [nonspecific] message if a tire was low. '07-'08s have sensors in each tire which sends an RF signal to the keyless entry receiver. The PSI in each tire is displayed on the DIC. This can be retrofitted and I am in the process of getting everything together.
- '05-'06s: 24x crankshaft reluctor wheel (or crankshaft trigger wheel), 1x camshaft timing gear (or camshaft trigger wheel), and E40 ECM.
'07-'08s: 58x crankshaft reluctor wheel (or crankshaft trigger wheel), 4x camshaft timing gear (or camshaft trigger wheel), and E67 ECM.
- '05-mid '06 have a "more expensive" center console. Later '06s-'08s have a redesigned console which appears to have been done to cut costs.
First design:
Second design:
The GXP will have a HUD switch where the hole is located in the first design (no hole in second design) and the shifter will be different than in the pics. Also, the first design cup holder can be removed while the second design is fixed. However, the second design cup holders are slightly larger in diameter and have a rubber bottom that can be removed.
There's also an ashtray in the first design that is covered by a spring-loaded door. Finally, the traction control button on the first design is raised whereas the button on the second design is much more recessed.
- Child door locks were introduced in '07+.
Last edited by GXP25; 01-01-2011 at 03:58 PM. Reason: Typo.
01-01-2011, 04:28 PM
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The E67 ECM with the 58x/4x is a plus from what I've gathered.
The TPMS issue is rather "simple." It involves replacing the keyless entry receiver and moving a wire from the BCM to the splice pack and then getting the vehicle programmed for an '07 or '08. You'd also need the sensors.
It's a love/hate issue with some people.
01-01-2011, 04:37 PM
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In the original post you wrote you were tired of putting premium gas in your vehicle and only getting 10-13 mpg in the city. The LS4 motor requires 91 or higher octane. I've heard the knock they have with 87 (My buddies ISS) and I couldn't deal with it. I do 90% city driving and average 10-13 mpgs. 8-11 in the winter due to the remote start (And me being a wuss) The highway is a different story where I can easily attain 30+ Mpg. I don't know if it matters to you but you did mention it.
01-01-2011, 04:38 PM
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In the original post you wrote you were tired of putting premium gas in your vehicle and only getting 10-13 mpg in the city. The LS4 motor requires 91 or higher octane. I've heard the knock they have with 87 (My buddies ISS) and I couldn't deal with it. I do 90% city driving and average 10-13 mpgs. 8-11 in the winter due to the remote start (And me being a wuss) The highway is a different story where I can easily attain 30+ Mpg. I don't know if it matters to you but you did mention it.
01-01-2011, 05:13 PM
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i have no problem with using premium gas, its not a big deal to me, but the truck mileage is horrendous, and its a 25 gallon tank. I used to drive GXP's at my job, and i love the interior over the cheapness of my 01 Ford. Plus the heated seats, remote start, etc. When I would drive them at work, a mix of about 75/25 city/hwy the car would average about 22mpg.