Fbody build quality
12-15-2009, 04:17 PM
#1
Fbody build quality Ever get the feeling/thought that 4th gen (my experience with 'em) were built by incompetent people or the people that were called to work on holidays.
Grumpy and pissy they didn't put effort into all the cars.
With all the minor/major stuff that goes wrong and went on my car, im starting to feel like that these cars were "half-assed".
Flame suit on.
Grumpy and pissy they didn't put effort into all the cars.
With all the minor/major stuff that goes wrong and went on my car, im starting to feel like that these cars were "half-assed".
Flame suit on.
12-15-2009, 04:22 PM
#2
Staging Lane
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Benton Harbor, Mi
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I will say that in my opinion, there was little to no thought or concern about being able to service or repair the vehicle after it left GM. I haven't found ANYTHING that was easy to access or repair.
12-15-2009, 05:22 PM
#5
The assembled in Canada part isnt the problem.....its probably the use of all shity American parts(bazzzzing...jk)....But I'm pretty sure that has nothing really to do with it. Just a late 90s car using the best of 80's parts. If you dont believe me, how many 70/80s cars had that steering wheel column?! A window motor used in 85 astro vans lol
Still a ****** great car for the price of used ones today
Still a ****** great car for the price of used ones today
12-15-2009, 05:43 PM
#6
my 98 t/a will be 12 years old next month. yea its a bitch to work on sometimes, but overall its holding up pretty well. no rust, no paint defects, no major problems mechanically, electrically, or physically (knock on wood). i rather own an 12 year old fbody over a 12 year old mustang anyday.
this car will last me for at least another 12 years or until i decide to upgrade to a vette
this car will last me for at least another 12 years or until i decide to upgrade to a vette
12-15-2009, 06:17 PM
#7
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,289
Likes: 0
Received 1,721 Likes
on
1,234 Posts
4th gen F-bodies are the best cars I've ever owned. They rarely break on me (unless somehow related to mods), and they are actually pretty easy to service.
Only difficult thing to service is the #8 spark plug. Otherwise, all other fluids, filters, and belts are EASY to service. All the engine accessories are relatively easy to access as well. Air, fuel, and oil filters are so easy to access you could have broken arms and still change them with your tounge. Do you know how many other (non-F-body) newer cars don't have a petcock to drain the radiator? Or require removing extra parts just to access the belts? Or require engine bracing removal to change a battery?
As for build quality, all 4 of my 4th gens have been pretty solid cars. You gotta keep in mind these are hatchback, removeable roof cars, so you're gonna hear some body and interior noise....especially in cold weather.
When you consider the price of these cars when new, and the fact that GM gave us an awesome drivetrain that'll run low 13s, often with 100k+ miles on a stock motor, trans, and rear at stock power levels, who can complain?
And I love the old school steering column. It puts the wheel in the perfect location between itself and my body. Who cares if it's old? I think the problem here is that the younger crowd likes a lot of new bells and whistles, and generally doesn't want to see old stuff or old technology even if it works well. I don't feel this way. I like my cars to be as basic as possibile while still offering some level of comfort and conveniance. I'm not interested in Navi, DVD players, integrated I-pods, bluetooth, On-star, heated seats, electronic climate control, 57 different on-board computers to wipe my *** and blow my nose, etc.
It's like the F-body was built for me. They have everything I need and nothing I don't.
Only difficult thing to service is the #8 spark plug. Otherwise, all other fluids, filters, and belts are EASY to service. All the engine accessories are relatively easy to access as well. Air, fuel, and oil filters are so easy to access you could have broken arms and still change them with your tounge. Do you know how many other (non-F-body) newer cars don't have a petcock to drain the radiator? Or require removing extra parts just to access the belts? Or require engine bracing removal to change a battery?
As for build quality, all 4 of my 4th gens have been pretty solid cars. You gotta keep in mind these are hatchback, removeable roof cars, so you're gonna hear some body and interior noise....especially in cold weather.
When you consider the price of these cars when new, and the fact that GM gave us an awesome drivetrain that'll run low 13s, often with 100k+ miles on a stock motor, trans, and rear at stock power levels, who can complain?
And I love the old school steering column. It puts the wheel in the perfect location between itself and my body. Who cares if it's old? I think the problem here is that the younger crowd likes a lot of new bells and whistles, and generally doesn't want to see old stuff or old technology even if it works well. I don't feel this way. I like my cars to be as basic as possibile while still offering some level of comfort and conveniance. I'm not interested in Navi, DVD players, integrated I-pods, bluetooth, On-star, heated seats, electronic climate control, 57 different on-board computers to wipe my *** and blow my nose, etc.
It's like the F-body was built for me. They have everything I need and nothing I don't.
Last edited by RPM WS6; 12-15-2009 at 06:43 PM.
Trending Topics
12-15-2009, 06:28 PM
#9
TECH Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Brighton,MI
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I cant complain my v6 car i had for three years and didnt have to do anything besides maintenance and replace the shocks and pinon seal the car had 100k on it. So far if had no problems with my Z.
12-15-2009, 06:37 PM
#10
The only problems I have had were from belt dressing getting into my alternator, and getting to the #8 spark plug, but I did that when I dropped the motor for the HCI.
Whoa, whoa, whoa...I'm only 19 and I don't mind old technology as long as it works well. I guess I'm not as "hip" as my buddy with a new civic si
.
I like the steering column. It reminds me of my dads '68 Camaro.
I think the problem here is that the younger crowd likes a lot of new bells and whistles, and generally doesn't want to see old stuff or old technology even if it works well.
.I like the steering column. It reminds me of my dads '68 Camaro.
Last edited by Pseudonym; 12-15-2009 at 06:43 PM.
12-15-2009, 06:43 PM
#11
RPMWS6 makes several good points but.....The phucking hatch rattle I have since the GF bounced it off the curb DRIVES ME CRAZY. Sometimes it's there sometimes not. Not GM's fault though. I hate the location of the OP sending unit. STUPID and can be relocated. I HATE half the motor under the cowl (but I understand why). I hate my SCREAMING 10 bolt. Why didn't GM put the 8.5" 10 bolt in there??? I need a DS window motor now.
I LOVE punching Mustangs in the nose
I love kicking the expensive European guys in the nuts After wasting them they won't even look over at you. I still love these cars
I LOVE punching Mustangs in the nose
I love kicking the expensive European guys in the nuts After wasting them they won't even look over at you. I still love these cars
12-15-2009, 06:50 PM
#12
Launching!
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: F-burg, VA
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The fitment of body panels (ex. rattling/squeaking), lack of insulation/build quality (ex. hear every bit of dirt/rocks kicked up under the back of the car) leaves a LOT to be desired. I couldn't drive a 4th gen as a daily driver unless I had something else around to transition to on days that I just don't feel like dealing with it.
It rides like ****, has a noisy interior, and is basically a GM piece of ****. Then again, that is why I bought it. lol. I wanted a car with *****, no frills, and a good bit of power. If I want a cushy/quiet ride, I just take the Land Cruiser out.
It rides like ****, has a noisy interior, and is basically a GM piece of ****. Then again, that is why I bought it. lol. I wanted a car with *****, no frills, and a good bit of power. If I want a cushy/quiet ride, I just take the Land Cruiser out.
12-15-2009, 06:57 PM
#15
TECH Fanatic
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: St. Clair Shores Mi.
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
4th gen F-bodies are the best cars I've ever owned. They rarely break on me (unless somehow related to mods), and they are actually pretty easy to service.
Only difficult thing to service is the #8 spark plug. Otherwise, all other fluids, filters, and belts are EASY to service. All the engine accessories are relatively easy to access as well. Air, fuel, and oil filters are so easy to access you could have broken arms and still change them with your tounge. Do you know how many other (non-F-body) newer cars don't have a petcock to drain the radiator? Or require removing extra parts just to access the belts? Or require engine bracing removal to change a battery?
As for build quality, all 4 of my 4th gens have been pretty solid cars. You gotta keep in mind these are hatchback, removeable roof cars, so you're gonna hear some body and interior noise....especially in cold weather.
When you consider the price of these cars when new, and the fact that GM gave us an awesome drivetrain that'll run low 13s, often with 100k+ miles on a stock motor, trans, and rear at stock power levels, who can complain?
And I love the old school steering column. It puts the wheel in the perfect location between itself and my body. Who cares if it's old? I think the problem here is that the younger crowd likes a lot of new bells and whistles, and generally doesn't want to see old stuff or old technology even if it works well. I don't feel this way. I like my cars to be as basic as possibile while still offering some level of comfort and conveniance. I'm not interested in Navi, DVD players, integrated I-pods, bluetooth, On-star, heated seats, electronic climate control, 57 different on-board computers to wipe my *** and blow my nose, etc.
It's like the F-body was built for me. They have everything I need and nothing I don't.
Only difficult thing to service is the #8 spark plug. Otherwise, all other fluids, filters, and belts are EASY to service. All the engine accessories are relatively easy to access as well. Air, fuel, and oil filters are so easy to access you could have broken arms and still change them with your tounge. Do you know how many other (non-F-body) newer cars don't have a petcock to drain the radiator? Or require removing extra parts just to access the belts? Or require engine bracing removal to change a battery?
As for build quality, all 4 of my 4th gens have been pretty solid cars. You gotta keep in mind these are hatchback, removeable roof cars, so you're gonna hear some body and interior noise....especially in cold weather.
When you consider the price of these cars when new, and the fact that GM gave us an awesome drivetrain that'll run low 13s, often with 100k+ miles on a stock motor, trans, and rear at stock power levels, who can complain?
And I love the old school steering column. It puts the wheel in the perfect location between itself and my body. Who cares if it's old? I think the problem here is that the younger crowd likes a lot of new bells and whistles, and generally doesn't want to see old stuff or old technology even if it works well. I don't feel this way. I like my cars to be as basic as possibile while still offering some level of comfort and conveniance. I'm not interested in Navi, DVD players, integrated I-pods, bluetooth, On-star, heated seats, electronic climate control, 57 different on-board computers to wipe my *** and blow my nose, etc.
It's like the F-body was built for me. They have everything I need and nothing I don't.
Anyone who's owned a 2nd or 3rd Gen will relate how much more solid the 4th Gens are. As for all the extra do dads that most new vehicles come with, my thought is if it's kept simple there's less to go wrong.
12-15-2009, 07:14 PM
#16
honestly i do agree that these cars a pain to work on, but what late model gm has been really easy to work on. I would put fbodies right in the middle of difficulties. I am a mechanic and see alot of gms at the shop i work at. For exaple of a stupid gm idea i was working on an old intrigue today where you have to pull the whole exhaust manifold (which isnt very easy) to replace the gaskets on the coolant crossover tube because the exhaust corss pipe is part of the manifold.
In intro my teacher always refered to the engineers "wet dream" they think its the best idea but ends up being shitty and a pain to work on and after working for a few years i realized how right he was
In intro my teacher always refered to the engineers "wet dream" they think its the best idea but ends up being shitty and a pain to work on and after working for a few years i realized how right he was
12-15-2009, 07:15 PM
#17
TECH Regular
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: MS
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
12-15-2009, 07:25 PM
#18
Anyone who's owned a 2nd or 3rd Gen will relate how much more solid the 4th Gens are.
12-15-2009, 07:40 PM
#19
Yeah, most my cars didn't even run when I bought them. It was so nice being able to buy a car and drive it instead of having to fix some crap or get it running. The rear end squeals like a pig but with the stereo on you don't really notice it. The only thing is that the tie rods or something are bad which makes for a scary ride at 120+mph..
I remember going to school in the 80 Trans Am and being so scared that I wouldn't make it.
I remember going to school in the 80 Trans Am and being so scared that I wouldn't make it.
12-15-2009, 07:54 PM
#20
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,289
Likes: 0
Received 1,721 Likes
on
1,234 Posts