Looking into an SS
07-31-2011, 09:28 PM
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Looking into an SS Hey guys,
First timer here, and just started looking through the forum. I'm looking to get a new car in the near future, and am leaning towards an Impala SS. After reading through some of the forum it sounds like the trans is a weak point to be on the look out for when test driving a car. Is there anything else to be weary of? Also, what kind of gas mileage are those with the SS getting on a regular basis. My current car, a 1989 Oldsmobile 98 gets around 18-22 on my commute to and from work, looking for something similar in that range. Thanks for the input in advance.
matt
First timer here, and just started looking through the forum. I'm looking to get a new car in the near future, and am leaning towards an Impala SS. After reading through some of the forum it sounds like the trans is a weak point to be on the look out for when test driving a car. Is there anything else to be weary of? Also, what kind of gas mileage are those with the SS getting on a regular basis. My current car, a 1989 Oldsmobile 98 gets around 18-22 on my commute to and from work, looking for something similar in that range. Thanks for the input in advance.
matt
07-31-2011, 09:38 PM
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The car I had before my Camaro was a 2003 Monte Carlo SS, had the 3.8 V6, with 200 HP, and the same 4 speed automatic transmission as the Impala SS. The 5.3 V8 in the Impala/Monte Carlo SS is at its limit at about 300HP, and those cars produce 303HP...so yes, it's very susceptible to breaking.
First thing, I need to know if you're looking at buying the 2006 and up Impala SS, with the 5.3 V8.
If you are, those cars have "active fuel management", so when you are at highway cruising speeds, between 55-65MPH, 4 cylinders shut off. This enables the car to get up to 29MPG on the highway. Driving around the city you will average 16-18MPG, depending on how you drive it.
I almost bought a 2006 Monte Carlo SS to replace my '03 SS, but I got the Camaro Z28 instead, knowing it had way more power and potential, and was more fun to drive. However, the Impala/Monte Carlo is a FAR nicer car, more comfortable, and gets better fuel economy.
First thing, I need to know if you're looking at buying the 2006 and up Impala SS, with the 5.3 V8.
If you are, those cars have "active fuel management", so when you are at highway cruising speeds, between 55-65MPH, 4 cylinders shut off. This enables the car to get up to 29MPG on the highway. Driving around the city you will average 16-18MPG, depending on how you drive it.
I almost bought a 2006 Monte Carlo SS to replace my '03 SS, but I got the Camaro Z28 instead, knowing it had way more power and potential, and was more fun to drive. However, the Impala/Monte Carlo is a FAR nicer car, more comfortable, and gets better fuel economy.
07-31-2011, 10:12 PM
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you should get that mpg or better with an ss like said above it shuts off 4 cylinders under light loads to save gas. I get 17 mpg beating on my car (in sig) and when i came home from school i avg. about 24-25 mpgs all highway with big hills
07-31-2011, 10:17 PM
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Try to stick with a 2005-2006 so that way you can use Diablo sport tuning software. 07-08 Uses a differnt ECM so your pretty much stuck with Trifecta (mail order tune) or HP tuners. Tuning makes a world of difference. Especially when going thru Lewis Eaton, who is CMR tuner for Diablo sport. Diablo Sport is supposed to be releasing PCM tuning in the near future.
The LS4 4T65E is a little more beefed up then the 3.8 S/C 4T65E. Tuning, Shift kit and cooler really help prolong trans life.
IDK about the Impala SS, but my 4 door GXP got well over 22mph when it was stock.
LS4's are a lot of fun to drive and can hang with a lot of other cars.
Tuning, exhaust, CAI and STB's make it that much more fun. Cheap thrills!
The LS4 4T65E is a little more beefed up then the 3.8 S/C 4T65E. Tuning, Shift kit and cooler really help prolong trans life.
IDK about the Impala SS, but my 4 door GXP got well over 22mph when it was stock.
LS4's are a lot of fun to drive and can hang with a lot of other cars.
Tuning, exhaust, CAI and STB's make it that much more fun. Cheap thrills!
07-31-2011, 10:33 PM
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06's only, we didn't have an 05 model.
Theres benefits to both, yes you can get a lew tune with an 06(not knocking lew in any way) but with the 07's and up you have the 100k powertrain warranty which will come in handy if you plan on keeping stock.
Theres benefits to both, yes you can get a lew tune with an 06(not knocking lew in any way) but with the 07's and up you have the 100k powertrain warranty which will come in handy if you plan on keeping stock.
07-31-2011, 10:58 PM
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I have never driven an LS4, but I can tell you what I know of them. Very very quiet V8, almost sounds like a V6. So if you want a nice quiet sort of luxury car, this is a good one. Good power, 303HP, good for 0-60 in about 5.7-6.0 seconds. 1/4 mile time of 14.0. Average (i think the stickers on the dealership say this) 18MPG City/28MPG highway. Comes with 18 inch wheels, not the prettiest looking, but they are alright. Very roomy and comfortable suspension. All came with a 4 spd automatic, take 87 octane fuel.
Hell talking about them that much makes me wish I owned one. I still love my Camaro, but it's not that sort of a "nice car". Wish I had a Monte Carlo SS plus the Camaro.
Hell talking about them that much makes me wish I owned one. I still love my Camaro, but it's not that sort of a "nice car". Wish I had a Monte Carlo SS plus the Camaro.
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08-01-2011, 12:33 AM
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I have never driven an LS4, but I can tell you what I know of them. Very very quiet V8, almost sounds like a V6. So if you want a nice quiet sort of luxury car, this is a good one. Good power, 303HP, good for 0-60 in about 5.7-6.0 seconds. 1/4 mile time of 14.0. Average (i think the stickers on the dealership say this) 18MPG City/28MPG highway. Comes with 18 inch wheels, not the prettiest looking, but they are alright. Very roomy and comfortable suspension. All came with a 4 spd automatic, take 87 octane fuel.
Hell talking about them that much makes me wish I owned one. I still love my Camaro, but it's not that sort of a "nice car". Wish I had a Monte Carlo SS plus the Camaro.
Hell talking about them that much makes me wish I owned one. I still love my Camaro, but it's not that sort of a "nice car". Wish I had a Monte Carlo SS plus the Camaro.
08-01-2011, 04:43 AM
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Youll need premium for these, just a little correction.
I had an 01 SS that averaged 30-32 mpg highway...
My 06 wont get that...Right now with 4 cylinder mode turned off I get 23-24, sometimes a little more with perfect conditions(Flat road, no wind etc)...With 4 cylinder mode on I used to get 25-26, mostly staying at 25.
City MPG will suck though, I am averaging 16.7 right now for it lol.
I had an 01 SS that averaged 30-32 mpg highway...
My 06 wont get that...Right now with 4 cylinder mode turned off I get 23-24, sometimes a little more with perfect conditions(Flat road, no wind etc)...With 4 cylinder mode on I used to get 25-26, mostly staying at 25.
City MPG will suck though, I am averaging 16.7 right now for it lol.
08-01-2011, 05:05 PM
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Find a certified used. We bought an 08, for my wife. It's a nice car, that has plenty of get-up-and-go for a family car. We average 23 mpg with a 75/25 split of highway vs. in town driving. On long trips we have seen an average of 26.5 across 400 miles averaging 71 mph. It rides good, the leather seats are comfy, and there's room for all three of us(6'1" adult, 5'3" adult, 3 foot toddler in a car seat). We used to drive my Ext. cab Sierra everywhere,(more comfortable than our old Malibu) but now it sits more than the car. We recently put some BFG KDWS tires on it(stock size) and that made a world of difference.
08-01-2011, 05:13 PM
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08-01-2011, 05:37 PM
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See the stickied trans thread if you want to know how likely you are to have problems.
Failures happen to folks who beat on them just as often as those people who take baby them. Anecdotes are cute, but reality is what it is.
Go into this with your eyes open because the trans problems can pricey if you're paying out of pocket.
Failures happen to folks who beat on them just as often as those people who take baby them. Anecdotes are cute, but reality is what it is.
Go into this with your eyes open because the trans problems can pricey if you're paying out of pocket.
08-01-2011, 11:19 PM
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Went and looked at an 06 today with 72K on it. It was at a dealership, and when I started it there was a nasty tick that sounded like a stuck lifter. I didn't even take it for a test drive due to that issues. Are stuck lifters an issue on this engine? Supposedly the one i was looking at was certified and passed some large inspection report that they have. I'm guessing lifters wern't on that report.
08-02-2011, 03:38 PM
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Went and looked at an 06 today with 72K on it. It was at a dealership, and when I started it there was a nasty tick that sounded like a stuck lifter. I didn't even take it for a test drive due to that issues. Are stuck lifters an issue on this engine? Supposedly the one i was looking at was certified and passed some large inspection report that they have. I'm guessing lifters wern't on that report.
08-03-2011, 01:25 AM
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Warranty's, recalls, plus its the first year they made them like that so theres still would be some bugs in them. Im not saying dont get it, just becareful. There's a lot of 06's out there that are awesome condition, but if it was a 20 year old that had that car before you id watch out. In mine i found a number of a guy that had mine before me, i called him and he was 50 so i was alright. At first what i would do is check the avg mgp and see what is says, highway miles would be awesome