You don't have to push it to its limits to notice negative FWD characteristics. If those characteristics don't bother you, then the Impala SS is a good choice -- a little faster and better mileage than the Charger RT.

When I read a C&D road test, I always apply the filter of things that I care about. The fact that they report on things I don't care about doesn't imply to me that they shouldn't report on them, because others surely do.

The magazines used to complain about the live axle on the Camaro too -- especially when the writer was an import bigot. I generally don't mind a little bit of rear axle dance anywhere near as much as FWD torque steer or FWD wheelspin. So I ignored the complaints and bought a Camaro. However, the magazines wouldn't be doing their job if they didn't comment on it.

 

Fair enough.

 

GXP crosses the 1/4 in 2nd gear....I am not sure about the Impala. It is quite an off experiance going 102mph in second

 

This link here at clubgp.com says the SS/GXP tranny has a 3.29 final drive, but a 2.93 effective. Now normally I can understand this, but today I'm tired and don't quite understand which is which. It also never makes mention of there being a SS and GXP version, though I may have overlooked that. Qhat do you guys think, can someone explain this to me?

http://www.clubgp.com/newforum/tm.as...mode=1&smode=1

 

I read the article, and one thing it did say was that the W body had been significantly revamped since its inception, "and those changes have been beneficial."

It doesn't sound like they were acting like this is an 18 year old chassis. They complained about the torque steer issue, and the fact it does have a lot of body lean. It does have both, more so than the GXP. End of story, I guess. One thing that did annoy me is both them and Edmunds said the car is "happier" with the 3.9. To me, that makes no sense. An LTZ will lean more than an SS, and if you don't like torque steer, don't nail the crap outta it all the time! The SS can be just as happy as the LTZ, IMO...

 

I think the theory is that the 3.9, being lighter, will make for a better balanced car (as in less front heavy) with less understeer. It's the same reason that the smallblock V8s were often preferred in the Pony cars back in the 1969-70 timeframe. For example, you could get a 383 or 440 in the 1969 Barracuda, but the 340 made for a better balanced car. Or at least, that's what the road tests of the era said.

 

But, I don't think the 3.9 IS lighter...I think they weigh about the same. Remember, the 3.9 is an iron block, the 5.3 is alloy...that makes up a ton of difference...

 

Did the Impala gain that much weight? The 2005 model weighed more like 3500 pounds, and that was with the Iron 3.8. The car in C&D's test weighed over 3700. I'll bet the 3.9 puts less weight over the wheels even if the engine is the same weight, because the rest of the drivetrain can be lighter.

The other possibility is that C&D just felt there was too much power for the chassis. That was my impression in a very brief drive, though you could just put a brick under the gas pedal

 

The GXP is a great package....if only I could get better gas milage

 

A good reason for the brick under the gas pedal?

 

That is an impressive trap speed. Better than I thought it would get. Good job GM for that. Not a lot of daily drivers trap anywhere near that high. Too bad that it sounds as though it looses out on the handling, and throttle control category.

I've never been a fan of the latest Monte Carlo body style ever since it looked like a Nascar vehicle driving around town. Lots of chicks seem to like it though. It seems easily 50/50 male to female ratio.

Dan

 

Let me ask you this can the GXP parts be put on the Impala SS to improve handling?

 

Everything is a direct bolt on if you look on Club GP you will find all the part numbers. There is a list in the 2004+ section. Save a few grand and get a fully loaded GXP.

 

No Rwd = No care

 

QFT.