Chevy Impala 2004 Redesign - READ ONLY

233 messages, Last post on Sep 10, 2003 at 7:13 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Impala, Sedan

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#4 of 233 by kirstie_h HOST Jul 22, 2002 (7:45 am)
V6 power & FWD this time around. For more info, visit the 2004 Impala Preview page. kirstie_h Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host Edmunds.com
#5 of 233 by magnetophone Jul 22, 2002 (7:48 am)
Ugh! What an insult to the "SS" name! a front-wheel-drive 3800 V6? That's basically just a Regal GS...which looks a lot nicer.
#6 of 233 by machiavelli Jul 22, 2002 (8:52 am)
So it's not an 'all-new' car, just another engine option for the current Impala. I didn't think it would be an all-new car. Hopefully, they will at least "freshen" the whole Impala line at the same time they bring this out, new interior, etc...
#7 of 233 by hvan3 Jul 22, 2002 (1:54 pm)
Things I like to see on the somewhat "new" 2004 Impala SS 1) Matching color side moldings 2) Improve on the cheap leather seats 3) Bigger wheels and tires (confirmed by Edmunds) 4) More horsepower (confirmed by Edmunds) 5) Improve quality of the interior dashboard 6) Make sunroof/leather as standard 7) Redesign the rear tail lights That's about it. I think the SS should at least match the domestic entry level luxury car of the Chrysler 300M.
#8 of 233 moondawg by moondawg55 Aug 04, 2002 (8:46 am)
Why oh Why! don't Chevrolet use the 3.5L "Shortstar" from the discontinued Oldsmobile Intrigue? Where will GM put this motor?
#9 of 233 by machiavelli Aug 05, 2002 (5:32 am)
On the scrapheap.
#10 of 233 To magnetophone by jpstax Aug 07, 2002 (6:44 pm)
Thanks for the nice compliment about the Regal GS. I own a '98 and my wife owns a '00. On the plus side of the SC3800, you can add lots of mods to increase HP & torque. I'd wait and see what Chevy does. I read where they did install a detuned LS1, and RWD, but apparently the engine bay was too cramped. Maybe Bob Lutz killed the idea. The L-67 is a powerful and very reliable engine. I think Impala people will eventually love it, just like Regal GS & Pontiac GTP owners do.
#11 of 233 LS1 by wyoimp Aug 08, 2002 (7:10 am)
The LS1 fit wasn't the problem, nor was it de-tuned. It just had too much torque and wasn't ready for production / everyday driving. I agree with the LS-67 having alot of potential. Unfortunately too many people are unwilling to make the paradigm shift from RWD to FWD. Same goes with all the rest of the newer v.s. the older, more familiar automotive technology. Isn't it amazing how much better car ran and performed once the bugs were worked out of meeting Pollution requirements and incorporating electronics? The drawback is there aren't that many competant mechanics / technicians who know how to properly troubleshoot these newer systems. A pinched wire or bad ground takes patience and system knowledge to find and fix. In the meantime we pay parts that are needlessly replaced.
#12 of 233 To wyoimp by jpstax Aug 08, 2002 (9:56 am)
I don't mean to nitpick, but I thought the engine Chevy tried to install in the Impala was the same LS1 found in the Z-28. Isn't that a de-tuned motor (only 305, instead of the 345 ponies the 'Vette gets)? If that's true, then why does Holden sell a de-tuned LS1 with their Commodore SS (same basic body style as the Impala)?
#13 of 233 by machiavelli Aug 08, 2002 (10:27 am)
The US model Impala has nothing in common with a Holden Commodore. The Impala is FWD, the Commodore is RWD. The Commodore is more closely related to the old Cadillac Catera. wyoimp is right, as far as I know - the small block V8 will fit in the Impala, but it would have so much torque steer, it would be impractical. There is definitely a limit as to how much power you can put through the front wheels and still have decent handling.