The Automotive Thread

[blybrook PE]

Well Jeb, the new Ram 1500's have a diesel option

Although, diesel prices right now are higher than gas; I still haven't figured out the attraction of having a diesel in a 1/2 ton truck. The frame isn't heavy enough to work the diesel properly under a full load.

Good luck with whatever you choose, but sounds like a good call on the G8.

 

[Dexman PE PMP]

Jeb, I believe most Chevy's have that new switchblade key now (at least my Camaro does). I've already had to replace mine (under warranty), and they're about $75 for a new one from the dealership. I understand what you mean about the go/stop feeling of the engine, but with some miles you get better with it. It took me a couple months to really get used to driving my Camaro in traffic. It is a 6sp manual transmission, and to help with the go/stop part I find myself shifting sooner (usually shift before 3500 RPM's) and bypassing gears. I can even get going from a dead stop in 2nd gear without using the gas pedal. These have enough horsepower you don't hardly have to put any pressure on the gas pedal, unlike some of the more conventional V-6's and I4's. That being said, I'm still turning 21mpg with mixed city/highway.

The Radio/HVAC thing is a bit of an issue, as the Camaro has something similar. But the stock system is still very powerful and has more features than what I was used to finding within aftermarket systems. It's very easy to upgrade speakers and add a subwoofer to these without needing to upgrade the head unit. However, it's one big expensive unit to replace if one thing goes wrong...

 

[Supe]

Sounds like my Saturn. POS stereo, but if I go double din to get rid of it, I lose all functionality with the steering wheel, CANBUS system, computer display on the dash, etc.

 

[Capt Worley PE]

That being said, I'm still turning 21mpg with mixed city/highway.

Hey, that's pretty impressive! My Maxx, with the 3500 V6 gets almost 20 in pure city driving.

 

[jeb6294]

I did a quick check on Crutchfield just to see what was available nowadays and one of the accessories they have listed is an adaptor for the steering wheel controls so hopefully they've got something to keep that working. I've gotten used to it in my current car to the point that it is almost a must-have on a replacement. That was another issue with the G8, I wasn't crazy about the steering wheel controls. Something silly and I would probably get used to it but it just wasn't doing it for me.

 

[Dexman PE PMP]

The one thing I really like about the Camaro's stereo system is that it comes with a USB port in the center armrest. I have about 2GB of music uploaded to a thumbdrive plugged into it that I can control with the steering wheel. It works the same way if I plug my Droid phone or wife's iPhone into it. I really haven't listened to the radio since...

 

[jeb6294]

Our current Explorer has 2 USB ports in the storage bin under the stereo along with RCA inputs so you can plug some sort of video player in and watch on the touchscreen. One thing that is really nice is that it will connect to cell phones via Bluetooth for calls but will also access music and play that wirelessly too. The Accord's that my wife has been looking at to replace the Explorer have USB ports on the center console. Mine doesn't have any of that but I found a box that I had installed that lets me plug my iPod in and it'll play it through the stereo and let me control it with my steering wheel controls.

 

[Dexman PE PMP]

Yeah, I have the bluetooth part too, but I manage to break/reset my cellphone often enough that I never really setup any of it because I know I'll have to redo it again.

 

[Road Guy]

My jeep has one of this cassette tapes you put in with a wire in it that you plug into your iPod.... It's pretty freaking awesome!

 

[Supe]

My jeep has one of this cassette tapes you put in with a wire in it that you plug into your iPod.... It's pretty freaking awesome!

I wish I even had that much. When they imported the ASTRA, what was the aux input on the back of the stereo became the input for their OnStar setup which I've never used since the free trial expired 5 years ago. I had to buy one of the FM modulator boxes (that splice inline with your antenna) just to be able to install my Sirius.

 

[Capt Worley PE]

^I really wanted to buy an Astra back in 2008, but everything on it was....um....not GM standard.

 

[Supe]

Yup.

Even the clock is a 24 hour clock. Good looking car and great gas mileage, but that's about where it ends. I'm just waiting for it to blow up so I can put an LS1 in and make a new hillclimb car out of it.

 

[Capt Worley PE]

^Speaking of blowing up, a HUGE turnoff with the Astra for me was the timing belt. A BELT for Pete's sake. That's so eighties.

The Astra's really are nice, just too idiosyncratic for me.

 

[MA_PE]

I'm looking at a 97 firebird Formula with the LT1 350. What do you guys think og that motor? the car currently has ~97k on it, but it looks clean.

 

[Capt Worley PE]

^I like it, but it had a very short production run and there isn't much aftermarket support. I'd go for a 98 and later for the LS engine, although I think the restyle was horrible.

 

[Master slacker]

I have a '96 Impala SS with the LT1. The engine itself is typically good up to 200k. The only "big" issues with it are the Optispark and plug access (for the F-bodies, not so much with the B-bodies). At 97k miles, if it hasn't been run into the ground, the engine internals should still be in good condition.

It all depends on what you plan on doing with it. If you're looking for performance, check out Advanced Induction or Lloyed Elliot for heads / cam combos. If it has a manual transmission you'd be fine. If it has the automatic, it would need to be replaced to handle the power increase.

 

[Supe]

AT 97K, I'd be surprised if the optispark hasn't already been replaced.

 

[Road Guy]

for the newer car-washes anyone think I will ruin my soft top on the jeep if i drive it through one of those "touchless" car washes?

I got a used soft top but the thing is f'n filthy. I was hoping to let it do some scrubbing for me?

 

[Dexman PE PMP]

The chemicals added to the touchless car wash soaps will cause your paint to fade and still arent effective. The only way to get all of the dirt/grime off is with a clean brush.

 

[Road Guy]

yes but i am very lazy... maybe this is something my kids can do?