Faults:
The first thing to go wrong was the lines were rotted. So ALL metal lines (Power steering, Brake, Transmission Cooling, oil) were replaced EXCEPT for the fuel lines which were replaced with entire fuel system March 2002.
Engine Mounts and Tranny Mounts were next to be replaced. Not much details there, pretty self-explanatory.
New headliner installed at 148,000 due to drying out of factory glue.
Transmission rebuild at 154,000 miles. Cost was $900 in parts with free labor through dealership. Vehicle sits for approximately 2 years.
At 156,000 miles, the accumulator valve on the brake resevoir fails, fooling the entire system into thinking the anti-lock is engaged all the time. The remedy is to feather the brake pedal to counter-act and fool the system that you are NOT sliding, so there is no need for the system to engage. (Sounds complicated, but I am currently still driving it like this. New accumulator is $115 (My Cost) ).
At 160,000 the drivers front hub assembly disintergrates. ALL Wheel studs snap sending the tire off the vehicle while travelling at 70 MPH. $1200 damage. New front fender installed.
161,000: Power-steering Rack and Pinion Unit is replaced after suffering a leaking seal where the column meets the unit. $70-Part.
162,000: Time for a new suspension. Ball joints have all been replaced and new struts front and rear are installed.
Since the day of purchase, the sun slowly destroys my car. A slightly shrunken dashboard and faded seatbelts.
Arm rests clips are broken and discontinued by GM. (They still hold shape nicely)
Front Lower facia (airdam) is broken on drivers front corner. (Doesn't droop)
General Comments:
After rebuilding the tranny, I've lost acceleration. However, this car's engine STILL runs smoothly as if it came from the dealer yesterday. Car rides like a dream with new suspension.
I replaced muffler with Flowmaster 40 series for rumble ONLY on acceleration at approx. 2000 RPM's.
A K&N airfilter has replaced the factory AC Delco one.
A complete Kenwood Soundsystem has been installed. System includes Mask feature, Electronic crossover, 3 amplifiers, 1 5 1/4+1" dome tweeter component kit, 170 watt 6x9's and Tornado series 12 inch Subwoofers mounted in a custom enclosure in the trunk.
Visually, the interior is in semi-mint condition.
Mechanically, the vehicle is in almost 100% running condition.
Body wise, she is in dire need of a paint job, and rust has surfaced in the areas of the rear wheel wells and under the rear side windows near the rocker panels.
Front driver's plastic fender has been replaced with an aftermarket metal fender.
Rear wing still in good condition, just needs to be sanded and repainted.
24th May 2004, 20:04
I love this car!!! I have done some small mods to it that game it a bit more kick. I have added a supercharger and a new intake manifold. It's just how I want it now.