Where to start - 2003 Chevy Impala

[justjohn]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to do a few easy mods to my (automatic transmission) Impala and would like some input on which ones would be good to start with. (ie: which are the most effective of the easy ones)

I did a bunch of reading and came up with this so far:

1. Nut behind the wheel.
-Working on it.

2. Air in the tires
-I'll be checking this today

3. Lowest recommended viscosity engine oil (synthetic)

4. Lowest recommended viscosity transmission fluid (synthetic)

5. Block the radiator or the front intake
-Which would be better?

[FastPlastic]

Considering the temps these days, front grill block is what I would start with when it comes to physical mods. It'll help warm things up a bit faster.

[justjohn]

Originally Posted by FastPlastic

Considering the temps these days, front grill block is what I would start with when it comes to physical mods. It'll help warm things up a bit faster.

So blocking the front intake is better than the radiator then? I assume that will be a little trickier considering the shape of the grill.

[FastPlastic]

Originally Posted by justjohn

So blocking the front intake is better than the radiator then? I assume that will be a little trickier considering the shape of the grill.

For Aerodynamics it's best if you can block it on the outside. But if you can't find a good way to do it, or don't like the look you can block it on the inside and still have decent results. Aerodynamics isn't going to be the big factor right now anyway. The faster warm-up time will make all the difference.

[99LeCouch]

Put Dexron-VI ATF in the transmission. Also there's a DIY shift kit easily made for the 4T65. It makes the shifts much quicker, which makes pulse and glide wear less.

You likely can get away with 5w-20 since you're not going to be terribly hard on the engine. If that scares you, then a 5w-30 or 0w-30 is also an excellent choice.

For the grille block, you can shape polycarbonate (Lexan) over the grille and hold it down with toggle bolts. It doesn't have to be very thick. 2mm/ 1/8" thickness is durable as anything, and looks good to boot.

[MadisonMPG]

I honestly don't see to much room for areodynamic improvement in that body style Impala. I would remove the spoiler, if you have it.

[justjohn]

Thanks for the input guys. What method is usually used to block a split grill with a slight v, do it in one piece or two? Just search lexan .125 and order some off the internet?

LeCouch:
Very helpful post. Any other benefit of the shift kit?

Madison:
Yep, no spoiler anyway.

[99LeCouch]

The shift kit permanently increases your line pressure via mechanical means. The faster shifts are a result of this increased line pressure. Reduced wear and less heat are side benefits since the internals do not slip against each other as much. To drive the car you wouldn't know it was kitted, just that it completes shifts a bit faster than other 4T65's.

Combined with the Dexron-VI ATF, you can barely tell the transmission is shifting aside from the engine note changing. Downshifts come faster, and torque converter shudder at highway speeds is cut down a lot.

For the grille block, here's how I did mine: Grille Blocks in the Summer You can find thin-enough Lexan in Home Depot or Lowe's if you look in the roofing section. Otherwise a real hobby shop will have what you need.

[mcrews]

Justin,
goto walmat buy a 2ft x 3ft $10 poster frame. in the picture frame dept. the 'glass' is really a flexible plastic.

cut them like this:



use black electrician tape to seal the edges.
two thoughts: go all the way to the body line .....about 1/2 out from the grille edge and create a perfectly smooth surface across the front.
or......have the plastic go just to the edge of the grille

he is a picture of my Infiniti Q45. I removed the logo and put it on the outside.
I would haver to look closer but I think splitting around the chrome bar would be VERY stealthy

blocked grille tonite...

[99LeCouch]

Might have to see how well electrical tape holds up to cold...

Thanks for the reminder on the picture frame! I just may use that idea shortly!