So I've owned the MCSS (2007, 29k mi., Laser Blue) for just over 2 weeks now and I have some comments and questions:

1. Fuel Economy: GREAT gas mileage for a car with such power. I'm getting high 20's/low 30's on the highway. Average in my around-town driving and I'm in the low 20's - very pleased with this - a 50% increase! (My AWD 2003 Yukon Denali averaged 17 hwy and 14 combined.) I have no problem with the Active Fuel Management and actually appreciate when it kicks in. $$$ saved is cool when I'm just cruising. As long as it works, I'm down with it.
   
   
2. Transmission: I'm aware that continually thrashing the 4T65-E is a bad idea and I'm not a fan of the GM 4L60-E either, but this 4T65-E shifts fast and firm when I'm on it and smooth otherwise. So far I'm pleased with its behavior. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
   
   
3. Handling: LOVE the suspension. Nice & tight and very little body roll. I wouldn't mind dropping it down a bit, perhaps an Eibach Pro kit is what it needs, but I'm not real eager to change it. On smooth roads the ride is comfortable but one does feel every pebble on anything less than nice blacktop. I can live with that. I like feeling the road.
   
   
4. Steering: It feels like rack-and-pinion, it's so tight and true. NO wander at all. And I like how the engineers at GM managed to minimize the torque-steer. Good job, guys.
   
   
5. Exhaust: The exhaust seems to be stock, stainless steel, with a large muffler in the middle and a couple of resonators with the nice tips out back. I'd like to drop that muffler and put a piece of pipe in there for extra sound. It's a good factory setup for the general auto purchaser, but for me...I want more sound. I've heard the guys with straight pipes and they sound very good but I'm going to approach it one step at a time.
   
   
6. Stereo: Are you kidding? I sure do miss my Bose system in the Denali. This thing needs an upgrade. In the meantime, I'll be listening to the exhaust, which is, of course, music to a gearhead's ears. Please feel free to make suggestions for upgrading with an amp and speakers/sub, with model/part numbers, if you would be so kind.
   
   
7. Remote Start Feature: What a great feature that is! In the morning I just step to the window, start it up, finish getting ready and the car is toasty and cleared of frost/fog. This thing is the ****.

Well that's my 2-week review. I'm really enjoying the MCSS, as you can tell. Lots of wheel spin from a dead stop or slow roll but the passing power on the highway is impressive. The torque converter feels like it has a higher than normal stall, like 2200 or so. Does anyone know? And the gearing feels like it's in the 2.73-2.93 range. I should check out the SPID to be sure I guess. If so, I'd be afraid to go with something like a 3.23/3.73 gearset (the Denali had 3.73's and I put 4.10's in my Caprice) because I'd never get traction off the line.

Looking forward to hearing everyone's comments. It's nice to be back in my gearhead mode after so long of just...lounging.

 

Few things: Yes it is 2.93:1 gear ratio.

Your transmission is technically the 4t65e-HD.

There isn't a big muffler with 2 resonators, it's actually a big resonator and 2 mufflers.

If you want to add a little something, something to your suspension, get some Don Rome brackets and Strut Tower Braces and it will really tighten up the flexing in the turns.

drcustomparts.com

 

Transmission: 4T65E-HD This is the week link so use caution.
I love everything about our car its a joy to drive but in a lot of LS4 there is and oil burning issue because of the DOD or Active Fuel management. You can have this tuned out and be in V8 mode all the time. I did but mine is not a DD. GM is making something for this you can look on the other LS4 forums and get the info on this here.
http://ls1tech.com/forums/ls4-perfor...l-fix-ls4.html

 

Thanks for the confirmation on the gearset. And I did know it was the HD trans. I hope it holds up.

On the exhaust, the 94-96 Impala SS and Caprice's (& Caprice SS's) had the mufflers under the body with resonators out back. Interesting that it's reversed with the Montes. I'd like to ditch the resonator then!

Excellent suggestion with the strut brace, thanks! Great idea!

 

I did read about excess oil consumption in these forums with DOD/AFM LS4 owners and recall that not everyone was affected. I will monitor my oil level carefully.

What do you mean when you said, "...mine is not a DD."? What is DD?

 

DD = Daily Driver.

 

Thanks.

 

Nice review. Glad you are enjoying it.

 

Great review

 

Thanks, lougreen03 and 03JGMonte. I thought it might be interesting for you guys to hear a fresh MCSS review from someone new to the W-bodies, and I'm interested in feedback about my observations.