No Issues - First Long Trip with The SS / Stage 1
07-19-2009, 01:44 PM
#1
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Join Date: 11-15-2008
Location: Newburgh, NY
Posts: 1,599
No Issues - First Long Trip with The SS / Stage 1
First off, let me say that I appreciate all those who warn of potential problems with these cars, but this may not depict an accurate picture of the car's reliability, since only problems are typically reported and for good reason.
I took my first long trip in my 5-speed SS that has the Stage 1 installed. Just to reaffirm faith in some who may think otherwise, I went from Upstate, New York to Cocoa Beach Fla on a straight run (drove straight through) for about 1200mi. The car did not miss a beat or wimper in the least. Ambient temps rose to up to 101F in one instance. Avg speed was about 60mph (sometimes 80mph and sometimes a crawl).
To top it off, I had a full load in the car. Total of 4 people (2 teens and 2 adults) along with 4 large suitcases and 3 travel bags. This car was loaded up! Under the circumstances, the performance would not quit (naturally less fun quotent with the load). And the FE5 progressive support kept the car almost level with unnoticeable "butt dragging" that you see in other cars when loaded down.
We averaged just over 25mpg with a good amount of bumper to bumper traffic through Baltimore, Washington DC and in the Carolinas where I95 was shut down in one instance.
I took my first long trip in my 5-speed SS that has the Stage 1 installed. Just to reaffirm faith in some who may think otherwise, I went from Upstate, New York to Cocoa Beach Fla on a straight run (drove straight through) for about 1200mi. The car did not miss a beat or wimper in the least. Ambient temps rose to up to 101F in one instance. Avg speed was about 60mph (sometimes 80mph and sometimes a crawl).
To top it off, I had a full load in the car. Total of 4 people (2 teens and 2 adults) along with 4 large suitcases and 3 travel bags. This car was loaded up! Under the circumstances, the performance would not quit (naturally less fun quotent with the load). And the FE5 progressive support kept the car almost level with unnoticeable "butt dragging" that you see in other cars when loaded down.
We averaged just over 25mpg with a good amount of bumper to bumper traffic through Baltimore, Washington DC and in the Carolinas where I95 was shut down in one instance.
07-28-2009, 09:53 PM
#4
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Join Date: 11-15-2008
Location: Newburgh, NY
Posts: 1,599
Update: Return 1200 mi trip w/Stage 1
I must admit that I was apprehensive taking my Stage 1 equipped SS on a 1200 mi trip (2400 mi round trip) because of the reports that I have read on this site. Many have voiced the opinions to the like as "so many issues with the SS" or "glad I don't have the Stage 1 upgrade because of the problems".
Conversely, members such as hyperv6 and Chevmgr have made statements dispelling these myths as a small proportion of good intentioned members alerting others of possible problems.
I applaud both and had to add that I am one of those who need to report to the group that my experience on my return trip from Cocoa Beach Fla to the Hudson River Valley of NY is in line with hyperv6 and Chevmgr's statements.
The performance of my Stage 1 equipped SS was flawless. The only difference between the trip down and the return trip was the gas mileage. With a full load of 4 adults and a cargo area that was packed to the hilt (see photo at the beginning of this thread), I was able to get 28.5 mpg. The difference in the trips was that the ambient air temp was about 20F lower (avg of 80F vs 100F) and there were less stand still traffic events.
In summary, I must report that the Stage 1 equipped SS has proven to me its reliability and consistent performance.
Conversely, members such as hyperv6 and Chevmgr have made statements dispelling these myths as a small proportion of good intentioned members alerting others of possible problems.
I applaud both and had to add that I am one of those who need to report to the group that my experience on my return trip from Cocoa Beach Fla to the Hudson River Valley of NY is in line with hyperv6 and Chevmgr's statements.
The performance of my Stage 1 equipped SS was flawless. The only difference between the trip down and the return trip was the gas mileage. With a full load of 4 adults and a cargo area that was packed to the hilt (see photo at the beginning of this thread), I was able to get 28.5 mpg. The difference in the trips was that the ambient air temp was about 20F lower (avg of 80F vs 100F) and there were less stand still traffic events.
In summary, I must report that the Stage 1 equipped SS has proven to me its reliability and consistent performance.
07-29-2009, 09:10 AM
#6
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Join Date: 07-03-2008
Location: jerSSey, exit 5
Posts: 1,664
Can you really appropriately utilize the Stage 1 with all those people in the car? I know my wife gets all bent out of shape when I drive my regular SS aggressively, which is why I prefer to drive alone!
07-29-2009, 12:58 PM
#7
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Join Date: 03-28-2008
Location: Oshawa
Posts: 1,115
07-29-2009, 07:03 PM
#8
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Join Date: 11-15-2008
Location: Newburgh, NY
Posts: 1,599
Yes, but only for practical reasons (mpg), not speed. But it's nice to be back home, unload all that weight and turn up the driving fun.
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