1966 Chevrolet Impala 4.6L small black V8

Summary:

A reliable car that can get up and go if it has to

Faults:

-After many years of being garaged the U ball joints and front and rear shocks where totally shot.

-Glove box started to have trouble opening after a couple times locking the brakes. This would cause it to fly open and hit the passengers knees.

-Engine was new when we got it, but the carburetor is old and has problems starting on really hot or cold days.

General Comments:

-This car can take corners fast. I guess its extreme weight holds it to the roads.

-The engine isn't as powerful as most where from that time zone causing the car to seam sluggish in comparison to cars with smaller motors.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th July, 2002

1966 Chevrolet Impala Convertible 283

Summary:

I love my car and will never part with it

Faults:

The speedometer went out at 253,000 miles. The problem was in the transmission, but it did not stop me from driving it. I did not want to take out the transmission to replace the driver gear just for that. It is now fixed since I had the transmission rebuilt once it started to slip.

The radiator went out when I hit a deer doing 60 miles per hour. I could not complain being that it bent the valance panel and dented the grille when it pushed in. I replaced the radiator and was back in business.

General Comments:

This car is very roomy and it turns a lot of heads.

The 283 / powerglide set up is not for racing, but more of a cruising car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th May, 2002

9th May 2002, 16:44

I know how you feel about never parting with the car. I feel the same way about my 1976 Monte Carlo. Check out my review and web page sometime.

1966 Chevrolet Impala Standard 283/220 hp

Summary:

Family muscle car

Faults:

The transmission drive pump broke which made the engine unable to turn over and it had to sit in the garage for 6 months, but the engine was still in working order with about 135,000 miles on it.

Currently has bad rust around the rear wheel wells and needs new paint.

The timing doesn't seem to advance right so when you step on it, it lags a bit.

General Comments:

The engine is a 283 cubic inch bored .060 over. Has an Edelbrock Performer intake and an Edelbrock Performer 600 cfm carb. Equipped with an RV Cam also. Has dual exhaust with glass packs and rams horn exhaust manifolds.

This car has 2.73 rear end gears so it is rather snail like taking off. But increases fuel economy and wear on the engine at high speeds.

The body is very straight, no dents or bondo, just the rust that needs removed.

The interior is in mediocre shape. I need a new headliner and side door panels.

Currently I am about to rebuild the front end with new bushings. The rear end will be next, followed by interior and exterior.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th June, 2001

15th Sep 2001, 03:34

I just wanted to give some updates on it. Yes, the transmission oil pump broke and I waited 6 months to repair it.

Recently, I've had some bottom main pulley get loose and make the car sound like a rattle trap when you're waiting at a stop sign. So I tightened them down and the sound went away, but it took me a while to find where the sound was coming from.

The seats are starting to crack a bit more and the carpet is coming up a bit. But I just drive it to college and work, driving it about 80 miles a day.

I just installed a front end kit from PST and put new coil springs in it. It helped a lot, it tightened up the steering and reduced body roll. The car sits level now with the new springs.

I also went though and put a new HEI distributor, Platinum tip spark plugs, all steel fuel line, and just little things to help it run better.

I'd say some of these recent upgrades have reduced acceleration times and made fuel economy better. It seems like you don't need to get into the car to make it go, it just goes on its own.