GrandPrix541
New member
Hey guys Ive been looking into a 06 Monte carlo SS. Thinking about trading in my 06 base model grand prix. What do you guys think? Is there any commom problems with the 5.3 ls4s I should know about
Trade to McSs
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Fivefingerdeathpunch
New member
Many common issues are listed on this site and LS1Tech in the LS4 section.
Key things: More powerful engine with same weak transmission. LS4 has a aluminum engine block, which transfers tons of heat to the transmission and limits airflow to it under the car resulting in higher transmission temps that spell doom for them. Tranny coolers are a must. Always plan for a transmission replacement sometime in the cars future, maybe you'll get one with an already rebuilt unit.
LS4's have DoD/AFM that is often a failure on these cars. Turning that feature off with a tune greatly increases the life of the lifters before a failure can happen. Burning oil is a common thing among the DoD/AFM system in the early engines (2005-2008, has less issues in the 09-10+ years in the trucks/cars). Otherwise the 5.3's are solid power plants, great power and decent MPG for a FWD V8.
Harmonic balancer failures are pretty common. Other things like still being a W-Body and normal suspension and steering parts will wear and need replacing, so nothing special there.
Key things: More powerful engine with same weak transmission. LS4 has a aluminum engine block, which transfers tons of heat to the transmission and limits airflow to it under the car resulting in higher transmission temps that spell doom for them. Tranny coolers are a must. Always plan for a transmission replacement sometime in the cars future, maybe you'll get one with an already rebuilt unit.
LS4's have DoD/AFM that is often a failure on these cars. Turning that feature off with a tune greatly increases the life of the lifters before a failure can happen. Burning oil is a common thing among the DoD/AFM system in the early engines (2005-2008, has less issues in the 09-10+ years in the trucks/cars). Otherwise the 5.3's are solid power plants, great power and decent MPG for a FWD V8.
Harmonic balancer failures are pretty common. Other things like still being a W-Body and normal suspension and steering parts will wear and need replacing, so nothing special there.