Recent content by strangeengine

I think we will see the 4.5L Duramax in the big SUVs sooner rather than later. GM makes a lot of money on these vehicles and the reason they are not selling is due to the mileage. The instant 30% mileage bump from the diesel motor will go a long way toward fixing that. Personally, I really...

I've read that, but it doesn't tell me anything about why they are $200 better than the Eibach bars, unfortunately. - Mark

I am assuming the % increases that Tire Rack is quoting are for stiffness, not simple bar diameter. - Mark

According to TireRack.com regarding the Eibach bars: Note: Bar diameter 1.50"(1 1/2") F and 1.25"(1 1/4") R. Both bars are hollow. Front +25% over OE. Rear +70% over OE. Dimensions for the Hotchkis are the same. - Mark

Anyone know if there's a real difference, other than the $200 in price? TireRack.com lists them with the same bar sizes, both hollow. I can't imagine that the Hotchkis hardware (drop links, brackets, bolts, etc) is $200 better. Anyone know? Thanks. - Mark 2007 Escalade ESV

Extended warranties are underwritten by 3rd party insurance companies. The chances of them going away with a GM bankruptcy are about zero. You may not be able to find anywhere to service it, however. :)

$109 new at gmpartsdirect.com.

Ahh, interesting - I had no idea! That's kinda lame. Yeah, I like it. It's way more comfortable than the 2500HD pickup that it's replacing. :)

You don't need to be the original owner. I just picked up a used 2007 Escalade ESV and they are sending me the updates (as soon as they are off back-order) as well. - Mark 2007 Escalade ESV, blue over tan

http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/13/news/companies/GM_closure.ap/index.htm?postversion=2008101316 This is why the Lambda-based SUVs cannot come soon enough.

Very different truck but I put then on my 2500HD and they improved the ride quite a lot. Just much better damping all the way around, particularly rebound damping in the rear. They are stiff, but they control the suspension very well. I'm betting that the SUV shocks are not nearly as stiff...

Get that IN WRITING!

Tow mode will also downshift to provide grade braking when going downhill or coming to a stop. It's pretty cool. It'll lock up the torque converter earlier in some gears as well.

Agreed, but it's all academic if you can already lock the brakes. Additional brake torque becomes meaningless in that circumstance, as I've said a couple of times now. Let me guess - you sell big brakes.

No, the pad composition affects the heat range the pads work in. The friction coefficient rarely changes much. No, this is a common misconception. Friction is a function of force normal to the rotor. And, frankly, if you can lock the tires, you've got enough force anyway. It's...