Typical Issues With LSJ?
03-19-2011, 04:17 PM
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Typical Issues With LSJ?
Hey all,
I'm in the market for a SS Supercharged, and I test drove a beautiful one last night. However, I called my mechanic to set up a time for him to do an inspection, and he told me to avoid the SS Supercharged like the plague. His reasoning was that within a few years I could expect the supercharger and/or the head gasket to go. From my research prior to my test drive, I didn't see anything that hinted of these issues. I was hoping to get more information on this to see if indeed he is right or not.
Thanks for the help in advance!
-Evan
I'm in the market for a SS Supercharged, and I test drove a beautiful one last night. However, I called my mechanic to set up a time for him to do an inspection, and he told me to avoid the SS Supercharged like the plague. His reasoning was that within a few years I could expect the supercharger and/or the head gasket to go. From my research prior to my test drive, I didn't see anything that hinted of these issues. I was hoping to get more information on this to see if indeed he is right or not.
Thanks for the help in advance!
-Evan
03-19-2011, 04:24 PM
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Ummm, find a new mechanic. The LSJ can handle alot with stock insides. And I have never heard of the supercharger going bad. And I mean never. Same with the head gaskets. Mechanically, there's not much that goes bad. Unless you built the **** out of it incorrectly. The biggest problems in ALL Cobalts are the squeaks and ratlles. But those tend to be a hit of a miss 
I have a 05, and have had no issues, mechanically or cosmetic.
But the cat's are biggest problem. But there's is an extended warranty on them, so it if goes bad, dealership will replace it. And theres a power steering recall. But that same thing with that.
I have a 05, and have had no issues, mechanically or cosmetic. But the cat's are biggest problem. But there's is an extended warranty on them, so it if goes bad, dealership will replace it. And theres a power steering recall. But that same thing with that.
03-19-2011, 04:31 PM
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See, that's what I was wondering about. I mean, I figure the sample pool of drivers of a SS/SC that my mechanic would have seen would not represent the entire population. The area my mechanic is located is surrounded by a lot of upper-middle class families, so I'm sure a large portion of drivers of SS/SC's he sees are high school boys who got theirs as a 16 or 18th b-day presents and burned the **** out of them. Thanks for the response!
Any one else have any opinions/thoughts on the issue???
Any one else have any opinions/thoughts on the issue???
03-19-2011, 04:51 PM
#6
See, that's what I was wondering about. I mean, I figure the sample pool of drivers of a SS/SC that my mechanic would have seen would not represent the entire population. The area my mechanic is located is surrounded by a lot of upper-middle class families, so I'm sure a large portion of drivers of SS/SC's he sees are high school boys who got theirs as a 16 or 18th b-day presents and burned the **** out of them. Thanks for the response!
Any one else have any opinions/thoughts on the issue???
Any one else have any opinions/thoughts on the issue???
The LSJ's are good engines overall. The Supercharger is made by Eaton, which is the best name in superchargers, period. One common issue is failure of the heat exchanger pump, which is not very expensive and relatively easy to replace.
03-19-2011, 04:52 PM
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H/E pump is a pain due to the clamps being Glued on by GM
Change that first cause if u dont ur engine loses life as well as power when u hit the gas. I wouldn't even bother waiting just order the part and be done with it
Change that first cause if u dont ur engine loses life as well as power when u hit the gas. I wouldn't even bother waiting just order the part and be done with it
03-19-2011, 04:55 PM
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the only time I have seen a head gasket fail is when someone boosts too much...and that's when they've switched to a turbo. Here's some note worthy mechanical issues to look out for, or just change out immediately:
1. Change out the tranny mounts...they are not too strong and these cars are known to have wheel hop from factory. Several options on how to fix that.
2. The cat clogs easily, but shouldn't be a big deal since it's covered under warranty (or you can just buy an aftermarket exhaust)
3. Power-steering recall, so take it in immediately.
4. Timing Chain Tensioner should be replaced at around 45k miles.
Other than that, the engine is very reliable and wont need much work, as long as you maintain it properly.
1. Change out the tranny mounts...they are not too strong and these cars are known to have wheel hop from factory. Several options on how to fix that.
2. The cat clogs easily, but shouldn't be a big deal since it's covered under warranty (or you can just buy an aftermarket exhaust)
3. Power-steering recall, so take it in immediately.
4. Timing Chain Tensioner should be replaced at around 45k miles.
Other than that, the engine is very reliable and wont need much work, as long as you maintain it properly.
03-19-2011, 07:07 PM
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My family has been going to this mechanic for 15+ years, and he's never steered us wrong, which is why I'm surprised that this is the first time he's ever given me information that I can't confirm online. I think he probably just had a few bad experiences with them and now has a bias against them.
I test drove an 06 with 85k on it. It's currently owned by a mechanic, and was in great condition. Has a K&N intake and a custom exhaust, and that's it as far as mods go.
I test drove an 06 with 85k on it. It's currently owned by a mechanic, and was in great condition. Has a K&N intake and a custom exhaust, and that's it as far as mods go.
03-20-2011, 04:52 PM
#12
I'm a gm tech and a lsj owner. These things have very minimal issues as noted unless you build it wrong or over power stock components. Ive never seen one come in for any major work, just the usual things. If your looking into getting one, don't be worried about one guys opinion.
03-20-2011, 09:57 PM
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The clutches are also a little on the weak side, but if you don't beat the **** out of it constantly then it should last quite a while. They're kind of expensive and a PITA to replace as well.
03-20-2011, 10:28 PM
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i wouldn't say the clutches are on the weak side. They may not be rated for a high horsepower output, but they hold up for mild and stock applications.
i wouldn't say the timing chain tensioner is a "minimal issue".
I'm a gm tech and a lsj owner. These things have very minimal issues as noted unless you build it wrong or over power stock components. Ive never seen one come in for any major work, just the usual things. If your looking into getting one, don't be worried about one guys opinion.
Last edited by mexi_loco; 03-20-2011 at 10:28 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
03-21-2011, 12:36 AM
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The stock clutch is strong in stock and up to stage 2. Of course when you get into the upper 200-300 and higher hp you'll have to replace it. Kinda common sense. But it's not weak for what it was intended for.
03-21-2011, 09:04 AM
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maybe your mechanic doesnt know **** about sport compacts or something... but yeah id find a new mechanic... at least for the cobalt if you get it.... i know youve had him for 15 years but that info he gave you is just terrible. only thing i had go bad was my stock amp other than that this has been a great car. It all depends on how well you take care of it, just as any other car.
(mines an 07 as well)
other than that this has been a great car. It all depends on how well you take care of it, just as any other car.(mines an 07 as well)
03-22-2011, 02:25 PM
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2006 the LSJ was rated in Wards 10 Best Engines.
That should tell you something!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward's_10_Best_Engines
That should tell you something!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward's_10_Best_Engines
Last edited by icecruncher; 03-22-2011 at 02:26 PM. Reason: add linky dink
03-23-2011, 07:29 PM
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Took mine in with a rattle in the engine, was told it was the timing chain tensioner. Here it is three weeks later nd it's still in the shop. Was told the head was bad and some other b.s. Luckily still under warranty. It has about 45000 miles on it
03-23-2011, 07:41 PM
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LSJ's are fairly reliable. Usually the main stuff that goes on them is the supercharger coupler (Doesn't really hurt anything, just sounds like a can full of rocks), timing chain tensioner (Easy fix: Get the 2008+ version), Power steering (Only the cars that didn't get the recall work done), Heat Exchanger pump (Cheap to replace, provided you go to the Ford Dealership and ask for the HE for a 2003 Mustang Cobra), Catalytic Converter clogging (Usually happens on stock, stage 1 and stage 2 GM tunes).
Other things that tend to give problems for most Cobalts tend to be interior rattles, squeaks...etc. If the car has a sunroof, just watch to make sure it doesn't act up... GM sucks at sunroof design.
Other things that tend to give problems for most Cobalts tend to be interior rattles, squeaks...etc. If the car has a sunroof, just watch to make sure it doesn't act up... GM sucks at sunroof design.