Thanks guys! I'm doing a good job having multiple mid-life episodes.
The trip was interesting to say the least but here were some of the fun highlights.
- Detroit is an interesting place.
- My dad and I went to the biggest movie theater we have ever seen. Tickets were $6..... (not matinee). I'm still stuck on that. Saw Logan - Great movie.
- Ohio has beautiful rest stops. They were spotless and really well maintained.
- The Vette has a rather strict break-in procedure. The tach shows an amber highlight at 3500rpm, red at 4500 and thereafter. I hit the 500 mile mark, the dash changed and the pedal went to the floor. She scoots really well.
- The car is absolutely planted. The one problem is everything under 100 feels like you are crawling. Odd experience.
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Originally Posted by elle
What didn't you like about HC? Was it the vibration issue?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by madness410
awesome brian congrats on the purchase it must be fun to drive.
out of curiosity what was the hell cat nonsense? ive heard of the superchargers going on them after a few thousand miles.
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It was a combination of things. I have been chasing noise and vibration issues with the Hellcat ever since new. I've been to 4 different dealers over the course of the year and the last stint it stayed there for 43 days. There is a much longer story hear but the HC had the both rear hub bearings replaced, new differential, 5 new tires, multiple trips to road force tires/wheels, new transmission, and 2 driveshafts (one for TSB, other for breaking it at track). They thought the noises I was hearing were from the trans but I'm convinced it was the previously replaced rear diff. Every dealer experience pretty much sucked and FCA SRT customer care was a total joke. I could have dealt with the vehicle issues if they were actually taken care of by the dealer network/SRT customer service. FCA washed their hands of the issue so basically unless there was anything else wrong, the vehicle is "operating as designed".
I was looking to go after the Lemon process but after I got into the weeds of it, I would likely be looking at 6 to 12 months of frustration and likely some nominal cash settlement. This would easily be offset by car payments, insurance, maintenance, etc all while the car depreciates in value further. I'm not sure if you have seen the recent deals but some guys are offering $499/$599 lease deals on a HC with no/minimal $ down.
I bought the Hellcat to DD and have some fun just like FCA advertises. Drive to and from work, maybe slap on a set of sticky rubber and have fun at the track, then hit up the grocery store for errands. Only issue is if you try and use the power with a DOT DR, you will likely break the driveshaft. If you decide to upgrade the DS, then you put your drivetrain warranty at risk. Its warranty engineering at it's best and def a numbers proposition. How much is a stronger driveshaft? Hmmm. OK well how many customers will actually put on a set of DRs and race the car? How many of those will break the DS? Now how many of those that break will pursue warranty coverage? How many of those will actually get it covered?
If you look at the upcoming Demon, they just advertised it will have stronger rear diff, axles and driveshaft. I'm sure it has more power but it solidifies in my head that FCA saved a buck which is really dumb considering HC owners would have happily forked over a few more bucks to know the car is solid through and through.
In any event, Chevy DOES provide a full warranty if you track the car. Obviously if you do something really dumb or modify the car then they have an out but FCA does state clearly you are not covered for any damage due to racing.
Quick specs on vette for those curious.
Torch Red
2LZ equipment package
8spd auto
Transparent top
Adrenaline red/black interior
Stage 2 rear wing
Black wheels