9th Gen Chevrolet Impala Car Parts

2006 - 2016

The 9th Gen Chevrolet Impala is the 9th generation

The 9th gen Impala (2000-2005) runs a 5x115 bolt pattern with a 70.3mm hub bore. That bolt pattern is shared with a bunch of other GM W-body cars from the same era (Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, Regal), so wheel interchange between those platforms is common. Most owners stick with 16 or 17 inch wheels from the factory, though 18s clear the brakes without issues on most trims.

Base models got the 3.4L LA1 V6 making around 180 hp. The LS trim and later base models moved to the 3.8L L36 Series II V6, which bumped output to about 200 hp. The SS got the supercharged 3.8L L67, good for roughly 240 hp. The L67 is the one people chase.

Front is a MacPherson strut design, rear is a semi-independent torsion beam on base and LS models. The SS got a beefier rear setup with a different calibration and larger sway bars. The W-body platform rides soft from the factory because GM tuned it for comfort, not corners. Sway bar upgrades front and rear make the biggest difference in body roll. Strut tower braces help tighten up the front end too. The rear torsion beam limits how much you can do with camber adjustment back there.

The intake manifold gasket on the 3.4L and 3.8L engines is the big one. Dexcool coolant eats through the gaskets over time, and you'll see coolant mixing with oil or external leaks around 80-100k miles. The electronic climate control panels crack and go dark. Power window regulators fail constantly. On the 3.8L, the supercharger nose cone bearing wears out and you'll hear a whine that isn't the good kind. Ignition coil packs and spark plug wires are regular maintenance items past 60k miles.

Factory tire sizes range from 225/60R16 on base models to 235/55R17 on the SS. Going wider than 245 on the front will start causing rubbing issues at full lock, especially if you lower the car at all. The rear is more forgiving since there's no steering geometry to worry about. Stick with the stock overall diameter if you change sizes, because the speedometer and ABS calibration depend on it. A 225/50R17 or 235/50R17 works well on 17 inch aftermarket wheels.