Why its no Surprise that Gm is no Longer Number one
As a mechanic, I am only surprised that GM was number one at all. Every GM that I ever worked on was a nightmare from start to finish. It's like the factory does not care about access to parts that need routine maintenance.
I once had to change the heater motor in a Buick Regal. After positioning myself head cown and feet up under the dash, I found that it was all but impossible to remove the bolt closest to the firewall. I had to pull back the carpet and then feel around blindly even to find, much less get a socket on, the bolt and remove it. Luckily, I had experience working on GM, so I knew that the bolt would most likely be 7mm. Imagine the frustration of the guy working on his car in the driveway, when he discovers that many socket sets don't even have a 7mm.
The horror stories could go on and on, but I don't want to keep anyone up at night.
In my opinion, The popularity of Chevy is only a result of a huge after market that brings the price of rebuilding a motor down to an affordable budget. What people don't realize, is that a small block Ford can be rebuilt for nearly the same price.
General Motors has lagged behind in trucks as well. The Duramax is too little too late. Compare the connecting rod of the Duramax against the Cummins and the Powerstroke. Only a die hard Chevy fan will jump up and down about the Duramax.
I have a friend who traded in his Ford F350 for a new Chevy with a Duramax, and he is very disappointed, and he wishes that he would have gone with the Powerstoke.
Recently, he had to replace one of the rear axle oil seals. Even the GM parts guys took three tries before they could find him the right seal.
Sure, Chevy produced over 20,000,000 small blocks from 1955 to the 90's, but with so many of these motors making abysmal power, and getting even worse fuel mileage, it's no wonder that GM's popularity is waning. Even diehard fans are waking up and seeing the truth about The Bow Tie and it's affiliates.
I know, I know, Chevy has the Corvette, admittedly a fine car, But in stock trim, has all it can do to beat a V8 Mustang, and has no chance against a Viper. I suppose that one could argue for the Lingenfelter Vette, but that car is barely a Chevrolet any more.
To sum it all up, No I'm not surprised by GM falling from grace. I think they have had it coming for a while.
For more words of wit, visit my blog at WWW.Mudbogging.Blogspot.com
