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"Can I bolt a blower on my normally aspirated L36 GT and convert my GT to a GTP?
No. You cannot simply bolt on an Eaton M90 blower onto a L36 and make it work. Most importantly, the heads are different. The fuel injectors on a L67 are placed into the heads, while on a L36, they go into the intake manifold. While the supercharged L67 heads and the L36 normally aspirated heads were identical in 97-98, the injector bosses are not machined out to accept the injectors. In '99 and newer, the L36 heads went to a different casting, and these injector bosses no longer exist
Other differences between the L67 and L36 engine are the pistons and rods. The pistons are stronger on the L67 (but obviously not strong enough for our 370 HP engine! Click here to check out the damage a piston can do when it shatters during a run!), and height is different, making the L36 have a 9.5:1 compression ratio vs. 8.5:1 on the L67. This means even if you could get the lighter rods and pistons to live under boost, you wouldn't be able to run nearly as much. The cam, crank and block are the same, but the cam gear is different to allow the cam to be installed advanced in the L67."
Randomly, upon start up I hear what I call a muffled backfire. I have taken it to the dealer and they have found no problem. It may be associated with the gas I buy---however I always use premium. Any more ideas??????
It doesn't seem to be a major problem, but I can't explain it.
I don't have an answer for your backfire problem, but on a related 'fuel' issue...
Here in Los Angeles, over the past few weeks I've noticed that premium unleaded once offered as 92 octane is now 91 octane. Arco, Unocal, Exxon -they've all dropped the octane level one notch.
Those of you in other parts of the U.S., are the Amacos, Diamond Shamrocks, Texacos...have they all dropped their premium octane level a notch or two?
.
All that said, I like the GS and it is one of the quietest car I have ever owned.
Also, if others have noticed, gas has crept back up again. Fire at a Citgo refinery this week. Don't sweat it, they will switch to the winter gas on Sept. 16. Less reformulated is needed and hopefully prices will come back down again. Keyword hopefully...
is almost non-existant, about the only noise I hear is the tires & on good pavement it's hardly there. However, when I put my foot in it, the exhaust has a definite growl.....music to my ears!!!
Re: the backfire problem. I haven't experienced this with my '98, but I suspect it is related to an ignition timing problem. My car does make sounds I've never heard before in any other car when I first start it up & I asked a technician at my dealer about this & he explained that an ABS brake system test occurs each time the car is started and that's what I am hearing.
Is there any chance this may be what's happening with your car??
Glad to see that the Regal is running fine. I know that if I bought one I would have loved it because of the SC engine. My CL-S continues on with 7,000 miles since 3/28/01 and NO problems! I love this car. Just returned from FL after almost 3 weeks. I flew while the CL sat in the garage and I STILL have 7,000 miles on it! ;-)) Can't stop driving it.
Hope you're enjoying your summer.
fastdriver
I have heard so much hype about BMWs, I had to go test some. I tested the Z3 3.0 automatic. The Z3 is the highest performance car with the 3.0 inline 6 (330, 330ci, 530). The Z3 is the lightest, and lowest/widest of these cars, with the same HP/Torque and 5 speed automatic or manual drive train. BMW claims a 6.0 0-60 with the automatic. The car is no where near as fast off the line as my bone stock GTP, or Previous Regal GS.
I didn't think the car corned better on the roads driven during the test drive, at 8/10ths driving. What is the deal with these cars ?
You mention this to any Beemer owner and they will call you all sorts of names, and quote an bunch of third party 0-60 and skidpad numbers. I know there are differences between the real world and test track. However, 0-60 with automatics should at least be pretty close.
The real problem seems to be the lack of torque in these cars. They claim 225hp, but only have 214 ft lbs. of torque. The GS and GP have 280 ft lbs. of torque, and even though they give up 500lbs+ in weight, they have enough power to move the weight faster.
The Z3 power claim is basically marketing hype to me. A lot of auto makers are using the high-revving characteristics of OHC engines to produce seemingly higher horsepower numbers. A good case in point is the new Chevy Trailblazer I-6 engine. Chevy is claiming the most powerful engine in the class with 270hp, but if you look at where that 270hp is achieved, it is 200rpms off of redline! Not where I would want to be driving. The telling factor again is torque. The torque rating is 275 ft lbs, which is not too bad, but it is only 25 more than the old 4.3 V6 in the Blazer! Additionally, the torque falls far short of other V8 engines in the class which Chevy is claiming to be more powerful than.
Now, on a track they don't start the clocks until you launch, but in real world the race begins once the pedals are put down. Plus most times you aren't going from a standing start to begin with.
You also usually race to a distance not a speed. You can have one car that smoothly gets to 60 in 6 seconds or so, that barely accelerates for 4 seconds than jumps to 60 in 1. Now, the second car will have a 5.0 0-60, but will loose every merge.
I guess you can look at quarter mile times and 100ft times, to balance this out. However, you are once again dealing with the factor of high RPM launches.
Now as too cornering and handling. Our skidpad numbers don't tell the whole story either. A skidpad is tight smooth circle you go through without accelerating braking. The real world is usually full of off camber rougher wider high speed turns.
You can use power to counter power off understeer (due to FWD), and a larger width and length add stability and reduce weight transfers. Our "softer suspension" also keeps the tires on the road, even when it gets rough.
I love the look on the face of beemer drivers, who are either racing me, or obviously pushing their cars for their own amusement, as I come through a long sweep or s-turn much faster and accelerating.
On the Regal GS noise side, I have noticed that now that my 'bad'year LS tires are begining to wear more I am beginning to notice a lot more road noise, cannot wait to change.
I will have to of course test drive for myself. You never what car will faster for you as a driver on your favorite road. However, they mostly seem too short, narrow, and high to corner as good as they say, especially in a highway environment.
The engines also seem underpowered, in terms the both peak torque and low end of the RPM range. I also think the curves even seem a little suspect given the engine size, even with VVT and 4 valves.
I don't see VVT + 4V giving large low end advantages. The exception being if a similar displacement OHV engine is making a lot compromises on the low end in valve timing and lift profiles, to improve mid and high range response.
I have also heard you really can't compare even torque curves from a dyno, without knowing things like load, temp, altitude, and humidity.
However, .8L displacement advantage, a supercharger, and reasonable rev range, even this shouldn't be an issue. I would think the 4.4 engine would be more similar in real world power.
If you applied the same amount of finish to the intake, heads, and exhaust on a GS/GTP as they do on the Type-R, the GS/GTP would probably have 300+ hp and start competing with V8 muscle cars.
Still, the Type-R is a nice little pocket-rocket for the money. BTW, did you see on the Edmunds review that the observed MPG was only 20.8?!
I saw these SUVs (heavily camouflaged) being tested in the San Fernando Valley. There are some noticeable changes that I discussed in that forum.
So if these SUV's interest you, it might be worth 3 minutes of your time to read of what I learned.
I was thinking of getting a Regal and there are two '96s in my price range.
On the highway 65mph is fast enough for me occassionally I get up to 75mph.
So I am asking myself if i really need that extra power as opposed to a good ole 3.1 ltr Malibu.
And of course the gas mileage is an issue.
Take care
Ken
Personally I like the Regal very much. I am just sorry that I need my pick-up truck for my daily work otherwise I would buy another one for my use.
Nissan had the car for six days. They gave her another Maxima to drive while the repair was being made in addition to waiving that month's car payment (she was financing thru Nissan).
My city mileage is 12/15 mpg. Really bad.
Maybe because of heavy traffic here and a lot of up/down roads.
highway is around 23mpg.
On short moments when highway level is straight i see 27/29.
But city mileage ...... anybody have the same problem ?
Engine seems to be mechanically sound and have only 30k on it.
Just do not now what to do with that.
Got that car month ago. Love it. But hate that mileage.
I really enjoy the car. It's power reserve is always there and sometimes too tempting.
I'm still about 24-25 MPG on city/ 29-30 MPG highway. Sometimes slightly higher right after I change the oil.
LS owners take heart...with the MOD's done; it's dyno tested @ 243 HP and runs the 1/4 mile in 14.90 @ 91.48 MPH.
Not the best HP/Time...but VERY close to a stock GS. Best of all it's on regular unleaded gas.
Yea...Yea...I know could of had a GS
But city - 12/15mpg.
It seems that car is eating a lot on idle, when just waiting for green light.
I do not have a heavy foot. When I tried to drive like old lady - I got gain only in 1-2 mpg.
Not noticeable on such a low level.
Any idea what may be wrong with the car ?
Just purchased it a month ago and worrying about possible inherited problems.
Car have only 30k and drive is so smooth and nice ....
sunshield sunglasses that nearly cover the
entire face......
Anyone using synthetic or synthetic blend oil?
I am thing about blend but I never have.
Thoughts?
"Synthetic motor oil" Aug 30, 2001 6:59pm
I am using synthetic with the both of my car, 98 Chevy Malibu and now 2000 Regal GS.
I had read that the blend oil is very low on synthetic. Something like 10%, 20% at most. Any case, never saw the percentage printed on oil bottles, so the fraud is very possible.
With a quart or two of synthetic when changing oil, you will at least know the percentage. 22% with one quart, 44% with two, given the 3.8l engine uses 4.5 quarts of oil.
However, I do not understand, why bothering with blends when pure synthetic is available? Synthetic will work twice as long as natural oil. 5-6 thousand miles with conservative change intervals, vs. 3,000. The difference in price is marginal, and with extended changes, much more valuable time will be saved.
With longer intervals, it is necessary also to use a good oil filter. I am using Pure One, $6 at Pep Boys.
I was initially concerned that the extended drain might not be a good idea because of the supercharger and the additional heat. I am now convinced that the high-quality synthetic can handle the pressure.
My 2000 GSE seems to use about 2-4 ounces of oil aevery 1000 miles. Nothing major and this seems to be flat now, currently have 9,100 miles on car. Purchased Feb 2001
It's only happens right after I wash the car...Don't know why??? I turn on the A/C...driver side comes out HOT and the passenger side come out...ICE COLD??? Now I either never wash my car or send it to the dealer??? I know what will happen...ICE COLD A/C. I wonder why I can't reproduce noises/problems infront of technicians???
Any ideas what's happening???
My Buick Regal GS 1998 have to low city mileage 12-15 instead of 17-19. Highway mileage is fine - around 28.
Today I took the real wheels off to inspect the rear disk brakes. I compressed the caliper piston back but was unable to unbolt the upper caliper bolt. BTW -
any idea how to do that if some jerk have overtightened it ?
One rotor was rotating with light dragging in one point,
another was lightly dragging all the way. Is that normal ?
I suppose no.
Lateral runout on rotors seems to be normal (0.002"),
but when I am braking on highway - I feel pulsation from the floor and brake pedal. Have no way to check thickness of rotors - in order to do that I have to
unbolt damn caliper bolt.
Right after I put wheels back on the car (sure - using torque wrench )- I drove it for some time - and WOW - my city mileage suddenly increased by 4mpg
!!!
That is interesting indeed because I DID NOTHING !
BTW - brakes are still pulsating.
Any idea what is wrong with car and how to fix that?
.
<http://popularmechanics.com/cgi-bin/spy.pl?cat=det>
First, in reality, it can look different from the prototype picture.
Second, even small things can substantially change appearance. E.g., a different grille makes the front view of Century and Regal different enough.
Currently, the useless holes looks funny. However, the belt lines at rear fender is attractive.
Regal does not stay out on a parking lot and blends with traffic. Never attracts attention, would it be from cops, the youngs who are "keying" cars, neighbors or co-wokers.
My wife and I like it very much, and I believe there are a lot of customers with conservative tastes, who also consider it to be a advantage. For customers with the opposite preferences, GM offers Gran Prix.
Second, even current Regal does not differ substantially from Century. Rather a different trim, than a different model. Very few people are capable to distinguish them from 30 feet, not to mention from 500 feet.
Probably, with the 2004 Regal, GM will provide 3 trims, or even 4 trims, spanning the current Century and Regal offerings.
Does anyone have details about what is under the hood or inside. Here is my wish list:
GMs 5 speed automatic transimission with sequential shift mode (used in CTS and BMW 330/530 and X5 3.0/4.4)
A dynamic stability control system (based on Stabilitrak from the Park Avenue or better yet oldsmobiles Percision Control System which can use any or all 4 breaks instead of the front two)
A AWD option based on Verstrak (used in Buick Rendevous)
17inch Wheels and Z Rated Tires (from Park Avenue)
A intercooler on the 3800SC to boost it to 300HP and 336 ft/lbs (like Regal GTZ concept car at 2001 SEMA show)
The new 3.7L 24V DOHC V6, with a supercharger and intercooler would be very nice !!!
So, with volume production (parts and car assembly) the dream Regal by streetracer could be easy priced in the $30-35K range.
I would imagine stabilitrak will be upgraded to use all 4 wheels, like PCS especially with oldsmobile be phasing out.
You could probobly doing everything with exception of AWD, for less than a $5000 increase in price. You could make everything option except the 5 speed auto an option package, maybe standardized on AWD to, like Jaguar X-Type. I think a super GS would be a worthy competitor, Buick is the American Jaguar afterall.