Pontiac Bonneville

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Comments

  • snicklesnickle Member Posts: 147
    So much activity these days I can't keep up. So I will try to answer multiple things here.

    Owners Club - Sounds good to me I will stop by.

    Sway bars - Saner is a slow but they do make a great bar. Well worth it. I love my rear bar and can't wait to get the front one.

    Black and Orange Peel - I love my Black SSEi. No paint problems. If you want to pay to have it fixed, take it to a good body shop. I use one araound me that friends have also used to solve similar problems. Basically buff all the imperections out and redo the clear coat.

    Exhaust Tone - Somebody mention wanting a more aggressive tone. Intense has the most, a full custom system, I am probably next with mine. I just replace the stock muffler with Flowmaster deltaflow muffler and kept the stock tips. Looks stock but a lot more aggressive. It does have some drone, though not as bad now that the PCM has adjusted.

    Mods - Any of the new people looking to increase the performance. Intense and I are feeling lonely:-)
  • snicklesnickle Member Posts: 147
    DO I understand you have a factory CD changer and properly programmed head unit available? I would be interested. I can order a cd changer, but my dealer says they can not acitvate the function on the head unit.
  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    A colleague recently bought a white 2000 SE (yeah, it's you Norm - if you're reading this) and, being a francophone, he pronounces the name differently. Given that the word is French-derived (it means "good town"), his "bun-vill" pronounciation is far from wrong - and, because I'm bilingual, it sounds just fine to me. However, my English three syllable "bonn-a-vill" pronounciation makes him laugh. He tries to say "bonn-vill" around me but it's a compromise, I can tell.

    Just wondering if there are any dialectic pronounciations or is it a universal "bonn-a-vill" Stateside?

    theiceman
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Hats off to Heidi (girlwithtools) and John (jmeyer6) for posting in the Owners club. Hope to see both of you joining into the discussions here frequently.

    As far as I can see, Heidi - you are the first woman to join the forum here and we give you a special round of applause for your mechanical proclivities. Best wishes as you and hubby search for a new Bonnie to replace the 97.

    Great posts everyone - nice to see such active participation by all.

    Regarding get together - it would be great to have a digital camera and take a pic of as many of us as can be there then post onto the gallery in our owner's club - this is getting exciting!

    Everyone - have a great day. I saw crocuses poking up in my yard today - Hallelujah!

    Ken
  • snicklesnickle Member Posts: 147
    A CAI does make a difference you can feel and autotaps confirm that. Also the car sounds a little meaner.

    Rear swaybars help the handling. Saner has them, but delivery time is slow.

    If you can stand it put a 3.4 pulley on. Makes a huge difference. Starts to put you in a little bit of warranty trouble if you have drivetrain problems, but... Several of are down to 3.25 pullies, intense was down to a 3.0 now back to a 3.25 I think.

    Those are a good start, then once you have the fever :-)
  • pturner1pturner1 Member Posts: 33
    I do have the 2000 SSEi Pontiac head unit that came with the car. I recieved credit on the 12 disc changer and don't have that. If you can use the head unit, let me know. Unfortunately, I won't be able to use it again as a replacement because of the insurance companys installer. The unit has been in a plastic bag since 01-25-00. A lesson, no matter how inconvient, take your insurance claims to the people that you know will do the best work. Ouch!
    Rick
  • pturner1pturner1 Member Posts: 33
    I am at 35k and it's time for some more mods, more than a drop-in K&N filter. Tell me, does someone make a CAI that is made for the SSEi or are there some adjustments I will have to make. I'm thinking a 3.5" pulley and Sanner's front and rear sway bars.
    I'm hoping that will satisfy my needs and that it all will all work together.
    Any input?
    Thanks
    Rick
  • refinerrefiner Member Posts: 59
    Nobody makes a CAI for the Bonneville
    We have to use what we can from
    performance parts for the GTP. The
    CAI from Thrasher-ep.com is easy to
    modify it just needs a corner cut
    out. Its plexiglass. It took me a
    hour to install. I can forward you
    some pictures that Thrasher sent
    me if you post your email address.
  • bdreggorsbdreggors Member Posts: 143
    I know some people call it a "Bonn-EE-vill", but "Bonn-vill" is pretty rare.
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    I grew up saying BON-ee-ville and it has been relatively recently that I have switched to saying BON-eh-ville. Seems like that's the accepted pronunciation today.

    BTW - We he-ah in New England don't pronounce the T in PONTIAC - do others make it silent as well?

    Ken
  • bdreggorsbdreggors Member Posts: 143
    I usually hear 'Pontiac' pronounced with the silent "T" or a very dull--almost inaudible--"T". I guess this is why those commercials where the announcer goes "_______, by PonTEEac" sounds funny to me.
  • larrys7larrys7 Member Posts: 35
    Klean Wheel makes a disk that fits nicely behind the wheel. Black & vented to keep brakes cool. We sell these for $37.00 pr. Numerous customer have them & always come back when they trade for more after trading.
  • rb8225rb8225 Member Posts: 33
    Snickle and others with the pulley mod-

    What do you recommend as the best way to get a new pulley installed?

    I saw in earlier posts that it takes a special pulley to get the old one off, and I have no idea how you get the new one on. Is it pressed on? Does the removal & installation take place while the unit is still mounted, or is the compressor removed? As you might be able to guess, I have neither the tools nor the skill to do it myself. I believe in paying people for the skills they have. But, I don't want to take this job to someone that really doesn't know what they are doing, and end up with a hack job. Suggestions anyone?
  • rb8225rb8225 Member Posts: 33
    Snickle-

    I have to admit that I don't know what autotaps is. (are?)
  • snicklesnickle Member Posts: 147
    Saner Front and Rear bars should be great. I am still waiting on my front.

    The Thrasher CAI is easily modifed refiner, intense and dmckeown( at least he did) all use it with mods. I am trying to build my own from scratch. Alot of work.

    Pulley: Go with a 3.4 or a 3.25. Depends on your plans. A 3.25 will give you the most power at lower RPMs but you can sacrifice some at high-end without additional mods. A few hundred post back intense listed his mods. Take a look.

    Also throw in a 180 degree thermo will help with a smaller pulley.
  • snicklesnickle Member Posts: 147
    I may take you up on that. I can get the CD changer from pontiac and a reprogramed head-unit would solve the other issues. Not I just have to check out the cabling.
  • snicklesnickle Member Posts: 147
    The pulley is fairly straight forward if you are handy and have the tools. It does take a special tool to remove and replace. The dealers can't even do it.

    All work is done with the supercharger in place.

    Where do you live? A local GT club could help you out with a puller and you could proabably get someone to help you with the swap. I have done 3 swaps. It takes only a half hour or so.

    Also Rob at Extreme Performance can sell you the pulley and rent you a tool. I can't find his number at the moment, but if you serach teh forum you will find it. I have posted it a few times. Good Guy.

    PS Autotap is a tool for reading vehicle diagnostic information from the OBDII port on our cars. A nice asset if you do a lot of modding or repairs.
  • pturner1pturner1 Member Posts: 33
    Thanks for the ideas.
    Is there that much difference between the 3.5 and 3.4 inch pulley or are you talking about the difference from stock?
    refiner: my e-mail is now posted. I am interested in the CAI pictures. Thanks
    snickle: check your e-mail.
  • hardestyhardesty Member Posts: 166
    My 2001 Aurora 4.0 had some mild orange peel on the rear facing portion of the aluminum trunk lid. It was sent to the body shop and fixed as part of dealer prep prior to delivery. There were two minor paint scratches that were fixed at the same time. My point is that as long as you trust the body shop, the orange peel should be taken care of at no cost to you.

    The PCS (as Oldsmobile calls it) is great. I had the opportunity to try it on purpose when the parking lot at work iced up this winter. It works at all times, accelerating, braking, or coasting. I tried to make the car spin out, but the system kicked in and controlled it.
  • fantascpfantascp Member Posts: 175
    4/22- let me know if its a go - 12pm- rockaway town mall is ok- lower level parking lot- sears? upper level- by food court? whatever-

    btw- just general info- car now has 14,400 miles on her and still running great- no problems!!

    Chuck
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Time needs to be mid afternoon for me - say 2:00 - it takes 5 to 6 hours to get there from Maine.

    Perhaps invite any NJ owners of Aurora, Regal, Impala, Grand Prix, Cadillac, etc? I have seen no response at LeSabre forum when I did mention it there. Could be fun to compare note with other GM owners. Maybe even some 300M or Intrepid owners might be interested.

    I would refrain from inviting the Euro and Asian loving GM bashers though.

    What do you guys think?

    Ken
  • jashoujashou Member Posts: 18
    Refiner - Can you please email me those CAI pictures as well. My email address is posted, thanks.
    snickle - I order the 3.4 pulley from Rob, your right he is a real nice guy. If anyone is interested in the smaller pulley you can contact Rob at 810-530-3554. I am going to install the pulley and then look into the CAI. Thanks for the help guys!
  • kzmkzm Member Posts: 55
    Ken - 2:00 pm is fine with me however we who are closer may want to arrive early to await your arrival. As far as inviting others, the more the merrier. There are two message boards that I know of in Yahoo!

    In Yahoo clubs it's under "Bonneville Intensity" at:

    http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/bonnevilleintensity


    and in Yahoo groups it's ssepontiac at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ssepontiac


    Chuck - I like the food court, however parking around there is a pain. Maybe Sears would be better since there lots of space over there.


    Peace


    Kevin

    KZM

  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Have to share this Bonneville story with the only ones who will properly appreciate it.

    Early this week, while taking a lunch time walk, I was passed by a stunningly gorgeous new SE in Galaxy Silver - you may remember my poetic rendering of that breath stealing encounter. Then yesterday, in the visitor lot right outside my office was parked it's identical twin - every bit as magnificent looking and this time I got a close up look - CT plates this time - not the Maine tags I'd seen on the first one. After having seen no more than 2 or 3 SE models since January, here were twin apparitions. No - I wasn't able to find the driver unfortunately.

    Today - again at lunch, driving my Bonnie up the street, a THIRD silver SE passed by - and I made a quick turn-around. I found it within a couple minutes and met the driver - a young guy that looks like a professional athlete - no old timer in this SE! This car was a 2001 registered to Mass - none of the ones seen previously. Mr. Athlete bought this car as a 10K mile preowned model - as I did, and he paid $17K - just a grand more than I did for my 2000 in January this year. Super deal for a $26K car still in it's model year.

    Can't believe I've seen 3 identical cars on my road in one week - must be a good omen of some sort!

    The skies are clouding up and rain is forecasted for the fans at Fenway Park's first home game today - at least I've already seen the (Galaxy) Silver lining!

    Ken
  • fantascpfantascp Member Posts: 175
    no problem- April 22- 2 pm- fine- sears-lower level ok!your right- food court upper level can be a zoo at times.
    Ken- i also agree- the more the merrier- including any intrepid/300m owners.-but GM bashers- what for??- why ruin a great day?? -who cares what they think or drive!!

    Have a Happy

    CHUCK
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Chuck - I think you misread my post. I think we ought to NOT invite GM bashers.

    Someone can give me directions to this location. My email address is in my profile.


    Ken
  • kzmkzm Member Posts: 55
    Ken,

    I hope this helps:

    Take the I-80 WEST towards NETCONG/DEL WATER GAP.
    Take the exit number 35A, towards DOVER.
    Merge onto MT HOPE AVE.
    At first light, Turn RIGHT.

    Stay right, follow access road around to Sears parking lot.
    Look for wild herd of Bonnevilles.

    Kevin
    KZM
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    I've got it printed. Hope the weather is in our favor that day.

    Ken
  • ezraponezrapon Member Posts: 348
    I've been given the run around on installing the cd changer if not installed from the factory. I would pay their premium price, but the salesman and service claim, if it aint in it from the factory... it aint ever going in. If you found a way around this or have better info... let me know my man. My factory pulley bent when I took it off WITH the clamshell puller fro SLP. I imagine the 3 finger pulley would destroy it all together. I was going to drop from my 3.4 to a 3.25, but with the upcoming 90 degree days I might be better off with the 3.4 to keep the KR from kicking my timing back... I've decided to stay with the drop in K&N as the factory unit does seem to provide a little better temp reduction than an underhood cone filter...your thoughts? I'll miss those 28 degree early morning power rushes... hit 85 today... feels like I lost 25 HP.
  • boosted1boosted1 Member Posts: 90
    What kind of boost level do you get with the 3.4 inch pulley?
  • cuzinbruceycuzinbrucey Member Posts: 10
    Looking forward to meeting the other forum members at the Rockaway Mall on 4/22!

    Cuz - 730 fun-filled miles
  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    After having never seen a maple red '00/'01 Bonneville, I have now seen 2 in one week - an SLE this past Monday and I parked right beside an SE yesterday. This is an absolutely gorgeous colour on this car and reinforced in my mind that Pontiac chose well when they chose the colours for the 2000 and '01 Bonnies.

    Spring has finally arrived up here in the tundra and while there's still snow on our lawns (in April???!!!), it's not melting unto the roads any more. A few more rains & the winter grunge will be washed away & out will come Zaino and his crew for a nice photo session. It may be a month or so before I post pix but post I will.

    Speaking of pix, I especially liked pturner's close-up of the Alpine NAV unit that he got installed by the dealer. Tell us about it Rick - does it work well? How much extra did all that stereo/NAV equipment cost anyway?

    theiceman
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    I'm interrupting again. :-)

    This time I want to explain the name change of this discussion.

    Since we have moved to our new platform, we no longer have the requirement to stop and restart discussions after the numbers of posts exceed a certain limit. Since this discussion can continue as long as anyone has anything to say about Bonnevilles (!), there is no longer a need for the "2" that has been part of this discussion name. Down the road, that could confuse our newer members so I have removed it.

    We've altered the name slightly of the original Bonneville discussion in the Archives to indicate that is where it resides.

    (A side note - as I just posted in "Meet the Members", I'm happy to see everyone having a good time in your new club.)

    Carry on!

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    The whole set-up looks neat. Thanks for dragging us kicking and screaming into the owners' club format...

    theiceman
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    :-)

    I think it was tpken that told me you folks were too "old" for change? Hah!
  • HenryHenry Member Posts: 1,106
    I like the idea of the gathering at the Rockaway mall. Nice of you guys to let us know about it. Now that the new Bonnevilles are on the Aurora chasis, it tis a good idea to get together and compare notes. While we share the same chasie, the Bonneville is actually larger than the Aurora Classic on the inside. My uncle has an old Bonnivelle, and he has more interior space than me. The Classic is truly the world's largest mid-sized car. Since Pontiac is GM's performance division, I am hoping that GM suspension upgrades put on the Bonni can be adapted for the Aurora, since there will be no more Oldsmobiles in the near future.

    Henri
  • HenryHenry Member Posts: 1,106
  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    Maybe in Panama. But in California (from whence Edmunds originates), it was 11:00 a.m. when you posted.

    BTW, Love your '99 Aurora. That was the car that first made me consider changing my import buying ways. Ended up with a Bonneville but could have been happy either way.

    theiceman
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Folks, you can use edmunds.com's Used Power Shopper to list vehicles for sale. (This has taken the place of edmunds.com's former Marketplace.)

    But you cannot list anything for sale here in Town Hall per your Terms of Use (see link on the left sidebar).

    Thanks.

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
  • pturner1pturner1 Member Posts: 33
    I've posted a couple of more photos that show the trunk and what's under the back seat.
    I am a surveyor, mostly on pipeline and other cross-country utilities. I travel alot and have used GPS at work for the last 10 years. If you remember the Gulf War footage of missiles entering bathroom windows, you can understand that you can get to where you want to go via GPS.
    The voice guidance is pleasant and kind and will not go off on you if you miss a turn, unlike some navigators! Instead it will lead you back to or around your mistake. Great for dark and stormy nights.
    In some areas the maps are not up to date, mostly in extreme rural locations or very new road construction. If you are familiar with the area you may find different ways to go, but it will always guide you to your destination. I have moved to Chicago and use it everyday. It knows this city, but the city streets have been the same forever.
    The stereo is like a reference studio. Well defined fidelity throughout the spectrum. Put some drivin' blues in the player and you're good for a 1000 mile cruise.
    $5200 american to the dealer. The group that installed it and made everthing else work with the unique Pontiac electronics (save the steering wheel controls and the radio part of the HUD), get the applause.
  • HenryHenry Member Posts: 1,106
    Sorry I was not clear, I meant to ask if the time for the get together on April 22nd was 2:00pm.
  • ezraponezrapon Member Posts: 348
    I'm dying listening to the factory system. Every stereo install shop in St. Louis has a Bonneville horror story and won't touch one on a bet. I'd like something like your system sans the navigation system... I do have a module to allow the wheel control buttons to work... no HUD but A small penalty for a decent tune.
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    It looks like some of your Bonneville neighbors wish to get together earlier than 2. I am driving down from Maine and mentioned that noon might be a bit early for me to get there. So if you show up around 1 or so you'll probably start seeing Bonneville heaven!

    Glad you're coming - I'm looking forward to seeing that Aurora.

    Ken
  • pturner1pturner1 Member Posts: 33
    I just happened to be working in Indianapolis when I decided to get my SSEi. I ordered it Nov 99 and got it Jan 25, 00, after the installers had it for a week. They definately commented on what a challange it was. These guys DO know their stuff. The Alpine is a network system; you can get the components that you want.
    Indy Automotive Electronics
    800-748-0422
    Talk to Tyler Orton or the installer Micheal
    I'm sure they remember my Bonneville.
    With this audio setup I quit thinking that if I buy this or that it will sound alittle bit better. Nothing needs to be added. This thing is awesome and what a great listening room!
    Tell me about the module to get the steering wheel controls back.
    Thanks
  • HenryHenry Member Posts: 1,106
    By your comment, are you telling me you expect me to park my Aurora in -- a mall parking lot???

    NOT THE PRINCESS!
  • HenryHenry Member Posts: 1,106
  • smfransmfran Member Posts: 432
    First of all its BONNAHVILLE; not Bonnehville. And you say you are a New Englander!?!:-)
    Wish I could join you at the meet but I'll have to wait for you to schedule one closer to Boston.

    Stephen
  • sman002sman002 Member Posts: 3
    Hi:
    I changed the oil pressure switch and had the engine flushed, but the oil pressure is still low. The mechanic put a mechanical gauge on the engine to verify the low pressure. Please help!

    Thanks
  • snicklesnickle Member Posts: 147
    My understanding from some GM audio experts is that, as long as the headunit is preprogrammed at the factory and you can get it wired it will work.
  • snicklesnickle Member Posts: 147
    I don't think I should get my Black SSEi washed any more. Twice last week I had run ins with C5s.

    First time I was in the left hand lane doing about 70 mph (along with other cars) there was a Black C5 in the right lane. He did not react when other passed him, but when I went buy he stepped on it and left me staring at tail lights.

    Later that week a red C5 comes up from behind like a bat out of hell slows down next to me smiles and punches it. I did a little better on that one, still way out classed.

    I had washed my car on Monday.
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