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Comments
That was over 4 years ago, and I still haven't seen a similarly optioned SE. I was about to trade it in for a 2001 Bonneville SSEi, but after I drove the new one I realized that it wasn't as fast as the '97. So I'll keep it awhile longer. I'm curious about the production numbers, or if anyone else has a similar car...drop me a note. Thanks
That sounds like a true sleeper to me. A classic in the making.
Peace
KZM
It does provide the true sleeper effect though, since there are no "supercharged" badges on it, and the dual exhaust tips point downwards, and are pretty well hidden from view - -
Dennis
Cheers gang! Dan
Good luck
Ken
In my case I had to order a specific upgrade package that was part of the Supercharger option which included the performance axle ratio, 16" wheels, and upgraded suspension and a few other things. The car is silver taupe with the 5 spoke aluminum wheels with 2 standard exhaust tips that point down, as you mentioned about your friend's car. It's a beautiful car with a noticable rake, which unfortunately (I guess) detracts from the "sleeper" appearance. Thanks.
Stacy
http://fl.mlive.com/auto/index.ssf?/business/stories/20010728f28d8autorep.frm
BY
I havent seen the club members SE up here yet, but I get the feeling that was the requirement.
He removed the "supercharged" badge from his - wants total surprise on any victims.
Ken
Don't be misled by the article though. That engine is nowhere close to stock. Yes, the block itself came from G.M., but even the block has had some serious reworkings. The oiling system is completely revised, the balance shaft has been removed and the decks are o-ringed.
Other than the block, no other engine part is stock. Not the pistons, rods, crank, cam, valvetrain, heads, oil pan, valve covers, supercharger, intake manifold, fuel rails, computer, throttle body, etc.
It runs on 116 octane leaded fuel. There are no oxygen sensors, EGR or AIR. The gear has been changed to 2.56:1. The car is lowered several inches and has a full roll cage.
They will be running almost 30 psi of boost next month. If these mods could be had on a street car, trust me - I'd already have them on order.
Scott
2000 SSEi
13.985 @ 99.30
Here's my question - If I make upholstery changes to the seat, will that cause problems with my 3 year warranty? I keep meaning to get to the Pontiac dealership but things keep coming up. I've got 2100 or 2200 miles on my car so it may be when I get to the 3000 oil change that I get there.
Sorry for the complaining on aches and pains - I made a vow when hitting middle age that I wasn't going to do that. But this car seat is killing my back!!
Upholsterers would be justified being a tad nervous working on seats with side air bags (like the Bonneville). Fortunately (sort of), the GP doesn't have this feature.
New front and rear fascias for SE models; new exterior badging on SLE and SSEi models; new dual oval exhaust tips on SLE and SSEi models; new 17-inch standard aluminum wheels; new 17-inch optional chrome wheels on SLE and SSEi models; redesigned center console with cupholders; Monsoon audio system now standard on SSEi (what, no Bose?!); LATCH child safety seat anchors; interior trunk release handle; new Peak Expression cloth / fabric interior.
New exterior colors: Polo Green, Dark Blue Metallic, and Granite Metallic.
These changes are largely cosmetic, nothing was done to change the car's performance (not that I really want a stock '02 to outperform my '00). Interestingly, on the LeSabre the DIC is now in English and Spanish, but no word if the Bonnie got this too (not that I need Spanish either).
Of course alternatively you might find yourself a real live masseur (perhaps a Swedish blond hunk?) that can rub that pain right out of your life!
Ain't it great when the aches and pains stop!
Best wishes
Ken
As far as the massage goes by the Swedish hunk, I'd rather have a cortisone shot right now. (Guess I am getting old!)
As we all know, by only using that fluid to top off the engine coolant, the system will have to be flushed only every 150000mls or 5 years.
As it has been said here, whenever the oil is changed the service guy may replenish the fluids under the hood, including the coolant. However, if serviced at somewhere else other than a dealer, the coolant will most likely not be GM's orange fluid, but the regular blue one.
Well, if you're like me who doesn't take your car to a dealer to have the oil changed, keep an eye on the guy so that he won't do something wrong like this when he's working in the engine compartment.
HTH
Had a great time with the family. Kinda overworked my broken foot a bit - no crutches anymore but wearing the surgical shoe - it's improving nicely. The water rides were great on a warm summer night - gotta love it! You really get drenched on the "Boston Tea Party". Glad the kids are still young enough to give us an excuse to go.
Have a great day, everyone. It's another scorcher here. Have to jump in the lake when I get home tonight. Then that gin and tonic - mmmm lovin summer!
Ken
Stephen - I avoid rollercoasters! However I'll do a log flume or the Tea Party
Ken
Ezrapon - Who checks their seat heaters in St. Luis in August?
Ken
I'm surprised that Pontiac is going to quit makeing the Bonneville. It seems to be a pretty good seller. Maybe they'll do like the Impala--cancel it and bring it back every few years.
How's your foot doing? I hope better. You obviously have lots of great support here on the various forums. It's always nice to see/hear you over at the RDV forums. Take care.
PS: I just saw stnel's post saying the photo has been removed, yet I still see it. hmmmmm... Maybe it has something to do w/ the servers across the country. It's a little cooler out here. We have about 65 degrees outside right now. I may have to check the seat heaters. Just kidding, I don't even have them in the Bonneville or the RDV. I'll just put on a sweater. Btw I'm about 2 miles from the Ocean and 15 minutes south of San Francisco. That explains it...
The loss of the Sunfire is irrelevant since Chevrolet has always produced an essentially identical car, but the same cannot be said about the Bonneville. The Bonneville is unique in that it is niche vehicle, which seems to be one of the reasons why we as owners love the car and GM as a mass manufacturer dislikes it. It is the least expensive full-size performance sedan in GM's lineup, and besides the 300M (arguably) one of the few vehicles remaining in this niche from any manufacturer.
The elimination of the Bonneville, if it does occur, should not come as a surprise though. In comparison with GM's difficult decision to dissolve Oldsmobile, killing off the Bonneville is an easy call. It would also be in line with GM's plans to trim the number of models it produces by eliminating the perennial poor sellers -- which are by-in-large it's full-size sedans. Given that Chevrolet's largest sedan is the Impala, the only large cars left will be under the luxury brands Cadillac and Buick. Which begs the question: What becomes of the Aurora?
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
2002 Bonneville SLE
Lest Ezrapon think that we Canadians are a bunch of wimps, it does get hot up here in the summer - maybe not 107° but plenty hot all the same.
Anyone that's been to New Orleans in the middle of summer could probably attest to the heat down here!
I have yet to see a factory rim as nice as the swept spoke option. They are stunning.
mechanics on strike?: Canada has lost its share of person-days to labour disputes but I have never seen dealership mechanics on strike. I suspect they're not unionized here.
Ezrapon: Don't worry buddy - I know that you don't think we Canadians are winter wimps. While it's been a couple of winters, we do get temps as low as -40°F with wind chills in the mid minus 50's. Then in the summer.... Our range extremes are probably among the highest in the world. The big 3's temperature research up here since the 1940's was one of the big advantages of domestics over imports - until Toyota started to conduct tests in the Arctic back in the 1970's.
wheels: I can honestly say that I like all the wheel designs available for the Bonneville - including these new ones on the '02. I think which one is "nicer" depends on which body style and colour you have. For example, I like the optional chrome wheels on the SSEi.
Picked up son from the airport last night - back from 2 wks overseas. I think this 12 yr old has done a bit of growing up this summer! Now the 2 younger (11 and 9)are off camping. When do mom and dad get our turn? LOL
Heat sure is on here - like you Dan - 90s and humid - yuck! Even the lake is getting a bit too warm for my likes. Vacation comes in 2 weeks - bet it's a lot cooler then!
Take care all - stay cool!
Ken
2002 pic - I can see the pic again too but couldn't see the web site.