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Comments
It took five attempts in the SSEi to figure out how to keep the transmission from downshifting, but the last run was a nice solid pull from 3,500 to 5,400 RPM. Not sure why, but my rev limiter kicked in at 5,400 (instead of the usual 6,000), so the charts ended at that point. Anyway, I started the dyno run at 169 degrees ECT and maximum boost was 12.2 pounds. The HP curve was still climbing when it hit 269 @ 5,400 and TQ peaked at 314 at 3,500. We normally assume 20% drivetrain loss with the 4T65E-HD, so these numbers become 336 HP and 392 TQ at the crank.
Here is a complete list of my current engine mods, for discussion and flaming purposes: Thrasher/Hickernell ported and polished cylinder heads with 1.60" exhaust valves, INTENSE 1.90:1 rocker arms, port-matched lower intake manifold, S-ported supercharger, 2.90" DUB supercharger pulley, Lee 73 mm. throttle body, INTENSE fresh air intake with AutoPhysics 10" cone filter, VP Motorsport 103 fuel, Casper's AFPR (56 psi), no thermostat, RAT underdrive accessory pulleys, Jacobs Electronics Ultra Coil Packs and 8.5mm. Energy Core Spark Plug Wires, Autolite 103 spark plugs (.065"), TOG headers, catalytic converter removed, custom 3.0"/2.5" exhaust, DynoMax race bullet resonator and Ultra-Flo mufflers, Borla twin tips
The bottom line is that the SSEi has enough power to run faster than it has done so far. So back to the track I go until we get some better numbers to report...
Scott
2000 SSEi
Stock: 15.800 @ 89.60 mph
4/14/01: 14.555 @ 94.75 mph (2.221 60')
7/07/01: 13.985 @ 99.30 mph (2.113 60')
8/10/01: 13.661 @ 100.85 mph (2.067 60')
First - this was recently also, I noticed on the seam under the front of the hood that the paint was starting to bubble and almost ready to crack through. There were several spots - so off to the dealer we went. Since it was just barely starting to come over the top (it was right on th elip) they repainted the whole hood, after grinding down the seam area and cleaning it up.
Second - my black SSEi does have the speckling right in front of the rear tires and the mouldings. It is noticeable (if you look for it0 and I havent found anything (havent looked hard) to cover it up and prevent more damage. I am a Zainoholic, but would apply anyones product of we discover one the works. Of course there is that "coloured" wax that is out there, but Ive heard it has a tendancy to wash out. Im thinking about trying it, the Zaino-ing it real quick before it has a chance to get washed off. Since I have a newer bottle of Turtle wax that is black - ill try it soon and report.
Dennis
The Ontario-Quebec Grand Prix Club is having a gathering and we will have over 20 Grand Prix's gathering for a day at Luskville Raceway.
It is possible that ill arrive in time if anyone in the area wants to get together for Fri - nite for a meet and greet. the club is trying to arrange a place for a beverage , and I may be going to that - or we can do it seperatly. Friday nite gathering for the club will be a smaller group than the 20 for the track.
if you wish to come along to the track - all Bonne's are welcome - its an open day.
Thinking about running down the track with us? Just go to our site www.oqcgp.clubgp.com and click on future events and register. you dont have to be a club member to come along, and since our cars are similar - -we all get along just fine. its a good bunch of guys.
either way - let me know - im in the office till wednesday night to check email - after that - too late
Dennis
What rims are those on your car?
Keep up the good work...hopefully you'll be able to hook all that power to the pavement. Have you seen the torque arm available at www.thrasher-ep.com.
Have fun...
I don't have a Bonneville brochure so I'm not familiar with those rims but do the GP and Bonneville share the same rims?
Interesting observation about the Bonneville's AC. We took our 2001 Caravan out there and that system would freeze you out if you set it low enough. On initial start-up, the fan would run for perhaps 10 minutes on a higher speed and then settle down to almost the lowest setting, meaning there is plenty of capacity to cool a long wheelbase minivan (no snickers about the minivan part please, it serves its purpose well). We took the Bonneville into Chicago yesterday when the temperature was in the low 80's and partly cloudy. I realized that the fan was running at nearly maximum speed the entire time even though I had it on recirculation. Tells me that GM didn't build enough reserve capacity into their system. Speaking of recirculation mode, I agree with whoever mentioned that it was kind of dumb to have to reset the AC to recirculation every time the car is restarted. Our Caravan remembers where it was set and maintains it until you change it.
On our trip into Chicago (actually the suburbs), I got behind what was probably a 2001 SSEi judging by what I assume was an On-Star antenna sticking out of the rear window. It was black and had a vanity plate that I think Dan would appreciate, "ISE MAN".
I'm going back to Maine next week by myself to paint our cabin and unless one of the airlines comes up with a good deal, I get to take the Bonneville for its first long trip in the 1 1/2 years I've had it. Personally, I'm hoping none of the airlines comes through. Driving on a long trip with your wife and having to stop every hour or two gets old. The newer, gentler me is better about it but I still prefer to go and stop only for gas.
Let us know when you're next up this way - and I'll do likewise when I'm next towards TO.
Dan
LOL
The (real) Ice Man
http://www.pontiac.com/bonneville/outperformed.html
Ill be sure to let you know next trip.
Best to your dad
Dennis
About a year ago, there was some discussion that Bonnevilles got the short end of the stick with a 3.05 while the Buicks got a 2.9 something. Can a given transaxle have the ratio changed or does the entire unit need to be replaced? It would seem in your case that while the launch would be that much more difficult, the 3% lower ratio would be a big help in quarter mile times.
I have had similar experiences with the A/C in my SSEi. If outside temp is above 85 degrees then the fan stays on high all the time. We hav gotten used to turning the fan down manually on those hot days.
Maybe they will come up with a fix one day.
Just home for a day or so in between PA/NJ trip, camp and more camp. This is vacation week finally - so I'm enjoying a bit of leisure. HAd a great trip back from NJ and still see lots of new gen Bonnevilles on the road. Actually I haven't driven mine in a week now - used the Suburban for the trip and it's still resting at camp under its car cover. Going to have to reaquaint myself when I get back there!
It's a beaut of a day here on the coast - maybe go to the beach today - but forget going in the water - it's like ICE,man!
Dan - sorry to hear of your dad's surgery - hope he's making good progress.
Take care all
Ken
It's amazing to think that a triple bypass is routine these days.
I'll be thinking of Dennis this weekend and be missing the chance to unwind the Bonnie on the track.
I hope to be resuming my old posting ways soon as it's been very busy here of late and that should be quieting down soon.
Dan
Stacy
A former colleague just bought a fully loaded Camry V6 which he says tipped the scales at well over $25k (I've converted to $US). Of course, I'm happy for him and said as much. Still, it's a lot of money for a car which is essentially identical to a 4 cyl. Camry that can be had for $17k (albeit with a lesser powertrain and bereft of a bevy of features).
The Camry's a fine vehicle (I used to own a '92) but it's rather ...um... unexciting at $25k+. Plus I just can't see spending that kind of money on a car which looks exactly like the one next to mine at the stoplight - except that his is a mid-sized 4 cyl. economy car.
Maybe I'm not articulating it well but does anybody else see it this way?
Again, I mean no offense to the Camry but I am puzzled by the extent of their "one size fits all" approach to the market.
Darn, that $17000 Camry doesn't even have power windows or ABS! Not to mention the common practice of Toyota dealers adding cheesy accessories for an arm and a leg...
:^P"Uniqueness" is one of the reasons we started looking at the Aurora (and ended up with the Bonnie) and eschewed the Intrepid/Concorde. Just too many of them.
Stan
Of course there were many other factors involved in the decision, looks, power, comfort, luxury...
whether local or on the Garden State Parkway-
did see plenty of Grand-AMS- a few Grand Prix's
and even a couple of FIRE-BIRDS. Question- a local Pontiac dealer told me that the GRAND-AM is not only Pontiacs best seller but its also GM's all time Number # Selling vehicle- true?
Chuck
They've given the new Grand Am a sportier look as well which probably helps with sales.
It's odd that none of you spot many Bonnevilles (2000 & 2001) on the road. I see a number of them where I live. Maybe they're more popular in the south.
The 2002 model should at the very least provide some fresh sheetmetal - but no thanks - I'll stay with the refreshingly unique and enjoyable Bonneville any day!
Ken
I didn't want to turn this board into a diatribe against Camrys because they are very competent cars and fill their purpose quite well. And if somebody wants to load one to the hilt, well let's just say that there are far worse cars on which to bestow such indulgence. Still, the Camry IS a boring car.
That was also my problem with the Avalon (because I checked it out too before I bought the Bonnie). Boring as sin and underequipped for the price (I still can't get over the fact that the base Avalon comes with 15 in. steel wheels). As far as handling, that car "out-Buicked" the LeSabre - domestic detractors who cite wallowy handling should check out the Avalon. Not enough there for me to try to get over the looks.
I came across this link recently: Car and Driver Wallpapers & Screensavers. There's a wallpaper for a new-style Bonnie SSEi (dark bronzemist) that's nice, a decent resolution but the wrong dimensions (IMO) for a wallpaper. Speaking of Lesabre-Avalon comparisons, there's even a wallpaper featuring both of those cars together - now you tell me which is the most attractive.
C ya later, Dan
BTW, wanna run me next time I'm down in St. Louis visiting my brother?
It would seem to me that if a Cadillac Seville STS can have a 300 hp. V-8 and the transmission presumably stands up to the V-8's torque, the 3.8L should be a piece of cake. Of course, looking at the Cadillac's demographics, the biggest worry for those cars might be that they would carbon up from going to the grocery store or country club.
Could you please, Bonnie owners, be open about its repair history, such as the number of times it had to be taken to the dealer for repair in the last 12 months and since it's been bought, rattling noises, how it's holding up so far?
Sorry for being so demanding. I'm looking forward to becoming a member of this "club".
;^)Thanks a bunch!
..... Ok, that's long enough. The winner is .....
LeSabre.
(Did you all really think I would choose otherwise).
I looked at the Avalon for about 30 seconds. Not really a good value for the money. Interior doesn't make sense. And as far as the outside goes, what were those guys thinking ??? It's like they had a different team working on each part of the car. For a brand new model, I think Toyota really dropped the ball there. What they should have done is use a modified Lexus LS400/430 body style and saved themselves some money. After all, the ES300 is nothing more than a fancy Camry anyway.
Talked to a Bonneville owner at a gas station the other day. Green SE (Ken I believe that's your color). I told him that I had considered the SE, but I was looking for more features. He was considering the LeSabre, but didn't want to be driving an "Old Man's Car". But when he saw mine with the dark red paint and chrome wheels, I believe he was having second thoughts.
Happy Motoring, everyone. I've been keeping up with Mr. Intense and his mods. No doubt he has one BADSSEI !!! I'm not sure what else he can do to that motor, but I'm sure he'll come up with something. I should hire him and see what he could do with my "Old Man's Car."
Mike
2001 LeSabre Limited
Yes my SE is Spruce Green and I've enjoyed this color - Bonnnevilles are less than commonplace and Spruce Green is truly unique.
evandro - glad to hear you're enthusuastic about our favorite car here. Which model are you thinking? I have a 2000 SE that has been fantastic. In answer to your question - I have 33K miles now and it has been in the dealer for replacement of the rear window for a faulty electric defroster grid. I need to get it in before wty expires to replace a rattling speaker. No other problems. This car was made for highway cruising and I love my 1000 mile trips from Me to Pa nearly every month - get about 30 mpg and cruise effortlessly. Lots of compliments and the enjoyment of driving one of GM's all time best cars. Best wishes to you in your car purchase.
Dan - yes - most people rave about Camry reliability - but I do hear complaints about dealers and I can attest first hand to that as well on my own 86 that I drove for 7 years and 150K miles. Can't complain about resale on this model - keep it for 3-4 yrs and trade it again - good deal financially.
I've been in software training this week - a young guy from Toronto here going over new budget package for us to use. He says there are great deals on certain cars in your area compared to US pricing - Canadian pricing far less than equivalent conversion from typical US price - not on every car but some are great deals. Any thoughts on that?
Got to run. Take care, all
Ken
I'll give you a fr'instance. Edmunds quotes the MSRP for the 4.0 at $US 35.6k. Price from GM Canada site: $Cdn46.1k (or about $US30.6k). Using Ontario as an example, once you pay our taxes and freight, the "off the lot" price would be closer to $US35.5k. Nothing more to add there. The Aurora 3.5 would be $Cdn39.6k (or about $US 26k). Off the lot, that's less than $US31k - without any incentives or haggling. Contrast that with a $US31.5k MSRP listed at Edmunds.
The deals are better for domestic cars than for imports - Canadian currency is not as strong relative to Yen or DM as is the US dollar.
GM Canada - Aurora Pricing
The model I have is the SE and I can honestly report of no problems at all. I thought of looking at the SLE but could not afford it.
I am interested in how the Firestone Affinity tires will do in snow this winter. So far in regular driving and in the rain, the tires have been fine.
I do plan on trips up to Rheinbeck NY to see some World War One era aircraft and I am chomping at the bit to take the Bonnie on some highway cruisin. I wish you the best in your car search and hopefully, another Bonnie will find a good home in the state of Texas....sxb
We have had our 2001 SSEi sice April, and now have 3100 miles on it.
It has been in to have the A/C checked with no problems found. I don't think the auto feature work properly, or well. The carwill cool down but you have to control the fan manually on hot days.
The passenger lower door panel was replace because one corner was "warped" slightly.
We love our car and would not change our decision to buy.
The cupholders aren't that bad once you get used to them.
Good luck, and Take advantage of the $2000 rebate.
Good luck with whatever vehicle you decide to purchase!!
Chuck
On harder turns, about half the time, the car just looses power. I watch the tach as close as I safely can doing that kind of manuver, and it just sits on idle with the throttle to the floor. I pump it a few times coming out of the turn, and it picks up and acts normal. Usually, this is annoying, but a couple of times when I needed more power than idle could provide, its been downright scary. Any ideas what causes this?
Oh yeah, it's a 1992 SSE with the Series 1 3800, and 100,000 miles.
While not in the same league, my fuel gauge continues to be "wonky" - just not as bad as it was 2 weeks ago. I'll be getting that changed.
Took delivery of my 2001 SLE September 2000. At the 3K check I complained about the car drifting to the left. The tires were re-balanced and no problem since. I now have 10k on the car and have had no other warranty issues. Every option works fine. We are happy with the car and the dealer. I have had the car well over 100 and it goes straight and does not "float" at that speed.
I would buy another Bonneville without hesitation.
My son has a 1988 Bonneville that I passed on to him in 1994. It has 220,000 miles on it and still going strong. He has replaced several items, but the 3800 engine and transmission are still original.