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A gen. 3 rora would have been like an 04 STS. RWD but with curvy styling and lighter-weight. Probably with the Bonny's 4.6L 275hp N*. You just got me thinking/drooling
More likely than not, a third-gen Aurora would have still been FWD, like the upcoming Buick Lucerne (LeSabre replacement). I'm not sure if that car will have a NorthStar or the same 5.3L V8 that's in the new Grand Prix GXP. The 4.6L 275 hp NorthStar is a FWD-only engine - the new NorthStar in the STS is 320 hp and RWD-only.
Had Aurora lived to be a 4th-gen car, it would probably have moved to RWD on the upcoming Zeta platform. I would have hoped later generations would have taken more styling risks than the conservative design of the second-gen. But I guess we'll never know.
As most of you know, I couldn't pass up the deals on the GTO (do not test-drive one, you will be hooked and will think of what body parts/family members you can sell to get one - the car is the automotive equivalent of drugs, I'm guessing :-). Unfortunately, my particular car turned out to be a lemon, so GM is in the process of exchanging it for another. But I plan to keep driving the GTO from April through October, then the Aurora in the wintertime, for a number of years (only have 89k on the Aurora and figure she's good for another few years).
I can only hope that either Pontiac or Buick's RWD Zeta cars will be something like Holden's Commodore line:
http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/vehicleentry?vehicleid- =4
I would take a LHD Commodore SS in a heartbeat...
--Robert
The RWD northstar has VVT (variable valve timing), and probably the FWD northstar will not be upgraded to this. The Deville will get a major facelift for 2006, but will keep the current FWD platform and engine as far as I know. I don't know where Cadillac is going with the Deville. It will become a DTS (D-series model) and this may be much higher priced.
I really like my Seville LS (275 hp northstar & 3.11:1 axle). Performance is as good or better than the 98 Aurora's and handling is quite good. For handling, a shorter wheelbase and lighter body is better. The GTO should be a much better handling car than the Aurora. Of course one gives up some of the luxury that the Aurora had.
I haven't driven an SLS, but a co-worker has a 2001 STS and I swear my airbox-modded, K&N filtered '98 Autobahn Aurora is a quicker car. The STS does handle better (need new struts and shocks on my Aurora), but the GTO is in another league, even if it's only 200 lbs lighter than the Aurora (build 'em rugged for the outback, I guess). The GTO seats are great but you're right, the Aurora level of luxury isn't there. Hope it will be in the next-gen (should be, for the $$$ they are charging).
--Robert
Check the tubes around the charcoal cannister if you can identify it in the engine compartment.
On my LeSabre the system checks for gas system sealing when it's restarted at lukewarm temperatures. Take a drive until the engine starts to warm up slightly on the gauge. Stop for a few minutes. Then restart. The light may go off if you've sealed up the system and if that was the problem.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Les
2K1Olds, don't you have a new and classic? Couldn't you just try it? It might work, but I'd imagine you'd have to do a little trimming or something as the engines are pretty different. Someone at one point on another forum posted that their dealer switched covers on their classic to a "different" one. Seemed like maybe the dealer messed up the original or something. Anyway, they never posted picts or followed up much, but it seemed like it *could* have been that the dealer put a 2001+ cover on their car. So it *may* work.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item- =7937585342&fromMakeTrack=true
Les
With Tears in my eyes
Greg
Sorry, I know this isn't the right time, but is there anyway we can get a copy of your reports? Just black out your info. I think this is reason enough to get them to replace our rails w/stainless before this actually hurts someone.
If they do total the car, think about selling a few parts to your fellow Aurians. That way you will know that somewhere out there, your car lives on. . .
Old Aurora don't retire, they just fade away.
Did they refuse to give you the recall service ???
Either way you are atleast getting a new Aurora out of this.
Henri
Paul (1995)
I removed almost my hold system and don't remember seeing a metal pipe w/washer. I just had blue slush built up at the bottom tank from concentrate fluids. I have a month off from school so I might try and tinker with it. As its still not spraying well. Looks like new pump time.
Could the metal ring be the metal tube at the end of the reserve tank to prevent the retainer clip from crushing the plastic tank you guys are talking about?
After reading 50% of the posts on this board...now,I am planning to get a Certified 2001 3.5L Olds Aurora (one owner, off lease) with:
25,000 miles,
silver color,
leather,
CD player,
On star,
moon roof
remote start
for $12,000.
Is this a good price?
The sales manager is asking $1,200 w/ $100 deductable for a 3yr/30000miles bumper-to-bumper GM warranty...seems pricy to me...
Many many thanks!
Good luck - let us know how it turns out.
John
(My GTO actually pushes the gas pedal back against my feet - this is only when cornering, as my GTO won't be driven in winter).
--Robert
Yes, there is a speed limiter on all Auroras, unless they have the "Autobahn" package.
Hope this helps,
--Robert
I would like some input on something though. I have always used regular motor oil. It uses about 1 quart between 3000 mile services. With the miles on it now, would it be worth switching to syncthetic oil? And if so, could it be driven more than 3000 miles between changes, like on regular oil?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
The other thing that the modern engines sacrifice oil consumption for is friction. The thinner rings and lighter spring load rings are desireable for power, sealing of compression, less friction and lighter mass for less ring flutter at high speeds. Unfortunately, there is no free lunch here, and the lighter rings let a little more oil by.
The 2000 and later Northstar engines get hard anodized top ring lands to resist pound out and wear since the ring lands were moved closer to the top of the piston. One unfortunate side effect of the hard anodizing is the microscopic "pebbly" finish of the anodizing that tends to cause lack of seating of the SIDE of the ring to the SIDE of the ring land. This pebbly area will retain oil and cause oil consumption until the anodizing is polished smooth as the rings "break in" to the ring lands. The anodizing is hard, however, so that is why the "drive it like you stole it" advice works , particularily on later Northstars, to ensure good break in and sealing for less oil consumption. Many of the oil consumption complaint engines that have been analyzed at the factory had the anodizing on the piston ring lands virtually unscathed...as in never broken in due to gently driving and babying. The engine likes heavy loads, high RPM to break in completely.
The heavy load/high RPM also promotes ring rotation on the piston to keep the rings freed up and mobile. The oil comsumption complaints from the older Northstars typically come about due to ring sticking in the ring lands due to carbon buildup and the rings gradually getting stuck in place. they have to move to work. Keep them exercised.
Syn. oil is the only way to go. I use Mobil 1 and go 7K on oil change & filter.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
--Robert
There was a NOS hub on ebay for 97-99s and the guy said they will not fit 95-96.
Yes, the car looked cool. But, in a lot of ways I don't miss it. Like the premium fuel, high cost of insurance and license fees. The new car is only a $30.00 more for insurance and less for license.
How much did u get on the trade? What did you get? What did it cost you?