Oldsmobile Aurora: Modifications

95mushroom

javidogg

95 mushroom,

Take a look at http://www.SUPERBUYTIRES.com they list there a size 235/40x18, for the Aurora's.

the ones your talking about don't seem bad, a bit beefy.

Peace.
Javi.

blk97aurora

The 235/40-18 tires are over 6% smaller diameter than stock. That will help acceleration and cause the speedometer and odometer to read 6% high. I don't think any of us know if that much difference will cause any problems with the computer or ABS. Probably not as long as the same size tires are mounted at all four corners.

The 255/45-18 tires are within 0.2% of stock diameter.

Another thing to consider is the service rating. Stock for Classic is 100, and 97 for 2001+; this is essentially the load rating of the tires. I didn't see this rating on the SUPERBUYTIRES web site.

Les

taylordssei

This is 800wattAURORA checking in here, hows all in Aurora land for everyone? I read back a bit and still see several familar names here.

Well I got an 01 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi for the old 96 Aurora, RIP. Been thinking about Aurora's lately and you guys and thought I'd check in here. I'm over at Bonnevilleclub.com and our Moderator just bought a 96 Aurora just like mine, every post I see a little sig pic of it and miss mine.

Here's my new cardomain page http://www.cardomain.com/id/taylordssei

read your guys 3800 engine conversation and thought it was interesting. I'll just say that I'm quite happy with my current performance, much quicker than the 4.0 now. Stock though I was missing the Northstar for a while. The aftermarket for 3800SC is huge compared to the 4.0. Couple GXP owners there and they love them by the way.

See ya around everone.

garnes1

Good to hear from you. My 98 is still the best. Since the MFG warranty ran out, it's been spot on perfect. Not one complaint or trouble.

What kind of exhaust do you have? I see that Corsa now makes a system for the Impala and Monte Carlo. Maybe it could be modified for your Bonneville (oh not that again). You probably already have something though.

What kind of transaxle do you have??? Can, or did you change that? I'm impressed with the torque and initial jump from our stock 3800 in the Impala. It has a 3.11. If it was a 3.48 or 3.71 it would be pretty mean.

northstar98

Greetings people Im the freshman of the bunch i have 98 classic what r some good super whites silverstars,or HID kits. Help ME Those stock headlights r WACK.

Mr Northstar98

95mushroom

What do you guys think of GXP wheels on a classic? Too much cross breeding? I would plan on covering up/removing the Pontiac logo and stuff. I think the Aurora logo the 01+ center caps are too big. Maybe the hood logo on each wheel?

A future project would be being installing the GXP brakes some time much later.

rjs200240

My opinion is that the GXP wheels would be a bit much. I think because the spokes get wider as they go out vs. narrower. The 7-spoke 17" STS wheels are another option for GM wheels. If you go with the GXP wheels, you could probably use the center cap that was on the Final 500 Aurora. Just a thought.

GXP brakes would be cool, though in actuality, my stock brakes are more than up to the task of the driving I do. I can lock the brakes up at 80+mph. If you autocrossed, the heat dissipation would be better, and maybe larger rubber would allow the bigger brakes to do more.

Hey Taylor, glad you checked in. How much did the GXP owners tend to have to pay? Or how difficult was it for them to get the car they wanted? Can you imagine the Aurora with the 300hp Northstar? What times are you running now with the SSEi?

langod

I put a 2 sets (high and low) of Sylvania SilverStars in my 95 and can't be happier. Nice bright white light, good distance and clarity at night. I wrote about them in this message a year ago.

FWIW: Avoid the "bargain" brands and the "blue" lights. Reports in other places are very bad. Also, I believe HID-conversions are illegal now.

95mushroom

It's just after looking for a 18" wheel, my exhaustive search has left me more then dishearten. I found a few sets, but of course none were instock and they would have to be ordered from the factory (both times they were Italian wheels, 3-4 month wait). Most other wheels are stupid chromed-blinged-out wheels that should be 20"+ not 18" and ones that I would only put a Honda.

I like the simplicity of the GXP wheels and the way the spokes come out of the hub to the rim, in a concave way. I saw another classic with rims and had a concave shaped rim. The way the fender meets the rims while rolling was more then awesome.

P.S. the GXP wheels would not nearly be a overdone as 95% of what the aftermarket wheels look like.

rjs200240

Yeah, they might look good. It's hard to say. If you could photochop one onto a pic of your car, it would help. And I hear you on the aftermarket. Most of those rims are so ridiculous looking.

javidogg

I say if you can afford an HID Kit then go for it, I have a German Made HELLA H.I.D. kit, with the HELLA Ballast and HID wiring, HID Bulbs and to me, that is way better than the blue bulbs out there, don't get me wrong SYLVANIA SILVERSTARS do a good job also.

But, If your looking for an HID kit, look for the HELLA brand or Philips kits, since these brands are found in BMW's and Mercedes Benz out there, I can also guide you to were I got mine too.

The light out put from HID kit is like so great, better than stock halogens that's for sure.

Javi
Http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg

dred98

I also heard that aftermarket HID kits are illegal now - I've no idea what would happen if the cops pulled you over though, maybe tow the car if it's after dark?
Not worth the risk in my view, go with the silverstars.

95mushroom

I have more then a strong doubt that cops are going to be pulling cars over that have HID lights (expect maybe a Honda in So Cal). Nissan Altima's are optional with HIDs as are a growing and growing number of cheaper and cheaper cars (except American cars for some reason???). I believe the sub $22k Mazda 3 has them available. Do the cops have a database of what cars do and do not? Including cars with optional ones? I doubt it.

Also I would not worry about it in a nice looking Aurora anyway

dred98

I guess the only reason they'd pull anyone over is if the lights are not aimed properly - HID's are a lot worse on oncoming drivers than regular lights if they're too high.
People who install these lights themselves have to be extra careful getting them lined up right.
That doesn't always happen, of course, which is probably why it's illegal to install them afterwards.
By the way, does anyone know for sure that they are illegal to install yourself?
Howard

tremas

Howdy Folks.

Just got a 2001 Aurora 3.5. It's base except for the addition of the passenger comfort package and a sunroof. It has the standard stereo -- which I'm hoping to upgrade. It functions well... and it's integrated with the OnStar... but I don't like the sound too much. I removed my kenwood head unit and cd-changer from my old Pontiac before it went to the great junkyard-in-the-sky, but I'm worried about messing with the OnStar functionality.

So..... what's my best option? Is there a way I can just bypass the built-in amplifier and install one of my own, and upgrade the speakers too? The thing just sounds too darn murky right now.

I'm not into getting a zillion dollar stereo. I just want one that sounds crisp and clean and has some power.

Thanks!

mike98c

At least its not Hong Kong lol.

If you Don't have yellow or white light output(including hid lamps) and the low beams aren't aimed correctly,
you're license can be suspended and you can be fined $10,000 and imprisoned up to six months!

javidogg

I have read somewhere that yes there are illegal in some way, but let's be honest, do cops really have a lot of time to be looking out for illegal HID's, like 95mushroom said, maybe if it some loud pipe Honda with HID's, I can see a cop pulling over that vehicle.

I had mine since October 2003, about 7 months now and have not had any issues with cops pulling me over for having them, and yeah I took time to make sure they were not pointing up or side ways, there were aimed correctly.

Some newer GM cars like Cadillac STS and Catera have them, also the new Lincoln Towncar and Lincoln LS have them, so I think eventually everyone will have them in their cars.

Javi
Http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg

mrdubya

i just picked up a new front bumper for my aurora, its already been primed black. btw, bumperwarehouse in MN is a GOOD deal compared to the competition, the bumper is MINT and it was $200. anyways here's my delema.

i could either paint it the way it used to be, burgandy/purple on top, grey on bottom. OR since it has to be repainted anyways, have it all painted burgandy/purple, and also the side moldings and lower rear bumper. i dont think having it all changed over would cost much more than doing the front 2tone, since this way its only 1 color, the other way its two.

what do you guys think? i personally think it will make the car look much sharper, it'll look a LITTLE like very subtle groundeffect compared to stock.

Henry

mrdubya

the more i think of it, the more i think you might be right. i do like how the ground effects look all 1 color, but 2 tone looks good stock on the front and back. i am kind of thinking of having the side lower mouldings painted body colored, thats the reason i originaly wanted to do it, i dont like the sides grey.

huskerfan_21

Hey everyone-

I wondered what the best tire would be to get on my classic aurora.

I want to go to 245-255, and I dont know what exact ratio I need for it to ride the same, keep from rubbing, dont mess up the ABS, etc.

Also, for satellite radio, what is the big difference between Sirius and XM? What has everyone tried? What do they like better? Who installed it for you? (Best Buy?)
Whats the best antenna, etc?

Thanks alot

Greg

'96 Aurora

mrdubya

for tires, why go wider? we have no traction problems with 235 tires. a 255 55 16 tire would give you very sloppy handling, you'd have more sidewall flex. there's a reason they put 235's on

blk97aurora

Greg,

Are you planning to stay with 16" wheels? If so, following is a list of five possible choices of size:
255/60-16 +3.5%
245/60-16 +1.7%
255/55-16 -0.2%
245/55-16 -1.8%
255/50-16 -3.9%

The percentages are difference from stock 235/60-16 diameter. As long as all four tires are the same, I don't think the above choices will give you any problems with ABS. How would it know?

As far as ride, lower aspect ratios generally give a stiffer ride. Tire pressure plays a part, too.

Javi and I are both running 255s on our Classics with no interference problems at all. His are 255/35-20 and mine are 255/50-17.

Can't help you with satellite radio; I'm interested to learn.

Les

mrdubya

a lower aspect tire will give you a stiffer ride (a little harsher/bouncer as ive noticed with my 235/50/18's) but a 255/55/16 even though it sounds smaller, has the same sidewall height as a 235/60/16, its just wider....you'd think you'd be able to grip more around corners and such, but really your handling will be worse, more flex in the tires, more body roll, more tire squeal. i do like the look of wider tires. if you were going 18's, then i think a 255 would be ok, because you've got a smaller sidewall.

mrdubya

what are the offsets on your and javi's rims?

mines 45mm (235/50/18- on 18x8 rims,no problem) i may go a lower profile tire when i need to replace them next summer or so, plus if i ever get around to putting in my lowering springs, i hope i dont have a problem. the rims stick out 1/4" or so more than the stock ones. they dont poke out of the fenders, but its close.

mrdubya

anyone tried the sylvania silverstar FOG lights? ive used there headlights with good results, but im wondering if the fogs are worth it. right now, i dont even know when the fogs are on, so i never turn them on except when its snowing/raining bad. but i drive alot on back country roads, and the extra light would nice...if they help

hammen2

W, I got the SilverStar fogs a couple of months ago - one blew within a week, the other lasted a month and a half. Called the company, and they admitted a manufacturing defect, promising to send me out new ones by mid-May once I faxed in my receipt. I did, but am still waiting (they say end of this week).

When they were in, I liked them a lot. I'm one of those who rides around at night with my fogs on because I like the look (and the extra light). I don't feel that the fogs are so bright or high that they bother incoming drivers (can't say the same for those guys with pickups/SUV's with added fogs, shining right into my rearview mirror, *sigh*)

--Robert

hammen2

I have XM. My sister has Sirius. Differences? XM was cheaper than Sirius ($10/mo versus $13), but I don't know if that's still the case. XM is backed by GM and has between 5 and 10 times the number of subscribers (but then again, there are many times more Windows boxes out there than Macs/Linux, that doesn't make them better). XM has the weather and traffic channels, Sirius has NFL. I am a big 80's fan and absolutely love the XM 80's channel - couldn't see switching. Also like the comedy channels for when I'm stuck in traffic (usually in Chicago) or on a long trip and I'm tired, trying to stay awake. It's a matter of personal preference. I think you can stream-listen to some Sirius channels over the net, not sure about XM. XM had the plug-and-play unit first, Sirius now has it. My advice is to figure out what kind of music you like, what the respective channel lineups are, listen to the ones over the Internet if you can, and then make your decision...

Hope this helps,

--Robert

huskerfan_21

Thanks for the XM advice-

I was planning on staying with the 16" rims, and I only wanted the look of a bigger tire, you know?
The previous owner put on 225/60/16, and I dont know why.
Cheaper?
They will be shot in a year, and I was just checking who/what kind of tire people liked size wise.
I will probably go with the 245/60/16.
I also wondered what brand you guys run?
I really like some of the tread style on Perreli/Toyo and had Yokohamas on my previous car.
What have you guys had success with/good styling/good rain/snow?

Also, I was probably going to go with XM. I wondered if I should just let Best Buy/whoever install it instead of doing it myself. I'd rather have someone install it who does it professionally and installs 10 of these units a day, instead of me wasting a day fumbling around my car and tearing stuff up. I also liked the Aurora I saw the other day with the XM antenna right above the rear glass/has anyone else tried that?

Thanks-

Greg

'96 Aurora

PS: I could put some pics up of my new car sometime around here, its pretty, but no mods at all.

hammen2

There are a lot more cars out there with 225/60/16's on them (my previous Lumina, my wife's current GTP), so I'll bet there are a lot more tire choices - and cheaper tires - available for that size.

mike98c

The xmradio.com site has 120 stations with great audio quality.

I listen to winamp streaming internet radio or xm when I'm in the mood for a paticular genre set of stations. I don't like realplayer@ because of they're incessant attempts to get people to update to the paid services.

I thought I'd wait a little while last year to see how the competition between Sirius and XM played out.

javidogg

MrDubYa, sorry for the lateness, wheel offset is 43, a Light-weight split 5 spoke wheel.

Peace.
Http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg

blk97aurora

Offset is 51mm; my wheels are Aurora 2001+ 17x7.5". The Classic 16x7" wheels have the same 51mm ofset.

Les

jmorin1

I also am looking into upgrading my existing GT's. I wanted to go with 245/60/16 and was wondering if their was any rubbing? I currently have 235's but wanted to go wider and taller on my existing 16 inch rims. Is this possible?

mrdubya

they wont rub. but what im wondering, why taller? a slightly shorter tire, like a 245/55/16 if they make it, would be like upping your gear ratio. give you a little more off the line, not much, but a 245/60/16 takes a little off the line away, still not much.

jmorin1

You make a strong arguement. I was thinking of going with 65's to give the vehicle a little more height. I do not want to take anything away from it's performance. I wanted to add height without replacing the rims. I am somewhat conservative when it comes to keeping the car origional.

I have a pristine 1997 teil Aurora. It never sees inclement weather. I am debating to keep it around for a couple of decades. I love love driving this car and it keeps me from buying another. I have a pathfinder that I drive more often than not since I am a relatively new Daddy. This keeps the Aurora in the shape that I have described it to be. I feel that Oldsmobile, design wise, should of eliminated Buick since both divisions produce similar vehicles. Simply my ipinion...

Any word on rather anyone thinks the Aurora might be a conversation piece in the future?

huskerfan_21

MrDubYa and jmorin1-

I've been looking at tires now and decided I cannot really find many available tires for the 245/55/16 size.
I was able to find many for the 245/50/16 size and the 255/55/16 including the Pirelli PZero Nero and a few good Michelin tires.

I was wondering, what are the advantages between these two tires? I dont want my car to ride much different, but would like the look of a wider tire. Has anyone tried these two sizes? What are your thoughts?

Also, a good site I've used with my previous car was tirerack.com Gives some of the best prices I have found (vs. ordering from a dealer).

Thanks for the input-

Greg
'96 aurora

95mushroom

Husker, read the reviews for the tires at tirerack.com and pick what you feel comes out better. Look for comments regarding larger cars (5/7-series, Caddies, etc,). What owners of Foci and Civics have little in common with our 4200 lb Auroras.

Also, read the ratings the tire has in its category on tirerack.

mrdubya

im not sure why everyone wants a wider tire. if its for handling, it will hurt your handling if the height stays the same (which it will on a 255/55/16). the only way id go wider, is if i was going with a lower profile tire, like if you doing 17's, 18's or more.

tire rack has 9 235/55/16's, going from 68 to 104. i think those would look good, they will change your speedo a little, but you'll get a little extra grunt off the line. ive got 235/50/18's, and im DEFINATLY doing somthing lower profile next time around.

i order my tires through my brother, he's got a dealers liscense to sell rims/tires - he's just so lazy about doing it it takes a month to get a set from him, but i paid $385 for 4 Z rated 235/50/18's

mrdubya

does anyone know if the strut tower brace off a 98+ sts will fit on a 95 aurora? i know there built off the same plateform and all. i can get one for $17 new, plus 8 for shipping. if no one knows for sure i may just order it anyways at that price

javidogg

In Reply To:

Any word on rather anyone thinks the Aurora might be a conversation piece in the future?
__________________________________________________

I do.

Peace.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg

tremas

Could really use some advice. Will upgrading replacing the stock radio interfere at all with onStar? Is there a way I can get my regular cellphone to do the same hands-free stuff that the onStar phone does? Can I run my regular cell phone through the speakers/microphone? Can I make my stock stereo sound better short of replacing the head unit? Can I just replace the speakers or add an amp?

-- Dave
New aurora owner in Mass.

stl beachbum

I just tonight bought a 2001 black 4.0 - pretty much just what I wanted except it has the painted alloys - does anyone have a source for chrome OE wheels? I used to be in the wheel business a long time ago - I know I can get aftermarket wheels - but I like the OE chromes - any ideas?

And if anyone would be interested in trading gold emblems for the silver versions... I'd like to swap them out too...

Thanks!

blk97aurora

Mike,

Have you tried to install the STS front strut tower brace yet? Results?

Les

mrdubya

no i havn't, sorry, been spending my money elsewhere....i will give it a try, but im ordering the larger rear sway at the same time, and im just a little broke right now for that $100

95mushroom

I'm interested in ordering it. If you post the part #, (I can't find it searching), I order it and let you guys know how it turns out.

I'll prob. repaint it to match the engine cover (if I fits w/the cover on).

blk97aurora

25653157 (Problems and Solutions #2003)

I haven't been able to find one online. If you do, let me know where.

95mushroom

gmpartsdirect.com has them. 17 bux so I can't lose too bad.

They're a special order part so let's see how long they take.

95mushroom

Still no word from gmpartsdirect. Still says on order. Prob. would have been easier to find an STS at a yard.