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Oldsmobile Aurora: Modifications
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I'm in the process of doing my dash by myself, with some bright white LED bulbs.
I added to my center console a bright white LED bulb and it looks much better than that stock green bulbs that it had before.
I will try to put up some pictures of my recent mod in my Auroras webpage for you all to see.
Peace.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg
I don't know about the amps.
Also how's it going with your project, be on the look out if your trying to upgrade your center console with either a brighter bulb or a different color style bulb, I say this because I had placed a HyBrid Blue bulb, but I guess these aftermarket bulbs have a higher wattage.
The one that I had, started to melt the inside clear housing.
Good think I replaced with an LED bulb, they light up at cooler temperatures and use less power.
Peace.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg
I see you have the real light sky blue paint color for your Aurora, looking nice.
Also seth, I hope you don't plan on leaving that bulb that you bought from AutoZone in there for long, careful that it does not start to melt on you.
That's what happen to me.
I highly recommend you guys to use the L.E.D. bulbs since they run at cooler temperatures.
Here is a picture of them http://209.87.151.155/transfer/image-anime/WHITE-4.gif.
I still have to find out how many bulbs are behind the dash gauges.<
My guess is like 6 or 8 bulbs.
Peace.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg
I'm still working on the dash gauges.
I'll let you all know how it turns out.
Peace.
At idle - totally quiet in the car. Even at cruise of 75 mph - virtually nothing. Still practically vault quiet. That's where it's different from the STS I rode in. There was a very slight note in the car over 70. The Aurora seems quieter. When you accelerate, you get a nice low rumble. It's not bad - sounds great. At WOT it never gets really loud in the car. I would not mind if it were a bit tougher.
All in all, this system is really sweet on the classic Aurora. The traffic has been heavy, so I have not got much chance to "off the line" the thing.
Another note - all my impressions so far are with the pass through to the trunk OPEN. It'll probably be quieter with it closed. I have the stock exhaust (cut up a bit) still in the trunk.
Oh yeah - the bent pipe after the resonator WAS USED AS IS. All the guys had to do was connect it to the catalytic converter in a different place. They essentially shifted the position of it under the car so all the downstream piping worked. They said it was the same as stock. The back end was some work though. The guys that did it for me seemed to really know their stuff. I'll send pictures of the system on the car to RJS. I did not get one on the rack. Nothing to see really. It all hangs stock. Nothing exciting. I'll get one under the back and the tips as though.
I'm really happy with this and HIGHLY recommend this for any classic Aurora (and probably new Aurora owners too). FJK - you got to get this for your new SLS too
Right now, all I want to do is cruise.
Well, my Aurora is finished.
Modified air box
K&N filter
Slight improvement to the air duct
RSM racing 80mm throttle body and plenum
Corsa cat-back exhaust.
2001+ 17 inch Aurora chrome wheels.
It's basically my idea of what a car should be. If I just wanted to go fast, I'd get a Camaro or Mustang GT. But this thing is a cool blend performance, style, and luxury. I've just turned it up several notches on the performance, and added the 2001+ Aurora wheels for flavor.
Man, it was a pain sort of, I was able to see behind the gauges there is 5 socket bulbs, there the same size as the 194's but, there all in their own socket style housing.
I had to take them out of their plastic housing and insert an L.E.D. bulb.
There was only one problem I had only two bright white LED bulbs, so I'm short 3 more. I will be ordering four more today from www.autodynamic.com.
After putting everything back man, the dash started to look more lively it really does make a difference.
I replaced the temperature and gas gauges with the LED's and you guys know the needles right, right now you'r needles have an orange color, after installing the LED they looked bright white and the numbers looked like a brighter blueish, not too blue like the Volkswagen Jetta's instrument panel, but lighter.
I will have to take apart the dash once again to finish the job. You guys have to really see this, I have a digital camera, so for sure I will be taking pictures for you all to see at www.cardomain.com.
Oh, one more thing when I was taking everything apart I had to turn on the car to see if they light up and stuff, well there was a message on the dash computer stating, AIR BAG TROUBLE, I was like oh man I hope I didn't mess some thing up. But that came on because I had not connect the plugs that go to the dash that test and reset everything every time you turn on the car.
So don't get scared if you get a message like this, After I put everything back and plugged everything I turned on the car and everything was reset. And no more trouble codes or signals.
I hope some of you out there take on this challenge, after opening my Aurora while doing these mod, I feel like I gotten closer to her.
Ah or something like that.
Peace.
Or will we see little Aleros running around in a few months??
Peace.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg
How dificult was it to install the Corsa? Was it substantially more difficult ($$) than a flowmaster, for instance?
Would any good performance exhaust shop be able to do it?
Thanks for any help
Jim
Bottom line - It's not that bad for a good installer that knows what they are doing and works with 304 stainless. Do it at home - not me, never. These guys seemed to expand the Y where they cut it so they could sleeve it together and weld on the outside. It seemed to work nicely.
You end up with the back end a bit more cut and welded, but that's what you have to do to make the STS system fit the classic.
I'll eventually get pictures of the back end and where the system hooks up to the catalytic converter. Hopefully RJS can post them. I highly recommend sharing the pictures with anybody doing this work and discussing the job with them before ordering it and having it done.
I've driven it now a bit more and I really love this system. It sounds so cool and is not obnoxious. It's quiet on the highway too.
Total price for me was $995 for the system, $30+ to ship, and $260 for the install. It's not cheap. But my car has low miles, and I hope to be keeping it for 4+ years.
If you just put some aftermarket mufflers on - yeah that will help with a little power and add tone, but the whole Corsa cat-back is engineered really nice for a great sound and maximum performance suited for the northstar engine.
I hope that helps.
Anyway, it's not quite like the other dyno graphs shown on Corsa's site. The X axis is in MPH. I'll scan it and send it to RJS as well. Maybe he can post it here. It's interesting.
I think it starts kicking in a bit at 3500 rpm and really strong at 4000+. That's my guess.
I found that their is one harness that you can purchase at http://www.crutchfield.com for around $79.99.
At almost $80.00 for these wire, I said nah thanks I could live without the sterring controls, plus my radio came with a credit card style remote control.
Peace.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg
I think I might look into the flowmasters and put the $$ I save into the AC..... thankfully, the weather man says we're going down into the 70s later this week!
Jim confirmed that the dyno was indeed for 3rd gear only. He said they eased it up to 3rd before letting it rip. So it's not a complete picture but still a lot of good information. I sure wouldn't try to read anything into it or try and guess what happens down lower from this graph. Who knows when exactly they put it to WOT on both runs - seems to be around 74 MPH.
The 5 L.E.D. light bulbs look real nice.
They add a unique touch to the Aurora's interior.
They light a bluish color, but not too blue, I specially like the needles lighting up white instead of a yellowish orange look.
I will try on putting up some pictures for yall.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg
Check out the link below for the pictures, go to page 3 for the dash pictures.
Let me know what you all think.
Peace, and good night, tired, will have to work tomorrow.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg
I will say the dash more suits your "lady's" black exterior.
So, when are you expecting the Aleros??
(smile)
I was kind of tired of the faded green accent light that it used to have.
Peace.
But I'm satisfied with the outcome.
I wonder if anyone else here would be willing to do a mod like this on their Aurora's dash.
I wanted for my Aurora to be a little different from the rest out there.
In case some one here in Edmunds did not get a glimpse of my dash mod, you can see the pictures of it in my Aurora's web page at the link below.
Peace.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg
If you read my problems solutions post, my cars all better know, going to keep it around a few more years. Now I'm going to get more serious with my mods, or atleast finish what I started. Garnes has beaten me to the Corsa exhaust. Sounds like he loves it. I want it to love it too. I was waiting to see if I could get my service issues resolved before I throw a thousand dollar plus first class exhaust system on. I'm also talking to zsolt about getting the bored out TB plate too finally. I'll just send them back my stock TB, Don't think I'll be needing it, bored one works great. Next I'll get that TPS enhancer from Casper who is located 1/2 hr from me(convient). So couple more performance mods will make me happier. I'm also thinking better stereo. I know like 800 watts isn't enough right. Get some nice Boston Accusitcs 3-way components ($800 retail) up front for optium sound staging. I'll have to get some kick panels made to house the extra front speaker. Can't wait for more pant vibrating mid-bass!
Talking with Paul my new buddy (service guy) I asked him If autobaun gearing can be added with a new tranny or rebuild? He said no problem, just need to program the car with different vin #. So next warrenty company will be buying me a new tranny. Paul says, "So Mr. Dus your trannys starting to slip, huh? looks like you need a new one, I'll just check the 3.71 gearing box" I got excited when I heard that! He's getting a tip!
Later all,
Taylor
I found out a little more on how they made the exhaust fit. Overall I like what they did. They added an extra support from the Y. Doesn't look the greatest., but they felt it was needed for more support. I'll get pictures of the install some day if it ever clears up for more than 2 days. Getting the tips to look perfectly even and balanced is a little tricky. They look OK after an adjustment. They are pretty bold and stick out a little so you notice the slightest flaw (well...I'm neurotic about that stuff). I'll call you about the installation.
About that TB mounting plate - my offer still stands. I can send mine to RSM and they will send it to you finished. Just send me your original when you are done.
Not to drive you crazy, but I can't tell you how much I like the exhaust with all the other mods together. It's a very cool car. One badass sedan. It's very quiet on the highway and well behaved around town, but when you lay into it, the car really comes to life. Off the line it is a little better, but once the rpms come up I swear the g's get bigger and you can feel yourself getting pushed back a lot harder.
But really, the HP from the exhaust is secondary (I can't believe I'm saying that). The sound is so nice it puts a smile on my face every time I turn the key to start it.
I know I replaced that little lightbulb about 4 months ago.
Oh well time to go underneath the console again.
Peace.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg
The car just misses your touch.
(okay, I think I got all the mileage I can out of your comment. It is dead now.)
Henri
I think I'm gonna look into an air compressor and an Impact Wrench gun from Snap On tools, doing this by hand takes time and is a lot of work.
The stock wheels are all clean inside and out, I was cleaning them from the inside and they were real dirty, had to use a plastic brush and some Mcguires wheel cleaner.
Looks like I'm ready for winter, the winters here in the ChicagoLand Area can be brutal.
I belive there is a saying that goes like this, "If you don't like Chicago, just wait a minute", Literally.
Next project for me is to change the shift marker light bulb, a really small bulb.
Peace.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg
Your decision to buy an air compressor and impact wrench is wise. I wish I had not waited so long to buy mine. I have found Snap-On to be pretty pricey for my wallet. Craftsman tools are reasonably priced with a good warranty. If you do not have a hydraulic floor jack, you should consider one. The combination of the hydraulic jack and air wrench have made mounting/remounting wheels/tires a relatively easy and quick job for me.
I really appreciate the research you have done for alternative lamps. I plan to replace mine with the LED versions that you have used.
I was using the standard car jack but, it would take forever cranking it, so I bought that one.
About the dash, I think it looks way better then the stock lighting that it had, thanks for checking it out.
Peace.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/javidogg
Taylor
My experience in Chicago is that they are pretty good clearing the streets and major highways, so it's not like you will be sliding around with your corsa system for 3 months. I used to spend a lot of time on 294.
If I ever get the car cleaned up, I'll shoot some pictures of the installation and you can share that with your exhaust guys. They cut the Y and "sleeved" them together and welded on the outside - effectively cutting about 3 inches out of the branch length. They rotated it as well to get the best position of the muffler. They said they cut a notch (in the side) out of the piping to the tip and bent the angle just a tad to make the tip go straight out. I can't even see where they did this - it must have been very slight. The piping for the tips is 2.5 as well, so it doesn't matter. That's all they did. No extra pipe was needed. They added a support from the Y up to the car. I'm not sure it's needed, but they did it. It's possible they would not have to cut that notch in the tip piping if they took a little more out of the Y - that's just a guess on my part.
I had to go back to get the tips adjusted so they look balanced. One side was a tad lower. That's the hard part - getting the tips to look good. They are bold and protrude a little, so you will notice anything that is not perfect.
Overall, I'm very happy with the installation and of course the sound and performance. It's a treat to just start the car.
Taylor
Be prepared to wait for the Corsa system. They probably don't have one in stock. I had it sent to the shop.
The total bill for the installation was $260. Don't worry, I'll send you pictures. They will help with your guys. I got charged like $62/hr + some welding wire or whatever. Talk to them to get a ball park price. I sure hope it's not 400+. That just would not seem right. If so, you could road-trip over here. I'll put you up if needed. Only thing, this place is first-come/first serve. They'd have to make some exception to that.
I like the tips. They hang a little low maybe, but the center line of the tips is the same (certainly no lower) than the stock tips. They could be higher maybe, but look fine as-is.
Oh yeah, no gold package. The tips fit the openings - but do sit low in the opening like the smaller stock tips.
"My contact at Eibach said that they are thinking about making a limited run of 25-30 sets of lowering springs for the Aurora based on the ones they used to make. Apparently since the design is all done already it's not that difficult to do, it's just an economic thing since they only sold about 30 sets back in 95-96. We must have about 20 people on here willing to commit to springs and that will improve our chances drastically.
Put up a post showing your desire and send me an email with your name, email and phone # and we'll try to get this thing rolling ASAP. My email address is carraher1@ameritech.net
I know Mike wants some. MR. T, I need a firm commitment. Taylor, how about you? Here's our chance guys!"
the original post can be found on the GMforum page. If anyone knows how to start a new discussion on just this, please do, i couldn't figure it out!
YOU KNOW YOU ALL WANT THEM!!!!!!!!
Lowering my Aurora, hum? Thinking about it. Install cost more that the springs though. Check around.
But man, $95/hr is crazy. If they can knock it out in 3 hours or less it may be OK, but $95 is just nuts. My job was about 3 hours, but it was one guy for 3 and one guy for 1 - I think. Just make sure whoever does it is equipped to work with 304 stainless for the little bit of welding needed. The dyno place did not work with 304, so I had to go elsewhere.
I will send you pictures very soon to help your job out. One other key is that they did not fit the resonator and piping to the catalytic converter as shown in the directions. The Corsa system provides for a new attachment for the O2 sensor. They did not use that and kept the 02 connected to the original connection after the converter. This is because they "shifted" the resonator and piping to the Y down just a tad so that it fit without having to cut anything.
I highly suggest going over it with whoever you get - using the pictures, and then have them test fit things and plan it all out before cutting anything.
Just a thought . . . .
I was never able to find a listing for Eibach springs for '97-'99 Auroras. Is this new opportunity limited to '95-'96 only? Or will Eibach make lowering springs for the later classics, too? I need to replace my '97 struts, so changing springs at the same time would be good.
Henry,
Your observation about the front air deflector is certainly valid. I'm willing to take the plunge, so to speak, since my driveway is not steep, and it has been my practice to back into parking spaces for over 30 years.
Lowering, I'm thinking about it. The front air dam isn't really a problem for me, I almost never scrap it. The concern for me is the install, kinda of pricey. I can't remember my quote, but it was more than the springs. I believe eibach springs were listed for 95-99. If anyone gets these, remember to get the coils wraped with noise deading material, to keep hard bumps quite. I believe that was the reason they stoped making them, complaints of noise (coils slaming against each other) wraping them up is the problem solver. Any shop familiar with lowering will know what your talking about.
Larry