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Pontiac Bonneville
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http://www.cotse.net/users/drsnoid/pics/eng1.jpg
http://www.cotse.net/users/drsnoid/pics/eng2.jpg
http://www.cotse.net/users/drsnoid/pics/eng3.jpg
Tell me what differences you see.
The head-up display is now an option for the SSEi (still not available on SE or SLE), $325. Also at extra cost was the previously standard trunk emergency kit, $100. Why are they doing this? Well, my guess is that they kept the price down by making the above two mentioned items optional. All the other options are the same price as they were in 2000, but the base price is up about $2,000 since then.
Dual-zone climate control is optional on the SLE. Didn't that used to be standard?
After two years, the rear spoiler is once again an option on the SE. But instead of being a delete option, it is no longer standard. Guess we'll be seeing more "tailless" Bonnies soon!
I have not seen where GM has decided to place the XM antenna on the Bonnie, but on the Alero it is dead-center on the leading edge of the roof. Ugly! On the Deville, at least it is on the trailing edge of the roof. (Quite frankly, based on my XM experience, it would work fine on the trunk deck.)
I found the carpoint picture. I can surely see why you asked the initial question!
Chuck
http://h-body.hom.att.net/index.htm
Thanks again Mike- and everyonelse- go visit!!!
Chuck.
The Bonnie didn't get much of a work-out for these days. With pulling boats and carrying dogs, kids, birdcages and pressure treated lumber for a new dock, the Suburban earned it's keep.
We visited amusement parks, miniature golf sites, read a few books, went to movies and just played in and on the water for enough time to actually feel relaxing. Weather was a mixed bag but not bad.
Glad to hear Stephen had a good trip. Looking forward to checking out the 2003 Bonneville details and making more regular appearances here now.
Ken
Dropped the Bonnie off at the dealer to have the ICE32 treatment done to the A/C. The product has it's own website to explain in detail what it does. Briefly it is supposed to make the A/C be able to cool down a car faster. I will see how it works over the next few days which will be in the mid 90's. Rented a Grand AM SE for one day and it was OK but it certainly was no Bonnie.
I also got the pictures back and will let you know when I have them posted.
Steve
That engine shot you have there is from the Spirit of Bonneville '00 SSEi - which had more than 600 horsepower...
Here's a current shot of the engine bay in my '00 SSEi, currently at 470 horsepower and climbing...
http://3800performance.com/sponsored_cars.htm
Scott
P.S. You're site is excellent. Very thorough.
Other than for the powertrains (which, according to my understanding, are not really considered part of the base "platform"), the "G" and "H" are pretty much the same. I guess it gets down to what GM considers a platform to be, and what differentiates one from another. I don't know the answer to that.
You are the best.
I often tell others about your fantastic Bonnie. One day I will get some stuff for my Dark Bronzemist SSEi and make it go a little faster. Just need to use up some of the warranty first.
Enjoying the ride.
Some cars, regardless of what year, are going to have more problems than others, but overall- the 1998 Bonneville has a very good rating on reliability.
Re-search before buying - visit sites like AUTO WORLD, CARPOINT etc.- both give the car a very good rating.
Some other information with regards to the 1998 model
1. There are NO NHTSA RECALLS on this year.
2. Either Consumers Guide or ConsumerReports- (not sure which one) - Best Buy for 1998
If you and your husband can find a low mileage 1998 in great shape and the price is right, I wouldn't hesitate buying the vehicle.
I also own a 2000 SE that my wife uses for work daily etc- obviously the 1998 SSE has more options (bells, whistles ETC) than my 2000SE-
however, both cars have been very dependable and
a joy to own.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do,
Chuck
Michael: the move to making some standard equipment optional is a Lutzism - and a good way to keep the MSRP low. Personally, I'd want the heads-up if I was springing for the SSEi but since I only have an SLE, I don't know what I'm missing... (BTW, dual-zone climate control was standard on my '00 SLE)
Minivan vs '98 Bonnie?: Lessee, which way to go? hmmmmmm. Been there - went through this anguish when we bought our '00. Have now been almost that long without a minivan and don't miss it one iota. Ditto my wife and her '01 Grand Prix. To each their own though - minivan's do make a lot of sense - provided you frequently have need to carry more than 5 people or haul bulky items. Both are rareties for me.
I've been back to work for a week now and am headed off this weekend for camping with the boys - my 2 and my nephew - so we've got the truck loaded and ready to go. One thing Bonnie doesn't do for us is haul STUFF - so the Suburban is great for times like these.
Enjoy the summer - it's half over!
The cars cornering, handling, and ride quality are all tremendously improved. The grip is absolutely amazing, and turn-in is sharp and fast.
A 3.4 inch supper charger pulley and upgraded wheels/tires transforms Bonnieville into a near super sedan.
I estimate my 1/4 times are now in the low 14s or high 13s and skidpad .88G plus! I need to get a g-tech and run some tests.
The new tires even with stock brakes probably put 60-0 distances down under 120ft. I actually saw a road test in motor week or auto week that got a stock Bonnie to do 60-0 in 118ft.
An intercooler and some 15 inch brembo brakes will put it over the top:)
I just acquired a 98 Bonneville SSE, Chromerims, HUD, 16 way power leather.
Have been reading archived posts.
Intense01 all I can say is WOW. (reminds me of my V8 Fierro)
Hope to be a regular here.
Have you upgraded your brakes? I was thinking about 15 inch cross drilled brembos - but my performance shop wants $3K. I am also concerned if they will effect stabilitrak system - which performs awesome with stock brakes and upgraded wheel/tires. I would think if the system modulates the brakes based feedback from the sensors it would work even better. However, if it applies a preset amount of braking force - it may behave erratically now that the same "caliper pressure" will result in more braking power.
I remember a ways back someone posted they got 14.8s stock?
I am also a GTP owner, and most of those guys get between 14.3 and 15.0 stock - with most cars in the 14.5 to 14.8 range.
Hence, 14.8 to 15.5 might make sense for the bonnie - given slighly more weight but also better traction and slightly higher final drive ratio.
The SSei now appears to be as fast, if not faster, from my own driving and a few partial throttle runs with my bother at the wheel for the GTP. We plan on doing some more serious testing:)
I know in an all out 1/4 run the FWD/Auto combo would put me at a disadvantage, especially with all the low-end torque of these cars.
Note - I am not talking about Firebird Formula, Camaro Z28, or any Vette- with either 4 speed auto or 6 speed manual. I consider these to be potentially low 13 high 12 second cars.
Here are some of my wins in the GTP
Audi A4
Audi A6 2.7T
Audi A6 4.2L
Audi A8 4.2L
BMW 325ci
BMW 330ci
BMW 330xi (on a wet surface)
BMW E36 M3 (240HP)
BMW 540i
BMW M Roadster (315HP)
BMW Z3 3.0L (225HP)
Infiniti G35
Infiniti I35
Infiniti Q45 (previous generation)
Lexus IS300
Lexus GS400
Lexus LS430
Lincoln LS V6
Lincoln LS V8
Lincon MKIII (290HP 4.6L DHOC 32V V8)
Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
Mustang GT 5.0L
Mustang GT 4.6L SOHC
Nissan 300ZX
Nissan Maxima
Nissan Altima 2.5
Nissan Altima 3.5
I live NJ, which seems to have some of the best times, due to low altitude and generally cool dry air.
Bone Stock Regal GS and GTPs run 14.3 and 14.7 in the 1/4. My stock Regal GS would consistently produce 8-10PSI boost - considerably more than the 7.5PSI factory rating.
Braking at speed gives a pulsing sensation, suspect warped rotors, is this a known problem.
Idle is rough at times, cruising the highway for a couple of hours, when we slowed the idle was going from 600 to 1000 for a few minutes. a half dozen times or so the engine stalled while idling.
Compass went out the other day, saying to recalibrate but than came back in.
A couple of other small issues including the onstar recall.
Any advice on the above?
Welcome to the fold. Please let us know of your experiences along the road!
Ken (2000 SE)
SUBJECT:
01045A - ONSTAR GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)
MODELS:
2000: GMC YUKON, YUKON XL, DENALI, ENVOY,
CADILLAC ESCALADE, DEVILLE, SEVILLE, ELDORADO,
CATERA
BUICK PARK AVENUE, LESABRE
OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA, SILHOUETTE
PONTIAC BONNEVILLE, MONTANA
CHEVROLET BLAZER, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, VENTURE
2001 AZTEK
Due to parts availability, this campaign will be administered in phases and dealer listings will not be issued. Parts are to be ordered when the customer contacts you to have this campaign performed on their vehicle.
CONDITION
General Motors has decided that certain 2000 model vehicles, and certain 2001 Pontiac Aztek model vehicles, equipped with a factory or dealer installed OnStar system, may have a condition in which the OnStar Vehicle Integration Unit (VIU) may not be able to acquire a vehicle location from the Global Position System (GPS). This occurs only after power to the VIU is interrupted and restored, as when a battery is discharged or disconnected. If it occurs, OnStar services that are based on OnStar's ability to locate the vehicle - including airbag deployment notification, stolen vehicle tracking, and more - may not function. This condition is unlikely to occur during the first 12-14 months.
He said that people end up buying plain import cars over domestic, in spite of better equipment. His rationale is that the customer doesn't care about a good load of accessories.
Well, my last two cars were from GM PRECISELY because I perceived them as a better value!
My other car is a Stratus and I think that Mr. Lutz's approach is partially responsible for Chrysler's demise: good looking cars with no content.
I just hope that he sees the light before his mistake hurts GM more.
I have 2002 SSEi with 3.4 inch pulley, and 18X8.5 ACE Wheels and 245/45 Michelin Pilots.
:^(
The car had much more to give, as it was loafing at mere 3500RPM and the sensation was sure footed, as always.Darn, I got used to more than that in a business trip to Germany!
;^)
TIA
Saw that the Monaro/GTO was going to be hit with the gas guzzler tax. I guess at 350hp there wasn't any way to avoid it.
I just called Pontiac customer service and they confirmed the 110MPH...
:^(
They said that only the SSEi goes to 124MPH.Cheers,
- Ray
Who does occasionally miss the torque of that mildly modified S/C 3800 . . .
:^/
I guess it has the same engine computer as the SE, as they share the same engine, which probably has either S or T-rated tires. Even though the SLE comes standard with the performance axle, when GM might raise the top speed instead.As for street racing here in my area of N.Y. the word is out on GTP's, you won't find many that want to race you cause they have no idea what level of mod's your running and a stock one will stomp the B jesus out of most cars. I race often (at a track) with my GTP and the late model GT Mustangs hate to line up against us. Very humiliating to them. Most of our GP club cars that race here are consistant 13.5 to 14's so we are mid level moded GTP's. I did get a lot more street racing in my 2000 SSEi then my GTP but thats OK, speeding tickets are expensive.
Check out Zoomers stage 1 intercooler, target price about $1,000 and stage 2 should be $1,500. You know his 97 GTP ran a 11.97 a week ago, too cool!
I think if I were you I'd see what a 3.25 feels like on your SSEi plus some exhuast mod's, like down pipe change and ported exhuast manifolds . Rockers are cost effective also.
The Intense transaxle is a better deal then SLP's for sure, the LSD and the lower final drive gives you some kick were we need it, at low speed WOT applications. And Scott at 12.1 in that crazy Bronzmist 2000 SSEi sure test the transaxle he sells!
See ya, Doug
P.S Ezrapon, keep your belt on ! Didn't you spit a SC belt on your SSEi? TEN-SION !