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If someone wants to add some flair to their Regal, add some 245/50/17 tires on the standard rims for marginally better handling. Under the hood, use a smaller pully for an added 20-30 hp & torque. You can also install 12.1" disc brakes to replace the existing 10.9 (reduces stopping from 70 MPH by 20 feet).
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But you must truly get with the program. The car was designed to be a wolf in sheeps clothing. If you're looking for flare and the desire to add aftermarket products, trade in you GS for a Gran Prix GTP.
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Afterthought: The GS in its current state is a radical departure by Buick to mass produce a supercharged car. It is highly unlikely to see the 2004 Regal to w/ a supercharger; especially with the Century line being discontinued. What you will most likely see is Pontiac becoming more performance oriented (more so then they are now) and Buick taking up some of the Oldsmobile demographic (family of 4 with a $40-$45K income). Buick's current $$$ demographic is near $58,000.
I have a very vague idea about incomes of people around. You know, Americans are rather secretive in this respect, and immigrants catch the culture fast too. However, the few better-off families whose income range I know do not drive Cadillacs.
A family with $150+K income have two 4-cylinder Honda Accords. A family with $200+K have two Olds 88. A single Wall Street programmer drives Mitsubishi Galant. A senior manager, VP of a high-tech company in Boston, drives Subaru. Another high-rank Boston engineer with PhD from Caltech drives Mitsubishi GT-3000 with mileage approaching 200K; his wife, a doctor, drives Mercury Sable.
I also know one man who invented not relevant what exactly, and made a real fortune, several millions. The last time I saw him, his wife drove Mercedes, but he was driving Jeep.
Well, all of them are immigrants from Russia or other former Soviet respublics, mostly of Jewish descent - the same as my family. Probably we are not typical.
However, the president of our laboratory, who also is a full professor in a leading state university, drives Olds Alero. Another leading scientist in our lab, who is also a full professor in an expensive private university, drives an older Ford Excort wagon. Probably 91 model or so. A third scientist and professor (at Yale, not less) drives Honda Accord. Etc., etc. All of them are American in several generations.
In reallity, I know (well, know somewhat) only one man who have a relatively new Cadillac. Eldorado. Our neighbor in apartment complex. He is a high-skilled plumber, and does emergency repairs every second nights.
Thanks
As for the rest that you've mentioned, and not to stereotype but they have more important things on their minds as it relates to what their occupations are and not with what they are driving. Like they say, you don't know what you're missing till you've tried it. Some of them may need to get out more often. Ever seen what a bank president drives, or successful attorneys, and even doctors. Well a lot of doctors drive Buicks so that their patients don't think they are being overcharged...hehe.
Needless to say, among our circle of friends, only one drives a '00 Park Avenue and that's because he does a lot of work for the Buick dealership as he owns a repair shop. His other vehicle is a '99 Camaro SS and a '00 Tahoe. Other professions tend to enjoy their vehicles. By what you've stated. The types you describe, obviously do not with the exception of the wife that drives a MB.
Seriously some people hate cars but still have to have them in order to get around. They buy Honda Accord and Totyota Camry.
Ken
Your basic college economic classes and statistical analysis courses convey the importance of demographic targets for large corporations such as GM.
Enough about that. I still think the 2000 GNX Regal is overkill.
Bushwack: I did not read your posting between lines; it was just a honest misunderstanding.
Now I see that my personal impressions are rather different from the GM goals. Of course, GM must know much better. No doubts they used scientific statistical methods, with a big sample of customers.
Ruski: you told I know a lot of "geeks". This is a gross understatement. In reality I cannot remember a single successful professional or family who does not fit your definition.
However, no one of them hate cars. Most of them like to drive. Cars simply have low priority comparing to other interests. Additionally, all of them value the reliability higher than performance, and most value reliability higher than comfort.
By the way, you mentioned Camry and Accord. It happened somehow that my friends and colleagues do not own a single Camry. At least I cannot remember. Accords are popular, but not overhelmingly.
Tpken: well, I also have impression that my Regal is the best cars around. On the other hand, my second car, a Chevy Malibu, probably is not. Any case, I like driving the both cars.
Frankly, I would prefer to stand out in my skills and professional results, not in what car I bought. Fortunately, nobody around pays any attention to this matter. And, of course, nobody asked to drive my car.
Obyone: I have some idea that a skilled emergency plumber makes good money. Both because his customers cannot shop around, and because he have a difficult life. How many people work every second night?
Have no idea what bank presidents typically drive. Only once occasionally was at headquarters of a medium-size regional bank, with some $12 billions in assets. The president of this bank had a very nice Olds Aurora, parked on a reserved place near elevator.
the tachometer indicator is jumping up and down 50-100 rev each 3-10 seconds.
It is really small movement - but noticeable (1-2 milimiters).
Is that normal or not ?
Also I have slightly rough idle. each few seconds car shakes a little
(canbe felt easily thru steering wheel). Is that normal ?
Car info: Buick Regal GS 1998 / 30k
Did anybody seen that on their Regal ?
Ordered a hat and T-shirt and was very pleased. Reasonable prices. Best of all - both made in USA. Not that made in China crap.
All merchandise is generic Buick though. Nothing offered that allows us to tout our beloved Regals.
Catalog was mailed from:
Brennen & Howard, Inc.
1130 Tienken Ct. Suite 120-C
Rochester Hills, MI 48386
No phone given.
But the merchandise is actually ordered from:
American Identity, Inc.
1-800-793-9834
Not sure which of the two to ask for the catalog. Or you could try sending an e-mail at the www.buick.com web site.
You wrote some time ago.....
I'll get you the part number tomorrow. The info is in my Palm Pilot...which is buried somewhere under paperwork on my desk in my office. The part number for the unit includes the harness; which is basically an adapter that splits off from the existing harness that leads to the changer. Just make sure your radio is designated as having CODE UPO (if it's a Monsoon system, it is CODE UPO).
Do you have the part nums. Could you be so kind to forward to willjammer@hotmail.com
thanks dude,
happy 99GS owner....will.....
Sorry I didn't get back to u sooner.
I went with the same tire size....the XGT Pilots are such an incredibly wonderful performing tire. When I do lane changes at 90-100 MPH, I have total confidence. There is no float or sidewall flexure.
The tires are not as quite as a touring tire, but the additional road noise is relatively minor. The car still has the "quiet" buick ride.
I'm about to add some stabilizer bars front and rear and will report back to the group.
I'm glad folks have been pointing out Rick Tolan's website. Rick has been very helpful when I've asked him questions. He's taken a very systematic approach to dealing with his regal mods, and is quite knowledgeable about what is possible with this ride.
As regards performance vs. shift mode, yes...there is SIGNIFICANT difference, if you drive the car the way I do....which is very aggressive.
I take care of my GS...but I work it hard. And it's dusted many a BMW and Lexus in the Silicon Valley........
I have a dashmat....gray which really nicely matches my light grey 99GS interior.
The fit is first class, and does a great job with the california sun.
I just wish there was a little more tinting of the glass in the regal. it is one hot car in the california sun.
hope this helps.
deibs
Just had my battery go dead on me.... no warning at all!! All of a sudden it would'nt hold a charge. The first time I boosted the car it would'nt stay running, the battery was so flat.
to all: Shop around before you buy a Delco battery, dealers are expensive and the original Delco only lasted 3 years. Unfortunately, the problem occured late in the evening & dealer
was my only option..... 180 Cdn $$$ later I was back on the road.
The Pilot XGT Z4 or XGT H4 (rated to 130MPH)are a great compromise. They are good in the wet, by the way.
If your pocketbook is limited, the H series is still a great tire.
best,
deibs
For those that have sunroofs what are you using to protect the strip around the roof when closed. I have noticed some dryness/fading.
Thanks.
P.S. Counting down miles to move away from the Badyear LS tires...
http://www.nsxsc.com/nsexcitement/waxtest.html
Zaino is by far the easiest to apply and maintain and gives you the best shine possible. If you're truly anal about your car's shine, "Zaino heads" will tell you to clay your car before applying Zaino. I started using Zaino a couple weeks after buying my car (which sat new on the dealer's lot for many winter months prior) without claying and the car has a terrrrrrific shine! You may want to clay your car seeing that it is 3 years old and I do not know what condition the paint is in. But no matter the route you go, Zaino will give you the best shine possible. It is very easy to apply and even easier to maintain the high gloss shine throughout all four seasons.
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Has anyone had trouble with their sunroofs. I somehow knew this may have been my first challenge.
You wrote some time ago.....
I'll get you the part number tomorrow. The info is in my Palm Pilot...which is buried somewhere under paperwork on my desk in my office. The part number for the unit includes the harness; which is basically an adapter that splits off from the existing harness that leads to the changer. Just make sure your radio is designated as having CODE UPO (if it's a Monsoon system, it is CODE UPO).
Do you have the part nums. Could you be so kind to forward to willjammer@hotmail.com
thanks bushwack,
happy 99GS owner....deibs.....
I just spray some of it on a clean dry cloth and apply it rather liberally to all of the rubber seal. I have found that it keep it supple and flexible as well as looking new.
It works for me here in central Arkansas and I use the sunroof quite frequenty.
No Sunroof problem to date....
Zaino, two steps but done together and first step does not have to be wiped off. Very easy to apply , very easy to remove even in sunlight, lasts considerably longer then anything I have ever used to date. Cost, yep, for the two products needed with shipping about $25. If you can afford a Buick Regal you can afford $25 or about $15 more then Gold Class and # 26, same as Collinite. Supply is enought for many many many applications.
I am the true cynic but this stuff is incredible
I will closely watch mine. WOW 4 hours labor for the sunroof module, how in the world do they change it?!?!
Chalk one up for the benefits of an extended warranty...which I have. But only have 16 K.
Here's the info you need straight from the GM parts bin:
The 12 disc changer is model 25678544 (it is made by Pioneer for GM). You can by the Pioneer model but I advise against it (the Pioneer's model number
is cdx-m2116zg; spec no. xh/us). You must have the Monsoon system with the following OEM radio code: UPO. The part number for this UPO radio is: GM part #12371528 (but this info isn't necessary if you already have the Monsoon system installed).
There is a harness that, if memory serves me, is included with the CD changer under the GM brand name. When you order the CD changer, the parts catalog will tell you ALL items necessary for installation.
Take note: If you have On-Star, you can not use the CD changer. Evidentally, On-Star and the harness that is used for the Monsson system are incompatible. I am not an engineer, so don't ask me why. But the person who did my install (he's an independant guy who does all major audio installs for Buicks, Pontiacs and Cadillacs in the L.A. area) was very specific in asking me if I have On-Star installed or if I plan on having On-Star installed.
Side note: The entire set-up on how well your radio and steering wheel buttons integrates with the Monsoon system and CD changer is astonishing! GM did right with this system!
Much appreciated!! Thanks