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Comments
Our neighbor two places down from us in Maine has a new Park Avenue and when I asked him how he likes it, he said that he just loves it and is amazed at the mileage the 3800 delivers in a car that size.
http://carpoint.msn.com/advice/default.asp?contentid=244181&type=6&src=Home&pos=Edit1
There are not as many as there used to be. As a youngster every year a friend and I would take a tour of GM's Framingham, Mass., assembly plant (long since decommissioned). I loved it. I can still visualize the place, I went so many times. One of my favorite parts was a water spray booth where the body of the car (this was in the days before unibody construction) was doused with water from all angles to check for leaks. It's first car wash. And the best of all was where the "rubber meets the road," the final stretch of the line where the body was lowered onto the chassis and they fired the engine up (usually on the first try) and drove it off - very cool. For a while my dad worked for Ford and I twice got a private tour the Michigan Truck Assembly plant in Wayne, home of the Expedition and Navigator. Much more sophisticated these days, but still the thrill of watching the body lowered onto the chassis and the whole thing coming together.
Anyway, sorry about the reminiscing. The bad news is that it does not appear there are public tours of Orion, home of the Bonneville, not even for groups (if we could even get one together). Carpoint's list seems too short; I wonder if there are other plants that offer tours.
Are you still planning to be in New England this summer?
Ken
The manual won't tell you this but I believe under wide open throttle conditions from a standing start, you would get better results with the supercharged version by turning it off. At least this is what several people have indicated who are into heavy modifications on their cars.
Try this: pick a wet day and an abandoned stretch of good, straight, safe road and time a series of 0-40's (you don't need to go to 60) with and without traction control. Try the same on a dry road. With practice, you could probably get the numbers pretty close to each other - both wet and dry. If you're not practiced, stick with traction control on when wet, off when not. At your risk of course.....
Stephen
smfran: up and at 'em early this morning I see. It's a holiday here (Canada Day was yesterday) and I would normally still be sleeping but my children can't tell the difference between a holiday and a work day....
I too had a 94 - but it was the SE - still though, I drove it like an SSEi. 2000 came and my first ever brand spankin' new car was the SSEi.
It was a real work horse - -even confident enough to sell it to someone I work with after just over 60,000 M on it. he loves it (nor as much as I did though) but i do get to see it if I get reminiscing. (yea, thats weird, but its me)
Look forward to hearing about your impending addiction . . . . . .
Dennis
Glad to have you here and so happy to hear you are enjoying Bonnevilles and diapers! Man, I am I glad that stage is over for us now! Congrats to you on both additions. I suspect the Bonneville may turn out to be far less expensive than the other addition over time - but hopefully not nearly as rewarding (although at times, you may disagree with that assessment!)
Please let us know how things work out. By the way - where do you live?
Ken
Ken
As I've said before, I'll meet just about anywhere you set it up. However, Fenway maybe a little more convenient than Skydome for me!!
Skydome is just a tad closer!
besides, the way the jays play these days - Id be better off watching golf
Ken
Steve
P.S. Sorry the post is so long, just had to clear up a few misconceptions...
Anyway, welcome aboard - it'll be nice having somebody else who spells "colour" with a "u". As far as sites, I suggest you check out GM H Platform Enthusiast". There are a number of good links there. As far as mods go though, you're going to find slim pickings for sites unless you go to Grand Prix sites.
You'll love your Bonneville and the power and low-end grunt of that Series II 3.8.
Thanks for the link, I'll be perusing it tonight I am sure.
Im going there Aug 24-25th for a gathering of Grand prix's likely at Luskville rack. There will maybe be 15-20 of them - from the GTA as well - -there will be a convoy probably.
Maybe as time draws nearer - -we could arrange a meet/greet ?
Ill keep you guys posted.
Dennis
If we do meet, it could be around Luskville. I've been searching for photo op sites near a sign which says Pontiac County - maybe I'll have found a good one by then.
Do you have a Grand Prix as well? I'm assuming that the Luskville GP gathering are GTPs and older GPs that are meeting at Luskville. Likely my little ol' stock '01 GP GT wouldn't fit in with that crowd.
As for a plain GT version of GP, we had one at the track last weekend with us, and he fit right in as well. These younger (22-30) guys are well adjusted and easy going. Ive met about 10-12 of them so far, and enjoyed myself everytime. Sure , some of them are gearheads and running nitrous etc - but due to similarities - we are in the family. Im even bringing a friend of mine from the Ottawa area with a Mach 1 'stang to the track as well.
Keep your eyes open for that Pontiac sign - -im sure they wouldnt pass up the chance to pose either.
later
Dennis
I'm another 2000 SE owner - Spruce Green - see it in the Owner's Photo Gallery. You're going to LOVE this car - it's fantastic!
Congrats on the beautiful new ride. Best wishes for many enjoyable miles and years of Bonneville driving.
Ken
Ken, for some reason it says your photo of your car is unavailable? Something must be acting up with the server. What does a spruce green Bonni look like? I don't believe I've seen one yet.
I'll have to update my pics after I get it tinted on Monday. Debating between 35% all around, or 35% on the sides and 20% on the back. Guess I have to decide soon! Any suggestions?
Stan
There aren't too many Spruce Green Bonnevilles around - it was a color offered only in 2000 and not very common. I've seen a handful of them in the last 6 months including a clone of my SE (no spoiler - even rarer) just last week.
The color is not the typical teal green so popular for years - has tones of yellow rather than blue - looks unique - and IMO striking. I have the dark graphite cloth buckets inside.
Ken
be order. Fully loaded the only option we did not get was the engine block heater. We don't
need that here in South Carolina. The car is Galaxy Silver. Love the new rims. Only wish they
offered darker factory tint.
You have had it for a couple of days now, its time to start looking for a drag strip . . . .:)
How's them new cup holders?
have you tried them out?
My '00 SSEi has about 50 miles before the warranty expires . . . what, me nervous ?
Ive got a shopping list for the dealer to look at, as long as i call him tomorrow to schedule - Im covered . . .
i hope they dont notice the new smaller pulley on the supercharger, and the airbox missing.
Just meandered into this site and just had to read all 183 postings. I have a 95 SE, Bright White with Medium Beige leather. Performance package...sport suspension, traction control, variable effort steering 16" wheels etc. etc. were options back then.
CD and climate control were also options but keyless entry was standard. (Just checked the original paperwork).
The twilight sentinel was standard with daytime running lights (Canada only??)
Major complaint/problem with car is CUPHOLHDERS!!
After reading all the postings I had to contribute.
For so many years now I have been only Bonnie owner in "my crowd". They just don't understand.
Folks still ask if I bought a new car when the beast is washed and waxed...the Bright White really glows. Good in this high 90 degree weather too.
Nice to see I am not the only nutbar out there. You folks that have posted photos sure show some nice cars...however...I am still like a kid in a candy store with my 95. Only has 155K kms. Like most of you I like the aggressive looks...it looks fast just standing still...takes me back to my days with a 68 Charger...(if only I knew then...I would have kept it). Previous vehicles were an 85 Grand Am, 88 Jimmy, and 93 Grand Am...did not realize until recently that I seem to have fallen into Pontiacs without really trying. I won't mention the 65 LTD, 70 MGB, 74 Plymouth, or 79 Olds 88 Holiday Edition...buckets etc. Somewhere along the road I guess I wised up.
I can't wait until my new motor is properly broken in and I replace the original Michelins (today)...used to smoke the odd unsuspecting fellow traveller just for the hell of it ( maybe its the white hair that catches them offguard). Maybe that's why I had to replace the motor.
I am still fascinated with all the gadgets and lights...the dash does make an impression with passengers. I have had none of the problems that I see posted elsewhere, which was part of the decision to keep the car rather than buy new..I figure I can't blow another motor can I??? Anyway, it has new full factory warranty. Sorry to be so long winded but it is rather nice to talk to folks who "understand".
I travel to Norfolk, VA a couple of times each year, and Cape Cod once in a while..it's a great highway cruiser.
I hope you folks with the new ones have as much fun over the years as I have had.
Had to add another Canadian viewpoint.
As a point of interest we have a local oldies radio station that gives away a classic car every year...this year its a 69 orange Charger..."The General"...last year it was a 70 Chevelle 350..year before a 69 GTO...you get the idea. So far I have not won...but hope springs eternal.
See you folks out there. Dave S.
My previous car was an 89 Ford Escort with 97,000 miles. The old car was starting to go so I began searching for a new vehicle. A friend of mine has a '96 Bonnnie which I liked so I went to look at the 2001's. All I can say is that I am in heaven and look forward to years of driving excitement.
I do have some questions on the proper breakin of the Bonnie:
Would there be any problems with using the higher octane gasoline or are you better off sticking with the regular unleaded 87 as listed in the manual?
With commuting into Philly by train and not driving to work, should one just wait till 3000 miles to change the oil or after a certain # of months?
I would appreciate any help and wish all Bonnie owners all the best!
As far as break-in, I suggest you do as the manual says. It doesn't hurt to put higher octane fuel into the car, but it is not necessary and extra expense at that. The car should run great on 87; that's what it was designed for. My SSEi is a low-mileage car; I only drive it about 350 miles per month. I changed the oil for the first time at 3,000 miles, which was about eight months after it was built. My car has the Oil Life Monitor, and it was at about 46% when I changed it. General rule of thumb is 3,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Enjoy the car!
That Maple Red SE is a gem, Stephen. Mine is a 2000 SE in Spruce Green. BTW - where is Huntington Valley PA? I get down to Philly area monthly on biz - driving my Bonnie from Maine. You anywhere near Montgomeryville?
Best wishes to all. Have a great weekend.
Ken
I am not far from Montgomeryville. Huntingdon Valley is a suburban area just outside the northeast section of Philly. I am near the towns of Willow Grove (Exit 27 on PA Turnpike), Hatboro and Warminster. I go often to the Montgomeryville Mall located near Route 202 and Route 309.
I am sure that driving from Maine, you get to find how how the Bonnie handles on the road.
I plan on giving the reliable Escort (5 Speed) to a niece or a friend's step daughter as a first car. It has a few more years left but I decided I neeeded a little more room and a working A/C.
If you would like to meet up that sounds good. I don't know if there is a Pontiac club in the area or in the northeast eastern USA. Does Pontiac sponser any car rallies as Volkswagon or Saturn does?
I am getting used to the size difference with the new bonnie and it is a nice feeling when one is driving to have a smooth riding car. In the fall I plan on driving out to Gettysburg and enjoying the drive.
Have a great week and hope everyone dries out from all the rain. ....x64
One of these times we'll have to meet after work.
Trying to dry out here as well - it literally 'Rained on our (Boat) Parade' yesterday - so it's been postponed till next Sunday. The '3 Musketeers' were costumed and ready with (fishing pole swords) and our boat all decorated as a castle set but Noah's Ark would have been more appropriate!
Ken
For GHCHF- Dave- your 95 is a BRIGHT WHITE!- my 2000 is also BRIGHT WHITE, but the catch is its not a color offered in 2000- the color offered was ARTIC WHITE!could you do me a big favor, when you get the chance, please let me know what paint color code is listed on your car- its usually found by the spare tire well- BC#----.
I'm really interested in knowing if the color codes are the same or GM made a label mistake- appreciate your help on this. Thanks!!!!
KEN: glad to see you getting around pretty good after your foot accident!!!-
Whats with this LOVE AFFAIR with a FORD?????? (LOL)
My daughter has a 2000 WINDSTAR VAN and boy do we bust each other- so far she is definetely on the loosing end!
You know the old acrynims for FORD- Fix Or Repair
Daily, Driver Returned On Foot, Found On Road Dead ETC ETC ETC!!!!
Seriously though, i have not seen a new T-Bird yet
but i did read where they are getting great reviews- maybe Ford Finally does have a BETTER IDEA!
EVERYONE- ENJOY THE REST OF THE SUMMER,
CHUCK
for the 2000 Bonneville. I don't know what the WA
means- its not on my rear tire well label, but the code BC/CC U9753 is !!- this is the code that i now use to purchase touchup-paint - a lesson I learned the hard way because I first bought touch-up paint for ARTIC WHITE and then realized that the colors were not matching.
Thanks again for your help and all the best with your NEW POWER PLANT in your 95!!!
Chuck
--Madison here, traction is great if ya don't try to put all the horses to work at once
Seriously, the car is very well mannered in snow, also the wipers and window defogging is super.
Bill
Regarding winter performance - last winter we had a lot of snow here in New England and my SE handled it superbly.
So what color do you have, Jerry (mine is a Spruce Green 2000)? And what options? You say you traded the 95 Grand Prix - did you look at anything else - if so what brought you to Bonneville?
Enough questions - it's great to have you here. Best wishes for many enjoyable years and miles of Bonnevillian pleasure!
Ken
Welcome to the family. I wish you all the best with your new Bonnie. I purchased my 2001 Maple Red Bonnie back in July and it is a pleasure to drive.
There are a lot of helpful Bonnie owners in this group and I am sure you will enjoy your car like the rest of us.
All the best,
Steve