PontiacBonnevilleClub.com
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/

Ssei performance upgrades
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/performance-brainstorming/topic21083.html		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  distroyer [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 10:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Ssei performance upgrades
Looking to upgrade my 2000 Ssei. I'm wanting to add HP gains for the best bang for the buck. I'm not wanting to drag the car but 300+ horsepower would be nice. 3800performance.com and zzperformance look like reputable websites with performance packages but nothing that really caters to the bonneville. Any suggestions would be nice.
Author:  01bonneSC [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
First question: How many miles on your car?

Make sure your car is running in tip top stock shape.....Ed(00Beast) will chime in with a check list.

Make sure your Lower Intake Manifold(LIM) gaskets arent leaking, biggest problem on the 3800, the dex-cool eats the plastic gaskets.
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... =53&t=3591 (you wont have to worry about the UIM part)

Check your front motor/trans mount, a lot of people are running a solid mount, do a search on here for some ideas

__________

A Fenderwell intake(FWI) is what most of us are running...... http://intense-racing.com/Merchant2/mer ... _Induction

Throw in a 180* thermostat.... http://intense-racing.com/Merchant2/mer ... ry_Code=CS

High-flowing catalytic converter, and larger down pipe will open up the exhaust

Get yourself a good scanner to scan for knock retard (KR) and to check fuel trims, etc.... http://intense-racing.com/Merchant2/mer ... ry_Code=IE

Transmission shift kit for firmer shifts.... http://intense-racing.com/Merchant2/mer ... ory_Code=T

And a PCM tune can wake things up. Find a local tuner in your area is suggested or you can get a canned tune, http://intense-racing.com/Merchant2/mer ... ry_Code=IE
but wont be as good as in car tuning(tweak, drive, tweak, drive, tweak, drive, etc to get perfect tune for your car)

Those are a good place to start without getting crazy or too expensive.

Others will chime in, but read topics in the forum to learn and gain knowledge about these engines/PCM/transmission.
Author:  distroyer [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 10:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
The car has about 110,000 miles on it, but he engine was a rebuild and only has about 10,000 miles on it. Thanks for the good info, will do some research and check out the other discussions in the forum.

ZZperfomance said I could add a PCM, a 3.6 pulley, new sparks, 180 thermostat, spark plugs, a 3" downpipe, and a K&N air filter for about $500 and gain about 40HP.

My main concern if I was to do this would be the exhaust. All the extra pressure I would think would need a faster way to get out. The tech said the catback flows VERY well and would not need to upgrade unless wanting to put 320whp or more. I would think upgrading the cat like you suggested would at least free up some of that HP.

The tech also suggested 1.9 ration modified rockers, waterpump underdrive pulley, alternate pulleys, high velocity throttle body and switching to a 3.5 pulley for an additional 30HP. This would cost about an additional $500-$600

This should put me at about the 300HP range that I'm looking for but don't know if this is the most cost effective way. Don't know if he is just trying to sell me parts or if this is a good setup?
Author:  00Beast [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 10:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
I think you will be better off doing headers and a HF cat, then doing the 1.9 rockers. Most bang for your buck.

Even though the engine is new, still give this list a run through just to be sure.


    1987-2005 Bonneville / Buick 3800 Maintenance List

    Run Seafoam through gasoline and intake every 5,000 miles. One pint of Seafoam in a half tank of fuel is a good mix. The intake is optional, but recommended.

    Grease: Ball Joints, Tie Rods Every 8-10k ( Green Grease recommended)
    Air Filter Every 15k (Amsoil EaA, Purolator PureONE)
    PCV Valve Every 30k
    MAF Sensor Element Cleaning/TB Cleaning Every 50k viewtopic.php?f=48&t=1661
    Fuel Filter Every 15-25k (Purolator, AC Delco, WIX)
    Spark Plugs Every 30-50k (NGK TR55 or Autolite 605) (Never Bosch)
    Ignition Wires Every 30-50k (Napa Belden, AC Delco, Autolite Pro, NGK) (Never Taylor or Bosch)
    Oil & Filter Every 5-6k or Every 6 months (Mobil1 or Amsoil)(Mobil1, Purolator PureONE, Amsoil EaO or WIX) (Never Fram) viewtopic.php?f=45&t=214
    *Conventional Oil Every 3k/3 months(Pennzoil with a WIX (Napa), Delco or Purolator filter)
    Transmission Flush or Pan Drop Every 15-20k (Always make sure filter is changed when flushed) http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 45&t=10193
    Cooling System Flush Every 25-50k or 3-5 Years (Peak or Prestone Green Coolant Only) (Never Dexcool)
    Oxygen Sensor Every 80-100k (30k for non-heated) (AC Delco or Denso) (Absolutely never Bosch) viewtopic.php?f=48&t=794
    Accessory Belt Inspect every 15k, replace every 100k, or as needed
    Cabin Air Filter Inspect and Replace every 15k, or as needed in dusty conditions. (Note: 00+ Only)
    Evap Core Cleaning Whenever Needed (Note: 99 and older only) viewtopic.php?f=45&t=2432

    *Special Considerations*
    All 3800s, LG3, LN3, L27, L36, L26, L67 & L32, especially important on vehicles factory installed with orange Havoline Dexcool Antifreeze/Coolant: http://www.dex-cool.net/
    Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement, every 80-100k (ignorance of this can allow coolant to enter your engine oil, this happening can cause irreversible lower engine damage, requiring replacement of subject engine)

    Series II, Naturally Aspirated, RPO:L36:
    Upper Intake Manifold Plenum Replacement, Every 80-100k (ignorance of this can allow coolant to enter your intake manifold, possible damage to occur can be hydrolock, irreversible damage to emissions devices, misfires, etc. Most times, engine replacement is required if ignored long enough.) viewtopic.php?f=53&t=1061

    Series I, II, III RPO Code L67 & L32:
    Change Supercharger Oil; Every 30-50k. (Intense Racing or GM Dealer) viewtopic.php?f=56&t=1690
    Supercharger Belt; Inspect Every 15k, Replace Every 100k or as needed.

10/6/10 by 00Beast
Author:  comatoast [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 1:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
this thing looks great.. If it actually works..

http://www.aeroforcetech.com/action.html

http://intense-racing.com/Merchant2/mer ... ry_Code=IE
Author:  myfirstbonnie [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 1:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
A lot of people here use those. On the 2k+ they mount nicely in the vents.
Author:  comatoast [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 1:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
myfirstbonnie wrote:
A lot of people here use those. On the 2k+ they mount nicely in the vents.



I might be looking at one of these for sure.. Even the fact that it can case learn is worth it considering the dealers around here want $100 + for one
Author:  00Beast [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
I have an Aeroforce and think it is the #1 mod for any Bonneville owner looking to gain performance, as a supporting mod.
Author:  comatoast [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 9:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
00Beast wrote:
I have an Aeroforce and think it is the #1 mod for any Bonneville owner looking to gain performance, as a supporting mod.



pics of yours mounted? Im liking the pics I see where you can mount it in the lower left air vent. Is it a direct fit or is there just a little nip n tuck work?
Author:  00Beast [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 9:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
There is a little nip tuck work, mostly on the plastic behind the vent. I'll get a pic of it in the morning.
Author:  distroyer [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 9:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
where do you recommend i buy a high flow cat, exhaust, and headers from? having a hard time finding a place that sells specifically to bonne's?
Author:  comatoast [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
distroyer wrote:
where do you recommend i buy a high flow cat, exhaust, and headers from? having a hard time finding a place that sells specifically to bonne's?



From what everyones told me so far, most GTP headers will work on a bonneville , but you need the GTP wbody trans dipstick, or need to bend yours


Also Just getting ready to order the ZZP headers and TOG downpipe tomorrow.. They seemed to be the best of both worlds ( quality / performance ) with some of the best heat transfer available
Author:  00Beast [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
There is no "Bolt on Catback" for the Bonneville, it will need to be custom. Any headers designed for the Grand Prix will fit the Bonneville.
Author:  comatoast [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
headers


http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix ... &catid=110


Downpipe ( no cat )

http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix ... &catid=110
Author:  00Beast [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
You can also order a DP with one of the drop-down menus. I'm still not a fan of ZZP, but that's not for here...
Author:  comatoast [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
00Beast wrote:
You can also order a DP with one of the drop-down menus. I'm still not a fan of ZZP, but that's not for here...



I noticed that.. But what I found weird is the catless DP in the dropdown menu ( on the ZZP headers page ) is 150, and the TOG stainless 304 on the main page is 170


:dontknow:
Author:  comatoast [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
00Beast wrote:
You can also order a DP with one of the drop-down menus. I'm still not a fan of ZZP, but that's not for here...



due tell... Thats why we are all here.... to learn and gain info
Author:  2000Silverbullet [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
You can achieve what you want but be forewarned.....it'll cost ya a lot. You'd be better off buying a 4 year old CTS-V. :wink:

My recommendation is to shoot for a modest 40 hp gain by following the above recommendations and don't go beyond a 3.4" pulley and it's supporting mods.
Author:  comatoast [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
2000Silverbullet wrote:
You can achieve what you want but be forewarned.....it'll cost ya a lot. You'd be better off buying a 4 year old CTS-V. :wink:

My recommendation is to shoot for a modest 40 hp gain by following the above recommendations and don't go beyond a 3.4" pulley and it's supporting mods.



Thats what I intended to do.. ALL I "intended to do" But when reading in here how important exhaust is and how bad KR can be , I just get confused when I see so many members in here with 10 upgrades under the hood, yet no Intercooler, or headers.. I guess I just thought there is no down side to adding headers.. Plus keeping the heat and KR down along with added HP, It seemed like the first thing ppl should do, But it looks like its reversed..

To me I guess its like getting $5000 in car audio Subs, amps , and wires, pulling 600 amps, then try to run it off stock electrical ...
Author:  2000Silverbullet [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ssei performance upgrades
My first and best mod was headers. Highly recommended.
I'd do it again and then stop with any other exhaust mods.
Page 1 of 2 All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/