97 ssei, low on power

Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's, Olds 98 91-96, Buick Lesabres and Park Avenue 91-96. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
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phoenix_flame220
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97 ssei, low on power

Post by phoenix_flame220 »

My mom just bought a 97 SSEi to replace her 96 SE. It has 245,000 kms on it. I took it for a drive today and it didnt seem to have any more power than the 96. The boost guage reads about 20% over 0 kpa, yes its in kpa not psi. Where should the boost needle be at WOT? I didnt hear much of a whine either. I was in an impala taxi that was S/C and the way the guy drove I could hear the whine everytime he touched the pedal. Also, I drove a GTP and I could spin the wheels in 2nd gear. Just seems lackluster. Any thoughts?
__/"""""\___
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Mechanical Mike
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Re: 97 ssei, low on power

Post by Mechanical Mike »

The father in me wants to tell you to stop beating on mom's old car before it needs a tranny but I won't. ;)

You should probably start with a tune up.
Plugs
Wires
Fuel & air filters.
Oh yeah, she should start running premium gas. Especially if she's gonna let you drive it. Ooops :-#
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willwren
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Re: 97 ssei, low on power

Post by willwren »

A stock S2 L67 won't produce much whine unless it has an aftermarket intake.
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2000Silverbullet
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Re: 97 ssei, low on power

Post by 2000Silverbullet »

The performance of the SSEi will be similar to a Grand Prix carrying 4 people. The whine will only be heard with an open intake system.ie.cone filter.
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Re: 97 ssei, low on power

Post by repinS »

Don't tell me it was this one with cloth and no AL7's :P - http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicl ... Z182977443 - Had my eye on it for a while but am in no state to buy right now.

With an opened up intake, you will start to hear the whine as you approach the 0 kPa mark.
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Jerry /// Past: 95 SSEi (June 2010 COTM) -- 04 GXP (July 2011 COTM)
91 Honda Civic Wagon DX 2WD (fuelly) -- 208,000km -- 92hp -- Autocross Warrior
09 Lexus LS460 AWD -- 94,000km -- Daily Driver
09 White Hot G8 GT -- 155,000km (fuelly) -- LS3 Cam -- GM LS3 CNC Ported Heads -- Kooks 1 3/4" Long Tube Headers -- Solo Catback Midsection -- Hooker Maxflow Mufflers -- Pat G Tune -- Rotofab Intake -- Tein S-Tech Springs -- GXP FE3 Dampers -- BMR Subframe Cradle Inserts -- BMR Subframe Connectors -- Forgestar F14 Gold 18x9 +40 -- Michelin Pilot Super Sport 245/45/18 -- Maverick Man Carbon Fiber Spoiler
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Re: 97 ssei, low on power

Post by J Wikoff »

If the kPa gauge has the same range as the PSI gauge (-10 to +10), 20% over 0 would only be 2 PSI. It should make 5-7, IIRC.
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2000Silverbullet
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Re: 97 ssei, low on power

Post by 2000Silverbullet »

You can't go by the stock gauge, they are so inaccurate. Mine reads about 5 psi high all the time.
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2000 SSEi - SilverBullet - 78,000 kms, 4" "straight shot" custom headlight ram air inlet, TOGs, 1.9's, Lsd, 2.9-3.4"MPS 10-15 psi, Ported GenV, EGR eliminated, OR pushrods, oil volume kit, trani cooler & shift kit, Titanium retainers, 90 lb springs, 160 Stat, 42# injectors, Fuel pump voltage increase, Wideband O2, 3" to dual 2 1/2" Magnaflows, Snow Meth/water injection, after SC temp gauge, 255/50WR17, timing commander set 15-18*@WOT, 2 speed Fan over-ride, disabled DRL, Solid motor mount, Meziere Electric water pump, adjustable fuel pressure regulator, Drilled & slotted rotors/ceramics, GXP sway bars and STB, Upgraded and rebuilt transmission with ZZP 2500 rpm stall TC, Pioneer Bluetooth stereo with sub and 800 W amps, PB 13.5 quarter, (April 2014 car of the month)
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phoenix_flame220
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Re: 97 ssei, low on power

Post by phoenix_flame220 »

Ive only driven the car once, and for about 3 minutes. I was more curious than anything. I just expected a bigger differance from her SE. Its light grey and has leather AL7s. I think shes going to have to get an intake then. and a pulley. What good is an s/c if you cant hear it :P
__/"""""\___
"-@--------@--" 1990 SSE " Black Ice " 215,456+ kms,
16" Streetwear Diablo wheels | FWI | Magnaflow cat | '94 top swap | MSD Ignition | Projector Retrofit w/ HIDs | Modded Mesh Grille | STB | Blue interior LEDs | LED 3rd brake light | Dynamat | Woodgrain delete | JVC NX-5000 nav/dvd | Infinity 1230W
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http://www.cardomain.com/ride/674760/19 ... bonneville
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repinS
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Re: 97 ssei, low on power

Post by repinS »

There may be a quick and easy way to tell. What part of Hamilton are you in again? :wink:
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Jerry /// Past: 95 SSEi (June 2010 COTM) -- 04 GXP (July 2011 COTM)
91 Honda Civic Wagon DX 2WD (fuelly) -- 208,000km -- 92hp -- Autocross Warrior
09 Lexus LS460 AWD -- 94,000km -- Daily Driver
09 White Hot G8 GT -- 155,000km (fuelly) -- LS3 Cam -- GM LS3 CNC Ported Heads -- Kooks 1 3/4" Long Tube Headers -- Solo Catback Midsection -- Hooker Maxflow Mufflers -- Pat G Tune -- Rotofab Intake -- Tein S-Tech Springs -- GXP FE3 Dampers -- BMR Subframe Cradle Inserts -- BMR Subframe Connectors -- Forgestar F14 Gold 18x9 +40 -- Michelin Pilot Super Sport 245/45/18 -- Maverick Man Carbon Fiber Spoiler
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willwren
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Re: 97 ssei, low on power

Post by willwren »

There should be a remarkable and very obvious difference between the L36 and L67 in terms of performance, especially off the line.

It's probably time to start digging into the obvious.
Image
Click here for mod list for both cars
93 SSEi, 95 SLE (supercharged) 97 Buick LeSabre Limited
PontiacDad at WCBF '04: Cruise control? That's like surrendering!
Comprehensive guide to troubleshooting, rebuilding, and modifying Eaton Superchargers
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