'01 SSEi...lives! (Vid pg 6)

[crash93ssei]

I hate DBW. It just never feels right.

Seriously though, I would do an LS4 even if slightly more expensive. NOBODY has done that yet

[sandrock]

Just curious, when are the pics coming of the "new" ride? - BC

Next time I go to storage I'll grab a few. I'm still selling off a lot of the Camaro parts and all of them are sitting in storage. About once a week I make a trip to get what's requested. But it's a little worse than Ryans reclaimed SSEi when he got it back, so go to his thread and imagine a few more dents and dings.

If you do go Tap Shift I'm interested in seeing your build. Something I have planned for my soon coming SSEi.

Tapshift applies to ECM/TCM vehicles, and not PCM. This means having two computers and the means to flash the ECM for the VATS delete and all that good BS. This also means DBW is a MUST.

I hate DBW. It just never feels right.

Seriously though, I would do an LS4 even if slightly more expensive. NOBODY has done that yet

Ryan @Sinister (DarthFiero) has done it a few times in Fieros. Each time he's had to use the DBW. I'm pretty sure it can be done w/o needing DBW, but I would also have to do away with the DoD system entirely (oil control solenoid would get in the way of an LS1 intake) and run the LS1 pcm. I'd also have to run an LS4 4T65e case as they are proprietary to the engine. The obvious choice would be the driveline from the Impy SS as they did not have tapshift.

[95naSTA]

I thought part of the reason you got rid of the last bonneville was because you didn't want to mess with projects anymore??

[sandrock]

Nah. I just didn't want to mess with THAT project anymore.

[95naSTA]

I knew I wasn't crazy.

And perhaps Bonnevilles in general

After my last round of mods (returnless fuel rail, 24 lbs. injectors, 3" DP, true cold air, L67 TB and new tune), the '97 runs fantastic. SG2 consistantly tells me ~250 hp/250 lbs-ft tq, with the cooler weather pushing those numbers up a little more. Now that Alyssa has moved up to OKC (wifes daughter), she's taking over payments to the Grand Prix, which makes the Bonneville a daily driver, with Karen taking the Impala to work. Even with the 3.29s, I'm getting 21 mpg city driving, which isn't too bad given the mods and power levels. It's EXACTLY the way I want it.

Well, ALMOST.

The Maaco paint job I spent good money on killed it for me. The paint will last a few years, but it'll have to get redone. But now, I'm growing weary of the 92-99 style, so whatever happens to the '97 next, that's it. It'll get stripped and parts sold off, as it is for all intents and purposes, a rolling testbed of one-off ideas.

So what's next? Well, I have the Camaro that's being slowly worked on, but this spring I may just retire the '97 early and start looking for a 2k-up SLE/SSEi/GXP. Or maybe something a bit more fuel efficient. Either way, the '97 represents the end of the line for me as far as Bonne modding goes. I've learned a lot, but the older I'm getting, the more lazy I'm getting, and I just don't wanna fook with anything anymore

Good to see you've had a change of heart on modding/projects.

[sandrock]

Pics













and the reason I got it so cheap...

[harofreak00]

Yup, looks like a standard $800 SSEi. Too bad you aren't closer, I have everything you need to get it back on the road.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

Nothing wrong with DBW when it's well-done. I can't tell my Cruze is DBW since the computer translates what my right foot wants very well and instantly.

[00Beast]

And the DBW in our Suburban sucks ass, so YMMV...

[Jrs3800]

I'd say chipped piston... with another motor and a good cleaning it looks like it polish up..

[sandrock]

Yeah, it's no turd, just needs some loving. Haro, I will most definately be needing your services. I am making a list of what needs replacing. Aside from the passenger doors (I'll try to source those locally) you could probably ship everything else. Just off the top of my head, I need the rear vent for the console, *maybe* the newer console itself, heated seat switch, the cladding on the passenger side, and visors that aren't sagging. The sunroof module(?) (gotta do some troubleshooting when I get it to the new home).

Over all, I like it. Much more modern than the 92-99, reminds me more of a W-body than anything. Now that I am sure the engine is toast, vaat kan de evil mad shyintizt do to make it verk??

(I found a complete drop-in LS4/trans/wiring/pcm for 2k online, shipping included. So for around 3 grand I can have an SSEi that thinks it's a GP GXP A drop-in L32 combo will run slightly less. Guess I better start saving!)

[SSEiMan01]

Doesn't look too bad! I can't wait to see what you do with it.

[swampthing]

(Personal opinion) I would caulk or otherwise seal the sunroof and never ever touch it, I so wish mine hadn't had one its a nightmare

[crzydmnd72]

If this is the official topic to watch progress, I am subscribed. If I wasnt laid up with back problems currently, I'd offer a saturday or 2 as tool fetcher/drop light holder

[sandrock]

I won't be doing hard work to it for a month or so. Small stuff I'll do, like a full interior cleaning and refurb. Already working on the rear seat bottom, and it's coming out nice.

All I am doing for the moment is research. As far as a full powertrain redo is concerned, an LS4 will only be a few hundered dollars more, with almost the same amount of work (assuming it will fit the subframe, which I suspect it will). Cheapest way is obviously replacing the engine with another L67, but there is the transmission that is of unknown condition. I'd rather knock out both of them at once instead of seperately...no point in doing double the labor.

[Bonneville92V688]

Nice find... it's nearly impossible to find good deals around here.... everyone here thinks cars are worth KBB Excellent even if they are wrecked or have a bad engine.

As for DBW... I can't tell the difference. The Impala has it (obviously) and I can't distinguish the difference at all.

[harofreak00]

Don't set your goals so high... we've all see what happens when you do that.

Just throw an L67/L32 and call it a day. Drive it like that for a few months until you get bored of the car and sell it.

[sandrock]

You're right Andrew....L32 would probably be the most I'd go. I'd want something with street manners anyway.

Finding a complete L32 powertrain will be a little tough though.

[00Beast]

Or you could put in an L32 with an adapter for the stock L67 TB or a N* TB and leave the stock trans....

[sandrock]

Only problem is the stock trans is an unknown. Reverse and first gears are fine, just not sure on the others. I suppose I could send it out for upgrade/update when I start the teardown.

I'm also eyeing Curts L67 that he built some time ago. Might be just the ticket I need.