Our '99 Bonneville (Granny)

[ShaneC]

Hope both projects go good for yas! What ever you do stay way from the Chilton manual for the Bonny, it mainly shows pics and stats for the Olds. When you get the chance to look into the Bonny check the water pump as well just to be safe, I had an issue with mine when I replaced the UIM/LIM.

[TheLoyale]

Yeah I can get you a picture of the plastic covers. There is one on each side of the front wheel well/control arm area to keep debris out of that area, and then the larger one which clips onto the Crossmember and radiator support. I haven't put that on yet, it really only protects the front of the motor/trans, mainly where the starter is.

As for the Waterpump, I replaced it about 2yrs ago when I did a revamp on the cooling system. The Aluminum rad is just a newly added bonus!

So far, I the Amsoil 0w-30 is working great, best idea I think. Also put a new belt on, tensioner pulley, and air filter. Gonna replace the plugs again soon. Gonna swap in NGK Iridiums. I think I only put NGK platinums in last time.

Getting the car ready to take it down to IL next sunday!

[TheLoyale]

So I have a question. Been trying to get the suspension figured out so I can purchase all new components and swap them in soon.

I was looking at MOOG rear springs.

The MOOG CC651 is for the non-Supercharged
Specs:

Free Height: 13"
Installed Height 10.5"
Load 830lbs
Spring Rate 339lbs per/in

Where as the MOOG CC653 SSEi rear springs are

Free height 13.4"
Installed Height 10"
Load 1230lbs
Spring Rate 357lbs per/in

1230lbs of force seems a bit much, doesn't it? Ideally, I want the car to sit about the same height, but would like the suspension more firm and responsive not so Land yachtish. I was thinking of running MOOG SSEi springs in the front and rear along with new KYB GR-2 Struts/dampers, just wondering how it will sit. My thought/worry is, its gonna jack it up and probably look like a monster truck lol.

[TheLoyale]

All Waxed and shined up for a trip to Chicago tomorrow! Gotta hard park it somewhere now Haha!

[TheLoyale]

Car did good going to IL, Actually went there two Sundays in a row. Cruising at about 75-85mph most of the time and leaving toll booths in a hurry, I still got about 28mpg. Actually had it up to 100mph coming back the last time.

0w-30 is holding up just fine as well!

[TheLoyale]

[nos4blood70]

Woot! Nice milestone.

Mine just passed 104k.

[ShaneC]

Looking good, nice mileage on it too! glad tis all working out and running well for yas!

[Jrs3800]

Just getting broken in..

[pvfjr]

So did you ever figure out your oil in the coolant issue? I've noticed oil pooled on top of the engine in my 96 SSEi, and some coolant in my oil. It mostly all collected in the oil filter, and wasn't all milkshaky, so it doesn't quite seem like a head gasket. Maybe there's another gasket where the two can mix? I haven't driven it yet, and don't have a manual, so it's all speculation at this point. Let me know if you ever figure your issue out.

[pvfjr]

So did you ever figure out your oil in the coolant issue? I've noticed oil pooled on top of the engine in my 96 SSEi, and some coolant in my oil. It mostly all collected in the oil filter, and wasn't all milkshaky, so it doesn't quite seem like a head gasket. Maybe there's another gasket where the two can mix? I haven't driven it yet, and don't have a manual, so it's all speculation at this point. Let me know if you ever figure your issue out.

[TheLoyale]

Still haven't figured out why Oil is getting into the coolant and not visa verse. Although I have replaced the Plenum or Valve cover gaskets yet. I too have some oil pooling at the base of the intake. Just haven't had the ambition to pull it off and giver a new gasket haha.

Just rolled over 161k the other day, also grabbed some new snow tires a month ago, everything been going pretty good for ole' Granny.



225/60/16 General Altimax Arctics. Nice tires so far, smooth and quiet. Don't seem to wear too fast, and are sticky soft.








So since the factory wheels are gonna be the dominant Winter wheels from now on. Does anyone know what Backspacing these run? I'm looking to order some aftermarket 17" wheels for summer with some sticky low pro summer tires. Just want to make sure I get something close to the original backspacing so I won't have to worry about fitment issues.

Gonna try to find some Alloys that look like a factory option, just a little bigger, but something that compliments the body of the car.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[TheLoyale]

So here are a few photos of what I'm going for with wheel style. I'm torn between something multi-spoke, or something with lesser spoke, but are somewhat chunky. being this car is from the Millennium, and most style was chunky, bold lines back in the early 2000s, they seem fitting.

Any comments are welcome as well. Guess I'm looking at 17 or 18s. Debating on color too. Was thinking Gunmetal/Gray or Polished Alloy.





Digging these BBS wheels.

[Jrs3800]

I like the sport tuning wheel with the polished face with black background..

[WhiteArrow3800]

Those BBS wheels would probably look pretty good.

[1oldman]

So here are a few photos of what I'm going for with wheel style. I'm torn between something multi-spoke, or something with lesser spoke, but are somewhat chunky. being this car is from the Millennium, and most style was chunky, bold lines back in the early 2000s, they seem fitting.

Any comments are welcome as well. Guess I'm looking at 17 or 18s. Debating on color too. Was thinking Gunmetal/Gray or Polished Alloy.

I like these, but my eye isn't good at picking wheels. Seems like the ones I like look terrible when installed. Your '99 SE looks really great. You've done a really good job of taking care of it. - BC

[TheLoyale]

Been giving it some thought (Waiting for W2 and my Tax return) but probably gonna go with the BBS wheels. My girl wanted something in gunmetal and these should look decent on the car, without standing out too much.

Also, I had another thread going with a running fluke I've been having. I fixed it a week or so ago, turns out the FPR was bad (Fuel was getting past the diaphragm) so Granny is running good as ever.

Once the weather get warmer, I may remove and clean the IAC and TPS just for kicks.

[TheLoyale]

So now the question is. 17s or 18s? Anyone think 18s are gonna be too much?

[TheLoyale]

Just a little update. Been getting snow for the past few weeks, gotta say the new General snows are doing a good job. This car has always been good in snow, but the snow tires add a little more sure footedness. Tires don't seem to be showing any sign of wear as of yet either, Good medium compound rubber.

(Parents FJ to the left)

[retroren]

You've done a lot of great work on this car. It looks great. I throw my vote for the BBS wheels in black and make it 18s. I put 18s on my '90 because I felt the jump from 16 to 17 just wasn't enough. Either way, new wheels will really be an improvement.