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Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 11:38 pm
by MXZ1983
Hey guys,

I'm considering getting into a Bonne GXP.

How many miles can I count on one going for that was taken care of?
Do they have head gasket issues like the old northstars did or anything?

I have found a few I like and could afford with about 140K or so on them. Do I stray away from them?

Also, what about the Grand Prix GXP? What about approx same mileage?

Any help would be appreciated. I don't know much about this car platform.

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 12:27 am
by repinS
Head gaskets, no, not really as of 2004 and newer. Leaks (all fluids pretty much) and difficulty accessing wear and tear items due to tight engine bay space, yes.

I would stay away from a Bonneville GXP with 140k on the original engine. Ditto to a Grand Prix GXP; the 4T65 transmission cannot handle the power levels that the 5.3L V8 puts through it. My GXP is a bit of an exception, a freak valve spring failure (I have not yet seen any car that's done this at all) meant that the top end was rebuilt at 75,000 miles with head studs and every gasket redone by the best Northstar expert in the continent. It now has 48,000 miles on this motor (122,000 miles on body), runs like a top, and doesn't leak. It'll be for sale soon, but not because it's unreliable [/shameless plug] :P

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 9:54 am
by sandrock
Agreed with the LS4/4T65 combo. I took it rather easy with my Impala SS for 3 years with an occasional "lets open it up" hop. Even with conservative driving the trans fluid heated up quick and was totally cooked after a year. For some strange reason, GM didn't see fit to include a trans cooler with these models, which was a HUGE mistake.

Also, the LS4 loves to eat oil.

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 12:02 pm
by CMNTMXR57
:banghead:

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 12:20 pm
by dpnewfie
CMNTMXR57 wrote::banghead:
:withstupid: :banghead:

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 12:45 pm
by repinS
We're going to see a lot more of these threads as the prices come down!

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 1:51 pm
by CMNTMXR57
Will we need FPFQ (Falling Price = Falling Qaulity), members threads? :)

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:02 pm
by nos4blood70
Time for a GXP info sticky.

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:20 pm
by crash93ssei
nos4blood70 wrote:Time for a GXP info sticky.
X2.

Great cars, I would still own one in a heartbeat no matter what the mileage, but I do all my own work though...

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:22 pm
by CMNTMXR57
I am ALL for a GXP sticky. I'll write it! :)

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:24 pm
by crash93ssei
Pshhh... like you know anything about the GXP :lol: :P

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:27 pm
by CMNTMXR57
I know nothing.

What I do KNOW, is take a look at what just popped up in Dpnewfie's sig...

SPILL the beans NOW!!! You sonofa... I keep telling the Wife I will sell the GTO for a V-Coupe! She has not come to agreement yet...

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:29 pm
by wake
:withstupid: i was just thinking the same thing!

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:40 pm
by dpnewfie
I had enough with the bonne and have had my eye on this for a while. I am looking for a beater now so I don't put to many miles on her.

I will get more pics up soon.

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:41 pm
by CMNTMXR57
That's all you have to say??

BTW, welcome to the "V" world.

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:42 pm
by nos4blood70
CMNTMXR57 wrote:That's all you have to say??
LOL.

I was thinking I'd look at his sig and see he finally made it to 200k....

Well that escalated quickly! :hail:

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:43 pm
by dpnewfie
I'm still trying to get over the sticker shock. :bluetwitch: But, dang, I knew I was going to like having boost!!!! :banana:

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:43 pm
by crash93ssei
mmmm V coupe!!!!



In all seriousness though, I think you would be great for writing up a GXP sticky.

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:44 pm
by CMNTMXR57
It's worth every penny... Now get a CAI on it and REALLY enjoy that blower whine!

Re: Bonneville GXP longevity questions

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:45 pm
by CMNTMXR57
crash93ssei wrote:mmmm V coupe!!!!



In all seriousness though, I think you would be great for writing up a GXP sticky.
Thanks. I will start it, then submit it for all to add their $.02 also.