My first mods...

[SamuelL421]

Having just bought an '00 SSEI with 100k on the clock I've been thinking about some performance mods, I'm just not sure where the best place to start is, and what to buy in order to get the most bang for my buck. Sometime in March I look to have around $300-500 in my pocket and I was wondering If I could get some suggestions on what to purchase.

I notice a lot of members have used INTENSE parts and, knowing very little about the company, I was wondering how they were to deal with? Also how quick is their turnaround on orders? I've bought parts from a few places in the past and ended up having to wait for months to get what I ordered.

So far I know I'll be ordering a 180* Tstat as my current one seems to be junk. Luckily it was decent one to begin with, as it broke but went to the open position around 170* (which the bonnie doesn't seem to like, as I keep getting the low engine temp error code). On that note, should I just buy a new Tstat or is it safe to drive the car a few weeks at 160-170* while I wait for a new 180* thermostat?

[2003 SSEi]

your in PA so if you order something you will have it in 3-5 days. I have a shat tone of Intense Parts on my SSEi, Pulleys, Intake, shift kit, Injectors etc

Seems your over by Altoona, or abouts, if you ever make it over to Indiana i can show you my car

[00Beast]

Intense is a great company to deal with. http://www.intense-racing.com I ordered some parts on a thursday, and it was there monday, 2 days earlier than expected. Great parts, great service, and great people behind the name, as well.

If these are your first mods, I'd reccommend the Stage 1 L67/L32 Performance Kit. It includes a 3.4 MPS, Intense FWI, Intense PCM, 180* T-stat, and on Bonneville's, a shorter S/C belt. All for just over $400, which is in your budget. http://intense-racing.com/Merchant2/.......=IPP-671&Category_Code=3800_PP

EDIT: I have been waiting since November for my Intense Shift Kit, but that's because they had to switch suppliers, and the holidays threw things off. But, Todd has offered twice to give me the Trans-Go shift Kit, but I've waited since their shift kit is easier to install, and I don't need it soon.

EDIT #2: Also make sure this list is up to date, especially LIM gaskets (not UIM, supercharger is the UIM on the L67):

Brand Suggestions are in the parentheses.

• 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) http://www.greengrease.net/
  Air Filter Every 15k (Amsoil EaA, Purolator PureONE)
  PCV Valve Every 30k
  MAF Sensor Element Cleaning/TB Cleaning Every 50k http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... =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) http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... f=45&t=214
  *Conventional Oil Every 3k/3 months(Pennzoil with a WIX (Napa), Delco or Purolator filter)
  Transmission Flush Every 15-20k (Always make sure filter is changed when flushed)
  Cooling System Flush Every 25-50k or Annually (Peak or Prestone Green Coolant Only) (Never Dexcool)
  Oxygen Sensor Every 80-100k (30k for non-heated) (AC Delco or Denso) (Absolutely never Bosch) http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... f=48&t=794
  
  *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.) http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... =53&t=1061
  
  Rev 12/27/08