@BikerAuto63 I honestly don't know much about top swaps. If you want more info on those, check out 3800Pro. Frankly, though, just getting to the high 14s is going to be really pushing the N/A bottom end. If you're looking for real speed out of an N/A shortblock, I suggest saving up your money for a turbo. You can push an N/A bottom end into the low 14s with a turbo without nearly as much risk as with a top-swap.
@daltonultra I appreciate it. I'll take a look into turbos as well. I was worried about the risks outweighing the benefits on a top swap and glad there might be another way without risking nearly as much. Thanks.
I love these comments on this page lol, You know what i think people's problem is, they just can't wrap their heads around a granny looking buick blowing the doors off of their SUPER FANTASTICALLY FAST AWESOME !!!SCIONS TC'S!!!
*sarcasm*
My Uncle has a Regal GS and he pisses off quite a few people that THINK their cars are fast. People tend to think that 60 in 6 seconds flat isn't fast, but for a car that's got room to fit a few bikes in the trunk and lounge out in the back seat i think it is.
@admiraljimmy inorite? The GS is a quick car, even faster than the GTP by a little. I looked at a few before I found my PAU. I could probably fit a Harley in my trunk...
BTW, the time on the gauge is a bit off because of tire size, and it's also seriously out of date. Last time I was out to the track, it pulled a 13.8@104mph. If I ever get the money for an intercooler, I should be able to pulley down and drop another .25 off pretty easily.
@tinderinc I've seen a bunch of them "pimped out", and I can't stand it. The Park Ave is a nice looking car to start with, and all the chrome and crap those idiots add to them just makes them look stupid. All my mods are for power and handling. And it's definitely a sleeper, even with the window-shaking exhaust. I've left Mustangs and Camaros shaking their head and wondering what the hell just happened.
@Jordan2451 lol, that is a Canadian flag sticker on the camera. I'm a member of the Pontiac Bonneville Club, and the last get-together we had before this video was in Ontario. Our host was sticking Canadian Flag stickers on everything. It wouldn't come off!
@eburt6 It's an Interceptor Scan Gauge from AeroForce Technology, and you can order them from a number of places. Their site is AeroForceTech (dot) com. The Interceptor plugs right into your OBDII port on your car, and it will not only give you performance stats, but acts as a gauge that can read almost any parameter red by any sensor connected to your car's computer. Oil pressure, fuel pressure, fuel injector pulse length, O2 sensor voltage, fuel mileage, intake air temperature, etc.
@daltonultra It can also read diagnostic trouble codes, so you can use publicly availabe DTC tables to diagnose issues with you car. It can also clear DTCs to get rid of check engine lights. It has several other features that I haven't delved into, as well.
@GMdrivingMOPARguy lol, yeah, it's an optical illusion. The crossover pipe goes between the top of the transmission and the bottom of the throttlebody. There is an EGR pipe, though, a small flexpipe that comes off the header and returns to the adapter plate behind the throttlebody, and has a valve to shut it off once the car warms up. Emissions device, and it also helps the car warm up faster on cold days.
Test drove a 99 ultra today. They are great cars... In stock trim do they run Premium gas? I assume you are with an aggressive tune and a smaller pulley, but I'm just curious...
@blah1752 Yes, they do need Premium, even stock. You can get away with 91, but it's best to use 92 or better. When Sunoco still had it, I always filled with 94. Regular or plus (87/89) is going to cause knock, which will make the Knock Reduction program to pull timing and kill power to eliminate the knocking. It will also damage the engine, because KR only kicks in when the sensors actually 'hear' knocking happening.
@daltonultra Thanks for the reply. That's about the only thing holding me back from trading for a GM L67 car is going to Premium only... Gas is only going to get higher unfortunately...
@victoriadish There's no distributor in this car. The red is a set of MSD coils that sit on top of the electronic Ignition Control Module. But they're not on the car anymore, and I don't recommend them. The stock GM coils are already about as powerful as you'll ever need, and they last practically forever. I think the top three 3800 record-holders are all using stock coils.
@rockerdude29 The last time I had it out to the track last year, it ran a 13.87@101.1. That's two seconds and change faster than stock...
The Interceptor was $240 from Intense Racing. It's made by a company called Aeroforce, and there a few other color combinations for it, plus they just changed the design for the surround.
I am considering buying an ultra. About the head-up display... is it nice, or is it a nuisance? There is no one talking about it on the internets, and automotive HUD's were in their beginning stages at this point. Is it readable in daylight, too bright at night, etc.?
@WoodstaS Actually, GM has been putting HUDs in cars since 92, at least, and I think earlier.
The lowest setting is dim enough not to interfere at night, and the brightest setting shows up on all but the brightest days. The HUD controls on the 97 and later are conveniently located right by the overhead map lights and garage opener buttons, so you don't have to reach around the steering wheel to use a manual cable-control like on the older models.
I own the PA's cousin, a 2003 LeSabre. I want to do something interesting with it because I doubt I will trade very soon (we'll see though). I can't swap an L67 into it for very cheap and I cannot do the swap myself. What's you opinion of running ZZPerformance ER rockers with the HV3 along with intake and exhaust modifications? Will it make the boat more fun to wheel around? Or should I not waste my money?
@blah1752 I'll tell you the truth, I don't know that much about modding the N/A cars. I have heard good things about the ERs and the HV3, but I don't have any direct experience. If you want good advice on N/A mods, sign up at PontiacBonnevilleClub dotcom. The LeSabre is almost identical to the Bonneville under the skin, and the guys at PBC will be able to give you more help than I can.
@daltonultra Thanks bud. I too have heard good things but I'm still apprehensive because my parts investment alone without the exhaust mods will run $600 without labor. I'll head to that forum and see.
@daltonultra Thanks for your reply. On an aside note, I've spent about 3 hours today researching M90 intercooling. As a mechanical engineer, I understand the importance of intercooling and I would like to do this mod. There are a few ways to go about it, but all seem to require high-level custom work beyond my "car budget". Have you looked into this aspect? Thanks for reading!
@IcanCuNowcanUCme ZZP (zzperformance ..... com) makes a range of air-to-water intercooler core plates that sit between the S/C and the lower intake manifold. If I could have afforded one when I did my last set of upgrades, I'd probably be a good half second faster in the quarter. They offer kits that include the pump and heater exchanger, as well, but if you have an H- or G- body, you'd be better off finding your own front heat exchanger, as ZZP's don't fit the larger cars very well.
That transmission shifts PERFECTLY, 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd. You must have been takin pretty good care of the tranny. The tranny im my mom's 1999 Oldsmobile 88 is just about on it's last leg (good reason for it), shifts like CRAP going out of 1st, feels like runnin over potholes that's how rough it is, lol. But yeah that's probably the fastest 3800 I've seen yet.
Actually, the trans was completely rebuilt with heavy duty aftermarket parts, and a high-stall torque converter. The original trans gave up the ghost after a couple seasons of drag racing with the old rocker set-up. But I bought the car with 85,000 miles on the original trans that had never been worked on, and it lasted 20,000 more miles of abusive driving before it let go. Even then, it still ran another 50 miles to the shop after it blew the valve body gasket to pieces.
@adnamarie Well, I bought mine used, and the only problems I've had with any of the electronics is the motor that makes the rear of the seat bottom raise and lower.
Things to watch for: Check the function on seat and window controls. Some PAs have had issues with window motors. In fact, it's a good idea to check ALL adjustment controls on any car you buy.
@adnamarie Also, slide a hand under the spare tire and check for moisture. It's very rare, but some trunk seals can leak.
The PA doesn't really have any issues that I wouldn't expect to find on any used car. Just go through and check all the controls, play with the radio, give it a good workout on the test drive. Once you've narrowed your choices down to two or three cars, have a mechanic at a different dealer do a pre-buy inspection.
@adnamarie 3800 is a very reliable engine as long as you take care of them like anything else. I think they were voted in the top ten best engines of all time! I've had nothing but good luck with the 3800 series one I had in my 91 lesabre 2 dr coupe and my 97 riv supercharged
Wow, is second gear this tall in all of these or do you have a revised gear ratio? Either way, this thing is impressive. My pops just bought a 2000 Ultra, stock, and I'm wondering if my 2006 V6 Accord would take it. 240/280ft.lbs Park vs 244/211ft.lbs and 300lbs lighter Accord... Maybe I'll post a vid ;-) What do you think?
@skeegle All of the Series 2 S/C cars use the same gearing. You can switch out for better gearing, but I didn't want to give up the highway mileage that goes with the stock gearing.
You'd probably take your Dad's PAU if it's stock, but an intake, pulley, and a tune will put him out front. For the same cash as he'd spend on that, you might be able to coax enough extra out of the Honda to keep up with him.
Sweet man thanks for the info. Mine's an auto that runs about 15 flat stock, whats' a 2000 Ultra run stock? About that? I think they would be pretty similar up to the quarter, but I feel like the Park might get me on a highway roll cause the weight doesn't matter as much as a launch. But then torque doesn't keep a car moving it gets it moving, so I don't know. I'll guess I'll just have to find out XD.
Hmm. I guess the Accord might be doing a little better than i thought. A stock PAU from anytime after 97 will do about a 15.6. The thing is that that half second is very easy to get rid of because the engines are so restricted from the factory. You can get back almost 15hp just from intake, tune, and a pulley, which puts him out maybe $150-$200. That's damned cheap power and would put him even with you. After that, things get more expensive and the power increases are about on par.
FYI, if you do take on ANY car with a Series 2 s/c, don't rollstart between 25-35MPH. That's right in the meat of the first gear horsepower band, and the downshift is EVIL. With the tune I have now, it doesn't shift out of first until it's over 55mph. Stock, the shift point is still around 45-50mph. If you keep him from getting that first-gear downshift, you should have any problems with the PAU. Something lighter with that motor, like a Grand PrixGTP or Regal GS is a different story.
@FluxAscender Haha, I will def keep that in mind man, thanks for all the great info. I drove his Ultra the other day, I think it needs a tune up because it pushed me in the back of my seat but the speedo seemed to take forever to get to 60, I'd guess around 8 seconds, but I have no clue seeing how we didn't measure. I think I'd get him, but once again, it'd be a good race from a roll. If he gets it tuned I'll post a vid of a highway pull for ya.
I wonder if the PA Ultras are heaver then the 97-99 Rivieras, and if they are the same or if this car is faster. I know the Riveras might weigh more, so they're prob not as fast.
The Park Avenue is based on the same platform as the Riviera, and weighs about the same. The drivetrain is identical, and suspension is about 90% shared. When the Bonneville, and LeSabre changed platforms in 2000, they also got the same platform with minor changes. The 95-99 Aurora also sharedthe platform with the Riviera, and switched to the same platform as the Bonnie and LeSabre in 2000. The 98-04 Seville also shared a lot with this common platform.
Basically, the shared platform consisted of an identical rear subframe and suspension, very similar front subframe with shared suspension arms and similar steeering, and a floorpan with minor variations. Most models also shared the feature of a massive magnesium casting tied into the firewall behind the dashboard.
So basically, all GM full-size cars from the mid-90s on got phased over to the Riviera/Aurora G-body platform, with variations.
Depends on the model. Last time I ran at the track with my newer cammed setup, I ran a 13.8.
It does have a Ferrari kill to it's name, though. Some douche in a Mondial T Cabrio apparently thought the badge on the hood was more important than the engine under it. Too bad the Mondial T's were only good for about a 15.0 quarter...
Nah, I don't bother with trolls. I just block them. It's much more fun knowing that you will sit and stew in your own frustration at not being able to bug me.
No, it's because the two of you are used to hearing little fart-canned pieces of shit that have to shift every 5mph to keep inside their powerband, all 15rpm of it. When you make real torque, you don't have to stack your gear ratios like that.
Yuh. Which is exactly why I decided to make mine into a big loud beast of a car. Buick's heritage is pretty deep in big fast cars. The GS Stage I and GSX, the GS packaged Widlcats, along with other GS package models, the GN/GNX, even back to the Super 8, which was one of the faster cars of it's day.
Nah, they never went totally Grandpa. The Regal GS was a pretty quick little car, and the LaCrosse CSX packs a good punch. The new LaCrosse and Regal oughtta be interesting, even if I don't much like the idea of putting the Regal name on a 4-banger compact.
They're limited to 108mph, stock. My limiter was reset to 200mph, but obviously, it won't actually go that fast. I've had it to an indicated 130-ish. With the speedo error because of my larger-than-stock tires, that's just under 140mph. It scared the bejezus outta me, though, because it got extremely light at that speed. If I pushed it and had enough open space, I think I could top 155mph, maybe even 160. Not gonna try that without some aero work, or anywhere other than a dry lake track.
It's the factory 4T65E-HD 4spd auto, but with a stronger input shaft, shift kit, new clutches, solenoids, and fourth gear shaft. The shift points and timing are also altered in the PCM.
i know the park ave is a way heavier car than the grand prix but i never anticipated that the little bit of fanny that you pack with the car would kill your time that much
you have way more done to that car than i did to my grand prix and i was running mid to low 13's on poorly tuned suspension and uniroyals
The issue isn't just overall weight, but rather, where the weight IS. The PA has a higher percentage of it's weight over the rear wheels than the Grand Prix, and because of the suspension geometry, the car squats a lot harder, transferring even more weight to the rear during a hard launch.
N/A Bonneville? That's about a high 15/low 16 car, depending on the year. I had a 95 SSEi that could barely manage a 15.3 with a 2.5 pulley.
Anyway, the time shown on the guage is a little faulty because of slightly larger-than-stock tires throwing off the speedo and odo. In actuality, the car covered a little OVER a 1/4 mile, at a slightly higher speed. With the same mods in this video, it did a 14.353@95.95mph on the track. A month or so back, new setup, it did a 13.8@101.4.
ok well about a sec isnt to far off for the amout that is done
but if weight transfer is what you claim to be such an issue have you considered using drag blocks in the rear suspension to eliminate the transfer during launch
was reading somewhere i think it was intense racing they used a solid block in the rear to use the car as a wheelie bar saw the clip and the car never transfers so that might be an idea
Intense does offer that for the W-body, but the semi-trailing control arm on the G-body-based cars cant use that. Instead, you load down the trunk with a couple people, let the shocks pump up, then yank the fuse. It puts the tail up high, bu it does throw off the alignment slightly. I actually haven't had a chance to try it out yet.
There's no bags, the air leveling chamber is built into the rear shocks. It will still compress a bit, but it takes care of a lot of weight transfer. It's been used to great effect by H-, C-, and G-body racers.
Not even close. My best 60' is 2.13. The best 60' I've seen from a FWD 3800 is about 1.8. I might pick up maybe a quarter second with drag radials and setting up the car properly.
You're right, you know, these enignes never do sound good in FWD cars. The RWD ones in the Aussie cars sound incredible, though. I do have different mufflers on it now, plus a 3" catback that elevates the noise to nosebleed level. Still, the newer muffs sound too raspy, and I'm thinking of switching to Flowmaster Delta 40s.
It's a fairly common swap, actually. There are a couple places that offer everything as a kit, but basically the differences are: S/C, lower intake manifold, heads, and some accessory drive differences. You also need to beef up the transmission and have the PCM programmed.
OK, the DeVille is several hundred pounds heavier than your car, and the older STS's started off with the 200hp 4.9L, then moved to the L37, which still had a fairly weak 290ft-lbs, coupled to the tough, but inefficient 4L80E.
And 0-90 in 13 seconds is still off considering a 15+ 1/4 mile for the SLS. I highly doubt you beat a GTP with a stock SLS, considering the GTP is a high-14 second car.
The averages I've looked up come to 6.8 and 14.7 for the STS, which has another 25hp over your SLS, yet you claim yours is .2 slower to 60, but 2 seconds faster in the quarter? Why lie about stock times that are easily looked up?
It actually came with 16s stock, and I hated them. I put good high-performance 16s on and still hated them. When I switched to 18s, the handling improved, road feel improved, ride comfort improved, even braking improved, because of the increase in contact patch. The only thing I lost with the 18s was about .2 in the 1/4, but my 60ft times were better. These are VERY good tires, and the wheels are pretty lightweight.
Oh, and I alos just got the car back from INTENSE...1.9 rockers are gone, replaced by 1.6 rockers and a Stage 1x cam, as well as a GenV S/C and Northstar throttle body. 0-60 is now 6.35 seconds with a bunch of tirespin going uphill...I'll post track times when I figure out why torque management is pulling timing out on 3-2 downshifts and half-throttle.
Do you have some website links for where you got your aftermarket equipment? I was looking at 3800 performance and their turbo conversion kit, but I think I like the supercharger better.
I imagine you have a cold air intake? what did you do with the computer, i just got an intake for my 98 ultra and i just found out that the computer is in that box near the intake and i have no idea what to do with it. any ideas? I would really appreciate it
INTENSE racing sells a nice little PCM tray that will hold your PCM where-ever you can find room to mount it. My PCM is in a tray screwed to the flat area of inner fender that the stock box sits on. Make sure you don't disconnect the PCM while you're taking the intake out, though, or you'll have to do a CASE learn to get everything running right again.
Yup. I got the S/C 3800 stock on my 98' Oldsmobile LSS, which I'm told was quite a rare option. I plan on just installing a BBK or JMB cold air intake, I'm still in debate to which one I'll take
Not familiar with BBK, but the JMB one has been used by a few members of PBC and hasn't really measured up. The INTENSE FWI type seems to be the best option for these motors, especially because of their sensitivity to intake heat. Metal and plastic conduct heat right through to the intake air, where the rubber in INTENSE's tubing takes a lot longer to heatsoak. They do offer the tubing on it's own, too, so you don't have to buy the fairly expensive kit.
whats the easiest, most cheapest, fastest mod that you can make to my car to make it a little faster? mine will def HAUL but there isalways room for improvements. any suggestions?
There isn't really a "cheap" way to go fast with this motor, but the first mods that EVERYone goes through are a good cold air intake, a PCM programming, and then a 3.6 pulley. Those will make a noticeable difference in power, but will cost about $200. If you decide to go further, you can get headers, which will make a BIG difference, but you HAVE to do the intake first, and with headers, the PCM is even more necessary.
E10(10% Ethanol) won't hurt anything, although it may screw up your mileage. Do NOT use E85. Not only is the computer not programmed to handle it, but the seals and gaskets in a 3800 can be destroyed by large amounts of ethanol.
i live up here in Iowa and we have Ethanol Gas. idk if you know what that is but pretty much to sum it up, its cleaner for the air and has more water in it. and when i ran it in my blazer, i got horrible gas milege. so thats why i havent used it in my ultra. so what gas should i use?
what kinda gas milage do you get with all the mods? My "98 Ultra gets 35mpg if i drive 50mph on a flat country road but when i give 'er hell i still get around 21mpg. Also what fuel do you run? It says im supposed to run premium (93), but i run just the regular (87 or 89) gas.
I average around 20mpg, but I do a lot of city driving these days. Highway, I get around 28-30 at 65mph.
DO USE PREMIUM. This is VERY important. The computer will retard timing when it detects knock from low octane, but it only does so by monitoring existing knock. Even with knock reduction, you are still gradually damaging your engine, and giving up power and efficiency, as well.
I have a scanner that allows me to monitor KR, and I will occasionally see 2-3*, but normally my KR is at zero. That with a gourp of modifications aimed at reducing KR. Stock, with premium, the PAU can run as high as 7-8* of KR. This can mean a loss of as much as 5hp per degree of timing. With 87octane, you could be running as high 20* or more. KR tops out at 25*, at which point knock becomes uncontrolled, and you get into KABOOM territory.
So theoretically, if you're under 25 degrees of knock, no harm is done to ur engine, but its just loss of power? I have an 02 regal GS btw. ;) JMB FWI, custom tune, and im thinking of buying a 3" ZZP DP catless...
ANY amount of KR is undesirable and potentially damaging. But the computer is limited to 25* of timing retard to counteract it. Which means that if 25* isn't enough to counter the detected knock, it goes uncontrolled. But even UNDER 25*, the computer is only acting to counter knock detected by a sensor that is basically a calibrated microphone. When it "hears" knock, it chops timing. That means knock is ALREADY occurring.
Haha, no, not so much. There's more done to it than I can list off the top of my head, but I just edited the info to include the major mods to the car.
No kiddin. I've thought of going to 3.29s. 3.69s are available, but man, no way would I be able to hook up on those.
The only reason GM could get away with those massive gears is the huge bottom end torque on the L67, It does wonders for fuel mileage, too. I cruise at 75MPH and the engine is doing just 2000RPM.
The other place you can check is under the spare tire cover. There is a sticker that has all the RPO codes for your car. RPO's are the codes for all the options. Look for "F41". There is a list of the codes on Pontiac Bonneville Club dotcom that has all the suspension and engine/trans codes, and some of the body/electronics codes.
Do you have the Dynaride, or the Gran Touring suspension? The F41 Gran Touring gets rid of the air-ride portion and just keeps the air-leveling. Not as soft, but it makes up by cornering a heck of a lot better...
Heavy car, but quick for it's class with those mods.
metalgtp 6 days ago
Great!
MrSentinel1981 3 months ago
damn that car is beautiful and fast as fuck.
stevenmorookian16 4 months ago
Do you think an L67 top swap would be worth it on an N/A Park Ave?
BikerAuto63 5 months ago
@BikerAuto63 I honestly don't know much about top swaps. If you want more info on those, check out 3800Pro. Frankly, though, just getting to the high 14s is going to be really pushing the N/A bottom end. If you're looking for real speed out of an N/A shortblock, I suggest saving up your money for a turbo. You can push an N/A bottom end into the low 14s with a turbo without nearly as much risk as with a top-swap.
daltonultra 5 months ago
@daltonultra I appreciate it. I'll take a look into turbos as well. I was worried about the risks outweighing the benefits on a top swap and glad there might be another way without risking nearly as much. Thanks.
BikerAuto63 5 months ago
@BikerAuto63
The bottom end castings are the same fro L67s and L36s. The connecting rods are longer (weaker) and the cam timing is different.
The L36 blocks can be pushed pretty far (around 500hp). Low 13s high 12s are obtainable with the high compression of the L36 and the top swap.
Worth it.
wildman00sax 2 months ago
aww yeah if only it was an olds 98 or pontiac bonni
goingdownthetubes 6 months ago
well i must say thats a fast car
titogcubangonzalez 6 months ago
whats it cost to insure one of these???
xxnissansilviaxx 7 months ago
0 to 60 in 6 seconds for a luxary sedan car as opposed to a sports car is pretty fast
Alexn1067 7 months ago
I wish you guys would stop all this fighting.
pathfinder1958 7 months ago
@pathfinder1958 yuh, those comments have been on long enough... dingleberry hasn't come back for almost two weeks, so the fun is over...
daltonultra 7 months ago
I love these comments on this page lol, You know what i think people's problem is, they just can't wrap their heads around a granny looking buick blowing the doors off of their SUPER FANTASTICALLY FAST AWESOME !!!SCIONS TC'S!!!
*sarcasm*
My Uncle has a Regal GS and he pisses off quite a few people that THINK their cars are fast. People tend to think that 60 in 6 seconds flat isn't fast, but for a car that's got room to fit a few bikes in the trunk and lounge out in the back seat i think it is.
admiraljimmy 8 months ago
@admiraljimmy inorite? The GS is a quick car, even faster than the GTP by a little. I looked at a few before I found my PAU. I could probably fit a Harley in my trunk...
BTW, the time on the gauge is a bit off because of tire size, and it's also seriously out of date. Last time I was out to the track, it pulled a 13.8@104mph. If I ever get the money for an intercooler, I should be able to pulley down and drop another .25 off pretty easily.
daltonultra 8 months ago
0-60 in 6 seconds that's pretty good for a rather large sedan. Does it have the supercharged 3.8 liter?
lightningbuster 9 months ago
@lightningbuster If you look at 0:27, you can see the supercharger on the left part of the engine. I think it is a 3800 series II Supercharged.
stiny91 9 months ago
@stiny91 yeah that's the 3.8 liter, the same engine you get in the grand prix
lightningbuster 9 months ago
understandable Ive seen enought of them "donked up" lookin retarded atleast your mods are all power
tinderinc 10 months ago
why would you pimp out a park avenue? a sleeper maybe...
tinderinc 10 months ago
@tinderinc I've seen a bunch of them "pimped out", and I can't stand it. The Park Ave is a nice looking car to start with, and all the chrome and crap those idiots add to them just makes them look stupid. All my mods are for power and handling. And it's definitely a sleeper, even with the window-shaking exhaust. I've left Mustangs and Camaros shaking their head and wondering what the hell just happened.
FluxAscender 10 months ago
canada der ey
Jordan2451 10 months ago
@Jordan2451 Ohio, actually.
daltonultra 10 months ago
@daltonultra that looks like the Canadian flag in the reflection but maybe not and you say "ohio, actually" like it's better than canada :p
Jordan2451 10 months ago
@Jordan2451 lol, that is a Canadian flag sticker on the camera. I'm a member of the Pontiac Bonneville Club, and the last get-together we had before this video was in Ontario. Our host was sticking Canadian Flag stickers on everything. It wouldn't come off!
daltonultra 10 months ago 3
@daltonultra ohh lol
Jordan2451 10 months ago
Where to did you get that quarter mile thing.
eburt6 11 months ago
@eburt6 It's an Interceptor Scan Gauge from AeroForce Technology, and you can order them from a number of places. Their site is AeroForceTech (dot) com. The Interceptor plugs right into your OBDII port on your car, and it will not only give you performance stats, but acts as a gauge that can read almost any parameter red by any sensor connected to your car's computer. Oil pressure, fuel pressure, fuel injector pulse length, O2 sensor voltage, fuel mileage, intake air temperature, etc.
daltonultra 11 months ago
@daltonultra It can also read diagnostic trouble codes, so you can use publicly availabe DTC tables to diagnose issues with you car. It can also clear DTCs to get rid of check engine lights. It has several other features that I haven't delved into, as well.
daltonultra 11 months ago
Whats up with that header going into the back of the supercharger? Or is that just an optical issusion?
GMdrivingMOPARguy 11 months ago
@GMdrivingMOPARguy lol, yeah, it's an optical illusion. The crossover pipe goes between the top of the transmission and the bottom of the throttlebody. There is an EGR pipe, though, a small flexpipe that comes off the header and returns to the adapter plate behind the throttlebody, and has a valve to shut it off once the car warms up. Emissions device, and it also helps the car warm up faster on cold days.
daltonultra 11 months ago
Not a fan of these but they can move when asked to do so. I wonder how smooth these big Buicks drive.
7477238 11 months ago
Nice Buick! I want it!
1997RegalGS 1 year ago
Test drove a 99 ultra today. They are great cars... In stock trim do they run Premium gas? I assume you are with an aggressive tune and a smaller pulley, but I'm just curious...
blah1752 1 year ago
@blah1752 Yes, they do need Premium, even stock. You can get away with 91, but it's best to use 92 or better. When Sunoco still had it, I always filled with 94. Regular or plus (87/89) is going to cause knock, which will make the Knock Reduction program to pull timing and kill power to eliminate the knocking. It will also damage the engine, because KR only kicks in when the sensors actually 'hear' knocking happening.
daltonultra 1 year ago
@daltonultra Thanks for the reply. That's about the only thing holding me back from trading for a GM L67 car is going to Premium only... Gas is only going to get higher unfortunately...
blah1752 1 year ago
I own one and love it ! Yours is pretty awesome too
Alpha83baby 1 year ago
Oh God I love that s/c whine
zadrum15 1 year ago
that engine sound was awesome
shanhitex 1 year ago
damn thats a true sleeper.
idiotsawvfr5 1 year ago
Not bad at all....Sounds good too.
KissRocksForever 1 year ago
What kind of distributor is that?
victoriadish 1 year ago
@victoriadish There's no distributor in this car. The red is a set of MSD coils that sit on top of the electronic Ignition Control Module. But they're not on the car anymore, and I don't recommend them. The stock GM coils are already about as powerful as you'll ever need, and they last practically forever. I think the top three 3800 record-holders are all using stock coils.
daltonultra 1 year ago
\what kind of headers are u running
corekid420 1 year ago
@corekid420 SLP headers, SLP 3" hi-flo cat, 3" cat-back to 2.5" dual at the rear. No resonator.
daltonultra 1 year ago
wow thats a good second and some change quicker in the 1/4th and to 60.not bad,how much was that interceptor thing?
rockerdude29 1 year ago
@rockerdude29 The last time I had it out to the track last year, it ran a 13.87@101.1. That's two seconds and change faster than stock...
The Interceptor was $240 from Intense Racing. It's made by a company called Aeroforce, and there a few other color combinations for it, plus they just changed the design for the surround.
daltonultra 1 year ago
I am considering buying an ultra. About the head-up display... is it nice, or is it a nuisance? There is no one talking about it on the internets, and automotive HUD's were in their beginning stages at this point. Is it readable in daylight, too bright at night, etc.?
Thanks for your input...
WoodstaS 1 year ago
@WoodstaS Actually, GM has been putting HUDs in cars since 92, at least, and I think earlier.
The lowest setting is dim enough not to interfere at night, and the brightest setting shows up on all but the brightest days. The HUD controls on the 97 and later are conveniently located right by the overhead map lights and garage opener buttons, so you don't have to reach around the steering wheel to use a manual cable-control like on the older models.
daltonultra 1 year ago
oh my god that is beautiful
walkingfreak 1 year ago
@batmanlooksgood thats part of why but the 3800 series 2 engines are amazing without it
gradxg 1 year ago
you had the supercharger.. thats why..lol
batmanlooksgood 1 year ago
you still driving trucks?
bonnevillessei 1 year ago
@bonnevillessei not at the moment. I am looking for another driving job, though.
daltonultra 1 year ago
I own the PA's cousin, a 2003 LeSabre. I want to do something interesting with it because I doubt I will trade very soon (we'll see though). I can't swap an L67 into it for very cheap and I cannot do the swap myself. What's you opinion of running ZZPerformance ER rockers with the HV3 along with intake and exhaust modifications? Will it make the boat more fun to wheel around? Or should I not waste my money?
blah1752 1 year ago
@blah1752 I'll tell you the truth, I don't know that much about modding the N/A cars. I have heard good things about the ERs and the HV3, but I don't have any direct experience. If you want good advice on N/A mods, sign up at PontiacBonnevilleClub dotcom. The LeSabre is almost identical to the Bonneville under the skin, and the guys at PBC will be able to give you more help than I can.
daltonultra 1 year ago
@daltonultra Thanks bud. I too have heard good things but I'm still apprehensive because my parts investment alone without the exhaust mods will run $600 without labor. I'll head to that forum and see.
blah1752 1 year ago
What gasoline octane level do you use?
IcanCuNowcanUCme 1 year ago
@IcanCuNowcanUCme Premium 93 octane only, from Shell or Sunoco and nowhere else. I used to use 94, but Sunoco stopped selling it.
daltonultra 1 year ago
@daltonultra Thanks for your reply. On an aside note, I've spent about 3 hours today researching M90 intercooling. As a mechanical engineer, I understand the importance of intercooling and I would like to do this mod. There are a few ways to go about it, but all seem to require high-level custom work beyond my "car budget". Have you looked into this aspect? Thanks for reading!
IcanCuNowcanUCme 1 year ago
@IcanCuNowcanUCme ZZP (zzperformance ..... com) makes a range of air-to-water intercooler core plates that sit between the S/C and the lower intake manifold. If I could have afforded one when I did my last set of upgrades, I'd probably be a good half second faster in the quarter. They offer kits that include the pump and heater exchanger, as well, but if you have an H- or G- body, you'd be better off finding your own front heat exchanger, as ZZP's don't fit the larger cars very well.
daltonultra 1 year ago
That transmission shifts PERFECTLY, 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd. You must have been takin pretty good care of the tranny. The tranny im my mom's 1999 Oldsmobile 88 is just about on it's last leg (good reason for it), shifts like CRAP going out of 1st, feels like runnin over potholes that's how rough it is, lol. But yeah that's probably the fastest 3800 I've seen yet.
stillstabbin1 1 year ago
@stillstabbin1
Actually, the trans was completely rebuilt with heavy duty aftermarket parts, and a high-stall torque converter. The original trans gave up the ghost after a couple seasons of drag racing with the old rocker set-up. But I bought the car with 85,000 miles on the original trans that had never been worked on, and it lasted 20,000 more miles of abusive driving before it let go. Even then, it still ran another 50 miles to the shop after it blew the valve body gasket to pieces.
daltonultra 1 year ago
How reliable are these cars??
i know the 3.8 is a strong powerhouse, but how about the rest of the car??
i can pick a 2000 ultra up with 170k miles for 2,000... had alot of things replaced..
but what are things to look for??
thanks.
adnamarie 1 year ago
@adnamarie Well, I bought mine used, and the only problems I've had with any of the electronics is the motor that makes the rear of the seat bottom raise and lower.
Things to watch for: Check the function on seat and window controls. Some PAs have had issues with window motors. In fact, it's a good idea to check ALL adjustment controls on any car you buy.
daltonultra 1 year ago
@adnamarie Also, slide a hand under the spare tire and check for moisture. It's very rare, but some trunk seals can leak.
The PA doesn't really have any issues that I wouldn't expect to find on any used car. Just go through and check all the controls, play with the radio, give it a good workout on the test drive. Once you've narrowed your choices down to two or three cars, have a mechanic at a different dealer do a pre-buy inspection.
daltonultra 1 year ago
@adnamarie 3800 is a very reliable engine as long as you take care of them like anything else. I think they were voted in the top ten best engines of all time! I've had nothing but good luck with the 3800 series one I had in my 91 lesabre 2 dr coupe and my 97 riv supercharged
1978mtb 1 year ago
Wow, is second gear this tall in all of these or do you have a revised gear ratio? Either way, this thing is impressive. My pops just bought a 2000 Ultra, stock, and I'm wondering if my 2006 V6 Accord would take it. 240/280ft.lbs Park vs 244/211ft.lbs and 300lbs lighter Accord... Maybe I'll post a vid ;-) What do you think?
skeegle 1 year ago
@skeegle All of the Series 2 S/C cars use the same gearing. You can switch out for better gearing, but I didn't want to give up the highway mileage that goes with the stock gearing.
You'd probably take your Dad's PAU if it's stock, but an intake, pulley, and a tune will put him out front. For the same cash as he'd spend on that, you might be able to coax enough extra out of the Honda to keep up with him.
daltonultra 1 year ago
Sweet man thanks for the info. Mine's an auto that runs about 15 flat stock, whats' a 2000 Ultra run stock? About that? I think they would be pretty similar up to the quarter, but I feel like the Park might get me on a highway roll cause the weight doesn't matter as much as a launch. But then torque doesn't keep a car moving it gets it moving, so I don't know. I'll guess I'll just have to find out XD.
skeegle 1 year ago
Hmm. I guess the Accord might be doing a little better than i thought. A stock PAU from anytime after 97 will do about a 15.6. The thing is that that half second is very easy to get rid of because the engines are so restricted from the factory. You can get back almost 15hp just from intake, tune, and a pulley, which puts him out maybe $150-$200. That's damned cheap power and would put him even with you. After that, things get more expensive and the power increases are about on par.
FluxAscender 1 year ago
FYI, if you do take on ANY car with a Series 2 s/c, don't rollstart between 25-35MPH. That's right in the meat of the first gear horsepower band, and the downshift is EVIL. With the tune I have now, it doesn't shift out of first until it's over 55mph. Stock, the shift point is still around 45-50mph. If you keep him from getting that first-gear downshift, you should have any problems with the PAU. Something lighter with that motor, like a Grand PrixGTP or Regal GS is a different story.
FluxAscender 1 year ago
@FluxAscender Haha, I will def keep that in mind man, thanks for all the great info. I drove his Ultra the other day, I think it needs a tune up because it pushed me in the back of my seat but the speedo seemed to take forever to get to 60, I'd guess around 8 seconds, but I have no clue seeing how we didn't measure. I think I'd get him, but once again, it'd be a good race from a roll. If he gets it tuned I'll post a vid of a highway pull for ya.
skeegle 1 year ago
@skeegle
Whoops, forgot to switch accounts. FluxAscender is the alter-ego I use for my RC truck vids. Sorry for the confusion.
daltonultra 1 year ago
Cool, thanks for the info. Does your Ultra have the HUD display?
Parsec994a 2 years ago
Yup.
daltonultra 2 years ago
Comment removed
Parsec994a 2 years ago
I wonder if the PA Ultras are heaver then the 97-99 Rivieras, and if they are the same or if this car is faster. I know the Riveras might weigh more, so they're prob not as fast.
Parsec994a 2 years ago
@Parsec994a Depends on the options, really.
The Park Avenue is based on the same platform as the Riviera, and weighs about the same. The drivetrain is identical, and suspension is about 90% shared. When the Bonneville, and LeSabre changed platforms in 2000, they also got the same platform with minor changes. The 95-99 Aurora also sharedthe platform with the Riviera, and switched to the same platform as the Bonnie and LeSabre in 2000. The 98-04 Seville also shared a lot with this common platform.
daltonultra 2 years ago
Basically, the shared platform consisted of an identical rear subframe and suspension, very similar front subframe with shared suspension arms and similar steeering, and a floorpan with minor variations. Most models also shared the feature of a massive magnesium casting tied into the firewall behind the dashboard.
So basically, all GM full-size cars from the mid-90s on got phased over to the Riviera/Aurora G-body platform, with variations.
daltonultra 2 years ago
Depends on the model. Last time I ran at the track with my newer cammed setup, I ran a 13.8.
It does have a Ferrari kill to it's name, though. Some douche in a Mondial T Cabrio apparently thought the badge on the hood was more important than the engine under it. Too bad the Mondial T's were only good for about a 15.0 quarter...
daltonultra 2 years ago
fast buick--cooool!!
juanacious 2 years ago
Man..My Naturally aspirated 2006 Nissan Altima SE-R 3.5 would eat this supercharged GM alive...Now let the hatin begin..Bring it on!!!!
GTnumber1 2 years ago
Nah, I don't bother with trolls. I just block them. It's much more fun knowing that you will sit and stew in your own frustration at not being able to bug me.
daltonultra 2 years ago
lol gl with this
jehovy 2 years ago
sounds like it has no power at all..
Drew37831 2 years ago
@Drew37831
thats because it's a buick. im surprised he even got it over 88 :P
aaronbassist146 2 years ago
No, it's because the two of you are used to hearing little fart-canned pieces of shit that have to shift every 5mph to keep inside their powerband, all 15rpm of it. When you make real torque, you don't have to stack your gear ratios like that.
daltonultra 2 years ago
Comment removed
Drew37831 2 years ago
Well, we can agree on that one. GM fucked up big time making the G8 into a Caprice and then selling it as a cop-fleet-only. Stupid bastards.
FluxAscender 2 years ago
@daltonultra
damn. calm down. i hate ricers too bro. (you were a bit too nice on the rpm's though)
im just saying a buick is a grandpa car that is supposed to be silent.
aaronbassist146 2 years ago
Yuh. Which is exactly why I decided to make mine into a big loud beast of a car. Buick's heritage is pretty deep in big fast cars. The GS Stage I and GSX, the GS packaged Widlcats, along with other GS package models, the GN/GNX, even back to the Super 8, which was one of the faster cars of it's day.
daltonultra 2 years ago
@daltonultra
amen to that. its a shame they've gone all grandpa on us lately :(
aaronbassist146 2 years ago
Nah, they never went totally Grandpa. The Regal GS was a pretty quick little car, and the LaCrosse CSX packs a good punch. The new LaCrosse and Regal oughtta be interesting, even if I don't much like the idea of putting the Regal name on a 4-banger compact.
daltonultra 2 years ago
I saw the Regal at the detriot auto show, and it wasn't that small, but it was pretty sexy.
and thats saying something. i have never said something like that about a buick
aaronbassist146 2 years ago
I've got a '00 Regal GS, she's stock. I've had it up to 115 before, what's the fastest a Park Ave Ultra will do?
Pigs3differentones 2 years ago
They're limited to 108mph, stock. My limiter was reset to 200mph, but obviously, it won't actually go that fast. I've had it to an indicated 130-ish. With the speedo error because of my larger-than-stock tires, that's just under 140mph. It scared the bejezus outta me, though, because it got extremely light at that speed. If I pushed it and had enough open space, I think I could top 155mph, maybe even 160. Not gonna try that without some aero work, or anywhere other than a dry lake track.
daltonultra 2 years ago
Is this a 4 speed? or what kind of tran u got in that?
gunzkevin 2 years ago
It's the factory 4T65E-HD 4spd auto, but with a stronger input shaft, shift kit, new clutches, solenoids, and fourth gear shaft. The shift points and timing are also altered in the PCM.
daltonultra 2 years ago
pretty sure its a 4 speed with overdrive. ive got the same car (not supercharged)
eltatertoto 2 years ago
super sick. Nice vid :)
sirbuick 2 years ago
what does this beast top out at
washcloths 2 years ago
go granny cars
washcloths 2 years ago
who ever said BUICK was SLOW!!!????
hevvye 2 years ago
That will give grandma a heart attack, and me an adrenaline rush.
logitechnc 2 years ago
i know the park ave is a way heavier car than the grand prix but i never anticipated that the little bit of fanny that you pack with the car would kill your time that much
you have way more done to that car than i did to my grand prix and i was running mid to low 13's on poorly tuned suspension and uniroyals
coolaid84 2 years ago
The issue isn't just overall weight, but rather, where the weight IS. The PA has a higher percentage of it's weight over the rear wheels than the Grand Prix, and because of the suspension geometry, the car squats a lot harder, transferring even more weight to the rear during a hard launch.
daltonultra 2 years ago
i still cant beleive that that little bit would rob you of 2 seconds thats harsh
my stock bonneville with a na 3800 does close to those times
you must have something going on or you just have a very high estistimated time and need to re estimate
coolaid84 2 years ago
N/A Bonneville? That's about a high 15/low 16 car, depending on the year. I had a 95 SSEi that could barely manage a 15.3 with a 2.5 pulley.
Anyway, the time shown on the guage is a little faulty because of slightly larger-than-stock tires throwing off the speedo and odo. In actuality, the car covered a little OVER a 1/4 mile, at a slightly higher speed. With the same mods in this video, it did a 14.353@95.95mph on the track. A month or so back, new setup, it did a 13.8@101.4.
daltonultra 2 years ago
ok well about a sec isnt to far off for the amout that is done
but if weight transfer is what you claim to be such an issue have you considered using drag blocks in the rear suspension to eliminate the transfer during launch
was reading somewhere i think it was intense racing they used a solid block in the rear to use the car as a wheelie bar saw the clip and the car never transfers so that might be an idea
its not street legal but may help on the track
coolaid84 2 years ago
Intense does offer that for the W-body, but the semi-trailing control arm on the G-body-based cars cant use that. Instead, you load down the trunk with a couple people, let the shocks pump up, then yank the fuse. It puts the tail up high, bu it does throw off the alignment slightly. I actually haven't had a chance to try it out yet.
daltonultra 2 years ago
you would be better off bleeding the airbags out so its sitting on the chassis than over inflating the bags like that they still compress
coolaid84 2 years ago
There's no bags, the air leveling chamber is built into the rear shocks. It will still compress a bit, but it takes care of a lot of weight transfer. It's been used to great effect by H-, C-, and G-body racers.
daltonultra 2 years ago
It's actually less about stiffening the rear as keeping the front from rising. If you beld the rear down, the front would rise even worse.
daltonultra 2 years ago
13 seconds. nice. basically the same as my Buick. 12 seconds. I think with the right tires you could be in the 12's anyway.
Jay500500500 2 years ago
Not even close. My best 60' is 2.13. The best 60' I've seen from a FWD 3800 is about 1.8. I might pick up maybe a quarter second with drag radials and setting up the car properly.
daltonultra 2 years ago
good acceleration but very sad sounding car...
MercedesBenzGKlasse 2 years ago
You're right, you know, these enignes never do sound good in FWD cars. The RWD ones in the Aussie cars sound incredible, though. I do have different mufflers on it now, plus a 3" catback that elevates the noise to nosebleed level. Still, the newer muffs sound too raspy, and I'm thinking of switching to Flowmaster Delta 40s.
daltonultra 2 years ago
I have a 97 riviera n/a I wonder how difficult it would be to bolt on a s/c
will79601 2 years ago
It's a fairly common swap, actually. There are a couple places that offer everything as a kit, but basically the differences are: S/C, lower intake manifold, heads, and some accessory drive differences. You also need to beef up the transmission and have the PCM programmed.
daltonultra 2 years ago
OK, I just found a vid where you're talking shit to a CORSICA owner. Pathetic.
daltonultra 2 years ago
OK, the DeVille is several hundred pounds heavier than your car, and the older STS's started off with the 200hp 4.9L, then moved to the L37, which still had a fairly weak 290ft-lbs, coupled to the tough, but inefficient 4L80E.
And 0-90 in 13 seconds is still off considering a 15+ 1/4 mile for the SLS. I highly doubt you beat a GTP with a stock SLS, considering the GTP is a high-14 second car.
daltonultra 2 years ago
The averages I've looked up come to 6.8 and 14.7 for the STS, which has another 25hp over your SLS, yet you claim yours is .2 slower to 60, but 2 seconds faster in the quarter? Why lie about stock times that are easily looked up?
daltonultra 2 years ago
another fine underrated american piece of sheetmetal ass.
AliAbraham51 2 years ago 2
Change back to 16" wheels for better acceleration and braking. Yours look very nice though.
IcanCuNowcanUCme 2 years ago
It actually came with 16s stock, and I hated them. I put good high-performance 16s on and still hated them. When I switched to 18s, the handling improved, road feel improved, ride comfort improved, even braking improved, because of the increase in contact patch. The only thing I lost with the 18s was about .2 in the 1/4, but my 60ft times were better. These are VERY good tires, and the wheels are pretty lightweight.
daltonultra 2 years ago
Oh, and I alos just got the car back from INTENSE...1.9 rockers are gone, replaced by 1.6 rockers and a Stage 1x cam, as well as a GenV S/C and Northstar throttle body. 0-60 is now 6.35 seconds with a bunch of tirespin going uphill...I'll post track times when I figure out why torque management is pulling timing out on 3-2 downshifts and half-throttle.
daltonultra 2 years ago
Do you have some website links for where you got your aftermarket equipment? I was looking at 3800 performance and their turbo conversion kit, but I think I like the supercharger better.
eurotrashcc 2 years ago
Message sent with links, but for others, Google INTENSE Racing.
daltonultra 2 years ago
I imagine you have a cold air intake? what did you do with the computer, i just got an intake for my 98 ultra and i just found out that the computer is in that box near the intake and i have no idea what to do with it. any ideas? I would really appreciate it
Smclean567 2 years ago
INTENSE racing sells a nice little PCM tray that will hold your PCM where-ever you can find room to mount it. My PCM is in a tray screwed to the flat area of inner fender that the stock box sits on. Make sure you don't disconnect the PCM while you're taking the intake out, though, or you'll have to do a CASE learn to get everything running right again.
daltonultra 2 years ago
Is this the stock supercharger that came with the park ave?
my grandma had a stock supercharged V6 a couple years ago. I think it was the 3.8L but not sure...
uniondude31 2 years ago
Only Park Avenue Ultras come stock with the supercharged engine
Jon3800 2 years ago
It's the factory S/C, but it has had mild porting work done.
daltonultra 2 years ago
Yup. I got the S/C 3800 stock on my 98' Oldsmobile LSS, which I'm told was quite a rare option. I plan on just installing a BBK or JMB cold air intake, I'm still in debate to which one I'll take
Jon3800 2 years ago
Not familiar with BBK, but the JMB one has been used by a few members of PBC and hasn't really measured up. The INTENSE FWI type seems to be the best option for these motors, especially because of their sensitivity to intake heat. Metal and plastic conduct heat right through to the intake air, where the rubber in INTENSE's tubing takes a lot longer to heatsoak. They do offer the tubing on it's own, too, so you don't have to buy the fairly expensive kit.
daltonultra 2 years ago
what is PCB??
LPcustom76 2 years ago
PBC=Pontiac Bonneville Club, an online forum dedicated to Bonnevilles and other 3800-powered cars that share the same platform, like my Park Avenue.
daltonultra 2 years ago
thanks, i was searching for a forum for my buicks (02 gs and a 04 ultra) but came up dry.
LPcustom76 2 years ago
I swear I've seen this car before
You wouldn't happen to be a member of Pontiac Bonneville Club, would you?
hondaman94 2 years ago
Yes indeed. I'm Gonneville over there, and I'm on BonnevillePro, as well.
daltonultra 2 years ago
Hmm, I just looked at some of your vids, and I definitely remember the LeSabre, even if I can't place name to it....
BTW, are you also on the SurplusRifle forum? I noticed your AK and 91-30 vids....
daltonultra 2 years ago
I'm LeSabreUltra from Bonneville Club.
I'm not a member of SurplusRifle, but I am active on a few various other gun forums, gunboards being the most active.
hondaman94 2 years ago
whats the easiest, most cheapest, fastest mod that you can make to my car to make it a little faster? mine will def HAUL but there isalways room for improvements. any suggestions?
Chumlend 2 years ago
There isn't really a "cheap" way to go fast with this motor, but the first mods that EVERYone goes through are a good cold air intake, a PCM programming, and then a 3.6 pulley. Those will make a noticeable difference in power, but will cost about $200. If you decide to go further, you can get headers, which will make a BIG difference, but you HAVE to do the intake first, and with headers, the PCM is even more necessary.
daltonultra 2 years ago
E10(10% Ethanol) won't hurt anything, although it may screw up your mileage. Do NOT use E85. Not only is the computer not programmed to handle it, but the seals and gaskets in a 3800 can be destroyed by large amounts of ethanol.
Just use 91octane or better, and you'll be fine.
daltonultra 2 years ago
i live up here in Iowa and we have Ethanol Gas. idk if you know what that is but pretty much to sum it up, its cleaner for the air and has more water in it. and when i ran it in my blazer, i got horrible gas milege. so thats why i havent used it in my ultra. so what gas should i use?
Chumlend 2 years ago
what kinda gas milage do you get with all the mods? My "98 Ultra gets 35mpg if i drive 50mph on a flat country road but when i give 'er hell i still get around 21mpg. Also what fuel do you run? It says im supposed to run premium (93), but i run just the regular (87 or 89) gas.
Chumlend 2 years ago
I average around 20mpg, but I do a lot of city driving these days. Highway, I get around 28-30 at 65mph.
DO USE PREMIUM. This is VERY important. The computer will retard timing when it detects knock from low octane, but it only does so by monitoring existing knock. Even with knock reduction, you are still gradually damaging your engine, and giving up power and efficiency, as well.
daltonultra 2 years ago
I have a scanner that allows me to monitor KR, and I will occasionally see 2-3*, but normally my KR is at zero. That with a gourp of modifications aimed at reducing KR. Stock, with premium, the PAU can run as high as 7-8* of KR. This can mean a loss of as much as 5hp per degree of timing. With 87octane, you could be running as high 20* or more. KR tops out at 25*, at which point knock becomes uncontrolled, and you get into KABOOM territory.
daltonultra 2 years ago
So theoretically, if you're under 25 degrees of knock, no harm is done to ur engine, but its just loss of power? I have an 02 regal GS btw. ;) JMB FWI, custom tune, and im thinking of buying a 3" ZZP DP catless...
Diadematov 2 years ago
ANY amount of KR is undesirable and potentially damaging. But the computer is limited to 25* of timing retard to counteract it. Which means that if 25* isn't enough to counter the detected knock, it goes uncontrolled. But even UNDER 25*, the computer is only acting to counter knock detected by a sensor that is basically a calibrated microphone. When it "hears" knock, it chops timing. That means knock is ALREADY occurring.
daltonultra 2 years ago
That is stock? nice run.
jojocats2 3 years ago
Haha, no, not so much. There's more done to it than I can list off the top of my head, but I just edited the info to include the major mods to the car.
daltonultra 2 years ago
I did not think it was, but I was not 100% sure though. These cars can be pretty fast, my friend has an 2002 Buick Regal.Thanks.
jojocats2 2 years ago
Hey, i saw on your channel that you are from Ohio, me too!
jojocats2 2 years ago
yayy me too. hahah
SeanFarley25 2 years ago
Nice sleeper. What is the final drive ratio in these cars?
Beldar4214 3 years ago
No kiddin. I've thought of going to 3.29s. 3.69s are available, but man, no way would I be able to hook up on those.
The only reason GM could get away with those massive gears is the huge bottom end torque on the L67, It does wonders for fuel mileage, too. I cruise at 75MPH and the engine is doing just 2000RPM.
daltonultra 3 years ago
You only made it there in 2nd because the gears are so damn tall!
bg1379 3 years ago
Looks like you were a little low on gas there buddy hahaha
BlackAstonMartin 3 years ago
Man that thing has tall gears!
Kingsoupturbo 3 years ago
Factory 2.93:1 final drive gears. I'm thinking of getting the optional 3.29 gearset installed. 3.69's are available, but absolutely murder fuel mileage.
daltonultra 3 years ago
i looked behind the turn signal and i didnt find any "plaque" or anything about what suspension i have.
Chumlend 3 years ago
The other place you can check is under the spare tire cover. There is a sticker that has all the RPO codes for your car. RPO's are the codes for all the options. Look for "F41". There is a list of the codes on Pontiac Bonneville Club dotcom that has all the suspension and engine/trans codes, and some of the body/electronics codes.
daltonultra 3 years ago
i like the rims. those are fuckin nice!
Chumlend 3 years ago
Thank you, they're Konig SLR's, 18x8".
daltonultra 3 years ago
Idk which one I have. How do you know which one tour car come equipped with?
Chumlend 3 years ago
i was debating between a ultra or a gtp and i went with the ultra cuz they had better reviews and they ride so smooth with the air ride.
Chumlend 3 years ago
Do you have the Dynaride, or the Gran Touring suspension? The F41 Gran Touring gets rid of the air-ride portion and just keeps the air-leveling. Not as soft, but it makes up by cornering a heck of a lot better...
daltonultra 3 years ago