I have a beautiful 97 SE that has become a parts care. That is unless I can, with some stroke of luck, fix it. I have created a second post for some thoughts on that issue. So, assuming it remains a parts car I may sell it that way or keep it to feed my 92 SSE. Aside from the obvious differences how similar are these cars electrically? I have the service manuals for my 97, but haven't checked to see if they include the 92 to see if I can compare electrical diagrams...............

For instance:
- My rear defogger appears to be shot. You push the button, the relay clicks and the lights dim a tad due to the load, but nothing happens.

- Also, my illuminated entry lighting feature does not activate when I lift the door handle.

- I'm going to mod my steering wheel radio controls to mirror the 97 setup because I'm a lefty and prefer the band and preset buttons on the left side.

- I want to mod the door trunk release to work without the ignition key on just like it does in my 97.

- I also want to know if the keyless entry system can be altered to mimick the 97. Ya know, horn beep, headlights on when unlocked.

I just picked up the 92 SSE for $3400. It'* gorgeous. Only 76000 miles. The original paint is virtually flawless. In fact it is so smooth it appears to have been wet sanded and buffed. It wasn't. I can't believe Pontiac pulled off a quality paint job like this one. The wheels look virtually new. This car was babied and I intend to see that it continues to be.

All that said the difference between the 92 and 97 are distinct. Pontiac did an amazing job refining what was already a beautiful car when they rolled out the 96s. Everyone knows the differences in drive train. I'm still having to adjust to the way these engines differ. When I got in the 92 for the first time it felt like driving my 72 Nova(obviously not, but that'* how different these cars are) when compared to the 97. I have searched these forums for some performance mods and I must say you guys are great. I just hope I can squeeze out another 25 hp for less than $400. Probably wishful thinking I know. No worries as this is only until I can slap in a late model l67.

As far as the rest of the car goes I love most of the interior and exterior appearance. In fact, the older style has a more muscular and aggressive appearing than the 97. It kind of appeals to me the way the new Dodge Charger does. It'* just that I want to tweek it a bit. Especially the interior. The 2 piece door panels aren't as nice looking as the 1 piece in the 97. I have to fix the cloth on the visors and one small section on the head liner.

All these ideas floating around in my head make me want to keep my 97 for parts. What do you guys think? .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ................

You also have to factor in the fact that I am considering some parts for my 72 Nova. Such as bucket seats, console and hold on to your seat, the engine. All you naysayers don't go there on the engine.

I have done the research and know the pitfalls of this swap, but after driving my 97 for years I am hooked on the smoothness and power of this engine. If I can figure out the electrical problem with my 97 engine I might do the swap. This engine with a 700 R4 tranny should make my Nova move along at a decent clip. The Nova is 500lbs lighter than the Bonnie and after comparing the HP numbers with my 250 6cyl(which actually motivates the Nova pretty good) I'm pretty confident this would be sweet. If I make it work I will ultimately swap in an l67. A 300hp Supercharged Nova sounds pretty sweet to me..........................................Thanks in advance for your thoughts................Mike

Hiya Mike... Welcome to the club and Kingston isn't all that far from many of us nuts in the area.

You mention the 97 basically being parts..but don't mention why. Maybe we can help resurrect it. Electrical problem was mentioned.. toss up what it'* doing if that'* not in the other thread.

As for many of the changes you want to make. The trunk should be pretty easy by changing from an ignition setup to a battery setup.

Door panels have been done by Jr's3800 and I think one or two others.

On a newer L67 swap, lemme say.. you live in the right neighborhood Two have happened in the area.

By the way..there'* a meet in Natick this coming weekend and if you can...we'd be happy to have you attend. Check the meets section for details.