Hey guys,
I have noticed that many people keep saying "Oh that SE is nice but SSEi is better" "It aint worth modifying, it'* easier to sell the SE and buy a SSEi". So on and on.

My question is this, are SE good for anything? Do not say Gas Mileage because that is not important. I feel that many SSEi kinda look down on SE even though I know everyone loves a Bonneville regardless of its trim level. I do realize that if you really want to pump up a Bonneville and make it fast, it'* best to start with a SSEi. Some people don't have a choice of a SE or SSEi. Like me, I saw a real nice Bonneville and I brought it, it was a SE. I know you guys will want pics but give me a few days and I'll have a friend scan a pic then email it to me then I'll post it.

In conclusion, are SE even worth of anything?

I personally think the SE is a real nice car, my grandma had a 96 SE that was total base, and it was super nice and rode fantastic, and i had a chance to buy an SE once with leather and sunroof and such, with basically the SLE package and the only reason i got the SSE i had before this SSEi was the fact that it had the Head'* Up display, which i am really hooked on, and i got the SSEi because it was Supercharged, yes, because i got used to it with my Grand Prix, and it was only $700.00 so i couldnt turn it down. But yes, i think the SE bonnie is a very nice ride, and worthy of many nice mods, my.02

Sure. We have more SE'* than any other trim level here. They were built in a 10:1 margin over SSEi'*, and some of them are pretty quick.

The only reason we tell people to buy an SSEi, is because 50% of the 'performance heads' that bought an SE are trying to figure out how to add a supercharger. This isn't economically practical, nor has it ever been done successfully.

If you aren't in the market for forced induction, you'll be fine with your SE. The L36 has ample power and potential.

I love my 99 SE, her series2 kicks butt. She'* given me over 120k problem free miles. I'm keeping my car because of the sentimental value, but when I do go shoppiong for a second Bonne it will be boosted.
I wouldn't say a N/A car isn't worth modding, you just need to take a little differrent approach. People have turned 12 second 1/4 miles in N/A grandprix my year without major modding.
I think my SE was a great Bonne to start of with in discoverring my love of them.

Welcome to BC!

And yes, SE'* are worth something!

It depends on your point of view. If you want a dependable, somewhat sporty, large comfortable sedan with some nice throttle response and aren't looking for a super sports car with buckets of torque or 13 second track times, then you've got the right car. On the other hand, you can do minor mods for minor improvements in performance and have more fun with your SE, at a lower initial cost than the SSEi.

OR, you COULD go whole hog and do major things that will make it a serious track monster, but that will take bunches of money and time. The general feeling (not everyone though) is that it is much cheaper, to just start with an SSEi, if that is your final goal.

Let'* not let fantasy get the best of us here...... 12 seconds in a N/A GP without major modding? 12 seconds in ANY GP would cost thousands.

Of course it is... that would be THE primary reason why my family will likely not get an SSEi when the '91 gives up the ghost. I'm pushing for the 'rents to get a SE/SLE, for we do NOT want to put in premium fuel, I want (a little) better fuel economy, and no ELC headaches to deal with (I'm aware some SLE'* got ELC...) that have been plaguing the '91. Not to mention nsurance savings, etc.


Different trim level, different purpose.

The SSEi would be bitchin' if you've got the budget.

SE'* are great.

Nothing wrong with ALL of the different models. Each have their high points and low points.

SE: Great all around car. Very flexible and plenty of power. Good all around option packages for most. Not meant to be the racecar, but not a slug considering the size, weight and comtorts it offers.

SLE: A true sleeper. Not badged until more recent years it was known as an SE optioned to the extreme. Tons of goodies and toys for the people that enjoy extra buttons and gadgets. Shares the same powerplant as the SE. Sportier appearance in 00+ years as it shares the SSE/SSEi look.

SSE: Supposedly one notch above the SE with SLE option package, typically sharing the same power plant with a sportier outter appearance in the early years.

SSEi: Whlle revered to be the end all be all of the Bonneville, this supercharged beast is expected to be fully loaded. Tons of toys and gadgets wrapped up in a sporty looking grocery fetcher.

Each model can be optioned up or optioned down. Some SSEi'* didn't have the embroidered and much coveted floor mats, lighted visor mirrors etc. There seems to be no reason behind how the cars were optioned. It'* kind of a matter of option BINGO, hopefully you can find what you are wishing for on the options.

The supercharged models are faster and more powerful, also having more electronic goodies. With the power and options comes the greater possibliity of breaking more stuff.

Yes, what will said is the basic reason why we tell people to sell an SE and buy an SSEi. Looking at it in an economical sense, it would cost less in the long run to sell an SE and purchase an SSEi of the same year/condition.

At the same time, there are many people who love their SE'*, and many like myself, who appretiate the simple stated looks of the SE.

Personally, I would love an SE not just for mileage, but the cost of gas vs the SSEi. That'* why I have my Lumina with the L36. As it is, I wouldn't have had a Supercharged car if it didn't fall into my lap for the right price. I was looking for a 95 SSE originally.

All in all, there are a couple members here who harp on anyone who is non-supercharged telling them supercharged is the only way to go. Those people you can ignore. The rest are just trying to help people out by saving them money. Enjoy your SE to the fullest. And don't worry, there are performance mods for it as well.

If you guys are thinking that I don't like my SE, you guys are wrong, I really like that car. I'm just saying that you guys are talking in praises for the SSEi and I feel left out. I really like that car and I wont part with it until it'* completely totaled. I realize that SE were built in massive qualities versus SSEi but when I search the threads I keep seeing SSEi at the bottom I feel like that I'm the one that brought a crappy slow car even through it'* not. I'm not looking into making a track monster, I'm just looking for a quick comfortable car that can keep up with the ricers. I'm looking into making it respectably quick and be able to take corners in stride and not lean heavily on two tires.

SE rules! I hope so...