I just wanted to see what everyone thought. Remember the SC GXP w/270hp and Corsa cat back exhaust, stronger SC and K&N air filter? I was really anticipating that one when I first saw it on the pontiac.com and on the first auto show coverage of it. The V8 powere is cool, but I think the SC V6 hooked up would've been better overal because of gas mileage and that cool SC boost and sound. What do you all think?

For the last 6 years GM has received a lot of flak for its 'antiquated" 3800 (now keep yer pants on BC....I'm reciting car mags and critics, not my own personal opinion ). It was time for the Bonneville to go back to a V8. Right now the Northstar is a well proven engine with a lot of power.

DOHC is the current trend in cars now. Most buyers are going for that higher speed performance as opposed to that smoke em off the line power. Think Nissan etc.

This will hopefully open up a wider aftermarket scene for drivers that are fortunate to have a V8 in front of em.

Its also time for the Bonneville to go back to RWD

*edit* and if you want whine...I suppose you need to hear a V8 at 5500 RPM...it whines...no...it screams

The thing about the gas mileage is that the V8 doesn't have to use High Octane it likes 87 grade. When you think about $0.20 a gallon difference in price the better gas mileage isn't that much better.

Good point, however my car needs premium fuel. Dunno if thats Aurora V8 specifc as opposed to its Northstar cousin....but I thought aluminum blocks need at least 90 octane. :?

Regardless on the hwy I get 800 km out of a 70L (20G) tank

Block material doesn't specify octane rating at all. Most aluminum blocks have many "high tech" things like higher compression, advanced timing controls etc, that require higher octane levels.

You also have a hot engine, so anything to help detonation

Why does everyone keep saying RWD????

isn't the 4t80 a FWD tranny?

Specs:
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...ar.mv&num=1793

And which way is the engine mounted:

Yes, exactly what I was implying, with a compression ratio of 10.3:1 (or 10.5:1, I dont recall) in the 95-99 Aurora it needs higher octane gas. I dont think the GXP has that high compression ratio. Lower octane may suffice.

Gordy, obviously the 4T80 would have to go if the Bonneville went rear wheel drive, but with all the Stabiltrak technology and weight distribution in new cars, RWD would be a wonderful performance addtion to any new Bonneville and yet maintain the control and stability of an FWD car.

I have just seen it posted thru here a few times that the GXP will be RWD. I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew that it wasn't.

Yes, unfortunately its not I think the 05 Bonneville may be...to bad its discontinued here

up till 99 all nothstars needed prememium. the 2000'* have a SLIGHTLY lower compression ratio, but a re-designed combustion chamber is the biggest reason.

the reason for the northstar/4t80e combo is simple. its a luxury car, needs a luxury powertrain. you CANNOT feel the shifts on a 4t80e, its super smooth. the whole powerband is smooth, its a smooth setup. the l67 isn't as smooth. plus the extra cost is justified in customers minds because it has a v8, sounds dumb, but it sounds better to people