Not really classic, it'* a 1991.

I've been lurking for a while around here and I love to hear all the great things to do with this engine. The 3800 has just turned 134000 miles. I've had the car for about 7 months now and am pretty happy with it.

I really enjoy the power I have. It seems like any gear I'm in, and rpm, just put my foot down and it will just ROAR. I can keep up with traffic doing less than 2000 RPMs. The damn thing still chirps the tires at 10mph.

When I bought the car it needed a new O2 sensor and a cam-position magnet. Now its running so SMOOTH. As well as being powerful, its also the most reliable car I've ever owned.

I need help though.

1. Is it normal for these cars to get a little hot? You see, it'* getting to be over 100 degrees here and I'm normally driving around town; when using my A/C it will travel above normal operating temp unless I turn off the A/C or even turn on the heater. It has never over heated though. Problem is solved if it'* cloudy or night time, though. I recently replaced the water pump and thermostat and have ample amounts of coolant in both the radiator and resovior.

2. Before winter is over I need to replace my break pads and resurface my rotors (4 wheel disc breaks WTF!!) The local O'Reilys has life time warentee pads!
-What size torx bit is needed for the mounting bolt on the caliper?
- Any particualr area to inspect on the caliper for our type of cars besides the boot?
-How to I retract the piston on the rear calipers? By hand? I've heard on Honda'* that you have to twist it and push to get the job done.

3. Loob:
-I want to go full synthetic for the tranny fluid. Any body done it? Recommend it?
-I'm using cheap high-milage 10w-30 oil right now, but changing it every 1500-2000 miles. I would like to go with a synthetic blend? Anyone else do that?

here'* some pics:

"The Ranch" (Where my 170 Horses live).


My Dash


The Console.


The Console: 2


My Grille


The Buick'* back end:

Kinda dig the all digi dash!

Very neat car. I like it!

As far as your questions, I don't have the knowledge about your generation of car that others have. Give the one'* that know best the time to find your questions and I am pretty sure they can provide guidance.

As far as engine temps, from what I have seen i my own car, is that a combination of heat and humidity seems to make the motor run a little hotter than normal, about 10-15* in extreme conditions. Is your temp guage accurate? How hot is it getting compared to normal? Giving the engine bay and motor a good cleaning might help reduce some of the temps that could be held in by normal engine grime and grease.

Are the cooling fans coming on properly? Has the radiator been flushed? If so, it is pretty likely that your 17-year old car could benefit from a new radiator. They are available for about $100 on-line and are fairly easy to install. Another item that will preserve your transmission while additionally lowering your engine temperature, is a transmission fluid cooler like the ones sold at http://www.bulkpart.com

I've already flushed the radiator with a chemical and replaced the coolant with 50/50 Prestone Dex-Cool and Water. The radiator was pretty new when I bought the car about 7 months ago.
edit: The cooling fans do work.