Thinking about purchasing an S/C Bonneville, need input
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: West Central WI
Thinking about purchasing an */C Bonneville, need input
I have browsed the forum, very nice. I'm seriously considering an SC purchase. I currently own a 95SE with 120K that has been an excellent car. Very reliable. After searching the forum I found that I'm probably better off buying a 97 or newer SC, correct? The 96 and newer have the increased HP but the 96 appears to have some unique features that make it difficult to modify. A GXP would be nice but I'd rather stay with something a little less expensive. I ran across a 96 SC with 80K for about 5K. But, is the 96 a bad choice? Finally, I found the intense racing website. Does the stage II kit really give an additional 50HP? Will the increased boost kill the motor? Just want to get some info before I make the final decision. Thanks for the input.
Senior Member
Certified GM nut
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 0
From: Home Sweet Home in New York
Its slightly easier to find mods for the Series 2 3800. Alot of folks around here swear by vendors like Intense Racing and ZZ Performance.
I wouldn't let that be your sole determining factor though. I have a 1995 SSEi that I recently purchased. I felt it was the perfect car for me the moment I sat in it months before I finally did buy it. I've been in a 97 SSEi and I prefer my Series 1. It has alot of cajones
.
By the way, I believe the Series 1 L67 has a bit less horsepower then the Series 2, but less built in torque management. Others will chime in with the specifics.
I wouldn't let that be your sole determining factor though. I have a 1995 SSEi that I recently purchased. I felt it was the perfect car for me the moment I sat in it months before I finally did buy it. I've been in a 97 SSEi and I prefer my Series 1. It has alot of cajones
.By the way, I believe the Series 1 L67 has a bit less horsepower then the Series 2, but less built in torque management. Others will chime in with the specifics.
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 1
From: Lakeville, MN
Yup, 97+ is the way to go. My 97' has been flawless reliability wise and I beat it pretty good. The Ser 1 has some aftermarket now. However, it still is FAAAAR from the aftermarket of the Ser 2.
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7,545
Likes: 1
From: Twin Falls, Idaho
Senior Member
Posts like a Corvette
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,445
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
The '96 has the series II, the only difference being that it is mated to the 4T60E-HD rather then the 4T65E-HD tranny. It is the PCM that is difficult to find for this car, which is why some people suggest to stay away from it if you want to mod it. I do beleive someone is making or at least working on a PCM for the '96 now...
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 15,342
Likes: 0
From: Quincy, Ma
Originally Posted by Hans
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Pontiac-Bonneville-SSEi-2000-Pontiac-Bonneville-ONE-OWNER-CLEAN-LOW-MILES_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6417QQitemZ460029 1016QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
has your name all over it.
high miles though
has your name all over it.
high miles though
Miles: 36534
Thats low miles.
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 13
If you're after reliability in the trans, the 4T60 from 92-96 lasts about twice as long before the first failure than the 4T65E. If you want to modify and want PCM support, choose either 92-95 or 97+.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: West Central WI
so, the 2000 and up is heavier? does intense sell a pcm for the 96, they list a kit? thanks for all of the replies!! didn't they introduce the ser II in 95? my 95 se has a ser II