Hi all, I just bought a 2005 Bonneville GXP with 7500 miles. Even though I’m a gearhead, these cars flew under my radar and I didn’t know they existed until I stumbled across one for sale online. Mine is silver and is minus the sunroof and CD changer in the trunk, but I believe it has everything else.

I would really prefer a rear-wheel drive car with a stick, but the Bonne was way cheaper than a comparable GTO or Mustang GT. And with the wicked styling and all of the extra room and options, it was a no-brainer for me.

First off, although the power is only moderate, I am blown away by the handling and braking. I’ve had to work really hard to probe the handling limits of this car because it just keeps on sticking. To drive a big car that handles like this is amazing. And it feels very stable and secure during high-speed braking.

I just topped it off with 93 octane, and that is all I will be running. According to what I’ve read on this site, the computer will increase the timing if it does not detect knock. I figure an extra 20 cents per gallon is not much to pay when I’m already paying 3.00. And I may get some of that money back in increased gas mileage.

My previous vehicle that I still own is a 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. I’ve owned it since 91 (!). It’* a daily driver, 2.3 litre turbo, 5speed, and I have run a best of 13.65 @ 102. That is in daily-driven trim, radial tires and all. But it had been running badly lately, and I needed to get something dependable for daily transport.

I’m going to try to leave the GXP alone for a while since it is under warrantee, but I’m already thinking of doing the airbox mod and dropping in a K&N. Must resist….

Welcome to the family. The GXP is a nice ride,excellent choice

I'm sure GXP Venom will chime in here soon. He'* taken the GXP where noone has before

My ears are burning. Did someone mention my name . Welcome Turbocoupe.
Yes it does grab the road well and I to have fiddled with motors awhile and this ones a little different then the rest. Hope you enjoy the Club and dont be bashful here. It gets lonely on this side of the creek. Yes the PCM is ultra complex and can do some amazing refiguring as you go along. It even seems to know what to do if I run out of Nitrous and just spray gas down the TB. And the Tranny has a mind of it'* own as well and seems to learn your habits and adjusts shift points as you go along. Torque steering is a little matter to get used to at a WOT (X2 with the juice is spraying) but ya get use to it. If and when you ever disconnect the Battery The whole thing resets itself; so dont worry if things dont respond as it did before. It relearns rather quickly. Watch yer oil consumption , it'* natural for the N* to drink a little more than the norm. The rings are stubborn to seat The more aggressive you drive it , the better thing get and the faster it goes. Watch the limiter (6500) , she likes to get there quick and wierd things happen If you need help setting your profile, signature, or how to host, post photos please feel free to PM me. A couple things we have noticed since the GXP'* came out. the Foglamp harnesses are faulty, Body panels like to come loose, and the intermediate steering shafts like to go dry and need Mr Goodwrenchs "special lube" or outright replacement.
And dont forget to introduce yourself in the introduction section as well. Ya dont want the other trim levels thinking you ignore'd them.... their a testy lot

Not all uf us.

Welcome to the club. I moved this to the Introduction forum so you get an even warmer welcome!

Thanks Vital!

Venom, I've already got the aggressive break-in thing going. I read the Northstar link I found on this site and was glad to hear these motors are happy to be run hard. I've been doing several WOT because I'm trying to teach the PCM "daddy buys you the good fuel, so bump that timing up". I think it is running a little stronger, but hard to say for sure.

I have a friend that wants to run me in his wife'* '06 Accura TL. I didn't buy this car to drag race, but I really hope I can at least hang with the TL. I guess I should drop in a K/N ASAP.

I wish they'd come out with a premium-only chip for this car. I know it'* not going to be king of the street, but every little bit helps.

Ask and you will receive my friend. I have some legal issues and a few Customs Shows coming up so my mod fever is on hold. But when I get back to living my normal routine.......

Jet Chip now makes a controller to "piggyback" the PCM and do all the good stuff their chip does for the rest of the Crowd. (Thanx Will W)

http://www.jetchip.com/products.asp?...&model=591#591

And Granetelli Sports makes a good aftermarket Maf.With screen deleted and programmed to make the most out of PCM response... (Thanx Custom8

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...hlight=#646409

And if you really feel in an exotic mood STS makes turboing an N* soon possible.

http://www.ststurbo.com/home

Hows that for a Welcome and give ya some things to consider

welcome to our world where ya from?

Turbo coupe, I have had mx GXP on a road course, and short of pulling the e brake it is almost impossible to get in trouble with this car. The stabilitrac does it all. It saved me from an in the weeds excursion.

Welcome... the GXP is sweet (after you get used to the fuel economy).

I agree. When you're topping off the tank for $50, an extra couple bucks hardly matters.

I drove one of those once.... in the snow/ice. That was scary!