7th Dec 2008, 22:15
My Bonneville blew the motor after 40 days... not impressed.
I'm glad the majority of you like your bonneville's but as for me, next time, I'll pass and buy a real car!
25th Feb 2009, 06:23
Just bought a 2001 Monte Carlo with the 3800 Series II - had a stalling/hard start problem, easy fix was replace the crank sensor myself - cost was only $35.
The car is fully loaded with all options, which is really nice to drive - but my "old" 1995 Pontiac GTP 3.4 DOHC has more power. 200 HP vs. 215 HP, 3800 vs. 3.4 - so if you have an old 4-cam 3.4 DOHC and it runs good and is in good condition, keep it. It will run rings around a naturally aspirated 3800 Series II.
Funny thing, the 3.4 DOHC is a smaller engine, by 0.4 liter. The new cars are being emasculated by emission/cafe mileage government laws. This is a perfect example of government interference forcing automakers to produce inferior new cars, compared to old ones - in respect to engine horsepower.
19th Dec 2009, 20:21
I have owned a USED 2002 Monte Carlo SS 3.8 N/A L36 3800 seriesII for almost 6 years now. The only problem I ever had was with the catalytic converter clogging up with carbon and having it replaced under warranty. A company called ZZPerformance, makes a ported throttle body and intake manifold insert that replaces the smaller diameter runners, that choke the engine at higher RPM's. This would give you the added HP you crave. This really is GM's best engine.
6th Jul 2007, 23:16
I have a 1997 Bonneville and I love the car, except for one thing. The car surges when I have the a/c on, and am pressing the gas pedal. The higher the setting of my a/c, the worse it surges. It's pretty scary when out on a highway, and the surging makes me feel like the car is going to die.
The mechanic is baffled by it, and since it is directly related to the a/c use, he is at a loss as to why this is happening. I had some one tell me (a relative who is also a mechanic) that it might be the a/c motor cutting in and out, drawing power away from the engine. I don't know... but it's driving me crazy!