Advice for new owner on potential issues and maintenance

[jknight8787]

Just purchased a 98 SSE with approx. 93k miles. I was thinking of having tne coolant flushed and the transmission fluid changed along with new plugs and wires, to keep it running good. Does this sound like something that is advisable? Is there anything else i should look into to keep things running smooth. Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated.

[nos4blood70]

Check to make sure both the lower intake gaskets and upper intake have been replaced with upgraded parts. The lower intake gaskets come in aluminum, and the upper now has a special sleeved version for better longevity.

Change the trans fluid but don't flush it. There is a difference.

Belden wires and some stock heat range iridium plugs will be best.

[JohnR]

Got a 97 with 80k miles a couple of months ago. Did Dorman upper intake, lower gaskets, air filter, fuel filter, PCV valve, trans service, coolant flush, 180* thermostat, platinum Denso plugs, and AC Delco wires. Car should be good except for oil changes and a trans service or two for another 60k miles. Although it'll probably need some brake lines replaced at some point. Motor and trans wise it's good.

[jknight8787]

That is exactly the info I was looking for. I tried to check if the UIM was replaced by checking manufacturer date. I only saw 2 stamps. One with the day, then another that showed an arrow to the 11th month and then a big number 1 and then a 2 that separates the arrow pointing to the month. So I want to say that would be a date of November 2012, but don't want to assume something like that. Could anyone elaborate on this? Also is there any easy way to tell if gaskets have been replaced?

[JohnR]

I can't remember if you can see the lower gaskets with the intake on but if you can you're looking for an aluminum gasket frame. Here's the write up I followed doing mine:

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... c3591.html

[MKMike]

Here is how to determine the manufacturing date of the upper manifold http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... c1061.html
I'm pretty sure the edges of the lower intake gasket are visible at the drive belt end.

[Pontiac1]

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 40156.html