PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

Here is the list of things I want to get done over my thanksgiving break...

LIM Gaskets
Valve Cover Gaskets
180 degree thermostat
SC oil change
Coolant flush/switch to green(maybe)
Aluminum coolant elbows
Oil Change

I've spent the better part of the last month looking through this forum and reading up on all of these topics. A couple questions I still have.

Is the coolant color switch as straight forward as it sounds, old out, new in?
The thermostat can be switched but won't do anything unless the pcm is tuned correct?
Is there any other videos/forums that you know of that would help me? Or any advice you guys have for me before I dive in?

I've heard and read that using the "mixes with any color" type of anti-freeze is more compatible than the old green type unless you're able to get the DexCool absolutely, completely flushed out.

You will want to give the motor a proper flushing before putting in the Green stuff. DEX and the green stuff do not agree. I'd do it for peace of mind. It's easy to do if you have a garden hose.

With the 180* thermostat, the car will run cooler if it's moving, like on the high way. I'd still do it.

i finish doing my intake and valve cover gaskets over the weekend on my 2002 ssei and flushed out the green and put in orange coolant also install the elbows in aluminum cuz the plastic ones are no good

Okay sounds like I'm gonna go ahead and do everything on the list and fill it with the "mixes with any" coolant just in case. Another thing I forgot to mention earlier is that I also need new tires. I live in northwest Iowa and I need a tire that will last me through the winter and also be good for the next summer too. So basically what is the best all season tire I can get for my money?

What's your money?

Ha that is the question isn't it. Since i'm in college right now and have student loans and all that, my money is minimal. My main goal is to get something practical. I don't need the best looking tire, just something that will work well and for a long time.

With regard to the coolant flush, do not be suprised if you have to flush out two times to get most of the Dex out. In my 2002 sle, I had to do two flushes even though the Dex was replaced by the previous owner. The "mixes with any" should be ok, if you read the chemical formula, most of the "mixes with any" are the same. It is an updated type of green colored coolant that has been around a long time. Once you switch out, you need to flush and fill every two years.

Since you have an SSEi, I assume that you have 17 inch tires. Middle of the road 17 inch tires for the Bonneville start at $130/tire where I live (Connecticut). Generally, such tires are good for 30k to 40k. I think you should plan on about $150/tire installed to get a good overall tire that will get you through a few years of use. Of course a lot depends on the way you drive and the milage you put on per year. I think a lot of persons on this forum will give you good suggestions for tire brands, tire are very much a personal thing. As for myself, I think the Cooper tires are a good tire for the money, I have Coopers on my sle. I am into a smooth, comfortable drive as my "hard driving" days are over.

Good luck with you Bonneville. Hope this helps.

bonnieandclyde007 wrote:i finish doing my intake and valve cover gaskets over the weekend on my 2002 ssei and flushed out the GREEN and put in ORANGE coolant also install the elbows in aluminum cuz the plastic ones are no good

You did it backwards, you want the green.

Does anyone have a specific tire recommendations? I really have no idea what to look for.

So, what rims size on ur car? Its easy to find kumho, imo