A few specific upgrade questions

[Kersh]

Alright, I have few questions that I just haven’t been able to find answers that don't leave more questions.

I have an ’01 SSEi that just turned 63K (should be barely broken in…yet it’s on its 3rd transmission in 4 months ).

It’s my daily driver so I’m not going overboard with it.

I’m planning on the standard basics:

180° thermostat (done)
Autolite 605, copper core plugs (done)
Open up the stock air box (done)
Speeddaddy headers (arriving tomorrow)
3.5” (3.4’, 3.6”????) (Still trying to decide what’s best effect vs. SAFE KR levels)
A tune for the ECM (From Overkill if I can EVER get them to RESPOND to an e-mail, someone else if not, I just don’t know who)


In addition to the headers, I’m planning on a new 3” catalytic converter (Magnaflow 59929), a 3” resonator (Vibrant Performance 1794), stepping down to the 2 ½” GXP exhaust system.

I’m not opposed to using the stock mufflers as I’ve heard they flow acceptable well for the power output level I’ll achieve, I just love the looks of the GXP tips (and I already have a full GXP system sitting at home. If I don’t have to do more cutting/welding…)

1) Has anyone done something similar??

2) Anyone have a sound-clip?

3) Also, based on this set-up, anyone have a feel for best SAFE pulley diameter?


I appreciate any input from those in the “know”!!

[00Beast]

Do you have a scan-tool that can read Knock Retard?

[Kersh]

I have a CN Series Aeroforce gauge that I had for my HHR SS but it's too old to upgrade to the PN Series needed for the Bonneville. I have to do the more expensive trade in, so yes, at some point I will be able to watch KR.

I have HP Tuners too, but I can't drive around with a laptop...

[sseilmnop]

Blu Tooth OBD2 adapters and Android Torque App works good.

Most run the 3.4" with headers, opened up intake. I run stock mufflers, stock resonators and a high flow cat. I daily drive mine and I'm old enough that I don't ever want a car with drone again! I was thinking about Bonneville GXP Exhaust but I was going to put a resonator on it.

[Kersh]

Blu Tooth OBD2 adapters and Android Torque App works good.

.

I was looking into this as an option.

If I've purchased an OBDII/Bluetooth adapter and download "Torque Pro" (the paid version), is there anything else I will be able to see KR and knock counts?

I'm questioning this only because of something I saw somewhere else that was a bit confusing.

Thank,
Ken

[Ultra Magnus]

You could run a 3.0 or 3.25 with all that flow.

[Kersh]

You could run a 3.0 or 3.25 with all that flow.

I'm assuming that was said in jest...

Based on everything I've seen on this forum as well as others (Grand Prix, Monty SS, etc.) I'd be extremely leery of running a pulley diameter that small without a LOT more $$$'s thrown at the project in the form of add'l supporting mods (Injectors, Cam/rockers, intercooler, etc)...

[Ultra Magnus]

No jest.

I'm curious, are you doing all that exhaust just to run a smaller pulley or are you doing it for because you hope it will sound better, or is it to compensate for a small signature?

[Kersh]

Basically, just trying to optimize the system to get the most out of it, dependably and safely. I'm not going for loud. It's not going to sound good regardless of what I do...short of interrupting the exhaust with a turbo...

[00Beast]

Yeahhh, 3.4 would probably be well-sized for that combo. Your scanning and tuning will tell you what works best on your car though. If you go to a 3.4 I'd go to Autolite 104 plugs too, they're another heat range colder than the 605's.

[Ultra Magnus]

Three two five. 3.4 is for women.

[00Beast]

Yeah, you do what you like. I'm sure Kersh would rather his pistons not look like:

[Ultra Magnus]

Hahaha /\ /\/\ Personal experience? Dont leave any details out. Too much timing does that waaaaaay more often than too small a pulley . And I know commanding extra timing is the fad right now with tall pullies.

And Fyi....i have zero KR, stock tune and on pump 91 with a 3.25. How? Fluke? All 3 of my L67 cars, along with my brothers Regal GS and GTP, our cousins gtp, and about 10 Azclubgp guys who ran "too small" pullies with minimal mods in Phoenix heat FOR YEARS...mustve all been flukes.

But again, let's hear the story of the chipped piston.....

[00Beast]

You guys must have some magic 91 in Phoenix, because none of us can run 3.25's with basically no mods and not blow our *shoot* up. If it works for you, great. I'm not one to tell people the quickest way to blow their *shoot* up.

[Kersh]

I also don't want to run something so close to the ragged edge. Where a mistake spells disaster with a sharp localized pain in my left rear pocket, followed by the realization I can fit the contents of my engine in a 5 gallon bucket!!

[Ultra Magnus]

Have you tried scanning to see if you can, or did you just listen to everyone else that said you couldn't? Magic gas? No that's E85. And still no full discolsure about the chunked piston.....

Kersh, get your car set up. Do a FULL tune up and buy a modular pulley system (3.4 and 3.25) and a scanner. See for yourself if you can get away with it. $100 says you can.

[00Beast]

The chunked piston was found on a GP forum. Just an example of what happens when you have too much knock.

I fully agree to run as much as you safely can. I have a feeling his setup, unless he's at 6,000+ feet of altitude, will run well, with little knock, on a 3.4.

[Ultra Magnus]

If he has any knock I'll be shocked.

[Kersh]

I'm willing to try anything....especially if the result is more power, safely.

I did pay for the full "Torque" app and am quite impressed on what's available for display. It looks like it should suffice until I spend the $$$'s to upgrade my Aeroforce gauge.

Now just to get the exhaust installed so I can try some pulleys and see what works.

[Sether]

Hey Kersh, you said up there that you were getting some speed daddy headers. You put them on yet? If so how are they and how was the fit? I looked them up because I did not know of many headers that fit these cars and the speed daddy one is crazy inexpensive compared to the others i've seen. not sure if it fit Bonnevilles. I want one now if i find out yours are good. I mean those speed daddy headers if I looked the same one up is a little bit more expensive then 1 ZZP power log.....thats nice.