200MPH+ FWD Pontiac Bonneville Sedan

[RU482]

I was doing a little research on the Bonneville G/XP concept model from the Chi Auto show when I came across this article on Pontiac's website

Appearently with a little "creative engineering" and minimal use of "aftermarket parts", they were able to get...now get this...600HP@6000RPM out of the old supercharged 3800 V6.

It even says the car that hit 200MPH had a 12 disc changer, keyless entry, power windows and locks, and...hehe cruise control. Imagine setting the CC @ 200MPH

It was the first front wheel drive car to break the 200MPH barrier

 

[TerryMathews]

Doubtful it is the first 200MPH FWD car. There have been several extremely highly tuned/turbocharged Honda Civics that can make 9-10s 1/4mile times. That would be a trap speed of ~120MPH. 200 would be easy, just need bigger tires to act as a taller final drive to make longer gearing.

 

[RU482]

but has there ever been a civic built with those bigger tires and put on an official test strip and documented @ 200MPH?

Until then, it's just an urban legend or a comment on a message board

 

[TerryMathews]

First off, most FWD cars (Including the Bonneville as I understand) would be so skirtish as to be undrivable at 200MPH without major aerodynamic and suspension improvements. Second, just do a search on one Steph Papadakis. 800 HP Honda Civic. I can assure you if my Prelude can make 145MPH on 166HP (1.14HP/MPH), Stephs Civic can make 200 with a few small tweaks (His car would have 4HP/MPH @ 200MPH). But why should he mess with this, when he's dominating the NIRA?

Also, found this on a cached copy of the NIRA web site...

Pro FWD
Name MPH
Steph Papadakis 172.11

 

[RU482]

According to the article, they did make some significant suspension improvements (lowered). Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm thinking a great 1/4 mile car (~9sec) probably doesn't top out too high, especially 200+

Anyway, just wanted to show that American car companies are doing more with their engineers than just designing bland sedans

 

[Rent]

The Buick 3800 has extreme potential. Its a shame that we just get mild versions of this motor in our daily drivers.

Most people don't care about domestics unless its something like a Viper or GT-40. Such a shame...

 

[Rent]

<< The Bonneville's supercharged 3.8 liter V-6 engine, which uses a Kenne-Bell supercharger, was re-worked by Richard Lee of Lee Performance Products (LPP) and produced in excess of 600hp @ 6000rpm. Ported and polished cylinder heads have been re-worked by Morgan Engineering to substantially increase the power potential of the cylinder head. A special crank and rod preparation with balancing was performed by Evans Speed Equipment. Doug's Headers fabricated the custom exhaust system with thermal barrier coating applied by Engineered Applications. A LPP fabricated intercooler was added to the vehicle to pass cooler air from the supercharger to the engine. The 4T65E GM Powertrain transaxle was enhanced by Hydramatic Motorsports to run over 200 mph and the final drive ratio was changed to 2.56 from 2.93. >>



If only GM would pep this motor up more, it would rival the Nissan 3.5L...

 

[RU482]

It does look like they might bring a 270 or 280 HP version out in the next gen Grand Prix ...time will tell

 

[Rent]

<< It does look like they might bring a 270 or 280 HP version out in the next gen Grand Prix ...time will tell >>



280... now if they'd give it a nice 6spd... :Q

 

[ThaGrandCow]

:Q