Reader Aid For Sticky Third-Gen Brakes
In the July '06 issue "Tech Q&A: Late-Model," there is a question from Scott Carmichael, "This Third-Gen Stops Too Much," regarding Third-Gen brakes locking up in the front. I've had the same problem on my '85 IROC-Z (Okay, it isn't a Pontiac, but it sits in the garage next to my '69 Firebird convertible and '00 Bonneville). I also chased the problem, changing parts and asking everyone I know in the area, until I finally checked the front rubber hoses that feed the front calipers. Both of them were blocked where the mounting clamp attaches to the A-arm. I thought the problem had to be somewhere before the lines split since both wheels were locking up, but it seems both lines deteriorated at the same pace. So I installed new hoses, and I'm back on the road again.
I hope you can get this info to Scott and it will help him, too. When I told all my friends in the hobby what the problem was, nobody had ever heard of this happening to both hoses at once. Thanks for your time, great mag, Pontiacs forever (and a few Camaros, too).
Hank KollrossGreen Bay, WI
Forced Induction For My Solstice
I just acquired an '06 Solstice and am very happy with the car in every way. It has a nice ride and handling and some power (not great but still fun). I have an idea to increase the power and would like to know whether or not it's possible.
To my understanding, the Cobalt has the same engine as the Solstice. Will the supercharger from the Cobalt work with the Solstice? Will it fit? I talked to my dealer, and the warranty is not affected as long as I use GM parts and labor. If this is something that will work, please point me in the right direction. With the '07 coming out with the turbo, I really would rather have a supercharger than a turbo setup.
Also, I would like to know about the computer program in the Cobalt. Would I be able to use the chip from it or are there different/better options? I'm sure you know the questions that I would have regarding something like this.
I'm a long-time subscriber and get a lot of enjoyment out of the magazine. Thank you very much for any help you can offer.
Charley LindzyVia Internet
While I can see where your line of thinking lies (I had a similar idea on the Solstice), there are some things you need to be aware of before attempting this. First, the engines aren't actually the same. The Cobalt SS supercharged uses a supercharged 2.0L LSJ engine; the Solstice uses a 2.4L LE5 high-compression engine. The good news is both share a relatively similar cylinder-head design, which is where the supercharger from the 2.0L LSJ is attached. However, this project is a pretty massive undertaking, requiring considerable ECM retuning (which can be done, but very few people tune the E67 ECM for the LE5).
While not impossible, this endeavor will likely cost you more in time and money than simply buying an aftermarket turbo kit specifically for your Solstice. Hahn Racecraft (www.hahnracecraft.com) has a kit specifically for your Solstice, and it's ready to bolt on with complete instructions. Just food for thought while you mull over your options. Good luck with whatever you choose!
Pluggin' Away For Fourth-Gens
I have a question about spark plugs for my '01 Trans Am. Would Bosch Platinum 2 plugs (PN 4305) work well in my engine? If not, what is a good set of plugs for my engine? It's lightly modified with a larger MAF, an SLP airbox, and SLP loudmouth exhaust. Thank you.
Tom SchumacherVia Internet
My first suggestion is to read my spark plug story, "The Secret Life of Spark Plugs," in the August '06 issue. That primer does a good job explaining spark plug basics and how they apply to your Pontiac.
Disappointingly, I don't have a Bosch cross-reference book, so I must assume the part number you supplied is correct for your application. I believe you want to know how the dual-tip electrode will perform in your car. With that established I offer the following advice: My professional opinion is that in a minimally modified engine such as yours, the factory-issue spark plug is the best. There does come a time when a non-factory specification spark plug will need to be employed. This usually is the case when an engine is highly modified with an aftermarket cylinder head that has a unique combustion-chamber design and spark-plug location, the use of nitrous or forced induction, or if a larger ionization window (gap) is required. Since your Pontiac doesn't fall into any of these categories, I suggest retaining the stock part number spark plug.
Pontiac engineers perform exhaustive testing when developing an engine, and the spark plug is part of that. Longevity, the ability to burn off and remain clean, misfire protection, and electrical noise are all major concerns. This is not to say the aftermarket companies, such as Bosch, Champion, Autolite, and so on, don't follow the same protocols, but they need to make each of their part numbers fit as many applications as possible to remain in business. Since GM is in the business of building cars, not just spark plugs, it has more design freedom than the aftermarket.
Truth be told, I would find it very interesting if your Pontiac ran better or produced more power with any particular brand or electrode design of spark plug. Purchase the plugs you want, but always make sure that you gap them properly. Also put some anti-seize compound on the threads and a little dielectric compound in the spark plug boot. These actions will probably impact the way the engine runs more than the plug brand.
I'm hoping you can help me. I have an '06 Pontiac GTO, and I'm looking for an auxiliary-gauge panel that mounts in the center of the dash above the two air-vent outlets. Installed, this panel looks like a factory piece, but I'm told it's an aftermarket item. Any information you can give me is appreciated.
Bob EdlefsenSherman Oaks, CA
The gauges you seek are normally for right-hand-drive Holden vehicles. However, there is a company that converts the pod they mount to for use in the left-hand-drive GTO and other vehicles. JHP in Australia (www.jhp.com.au) does quite a bit of business here in the states and has the gauges you see in many different colors and readings, such as imperial or metric style. The company should be able to help you.