Frequently Asked Questions

What is a W-body car?
General Motors classifies cars as different body types. Cars of the same body type are built on the same platform, utilizing the same unibody frame and most drivetrain components. W-body cars are front-wheel drive midsize cars first introduced in 1987 as a 1988 model year. They were GM's answer to the then radical and sleek-designed 1986 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable twins. W-body cars started out as sleek, aerodynamic 2-door coupes, and 4-door body styles were added in 1990. The first generation of W-body cars are the 1988-96 Buick Regal, 1990-94 Chevrolet Lumina, 1988-97 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and 1988-96 Pontiac Grand Prix. They were later to be replaced by the second generation W-body cars, which are a total ground-up redesign. They consist of the 1997+ Buick Century/Regal, 1997+ Pontiac Grand Prix, 1998+ Oldsmobile Intrigue, and 2000+ Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Impala. There were also modified versions of the first-generation W-body cars such as the 1995-99 Chevrolet Lumina and Monte Carlo. I call those generation 1.5.

Where can I get a full W-Body service manual for my vehicle?
Easy, Helm Inc. sells full manuals for very reasonable prices. These are totally better than a basic Chilton's or anything like that sort. Helm provides full wiring diagrams, assembly pictures, and even diagnostic tables to find the exact problem on your W-body. Check out Helm Inc. for their toll free number to order it to your home or garage.

Can I install a 180 - degree thermostat in my vehicle?
A 180 - degree stat will work perfectly fine, as will a 160 degree stat. The idea behind the cooler stat is to lower the operating temperature of the engine, and for cars with stock intake setups, to lower intake air temp. However the intake air is not going to matter by the thermostat nearly as much as under hood temps from the exhaust system, or the amount of air flowing into the engine bay (while driving, sitting idle doesn't do much).

So what does lowering the thermostat rating really do? The cylinder walls are cooler and that means they don't expand as much. Its probably not even noticeable for a 180 thermostat, but a 160 thermostat may have an effect on cylinder wall wear. It may still be negligible but something to take precautionary measures. Yet, the lower engine temp will also mean cooler heads and intake manifolds (though the intake charge itself will cool the intakes off while driving). Lower head temps can help against pre-detonation.

The negative effects of a lower stat include higher emissions, possibility for increased cylinder wear, and more frequent oil changes. Oil needs to reach a certain temp to burn off unwanted contaminants in the oil system. It is unproven thus far as to what effect the coolant temp will actually have on the oil temp, but again, want to mention all aspects of the modification.

The computer / electrical side of running a low temperature thermostat is mostly fine. There are very few parts of the programming that deal with the temperature range around the stock thermostat settings. You would be hard pressed to notice anything at all with a scan tool, let alone driving. Your car will go into 'closed loop' with a 160, 180, or 195 degree thermostat. As long as the coolant reaches about 4 degrees F, you will not have an issue with the closed loop operation. The rumors about excessive MPG losses are again, rumors. It may get worse mileage because of the other factors from the cooler stat, but the computer is not dumping in fuel trying to reach 195 degrees.

However, to see the full effects of a lower temperature thermostat, you may want to install a manual fan switch or have your computer programmed to turn the fans on close to your thermostat temperature. Also, an alternative, based on application, you can match the turn - on period of the radiator fans to start up near or at stock thermostat, then getting a cooler thermostat; this too will help when you are driving.

Is it possible for such an old / high mileage car to run a Nitrous Oxide System?
Well, this is a more complicated question. First off, think of what you are asking the engine to do. It must work harder, run at a higher temperature, but on the other hand it's only at a couple times a week for about 20 seconds or less. My best thing to say is that your the only one who knows the condition of the engine, so read through the FAQ's of the company your thinking about purchasing the system from. They have great staffs for answering questions of this sort via e-mail or by phone. But remember, don't think your stock engine will handle more than a 70hp shot, unless you rebuilt the engine to accept a shot of NOS higher than this. If you really want to kill the motor, try handling a 120hp, 150hp, or 200hp shot... e-mail me and tell me what you think after you melt your piston rings.

Are there any companies that produce a supercharger / turbocharger system?
Unfortunately, no. There has been some rumors that RSM Racing would have produced a system for the DOHC setup which was supposed to be out by spring of 2002 but that hasn't pulled through as far as I aware. The only thing we can all do is either sit back and wait or create a custom one ourselves. But, if you own a 3.4 SFI V6, a 3.1 SFI V6 or even a 2.8 / 3.1 MPFI V6, RSM Racing does now have a supercharger set-up for you car, and what a job they've done! Make sure to take a look!

What about installing a supercharged 3.8 liter V6 in my W-Body, they fit in right...?
Yes they in fact do! On most of the W-bodies the main thing needed is to redo the wiring. But Tom has already made up a wiring harness that will assist you in the install. You need to make sure you have all the parts needed for this swap (i.e. entire engine with all components, transmission, transaxle). For more info on this check out www.l67swap.com.

Have a question that's just burning a hole in your mind? No problem, just e-mail me, and I will try and get you the most up-to-date information I can. But also trust your fellow gear heads and check out any W-Body or GM based web forums to post questions and ideas. Best of luck!!!