oro
Aurora Newbie
Posts: 1 
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Post by oro on Jul 19, 2014 9:22:40 GMT -6
Hi,
I'm considering a clean, really nice looking used 1st gen. Aurora. The one I have my eye on at the moment is a 1998, 115k miles, very clean/well maintained. $3.5k. There are a few cheaper models available locally, but this one is very clean and in amazing condition.
I have always liked the styling of these cars, and the reviews and feedback. Plus my dad sold Oldsmobiles in the '70s so we rode around in them and I always liked them among the GM line-up, so there's that, too. One thing I question is that in digging on the interwebs and reading about them, I've read about the head bolt issue with these engines, and leaks. Is this a serious worry? My experience is things like this usually have a general cause and doesn't show up in normal use. Is it something that comes from neglected maintenance, hard use, hot climates, or is it truly random?
Thoughts and insight appreciated!
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Paulaurora
Super Moderator 
Posts: 3,829
Staff Member
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Post by Paulaurora on Jul 19, 2014 14:44:16 GMT -6
Welcome it is truly random but a lot ppl here have 200k and up so I think you should be good for a while but than again you dono how well it was maintained before you. GL
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Post by rorafan on Jul 21, 2014 11:58:51 GMT -6
Y, head bolts seem pretty much random. Lots of info here and on some Caddy boards if you want to dig deeper (the 4.6 is similar to our 4.0). The consensus seems to be it's related to poor block casting methods. Only thing *maybe* related as far as maintenance...GM does say to use premium gas and coolant seal pellets to prevent "severe engine damage". Note the pellets make the coolant look dirty - keep that in mind if the coolant looks bad in this one. I change coolant out every cpl years. Oil leaks are common, so much so I'd say it's almost a guarantee. Most will eventually seep at the case half seal, which usu. requires the engine to come out for a full reseal. Have heard of folks finding a shop willing to cut some of the exhaust out of the way and then weld it back to save big $$. Mine leaves a drop on the garage floor every now and then. Big deal...it's something I can easily live with. My advice: Don't let the potential issues scare you away. Same as you, I've liked these cars since they came out and I really regret not buying one sooner! Just find one that looks well maintained, keep that up, and drive it 'til the wheels fall off.  |
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Post by freebird5049 on Jul 22, 2014 9:00:52 GMT -6
I bought mine, a 99 at 147,000 miles for $2000 a year and a half ago. Burned/leaked a quart of oil every 6,000 miles(my usual oil change) and still hasn't got worse at 165,000 miles now. Lots of small electrical issues and no a/c but all small repairs I work on with time as money permits, I love it and regret nothing. I'll buy a new motor and tranny before I part with it, getting the whole under carriage of the unibody cut, ground out and new metal rewelded at chassis shop this fall, it's seen a lot of salt and that's taken it's toll but I can't complain, smooth ride and 28 mpg on my country roads out of a v8. My only ***** is the speed limiter. Gets there quick and is an instant buzz killer on the highway lol  |
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randnon
Aurora Passenger
Posts: 247
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Post by randnon on Jul 22, 2014 20:07:47 GMT -6
I do not know where this car has been, but I would check for rust in some important locations if it is from the rust belt, engine cradle mount and arround the rear wheel house. Mechanicly auroras are about average but can be difficult to fix because of the tight quarters and complexity. I have had the thread bolt / gasket issue and fixed it on my 95, it is one of my 2 gen 1 auroras. My 95 also does drip a little oil but nothing major for a 20 yr old car, it burns about 1 qt every 3m miles,( I purchased it new ). I was so happy with the 95 that I ebayed a clean rust free 99 with only 42m miles 2.5 years ago and intend to drive both or at least one for the next decade. With all their flaws they are a very good ride. You can see by my picture post a photo from my repair. Rich
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Post by isaacterminator on Apr 14, 2022 5:25:52 GMT -6
I’m buying a 98 aurora and have looked around a little here plan to do more but from the sound of it there’s not much you can do for performance wise other than simple swaps, is there anything I can do to get some real power out of the 4.0
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Post by Marc on Apr 14, 2022 5:59:06 GMT -6
There are tuners that can get some more power. Google "Oldsmobile Aurora Tuners". BTW, does that 1998 have the Autobahn Package?
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RCA1186
Administrator 
Rob
Go Pack Go!
Posts: 4,838
Staff Member
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Post by RCA1186 on Apr 14, 2022 6:42:12 GMT -6
Google northstar performance. They can tune your PCM. I can't verify the gains myself. You also supposedly can swap in cams from the 4.6 Northstar for more power. Supposedly that's what they did to the Aurora motors they used in the Shelby Series one though I'm not sure if any member on here ever tried it themself.
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Post by Marc on Apr 14, 2022 9:46:07 GMT -6
Google northstar performance. They can tune your PCM. I can't verify the gains myself. You also supposedly can swap in cams from the 4.6 Northstar for more power. Supposedly that's what they did to the Aurora motors they used in the Shelby Series one though I'm not sure if any member on here ever tried it themself. says on his profile that he put the Shelby Series 1 4.0 into his 1997. BTW. he was last here in 2013. |
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RCA1186
Administrator
Rob
Go Pack Go!
Posts: 4,838
Staff Member
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Post by RCA1186 on Apr 18, 2022 6:31:48 GMT -6
Yes I do remember a couple members that supposedly did the Shelby motor swap . I just am uncertain if anyone took their stock Aurora motor and added 4.6 cams themselves. Unfortunately, if I'm remembering right, I believe shelbyracing passed away awhile back.
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Post by Marc on Apr 18, 2022 12:49:54 GMT -6
I remember that somebody on another forum put the 300 HP Northstar cams into a Classic, But I don't remember what he said about the results.....it could have been 20 years ago. And even though I never met him in person, I am shocked to see that Shelbyracing is gone.
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Post by isaacterminator on Apr 19, 2022 22:44:20 GMT -6
There are tuners that can get some more power. Google "Oldsmobile Aurora Tuners". BTW, does that 1998 have the Autobahn Package? I finally got it today and I think it’s got the autobahn package I’m not 100% sure but it does have the V rated tires |
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Post by Marc on Apr 20, 2022 5:54:21 GMT -6
There are tuners that can get some more power. Google "Oldsmobile Aurora Tuners". BTW, does that 1998 have the Autobahn Package? I finally got it today and I think it’s got the autobahn package I’m not 100% sure but it does have the V rated tires If it has V rated tires it should have the Autobahn Package, Another way of seeing that it has the Autobahn is to look in the trunk for the build sticker. Look on that for the code "QQX" which indicates the Autobahn Pack |
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Post by AuroraGirlFromMars on Apr 25, 2022 11:17:08 GMT -6
I remember that somebody on another forum put the 300 HP Northstar cams into a Classic, But I don't remember what he said about the results.....it could have been 20 years ago. And even though I never met him in person, I am shocked to see that Shelbyracing is gone. |
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Post by AuroraGirlFromMars on Apr 25, 2022 11:26:45 GMT -6
I finally got it today and I think it’s got the autobahn package I’m not 100% sure but it does have the V rated tires If it has V rated tires it should have the Autobahn Package, Another way of seeing that it has the Autobahn is to look in the trunk for the build sticker. Look on that for the code "QQX" which indicates the Autobahn Pack also, v rated tires on it NOW are not important its the factory tire use which is on your RPO too |
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Post by isaacterminator on Apr 29, 2022 2:14:13 GMT -6
I finally got it today and I think it’s got the autobahn package I’m not 100% sure but it does have the V rated tires If it has V rated tires it should have the Autobahn Package, Another way of seeing that it has the Autobahn is to look in the trunk for the build sticker. Look on that for the code "QQX" which indicates the Autobahn Pack Checked the trunk sticker and it is the autobahn package so far falling in love with the car can’t believe I paid a grand for it |
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Post by Marc on Apr 29, 2022 5:29:15 GMT -6
Checked the trunk sticker and it is the autobahn package so far falling in love with the car can’t believe I paid a grand for it Good! |
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Post by kyngofpop on Jul 18, 2022 20:35:32 GMT -6
I finally got it today and I think it’s got the autobahn package I’m not 100% sure but it does have the V rated tires If it has V rated tires it should have the Autobahn Package, Another way of seeing that it has the Autobahn is to look in the trunk for the build sticker. Look on that for the code "QQX" which indicates the Autobahn Pack The WORST thing you can do for these cars is baby them. That's why so many of the met their demise. The upper cylinders don't get oiled and the passages clog up, ald the cylinder heads don't get heated enough. Speaking as someone that had an Aurora last until 295K and the only reason it was sat down was because it was wrecked...trust me. Baby it if ya want but youre sitting on a ticking time bomb by driving it at 35mph daily. |
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Post by AuroraGirlFromMars on Jul 19, 2022 17:00:30 GMT -6
If it has V rated tires it should have the Autobahn Package, Another way of seeing that it has the Autobahn is to look in the trunk for the build sticker. Look on that for the code "QQX" which indicates the Autobahn Pack The WORST thing you can do for these cars is baby them. That's why so many of the met their demise. The upper cylinders don't get oiled and the passages clog up, ald the cylinder heads don't get heated enough. Speaking as someone that had an Aurora last until 295K and the only reason it was sat down was because it was wrecked...trust me. Baby it if ya want but youre sitting on a ticking time bomb by driving it at 35mph daily. I fit 12 gallons of kerosene in the LX5(3.5 v6) crankcase from oil drain to oil fill. It didnt work at giving oil pressure(bearing wear) But It did demonstrate how much those valve stem seals sealed 10 minutes of white smoke LOL (I drained the kero, then filled with oil, ran that 10 min, then did oil change. sadly didnt work) |
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Post by carl on Aug 7, 2022 5:47:40 GMT -6
I'm new to this and still learning my way around. I have a 2002 4.0 with 85000 miles. Only getting 15 mpg. Also looking for radio knobs for the Bose stereo. Glad I found this site
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Post by Marc on Aug 7, 2022 9:47:48 GMT -6
I have a 2002 4.0 with 85000 miles. Only getting 15 mpg. Under what circumstances? Around town, on the road, or on average? My 2001 4.0 gets about 17 on average. |
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Paulaurora
Super Moderator
Posts: 3,829
Staff Member
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Post by Paulaurora on Aug 9, 2022 18:49:37 GMT -6
I'm new to this and still learning my way around. I have a 2002 4.0 with 85000 miles. Only getting 15 mpg. Also looking for radio knobs for the Bose stereo. Glad I found this site i might have the numb but to be sure post a pic what exactly you need. |
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