Stealth
03-31-08, 06:29 PM
In connection with the ownership of the Allanté, i have gathered the following FACTS through
a multitude of various sources. most of the following facts have to do with PRODUCTION
facts, but some have to do with MAINTENANCE and exchangeability of components.
Since nothing is perfect, i am open for corrections.
Numerous details were provided from people that were there, when and where the production was ongoing.
However, a great deal of these facts were gathered from hundreds of pictures of Allantés on the auction-block - Pictures don't lie. Most everything below is backed up with hard facts and pictures of numerous cars and components.
If you spot an error, let me know. The goal is to achieve full accuracy.
check back to THIS website for updates
that may come with newly found information.
Should you find this data or any portion of the data usefull, feel FREE to copy.
You have MY PERMISSION
Use the information but please give due credit to the writer.
- there is no need to steal it, so please dont -
copyright © Stealth Inc. 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Allanté XYZ Facts -
AIR BAGS - Installed on the 1990 to 1993 Allanté models. Including the Phase I 1990.
AIRBRIDGE, Allanté Airbridge - Manufacturing of the car began in Detroit where two underbody assemblies, based upon a shortened El Dorado chassis, were boxed with wiring harnesses and 107 other components for each car (including air conditioner, steering system, and Delco-designed electronics). Underbodies and components were then flown to Turin in specially-configured Lufthansa and Alitalia 747's. Upon arrival at the Turin facility, the actual body of the car was attached to the underbody assembly, then received a top-notch paint job at a special paint facility, developed for the Allanté. The bodies were then flown back to Detroit, 57 at a time, where Cadillac installed the engine and drive train. This "Allanté Airbridge" was considered "the longest assembly line in the world".
BODY, EXPRESS WINDOWS - Installed on models years 1989 and on.
BODY, COACH WORKS - Corrosion resistant zinc coated treated steel and aluminum topside panels. In 1993, urethane body bushings were introduced.
BODY, ALUMINUM PANELS - The aluminum top as well as the other two aluminum body parts, the trunk lid and the hood lid, are said to have been manufactured in Switzerland.
BODY, DOORS - same for 1987 to 1992 years, the 1993 changed.
BODY, DOOR LATCHES - The door latches on all 1987 to 1992 Allanté are identical, with the sturdy tapered pin which locks the door to the body perfectly and may in fact help create a life capsule/cabin. The door latch on a 1993 Allanté is identical to the economy 1997 Lumina latch - a cost savings that may weaken the structure of the cabin compared to the earlier models.
BODY, CHROME STRIPS - Stainless Steel strips are found on the bumpers on all models. On the 1987 to early 1990 models, there is also a strip on the leading edge of the hood and fenders framing the headlights. No hood / fender SS strips on 1990 ½ to ‘93..
BODY, UNI-BODY - The unit body floor-pan was a shortened El Dorado / Riviera floor-pan. A more correct description is that the V-body FWD automobile platform was used twice by General Motors, the Buick Reatta & the Cadillac Allante . It was a downsized version of the E-body used in the Old Toronado, Buick Riviera and Cadillac Eldorado. Both V-body cars were personal luxury cars and sold in limited numbers: Reatta ‘88 to ‘91 and Allante ‘87 to ‘93.
BRAKES, ABS III, Bosch - Used on 1987 - 1992 Allanté. System employed, among other innovations, a highly pressurized nitrogen gas charged accumulator to control braking, skidding and stopping. Reliability is dependent on maintenance and it is said to have one of the best stopping records ever. BUT it requires maintenance - brake fluid is deemed useful for only 24 months. System manages each wheel independently for maximum stopping ability. The 1993 models did not have this system and the anti-skid ABS is instead controlled per axle like most avg cars.
BRAKES, ABS/TCS SENSORS - It is believed that the 1992 Allanté had a change in wheel’s sensors, at least as far as the ABS/TCS speed sensor pickup is concerned. Wheel sensors are used to monitor wheel movement and activation of the ABS system should it be needed.
BRAKES, ABS Relay, ABS Pump, ABS Accumulator - The brake relay on the 87 through 92 Allante supplies power to the brake pump that pressurizes the accumulator when the system calls for it. Should any of the three fail, the ABS stops working. The relay (pn 1636972) is currently (Oct-2007) unavailable new, It is located behind the coolant system reservoir . The pump and accumulator are available as rebuilt units.
BRAKES & TRACTION CONTROL - Installed on all 1990 to 1992 Allanté models. Traction control is an electro - mechanical enhancement to the basic Bosch III ABS.
CLUSTER, Digital - There are two different designs. In ‘87 Digital was the only available unit, ‘88 - ‘93 digital was std & analog optional. Digital ‘87 to ‘89 is the same part #, ‘90 to ‘93 will not work on the older models. The PROM in the BCM retains the total original mileage for a car. The digital cluster will display what the BCM computer tells it to display from memory.
CLUSTER, Analog - There are three “different” designs.. 1987's did not come from the factory with an analog cluster. 1988' and 89's used the same analog cluster, which will fit 1987's just fine. 1990 through 1992 used the same analog cluster, which is different from the ‘88/’89 unit. Lastly, 1993 analog clusters are unique to 1993 Allante's, and they are different from all earlier models. The analog cluster has a mechanical odometer, which advances with the car's forward motion, and has no way of going back other than mechanical tampering. The analog ignores the PROM in the BCM which continues to retains the total original mileage for a car in memory. There are different part numbers for the different clusters. That's the easiest way to tell. But beyond that, the '93 analog is easy to ID since the tach range is higher than for the earlier models. The way to tell the earlier two models apart is through the warning lights section. The 1988/89 does not have traction control or air bag warning light like the 1990/92 analog.
CLUSTER, compatibility - The analog and digital clusters for 1993 fit 1993 ONLY. The analog and digital clusters for 1990 through 1992 fit ‘90-‘92 ONLY. 1987 digital cluster will fit 1987 through 1989. ‘88/’89 digital clusters will fit ‘87 through ‘89. The ‘88/’89 analog clusters will fit ‘87 through ‘89. Nothing is backward or forward compatible outside of these groupings.
COMPARTMENTS / KEY LOCKED - 1987 to 1989? No locks on ‘90 ½ to ‘93.
DASH, dash pads - ONE piece dash no separate pad. 1990 -1993 are same configuration. 1987-89 are the same. The difference between the two: area under the steering column, switch bezels and method of attaching them,1990 and up has the knee bolster under the column, under dash trim on the driver side is different for 1987-89 than it is for 1990-93.
DIC, Driver Information Console - 1987 and 1988 use the same DIC; 1989 is 1989 only and has unique part number; 1990 through 1992 use the same DIC; 1993 is 1993 only (info per Dick H.)
DIC, lights - Backlighting on 1990 - 1993 CC-DIC is grey in color with black lettering, while the 1987 to 1989 CC-DIC units have a greenish-hued backlighting. The bulbs are pn 16069753.
DIC, music media - 1987 - 1989 have a vertical tape drive, 1990 to 1993 have a CD & a horizontal tape drive.
DIC, BOSE STEREO SOUND - The DELCO-GM / BOSE Symphony Sound System was used in the 1987-1990 models with a 100 Watts and the 1991-1992 with a 200 Watt system. The 1993 model dropped the BOSE in favor of cost reduction and was shipped with an economy sound system that sounds anemic. 200 watt rear assy is pn16146476 with internal amp pn16148748.
EMBLEM-NORTHSTAR - The Northstar fender emblem was placed on the 1993 models. Some units display a sticker, some display the metal emblem.
ENGINES / H.O. ENGINES (High Output) - The 4100 (170 hp) was used on 1987 - 1988, the 4500 (200 hp) on 1989 to 1992, and the 4600 (270 hp) NorthStar for 1993. The 4.1 and the 4.5 used the std blocks but among other things sported unique pistons, different camshaft profile and roller rocker arms to reduce reciprocating weight, crankshafts, manifolds, etc. The Northstar was introduced in the Allanté pace cars for the 1992 Indy 500 - this was the 1st generation and use of the Northstar. The 1993 had a mid-year V4J engine change. All these engines have shown a tendency for headgasket failure due to coolant issues. Experience has shown that all coolant systematically fail to properly protect the aluminum engines after 24 months. The Touring and Sports Coupe El Dorados were also given their own versions of the N* in the late '93 models as was the ‘93 Seville STS.
GLASS - all OEM glass was made by "Sikursiv" Dealer pn # 3523653 for windshield glass, same pn 89-93, driver faux window pn #: "1644829 WDO F/S/D 10.681 0 K". Door glass of course changed in 1993. There is also a subtle change in door glass in the Phase II cars.
INTERIOR / QUIET CABIN - Sales brochures of the early models was that with the top down, the advanced aerodynamics allowed for a normal conversation at 55 mph - with the “FAUX vent window”, model years 1987 to 1992. The locking compartments behind the seats were eliminated in 1990 ½. In 1991, the trim around the door openings was changed to black no matter what color interior was in the car. The FAUX window vanished with the1993 models, cost savings and increased wind noise.
INTERIOR COLORS - Saddle & Maroon for ‘87 to ‘89. Charcoal, maroon, and natural beige for ‘90 to ‘93. Liner for H.T. Black on all ‘93, matching colors for other years. Liners for Soft Tops, BLACK.
FUEL TANK - Fuel tank capacity increased in ‘93 and the baffles inside the fuel tank were now gone creating sloshing sounds behind the occupants on some cars. Probably a cost savings and creating a partial recall.
IGNITION SYSTEM / VATS - Introduced in the 1989 model year as an extension of the theft resistant system. A chip / resistor in ignition key.
--- continued ---
a multitude of various sources. most of the following facts have to do with PRODUCTION
facts, but some have to do with MAINTENANCE and exchangeability of components.
Since nothing is perfect, i am open for corrections.
Numerous details were provided from people that were there, when and where the production was ongoing.
However, a great deal of these facts were gathered from hundreds of pictures of Allantés on the auction-block - Pictures don't lie. Most everything below is backed up with hard facts and pictures of numerous cars and components.
If you spot an error, let me know. The goal is to achieve full accuracy.
check back to THIS website for updates
that may come with newly found information.
Should you find this data or any portion of the data usefull, feel FREE to copy.
You have MY PERMISSION
Use the information but please give due credit to the writer.
- there is no need to steal it, so please dont -
copyright © Stealth Inc. 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Allanté XYZ Facts -
AIR BAGS - Installed on the 1990 to 1993 Allanté models. Including the Phase I 1990.
AIRBRIDGE, Allanté Airbridge - Manufacturing of the car began in Detroit where two underbody assemblies, based upon a shortened El Dorado chassis, were boxed with wiring harnesses and 107 other components for each car (including air conditioner, steering system, and Delco-designed electronics). Underbodies and components were then flown to Turin in specially-configured Lufthansa and Alitalia 747's. Upon arrival at the Turin facility, the actual body of the car was attached to the underbody assembly, then received a top-notch paint job at a special paint facility, developed for the Allanté. The bodies were then flown back to Detroit, 57 at a time, where Cadillac installed the engine and drive train. This "Allanté Airbridge" was considered "the longest assembly line in the world".
BODY, EXPRESS WINDOWS - Installed on models years 1989 and on.
BODY, COACH WORKS - Corrosion resistant zinc coated treated steel and aluminum topside panels. In 1993, urethane body bushings were introduced.
BODY, ALUMINUM PANELS - The aluminum top as well as the other two aluminum body parts, the trunk lid and the hood lid, are said to have been manufactured in Switzerland.
BODY, DOORS - same for 1987 to 1992 years, the 1993 changed.
BODY, DOOR LATCHES - The door latches on all 1987 to 1992 Allanté are identical, with the sturdy tapered pin which locks the door to the body perfectly and may in fact help create a life capsule/cabin. The door latch on a 1993 Allanté is identical to the economy 1997 Lumina latch - a cost savings that may weaken the structure of the cabin compared to the earlier models.
BODY, CHROME STRIPS - Stainless Steel strips are found on the bumpers on all models. On the 1987 to early 1990 models, there is also a strip on the leading edge of the hood and fenders framing the headlights. No hood / fender SS strips on 1990 ½ to ‘93..
BODY, UNI-BODY - The unit body floor-pan was a shortened El Dorado / Riviera floor-pan. A more correct description is that the V-body FWD automobile platform was used twice by General Motors, the Buick Reatta & the Cadillac Allante . It was a downsized version of the E-body used in the Old Toronado, Buick Riviera and Cadillac Eldorado. Both V-body cars were personal luxury cars and sold in limited numbers: Reatta ‘88 to ‘91 and Allante ‘87 to ‘93.
BRAKES, ABS III, Bosch - Used on 1987 - 1992 Allanté. System employed, among other innovations, a highly pressurized nitrogen gas charged accumulator to control braking, skidding and stopping. Reliability is dependent on maintenance and it is said to have one of the best stopping records ever. BUT it requires maintenance - brake fluid is deemed useful for only 24 months. System manages each wheel independently for maximum stopping ability. The 1993 models did not have this system and the anti-skid ABS is instead controlled per axle like most avg cars.
BRAKES, ABS/TCS SENSORS - It is believed that the 1992 Allanté had a change in wheel’s sensors, at least as far as the ABS/TCS speed sensor pickup is concerned. Wheel sensors are used to monitor wheel movement and activation of the ABS system should it be needed.
BRAKES, ABS Relay, ABS Pump, ABS Accumulator - The brake relay on the 87 through 92 Allante supplies power to the brake pump that pressurizes the accumulator when the system calls for it. Should any of the three fail, the ABS stops working. The relay (pn 1636972) is currently (Oct-2007) unavailable new, It is located behind the coolant system reservoir . The pump and accumulator are available as rebuilt units.
BRAKES & TRACTION CONTROL - Installed on all 1990 to 1992 Allanté models. Traction control is an electro - mechanical enhancement to the basic Bosch III ABS.
CLUSTER, Digital - There are two different designs. In ‘87 Digital was the only available unit, ‘88 - ‘93 digital was std & analog optional. Digital ‘87 to ‘89 is the same part #, ‘90 to ‘93 will not work on the older models. The PROM in the BCM retains the total original mileage for a car. The digital cluster will display what the BCM computer tells it to display from memory.
CLUSTER, Analog - There are three “different” designs.. 1987's did not come from the factory with an analog cluster. 1988' and 89's used the same analog cluster, which will fit 1987's just fine. 1990 through 1992 used the same analog cluster, which is different from the ‘88/’89 unit. Lastly, 1993 analog clusters are unique to 1993 Allante's, and they are different from all earlier models. The analog cluster has a mechanical odometer, which advances with the car's forward motion, and has no way of going back other than mechanical tampering. The analog ignores the PROM in the BCM which continues to retains the total original mileage for a car in memory. There are different part numbers for the different clusters. That's the easiest way to tell. But beyond that, the '93 analog is easy to ID since the tach range is higher than for the earlier models. The way to tell the earlier two models apart is through the warning lights section. The 1988/89 does not have traction control or air bag warning light like the 1990/92 analog.
CLUSTER, compatibility - The analog and digital clusters for 1993 fit 1993 ONLY. The analog and digital clusters for 1990 through 1992 fit ‘90-‘92 ONLY. 1987 digital cluster will fit 1987 through 1989. ‘88/’89 digital clusters will fit ‘87 through ‘89. The ‘88/’89 analog clusters will fit ‘87 through ‘89. Nothing is backward or forward compatible outside of these groupings.
COMPARTMENTS / KEY LOCKED - 1987 to 1989? No locks on ‘90 ½ to ‘93.
DASH, dash pads - ONE piece dash no separate pad. 1990 -1993 are same configuration. 1987-89 are the same. The difference between the two: area under the steering column, switch bezels and method of attaching them,1990 and up has the knee bolster under the column, under dash trim on the driver side is different for 1987-89 than it is for 1990-93.
DIC, Driver Information Console - 1987 and 1988 use the same DIC; 1989 is 1989 only and has unique part number; 1990 through 1992 use the same DIC; 1993 is 1993 only (info per Dick H.)
DIC, lights - Backlighting on 1990 - 1993 CC-DIC is grey in color with black lettering, while the 1987 to 1989 CC-DIC units have a greenish-hued backlighting. The bulbs are pn 16069753.
DIC, music media - 1987 - 1989 have a vertical tape drive, 1990 to 1993 have a CD & a horizontal tape drive.
DIC, BOSE STEREO SOUND - The DELCO-GM / BOSE Symphony Sound System was used in the 1987-1990 models with a 100 Watts and the 1991-1992 with a 200 Watt system. The 1993 model dropped the BOSE in favor of cost reduction and was shipped with an economy sound system that sounds anemic. 200 watt rear assy is pn16146476 with internal amp pn16148748.
EMBLEM-NORTHSTAR - The Northstar fender emblem was placed on the 1993 models. Some units display a sticker, some display the metal emblem.
ENGINES / H.O. ENGINES (High Output) - The 4100 (170 hp) was used on 1987 - 1988, the 4500 (200 hp) on 1989 to 1992, and the 4600 (270 hp) NorthStar for 1993. The 4.1 and the 4.5 used the std blocks but among other things sported unique pistons, different camshaft profile and roller rocker arms to reduce reciprocating weight, crankshafts, manifolds, etc. The Northstar was introduced in the Allanté pace cars for the 1992 Indy 500 - this was the 1st generation and use of the Northstar. The 1993 had a mid-year V4J engine change. All these engines have shown a tendency for headgasket failure due to coolant issues. Experience has shown that all coolant systematically fail to properly protect the aluminum engines after 24 months. The Touring and Sports Coupe El Dorados were also given their own versions of the N* in the late '93 models as was the ‘93 Seville STS.
GLASS - all OEM glass was made by "Sikursiv" Dealer pn # 3523653 for windshield glass, same pn 89-93, driver faux window pn #: "1644829 WDO F/S/D 10.681 0 K". Door glass of course changed in 1993. There is also a subtle change in door glass in the Phase II cars.
INTERIOR / QUIET CABIN - Sales brochures of the early models was that with the top down, the advanced aerodynamics allowed for a normal conversation at 55 mph - with the “FAUX vent window”, model years 1987 to 1992. The locking compartments behind the seats were eliminated in 1990 ½. In 1991, the trim around the door openings was changed to black no matter what color interior was in the car. The FAUX window vanished with the1993 models, cost savings and increased wind noise.
INTERIOR COLORS - Saddle & Maroon for ‘87 to ‘89. Charcoal, maroon, and natural beige for ‘90 to ‘93. Liner for H.T. Black on all ‘93, matching colors for other years. Liners for Soft Tops, BLACK.
FUEL TANK - Fuel tank capacity increased in ‘93 and the baffles inside the fuel tank were now gone creating sloshing sounds behind the occupants on some cars. Probably a cost savings and creating a partial recall.
IGNITION SYSTEM / VATS - Introduced in the 1989 model year as an extension of the theft resistant system. A chip / resistor in ignition key.
--- continued ---