ETS? + Mileage question

My 2k GAGT (Recent purchase, no owners manual) has (of course) the switch for this (ETS). Wondering what exactly it does and if 1/4 mile times are better with it on or off. Most traction controls should be off for racing but some like those in the new Impala make no difference when accellerating full throttle.

Also, what kind of average MPG should a reasonable driver expect with this car? I use 89 octane (10% alchohol), AmsOil 5w30 full synth and typically am conservative in daily driving. I just turned in my '97 Buick with the 3800 gen II (205 HP) and was getting 26+ overall. I have noticed this engine seems to have less bottom end torque than the 3800 but performs better in the mid range which would be on par with the smaller displacement engine in a lighter vehicle but brings to question if this is truly a performance based engine or just substitute for what the engineers really had in mind.

If I were to put just my two favorite mods into the base engine ( K&N filter, Hi-Perf Chip ) would the performance increase be worth the investment in this driveline or would the other computers clip it back? If so, would a better choice be a small turbo or can't this be installed in this engine?

Oh, one more thing.. What would the best performing chip for this motor be and what are some appx prices and places to get it?

Thanx

Welcome to AF 2quik4u !

first on the traction control, when its off the car will usually spin the wheel pretty good, especailly if you were to put on a turbo.

As far as Mpg, I hav an SE mod'ed to the gills and get 22-24mpg in city driving. I also hav a GT stock, it gets the same city. THe both get 30-35mpg highway, and you can expect a little more with the 89octane fuel.
Now if you hav on the AC you loose quite a bit of umff and your Mpg will drop, mine does alot !

Heres a link for some parts and mods for your Grand Am.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=502706

Thiers only one chip I know of that you could buy, its the DHP from Parts For your Car. They were on sale for 99$(plus core).
To get the most out of the DHP you need a Cold Air intake, and a less restrictive exhaust, SLP or Borla make some good stuff.

Should be a turbo kit or super charger kit listed on the link from above. they run around and up to $4500 :eek7:

IF you hav any other questions, just ask, we'll be glad to help.

OK xeroinfinity, thanks for the response. You speak of a cold air intake yet would this not ruin the "Ram" effect of the Ram Air Intake system? I see the stock air box is pretty well designed to take in only air from the front of the grille which is cooler than under hood intakes although there seems to be a weep hole in the air box which would cause pressure loss. I don't see moisture being a big issue so I plugged mine when installing the K&N filter. The exhaust I have was locally made and uses 2 5/8" tubing cat-back to a Borla muffler and quad tips which seems pretty able to handle anything this engine can spit out. The cat seems to be aftermarket too as it mates to the larger pipe without adaptors but I don't see any big name markings.

Better stick to my budget plan and go with a NOS system...more HP for less $.

OK xeroinfinity, thanks for the response. You speak of a cold air intake yet would this not ruin the "Ram" effect of the Ram Air Intake system? I see the stock air box is pretty well designed to take in only air from the front of the grille which is cooler than under hood intakes although there seems to be a weep hole in the air box which would cause pressure loss. I don't see moisture being a big issue so I plugged mine when installing the K&N filter. The exhaust I have was locally made and uses 2 5/8" tubing cat-back to a Borla muffler and quad tips which seems pretty able to handle anything this engine can spit out. The cat seems to be aftermarket too as it mates to the larger pipe without adaptors but I don't see any big name markings.

Better stick to my budget plan and go with a NOS system...more HP for less $.

THe stock air box is a JOKE !
Yes it does bring in cool air with the RAM AIR, and into the S. airbox, but its to restrictive :grinyes:

You stuff a K&N cone filter onto your MAF and you'll see the differance right away, especially since you hav the less restrictive exhaust ! Even more noticable with a true CAI that goesa into the fender well. Reall cool air over there :)

Thats the way my GT (w/ ram air) is now, just the cone filter. I hav a CAI I just bought from ebay for around $80!
My motors all apart right now, just beeing lazzy, and going over my options on what to do while its tore down.
I figure the ram air duct blows some kooler air into the engine bay , and probly kools the TB and air intake down quite a bit. My temp gauge runs 3-4 deg cooler also.

NOS is cheap but can be dangerous if used in excess.
Those SC and turbo kits are damn expensive!!

Good Hunting !