GTP... good deal?

Okay help me out guys. I've been an import dude for too long it seems. I want a car that can perform out of the box without having to spend as much as the car itself to be made a 15 second car like I had to with my CRX.

I'm sure the GTP is significantly faster and I'm sure I'd mod it anyway. Here is one that I've found kind of near me for around $5,000. It's a white 98' with the 3800 series II. I like the flat trunk wing, rims, leather recaro-style seats and, of course, the supercharged v6. The only thing that is kind of a turn off is the dash layout... especially the stereo. But I'm sure I can take care of that... Let me know what y'all think. Thanks.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=205697505&dealer_id=46483740&car_year=1998&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=both&num_records=25&make=PONT&transmission=&distance=100&model=GP&address=29665&make2=&certified=&advanced=y&max_mileage=&max_price=&bkms=1155305157268&min_price=&end_year=1998&color=&start_year=1998&drive=&engine=6+Cylinder&doors=&fuel=&lang=en&cardist=82

I also found this black 2 door which looks clean with less miles... $9,000
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=205221161&dealer_id=56476583&car_year=2001&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=both&num_records=25&make=PONT&transmission=&distance=100&model=GP&address=29665&make2=&certified=&advanced=y&max_mileage=&max_price=&bkms=1155307762434&min_price=&end_year=2003&color=&start_year=1998&drive=&engine=6+Cylinder&doors=Two+Door&fuel=&lang=en&cardist=90

and this green one (I like green)... $7,000
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=205226552&dealer_id=1831727&car_year=1999&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=both&num_records=25&make=PONT&transmission=&distance=100&model=GP&address=29665&make2=&certified=&advanced=y&max_mileage=&max_price=&bkms=1155307762434&min_price=&end_year=2003&color=&start_year=1998&drive=&engine=6+Cylinder&doors=Two+Door&fuel=&lang=en&cardist=87

Question: I noticed the little boost guage thing near the mpg above the stereo in the center of the dash and that looks cool. But what's the deal with the projected digital mph in the windshield above the steering column? Was that an option? Can it be turned off? I don't really like digital mph at all, especially right in front of my face like that...

The boost indicator is part if the DIC and standard for L67 GTPs. But it is not that accurate and alot of use aftermarket boost gauges.

There is nothing wrong with having a HUD. Some GTPs have it as standard eqiuipment and on some year models it was optional.

The HUD projector can be controlled and turned off. Also, you can adjust positioning on the windshield. The best part of the digital speedo is you will get an fairly accurate reading when checking out your top speed. The analog speedo becomes worthless since it is limited in readout.

Ditto what Bob (bnaylor) said.

Good to know. I hardly ever drive the same speed for too long so digital mph never seems appropriate for me. Being able to turn it off and on at will sounds like a nice feature.

Are these cars reliable? I live in SC and GM mechanics are easy to come by where I live, but I don't really want to have to see them too often... haha.

Are these cars reliable? I live in SC and GM mechanics are easy to come by where I live, but I don't really want to have to see them too often... haha.


IMO overall reliable. But there are known issues. I've had mine for well over 8 years but know the maintenance history. The problem with used GTPs is the previous owner(s) may have dogged it out or failed to perform proper maintenance so like any used car run it through the mill and thoroughly check it out. The best part is the L67 SII 3800 takes to mods very well and there are a bunch of bolt-on aftermarket parts available. I don't know anyone personally that has a stock one. Good luck!

I have found the GP to be very reliable. I sell AC-DElco parts for a living, and sell way less for GP's than almost any other GM vehicle. A fellow forum member has over 300k miles on his 97 GT and it's still going strong. I hope I'm as lucky with my 99 GT. She has 88k on her now, and still drives/runs like new. It's the nicest car I've ever owned. The only regret I have is when the boy racer in me kicks in, I wish I had a GTP. I love my GT, but my next one will be a GTP.

I sell AC-DElco parts for a living, and sell way less for GP's than almost any other GM vehicle.

Is that sell way less cost wise or way less as to specific GM models. :lol:

Granted there are more Grand Prixs probably sold and on the road compared to other GM "W" body cars but I find that hard to believe. My Regals are a lot more reliable. Unlike the Grand Prix which was made in Kansas until the 2002 model year, Regals were made in Canada from day one in 1997. IMO much better quality control.

I still have the original hubs and tranny parts in them. Can't say that for the GTP though. :crying:

Thanks guys. It looks like a great car for the money.

This guy from rcmeracing.com wrote this when first hitting 13s... (my goal)...

"13.71 @ 101.14 It's very first recorded 13 second run. This is with nothing more than my custom intake, reprogrammed PCM, 3.2" Pulley on Magnuson snout, 245/50/16 Nitto 555R drag radials. Overcast ~66º F, 1.96 60'. The run before this was with a 3.6" pulley on and it ran a 14.001 at 99.17, short time was a 2.04. A 3.0" pulley was put on later in the day after I was out of elims but it appears to be too much with a stock FPR and it slowed significantly to a 14.36 @ 89 mph. The 3.0 has been tried 2 times subsequent to this and the results have been the same so I conclude at this point it needs some fuel help with the 3.0 or possibly the stock exhaust is creating a problem, the fuel supply issue is more likely."

I would probably do intake and exhaust and pcm reprogram. Would that get me into the 13s?

Thanks guys. It looks like a great car for the money.

This guy from rcmeracing.com wrote this when first hitting 13s... (my goal)...

"13.71 @ 101.14 It's very first recorded 13 second run. This is with nothing more than my custom intake, reprogrammed PCM, 3.2" Pulley on Magnuson snout, 245/50/16 Nitto 555R drag radials. Overcast ~66º F, 1.96 60'. The run before this was with a 3.6" pulley on and it ran a 14.001 at 99.17, short time was a 2.04. A 3.0" pulley was put on later in the day after I was out of elims but it appears to be too much with a stock FPR and it slowed significantly to a 14.36 @ 89 mph. The 3.0 has been tried 2 times subsequent to this and the results have been the same so I conclude at this point it needs some fuel help with the 3.0 or possibly the stock exhaust is creating a problem, the fuel supply issue is more likely."

I would probably do intake and exhaust and pcm reprogram. Would that get me into the 13s?

Just intake and exhaust to include PCM.....no.

You'll need the smaller SC pulley for higher SC boost. The stock is 3.8". The 3.25" is the best all round to get into the 13s and stay there.

The reason why the guy above did not do so good with the 3.0 pulley is he probably had to much knock retard, insufficient fuel flow and no headers.

Also, take note that he has Nitto Drag radials to get those times.

BTW:

Back in April 2006 I pulled:

1/4 Mile ET: 13.210
1/4 Mile MPH: 104.650

And that was before the 1.8 roller rockers and 3.0 pulley was added. Also, I have an Intense custom programmed PCM for the rockers and pulley. Unofficially I've broken the 13 second barrier with high 12s. I ET Bracket race and don't publicize my real times where the opponent can take advantage.

Nice. This would be my next fun car that is still streetable. I'm no stranger to mods. Intake, headers, exhaust, pcm, pulley would most definitely be done and probably in that order.

The 2 door GTP is really sweet, but if I can pick up that white 4 door for $5k and spend another 2-3k on maintenance, mods and tires then that would be the icing on the cake and I would kiss my ricer days good bye...

The Regal wasn't on my list for asthetic reasons (it looks like an old man's car, no offense Bob). The Regal shares most hard parts with the Grand Prix, so reliabilty is pretty equal. The Regal doesn't have the blower motor issues that the GP does, because GM installed a cabin air filter in the Regals that the GP doesn't have. Since I'm still a young man at heart, the sportier looks of the Grand Prix won.

The Regal wasn't on my list for asthetic reasons (it looks like an old man's car, no offense Bob).

I'd be careful with a statement like that Rich. I caught a lot of flack in the Buick forum over that issue when I mentioned it was for old people. I have run into a lot of younger guys with the Regal GS. It is no longer an old man's car. Plus the used ones are affordable versus brand new. But I've got the best of both worlds since I own a GTP and a Regal GS. Plus cops do not pay any attention to you in a Regal. Perfect sleeper.

And I disagree about the overall reliability of Regal versus Grand Prix based on my experiences. My wallet knows best. :biggrin:

You're a sly dog Bob! BTW, does anyone still have that video clip of the turbo'ed GT wasting that Viper on it's way to a 9.83 run. That was way cool. We'd all like to see some video of your car too Bob.

You're a sly dog Bob! BTW, does anyone still have that video clip of the turbo'ed GT wasting that Viper on it's way to a 9.83 run. That was way cool. We'd all like to see some video of your car too Bob.

lol. :lol:

Not really Rich. I'm just a typical crusty old fart with the mind of a 28 year old. But as usual it was fun chatting. I took the day off.

Video, I'll try. I'll have to find someone willing to do it. My sons grew up and left home so I'm short handed at the track.

The Stattama/ZZP video is around someplace. :dunno:

BTW - And I ride a riceburner not drive. Luv my Honda. :grinyes:

Hey Turtle, not only is the four door more convenient for taking friends along, the look on Mustang owners faces when they get owned by a front wheel drive 4-door grocery getter is priceless. When you get your GTP, stay in contact with Bob, he's the GTP Guru around here. He's very smart and helpful, and won't steer you wrong.

Thanks man.

I would go through the car first. It was my mistake when I bought my GT, I test drove it without taking it mechanic for the inspection. Since than car had enough things go wrong with it buy a new one. Hence ... now it is sharing the garage space with the mazda. Overall GP is a very nice car, handles great and has a very good pick-up at any RPMs. The low points I found are:
1) Brakes are getting worn out very fast. Kind of expected due to the car's weight.
2) Back seat does not fold fully...I really do not know why they made it that way.
3) For a coupe it is extremely difficult to get into back seats. I had two of my friend trip over the seatbelt and fall into the car. Personally I still can't figure the best way to get into the car.
4) Seems like many GPs have TPS problem. Transmission pressure solenoid. My car started shifting rough after running for some time in the city. I did all maintenance possible to fix it...but still it shifts rought.
5) At speeds past 100 car does not feel very stable. My opinion.
6) My gas mileage sucked. I personally attributed it to terrain and my driving, but with mazda I am getting 28-30MPG in the same area.
7)GPs are all automatic...Probably biggest lowpoint of all. If GPs had 5 speed stick, they would have been so much more entertaining and enjoyable to drive.

one thing that caught my eye about those cars, the 2 older ones, had the performance shift button thing right on the shifter, the 2001 didnt seem to have it there. did they move it somewhere else?

one thing that caught my eye about those cars, the 2 older ones, had the performance shift button thing right on the shifter, the 2001 didnt seem to have it there. did they move it somewhere else?

It was discontinued after the 2000 model year. 2001 and up do not have it stock. To get it back you need a DHP or ZZP PCM and the switch/wiring kit.

Good to know. I hardly ever drive the same speed for too long so digital mph never seems appropriate for me. Being able to turn it off and on at will sounds like a nice feature.

Are these cars reliable? I live in SC and GM mechanics are easy to come by where I live, but I don't really want to have to see them too often... haha.


put it this way man i owned a 1998 grand prix GTP. i owned it for just over a year never had one thing wrong with it and i put some miles on it. i decided one day to sell it because i got a smoking offer on it and i bought a trans am. yea it was a nice car loved the attention and what not but my god for the price i paid overall on that car was crazy.

i sold my trans am because i felt terrible about selling my grand prix. my lil V-6 would whoooooop almost any V-8 out there. specialy those pesky tough mustangs lol. so i bought another GTP a few weeks ago and here i am. i love my grand prix for the pric you pay you cant beat the luxury items and the speed. the maintence is easy and usualy cheap and they are soooo easy to make fast.

The GTP has one problem once in a while,Get the gas leak fixed asap and do not let it go on top of the middle of the turbo charger are.If you do not,it will catch on fire.I have heard this happening,1997 and up.My father bought one this way from an auto salvage auction and burned the engine wiring harness up in one spot.It was a total with a clean title and was fixed properly,another wiring harness and the gas lines fixed.

I ment supercharger

I have a 97.5 Regal GS. Because of the Grandpa look it has the element of surprise. The GTP looks fast. As for reliability i think that mantanence and driving habits are the biggest factor. Mine has 127000 and the motor purrs like new. I have other problems though. I had a 78 Regal and the motor ran like new w/ 140000 miles. I got rid of it for other reasons.

I have a 97.5 Regal GS. Because of the Grandpa look it has the element of surprise. The GTP looks fast. As for reliability i think that mantanence and driving habits are the biggest factor. Mine has 127000 and the motor purrs like new. I have other problems though. I had a 78 Regal and the motor ran like new w/ 140000 miles. I got rid of it for other reasons.

Careful now. Perfect sleeper and highway cruiser.

BTW - I am not a Grandpop yet. :uhoh:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/regalgs.jpg
'01 Buick Regal GS (58K miles)