High Mileage Grand Prix Help Please

Hey, I have a 2001 Grand Prix GT Special Edition 3.8L V6. It has about 107000 miles on it. I'm looking to beef it up, but I've heard horror stories about people pouring money into 3800 series cars and then they die out a short while later because they just weren't meant to handle that much power. So, if anyone could help me figure out what would be the best way to go about this, I'd greatly appreciate it.

The most evffective mods for the 3800-k in your GP SE are a reprogrammed PCM, longer ratio rocker arms and freeing up the exhaust (u-bend delete and hi-flow converter). If you truly want a fast, moddable Grand Prix, get a GTP with the 3800 supercharged engine. They can be made to scream with simple, relatively cheap mods. Most mods for the 3800-k make it less streetable, require a switch to premium fuel, and still get you no where near a GTP.

Hm, well as great as that sounds, I have a profound attachment to my baby. So if it's do-able (on a reasonable budget) I'd like to get my Grand Prix cookin'... I've been doing a lot of digging and found a lot of parts that look nice and shiny but I'm not sure of two things, one, how much the stock motor mounts can handle and two how durable everything else is, including the transmission. Any suggestions or insights?

The transaxle will probably be your weakest link. The GTP's come with a HD version of the 4T-65E trans that has beefed up internals and a HD diff. Going fast(er) is going to cost you, not only cash, but mileage and driveability. There was a video floating around here on the forums of a Turbo'ed GT running a 9.83 sec 1/4 mile and kicking a Viper's ass, so it can be done. Just realize there are downsides to modding. If this car is your daily driver, is it worth it?

Just realize there are downsides to modding. If this car is your daily driver, is it worth it?

Thats a great point, and I have tried to take it into consideration, but the thing is every time I find something I feel is valuable information I find something to contradict it. I'm not that knowledgeable about cars, so I rely on others most of the time for information on potential weak points, what will help or hurt milage, what will have to be installed as a result of installing more powerful parts, etc. And with that much said would you mind holding my hand and helping me decide how to go about this. My main goals for my car are improved accelleration, top end speed, replacing stock parts with aftermarket where applicable or necessary, keeping my MPG above 20 (current is 22.5), and of course its gotta' sound good :wink:

At the moment my budget is a little tight, but I'll be starting a new job in Sept. and just to get things started I was thinking a K&N Intake, U-bend delete, and Flowmaster Super 44's. All for about $500. What do you guys think?

That's a good start, but I'd substitute the K&N Intake/filter (I'm not convinced that high flow air intakes do much if anything, plus they cost as much to maintain as just changing your OEM filter) with a high flow cat. Many people go by the seat-of-the-pants feel and sound a CAI creates more than actual timeslips as to their performance gains. The CAI avangtage/non-advantage is an old arguement on here, and I have stayed with the group that believes they do nothing to boost performance. I actually believe since the hi-flow filters don't trap as small of dirt particles and load up quicker than OEM paper filters do, that they are bad for your engine.

That sounds pretty nifty, but what can I do to better my air intake without sacrificing my engine?

You don't need to with the mods you're doing. The stock airbox can flow 200-300cfm more than your engine can ingest.

Assuming I get the Super 44's in, a high flow cat, and no more u bend where would you go from there... and again, thankyou so much for your advice, it means a lot to me.

can anyone help me i got a 1987 grand prix with a knock coming from the left valve cover up in front. i need some tips on finding out what it is.

twinningit, it might be better to start you own new thread if you need help

With the Super 44's in, U-bend delete and high flow cat... what would be the best next step for me to take?

The stock airbox can flow 200-300cfm more than your engine can ingest.

If that's true, why would anyone buy performance intakes then? Not trying to undermine you, just trying to wrap my mind around it.

well. i have few mods, and have a gt. the other day i raced a gtp, and we were side by side until 50mph, i had to let off because i didnt want to get caught. im sure i could have pulled more, but i need new tires, and i was mainly just spinning them at the start.

What do you have on there?

sofar only gpower platinum plugs, new wires, and k&n filter/intake. I think im forgetting something. But my gt seems suprisingly more fast than the average. my friend has an 02 gt my acceleration is way better. When i get new tires im going to take it to the track to find out exactly how well it does. I know its nothing compared to most peoples on here, but it keeps me entertained :p

Cool... as time goes by and money accumulates I hope to get SLP headers, Random tech downpipe + highflow cat SLP power flow cat back and a K&N cold air intake, I talked to a specialist at K&N and he convinced me that they're spiffy and maybe a reprogramed PCM, not sure yet about that one.

Quick note... as of right now... it's bone stock but I too have my fun. :)