Serious Problems?Serious Problem?

[jessiebighamKC]

Well about the exhaust manifold, I was just repeating what the guy over the phone said that works at the exhaust shop. So, I guess he either doesnt know what he is talking about or just didnt want to deal with me. lol. But Yes, I took the ICM(Ignition Control Module) off and had it tested at 2 different auto parts stores and it passed. I do have 2 wires that go to the ICM which were bare but used electrical tape on it, pretty good.(Did that when I first got the car, because the carlot refused to fix the wiring the proper way). Dont know if I've said this before but the car has had an engine fire and some of the wires are messed up. I already know the wires/wiring harness needs to be replaced thats in the engine bay. I went to GM today to see how much the wiring harness cost and they have 2different options one is $1,700 and the other is $1,100. So, getting the wiring harness from the dealer is out of the question. I've tried every salvage yard in 100miles and none have any Pontiac Grand Prix GTP's let alone 2001. I've been talking to ED MORAD from Ed Morad Auto Parts and we are trying to work out a deal for a 3800SC Motor and HD Transmission and PCM and Wiring harness for a 2001. But he said it will take time because its hard to get a 2001. So, in the mean time I need to deal with this mess. Im going to get the Cam Position Sensor in 2days. Also Im still trying to figure out about the SC Bypass Valve.

[jessiebighamKC]

Thanks for the in-put on the exhaust manifold. I will get that replaced hopefully in 4days. Does anyone know what are the steps to taking off and replacing both the front and back exhaust manifold? The front is cracked and the back exhaust manifold gasket leaks bad. So, mine as well replace both. Especially seems how I have to replace the motor mount to. Also, going back to the exhaust not being stock, the only thing thats not stock is the mufflers and tailpipes. I just got under the car and looked and it still has the factory exhaust from what I can tell and it does have the U Bend in it.(Exhaust shop, lied to me about the U-Bend, they said it had the U-Bend Delete)

[CrazyHorst]

I think I'd get some Delphi Metripacks (& associated tools) off ebay, Waytek Wire or the like and go about repairing my own harness. A set of heat-shrink butt-splices would also be proper for robust underhood repairs. The entire harness isn't bad, just compromised in some spots and you just have to find out where. It is not voodoo (meaning magic, or a black art, to quote a mentor) the electrons just need a clean path and the harness just needs a careful, detailed inspection and test IMHO. Really cheap to do especially if you have spare time.

Personally, I'd want to resolve the engine-controls issues first before pouring any more money into new exhaust manifolds. IOW, once your SES codes are cleared and stable, then go after the other problems.

Also...I would not lose any sleep over having the "U bend" (VOS tube). It is designed as constant cross-section and only looks like a bad restriction from the outside. IMHO to just get rid of that part of the downpipe alone with no other changes you are just getting rid of welding rods and or money out of your pocket. It may pay to remove that if you are doing a full exhaust makeover from cylinder head to tailpipe and eliminating the catalyst or going with true duals but that isn't the biggest dam in the stream so to speak.

If you are going as far as to buy an engine/trans, I'd just go for the entire front cradle including hubs, driveshafts and the whole shooting match. Less work IMHO on both ends to R&R although you will need access to a vehicle lift.

[doctorhrdware]

You can find the connectors at Mouser and at excellent prices, way better than what I found when I was looking for them. When I was looking for the blower motor resistor female connector. For that housing and the secondary lock and pins. For enough to make 5 complete connectors, I paid like $15.99 plus shipping.

[richtazz]

Read this thread about 01-02 GP converters before going too much further (other than fixing the obvious cracked exh manifold and rear manifold leak.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=681283

I honestly feel that those problems occurred due to a blockage and the resultant up-stream pressure buildup.

[jessiebighamKC]

Ok I went out and bought the Cam Shaft Position Sensor and replaced it. Took it around the block and still same problem. Still Mis-firing and cutting out and still not shifting right and I can floor the gas pedal and still wont go any faster all it does is rev's up and wont shift. Im not worrying about the ICM and or open/short circuit and the random misfire. My car has ran fine and perfect before with those codes. Even when I had those codes I took it to the track and it ran 13.9 with broken hub sensors so I had no traction control and my water pump was leaking. I just need to get it to where it use to run. Even if I could get it to run good just to make it another 2 or 3months would be great. Im going to go ahead and order the stock ported exhaust manifold's and put them on and see where that gives me. I cant tested my exhaust pressure to see if I have a clogged cat converter until I fix my exhaust manifold. I will keep updating this thread as I go along. Also did anyone ever respond to what I said about my SC Bypass Solenoid or Valve. About when I start the car my SC Bypass Valve the Lever that goes in and out is all the way into the Bypass and when I give it gas it comes out of the Bypass and touches the screw or whatever it is. Im sorry if Im not calling all the stuff by its proper name. Im fairly new to the 3800 SC motors.

[jessiebighamKC]

Hey Richtazz I clicked on the link and it doesnt load up. The Automotive Forums at the top loads up but thats all.

[doctorhrdware]

I clicked on the link and it works here.

[jessiebighamKC]

Heres an update! Techincally there is nothing wrong with the motor or transmisson. I jacked the car up and I beat the cat converter and it was clog. It was kind of cool or cold out and I started the car and every place that was welded on the exhaust was leaking. Smoke and gas smell that burnt my nose and my eyes. I mean every place that is welded on the exhaust is leaking. The manifold is even leaking. I went to an exhaust shop and asked a few questions. And what I got out of the talk was that if the exhaust is leaking that bad it will make the car run bad and that the car runs off of backpressure, and Im not burning my fuel like I should be and I would keep fouling out spark plugs. And I have been replacing spark plugs about every 2months. But just an update. So, Im going to save up the money and take it and have every thing that has to do with the exhaust fixed.

[tblake]

So its leaking, possibly due to excessive backpressure from a clogged cat converter?

I think you should still look into that ignition problem. At least fix the DTC's.