Anyone have performance n handling tips?

[k1979chevy]

I have a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GT with a 3.8L NA. I want to get more performance and handling out of my car. But here is the problem. Im on a budget. So if any one has any tips that cost less then $50 that would be great but im always open to any tip.
Currently i have upgraded the front brakes from 11 inch rotors to 12inch rotors.
But thats about it.

[rickisrad]

well not much for that price range. here is a link to flip you dogbone mounts. Also you can buy some polyurathane dog bone mounts or sway bar bushings. also one of the best suspension mods you can do is the rear trailing arms. I have the ZZP trailing arms, a bit more expensive but worth it. the rear sway bar would be another important upgrade. look at the parts and performance upgrade or tip section for ideas. zzp, wbody store has a ton of suspension stuff.

ZZP trailing arms ... http://shop.zzperformance.com/store/...ling-Arms.aspx


mount flip ...... http://www.gpona.com/forums/97-03-gr...ts-t19315.html

http://paceperformance.com/i-6255281...nte-carlo.html

http://paceperformance.com/i-6255287...nte-carlo.html

[k1979chevy]

Well i flipped my motor mounts. Only took 15mins. Very easy to do too.
Does anyone have any other mods? Anything?

[rickisrad]

Nothing really free, like I said the rear sway bar is probably the next best thing to go with. or get polyurathane sway bar bushings. There is a link above for strut tower braces which are cheap and help with cornering stability.

[Stealthee]

Handling wise, you can only do so much. These cars are nose heavy and will never be true carvers of the curves. Even the GP guys with tons of suspension mods say the cars still don't handle all that well.

[rickisrad]

I am happy with the .83+ lateral Gs my Comp g pulls. The upgraded magnasteer (stiff mode) stabilitrac, rear gxp swaybar and stiffer struts handle pretty nicely. but yes these cars are heavy and do need some work to get them stiff and stable around the corners. I have added solid engine/transmission mounts, all poly dogbone mounts, poly sway bar mounts, cromoly trailing arms with poly bushings, better stab links, strut tower braces. All of which dramatically improved the handling. I did most of this with my 04 GT and I was happy with the handling, not like my Comp G but still satisfactory. Not cheap but if you spend the money you can get it there.

[k1979chevy]

Is it possible to make some of this stuff. I have access to an abundance of welding and fabricating tools. I do have the knowledge to make the stuff. Im assuming it would be cheaper then buying. But if its not going to increase my handling or performance then i might as well not do it. I want to know what works and what doesnt.

[rickisrad]

the cheapest thing you can do right now is put poly front sway bar links on. I like mevotech brand they improve the design (x factor) and use polyurathane bushings. http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk.../MEMK5342.html
http://www.mevotech.com/Home/Product.../Bushings.html
http://partsonline.mevotech.com/MMYSearch.aspx

There is no cheap way to do this. just buy little at a time. do the front poly end links first, then get the solid rear trailing arms, then the rear sway bar upgrade, even the aftermarket dorman sway bar is solid. rear moog stab links are thicker and improve handling. a lot you can do but nothing you should make yourself.

[k1979chevy]

So ive done a few more "upgrades". Not that its really an upgrade but its pretty cool i think. I did a successful analog to digital DIC conversion. It works awesome and it took me 3 hours to do and $20 for the part. Next will be the bushings and sway bar links.

[k1979chevy]

Ok so ive been doing some research and i found that i can upgrade my transmission from a non heavy duty to a heavy duty transmission with a kit from Morad Parts company. Has anyone done this? And is it a good upgrade?

[rickisrad]

Its a great upgrade. I would wait until your car is a little more modded for that. there is a lot of other stuff you could do for the money. Like a CAI and PCM.

[k1979chevy]

Awesome. Well Is there any real noticable gain from puttin a CAI on the car?

[rickisrad]

its a good start. that coupled with the pcm you should be quite happy with the results.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by k1979chevy

Awesome. Well Is there any real noticable gain from puttin a CAI on the car?

Just a CAI without a re-programmed PCM?

In intake noise level but not in the seats of your pants feel or any timeslips.

[k1979chevy]

Well i just put a drilled 180 degree thermostat in and a 1 1/4 thick radiator. I noticed a it takes a little longer to heat up but no decrease in fuel economy. So my next upgrade will be the CAI and PCM. But i will have to wait a couple weeks for the money to get it.