02' GTP driving problems

daejuanj · #1 01-30-2008, 11:23 AM

Hi,
I have an 2002 Grand Prix GTP with 60,000 miles. Just today the car has been running horrible. First it drives like a Geo Metro, second when i press on the accelerator, on the interstate for example, they car is sluggish and will jerk. RPM's surge and boost gauge goes crazy.
Opened the hood with car idling, and everything looks and sounds fine. Step on the accelerator, and noticed a "puffy" sound, like around the cat/exhaust. Sounds like something is clogged. I also may have a burnt rubber smell coming from some place on the car.

Could this be a bad cat? Transmission clutch? Vacuum Hose?

Also, for sake of information, in Chicago the temperature has been crazy. It was high 40s F Tuesday morning and afternoon, than went to 4F in the evening and has stayed that way.

Regards, and any help is much appreciated

BNaylor · #2 01-30-2008, 05:38 PM

CAT Convertor is a strong possibility because the 2001-2002 L36/L67 Grand Prixs may have been delivered with flaky ones. There is an advisory posted about it in our Tips & Maintenance forum. Regardless of your mileage and even if there is no SES light on.

See link below.

Click here

daejuanj · #3 01-30-2008, 09:36 PM

That's what I was leaning toward. Is there a easy/temporary solution for this. Are there bolt-on cat's. I'm looking at the Magnaflow catalytic converter from ZZP, but not sure if they require wielding.

Regards

richtazz · #4 01-31-2008, 07:10 AM

Because it's a known issue, you may be still covered under the GM extended warranty (7years/120k miles). Take it back to the dealer and get it fixed for free!!!

BNaylor · #5 01-31-2008, 07:15 AM

The Magnaflow hi-flo CAT is a excellent choice, especially if you plan on more mods. It will require welding. The ZZP offering is with either a 2.5" or 3" inlet/outlet and it won't match the stock 2.25" exhaust piping. I have the Magnaflow with 2.5" and it required a welded custom connection to the header collector and flex section. Same is applicable to the CAT output.

There are other options like a downpipe and CAT combo many of which are classified as bolt-on.

Just pointing out that if you go with the stock convertor the labor and part should be covered by GM's CAT convertor warranty.

daejuanj · #6 01-31-2008, 07:46 AM

I know my car has a warranty because I'm paying for it. Just I need my car for work during the week, and borrowing someones car while mines is in the shop is an inconvenience.

There are no aftermarket bolt-on cats?

Regards

BNaylor · #7 01-31-2008, 08:31 AM

There are bolt-on CAT convertors but that is not recommended. The input plumbing to the CAT convertor should be welded. Regardless the old one will have to be cut off from the downpipe. Clamps on the input can cause problems like exhaust leaks including CAT efficiency and may set a DTC and SES/CEL light. The other factor is cost.

However, companies like Hogan has a hp downpipe and Magnaflow hi-flow CAT combo that is a bolt-on but the cost will be higher than just replacing the CAT itself. See link below at 3800Performance.

Click here

Also, note that it has the u-bend delete.

richtazz · #8 01-31-2008, 10:03 AM

If you're looking to boost performance, then the hi-flow cats Bob suggest are great choices. If you're looking to get your car running right again with no cost, get a loaner car when you drop it off at the dealer and let them fix it for free.

daejuanj · #9 01-31-2008, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richtazz

If you're looking to boost performance, then the hi-flow cats Bob suggest are great choices. If you're looking to get your car running right again with no cost, get a loaner car when you drop it off at the dealer and let them fix it for free.

I'm not of age to get a rent-a-car/loaner car. I'm only 20.

If I can get a shop to wield for cheap, than I'll buy the Magnaflow, which i was going to buy anyway. Along with a ZZP downpipe+U-Bend delete.

Regards

daejuanj · #10 01-31-2008, 12:41 PM

Also just got word back from ZZP. If I replace the entire downpipe I can bolt-on the 2.5" Cat.

daejuanj · #11 02-06-2008, 11:44 AM

Took it to a dealership and had it diagnosed.

Aside from the problem I knew about a defective MAF sensor. The lower air intake gasket is leaking, #1 coil needs to be replaced which is why it's sputtering and sounding like something is clogged, and they said I need new valve covers.

Also, I don't think this should have went bad this soon, the car only has 60,000 miles, and passed a "Quality Carmax inspection" when i bought it about 3 months ago.

Regards

PS. just found out my Supercharger gasket is leaking. Gonna cost over $2K to fix, my warranty company has to inspect it now since it's over that price.

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