Need some help

[runner_07]

I have an '04 Grand Prix GT 3.8L V6 3800 Series III. And I want to make my car faster but I don't know that much about tuning my car.

I wanted to get a K&N Performance Intake Kit=16.78 HP @ 5248 RPM for $356.79. Is it worth buying or is there something better that I can get??? performance chip???

[Will Help]

Air system is fine but only good for about 5 hp increase. Until you can control the fuel delivery and ignition system, that is about it. I suggest a performance chip to take care of this. About 25 to 30 hp. Also a cooler thermostat. You have to make the computer think the way you do!!!

[HotZ28]

I suggest a performance chip to take care of this.

No “performance chip” on this model! It will take a reflash of the PCM!

[GTPSPEED]

Let me see if anyone else has any input on this but for my opinion to open the air box is basically making it less restrictive, now do you really think the label on the air system makes a difference? like...I made my own and it cost me about $24, Yeah its not a wizair or k&n but it did the same thing by opening up the flow of air. I bet if someone dynoed the big brand name intakes and dynoed a home made one that the difference in very small. So my question is why do people wanna spend $300 on one when you can make one that will do the same damn thing.

On my old Eclipse I bought a pipe off eBay for $14 with a cone filter had it dynoed at SpA racing in Malden Ma. Then at the shop we put on my buddies AEM intake that he paid $240 for and there was no difference in HP. So I am kinda wondering why people need to spend all that money when in reality its moot. thanks for reading guys. ~joe

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by runner_07

Is it worth buying or is there something better that I can get??? performance chip???

Originally Posted by Will Help

I suggest a performance chip to take care of this. About 25 to 30 hp. Also a cooler thermostat. You have to make the computer think the way you do!!!

25 to 30 hp??? Where did get this information from? To start as Bo (HotZ28) mentioned there is no performance chip mod per se for this year and model Grand Prix. What we do is install a re-programmed PCM module from companies like DHP, Intense or ZZP. These have been fully programmed to support intake or exhaust mods plus provide a host of other features. See link below. The re-programmed PCM itself will not give you a 25-30 hp increase.

DHP PCM

To the OP - runner_07 we have plenty of threads concerning modding '04 and up Grand Prixs so do yourself a favor and do a search first.

Also, take note premium unleaded gas will be required.

[rickisrad]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

25 to 30 hp??? Where did get this information from?

The good old ebay claims (scams)

[runner_07]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

25 to 30 hp??? Where did get this information from? To start as Bo (HotZ28) mentioned there is no performance chip mod per se for this year and model Grand Prix. What we do is install a re-programmed PCM module from companies like DHP, Intense or ZZP. These have been fully programmed to support intake or exhaust mods plus provide a host of other features. See link below. The re-programmed PCM itself will not give you a 25-30 hp increase.

DHP PCM

To the OP - runner_07 we have plenty of threads concerning modding '04 and up Grand Prixs so do yourself a favor and do a search first.

Also, take note premium unleaded gas will be required.

Would I get the mods first then get then install a re-programmed PCM module or the other way around?

I was thinking of getting:

-cold air intake
-ported exhaust manifolds
-I don't if should also get exhaust headers or the re-programmed PCM module

[rickisrad]

Definately get the PCM

Go with just the front power log from ZZP.

Cold air intake is always good.

180 degree thermostat and high octane fuel.

[OJ_]

Originally Posted by runner_07

Would I get the mods first then get then install a re-programmed PCM module or the other way around?

I was thinking of getting:

-cold air intake
-ported exhaust manifolds
-I don't if should also get exhaust headers or the re-programmed PCM module

An off the shelf performance PCM will complement other mods such as CAI/FWI, downpipes and pulley drops to a degree. What you need to do is establish a goal as to what type of power your looking for from your car. Once a goal is set, you can more easily create a 'mod path' to follow in order to acquire your goals.

For example, say you want to run a 13.5 in the 1/4. Logically, you need to buy mods that directly support that level of performance. In this case, running a 13.5 would be easier with headers rather then PEMS and a downpipe. So you would start out by acquiring headers rather than bunny hopping across mods. It is more cost effective to buy headers rather than going to PEMS first than headers.

One of the best ways you can prepare yourself for modding is to research. Become knowledgable about your car and youer engine so that you can make informed choices regarding performance. I can lead you in the right direction if your interested.

Lastly, one of the most important things you can do when modding is to scan your car as you go along. Do not just assume the mods your installing are solving problems such as fueling and KR. All cars are different and react differently to mods. I would at minimum pick up a cheap scanner that can scan KR, if not, find someone who can. In my case I went out and bought a tuner and I now program my PCM myself.

[Will Help]

This is what I like about these forums. Lots of people come out with the latest and greatest information to update us old fogeys who are still in the old electronics decade.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Will Help

This is what I like about these forums. Lots of people come out with the latest and greatest information to update us old fogeys who are still in the old electronics decade.

Old fogey?

It might surprise you to see some people that weighed-in on this thread are probably in that category. It helps to keep up with the changes and technology. The need for speed hasn't changed over the years just the way we go about it.