How should I go about modding my (future) GTP

**ScreaminZ** · 02-06-2014

Let me say that I am brand new to the L67, Looking to buy a 97-03 GTP. This will be my secondary car for when the weather is bad, long trips, etc. Probably not a pure daily driver but..

I'm a car guy to death, just like you guys, and I CAN'T stand having something completely bone stock. What are some good mods other than the regular ones like exhaust/cold air that I can do that will wake up a GTP? Any tricks?

Gas mileage isnt a HUGE concern but I would like to keep it civilized

Also, what are some of the weak points of these cars or things to look out for when I go to buy one? Like on my LT1 a couple weak points are the optispark and stock 10 bolt rear end

Thanks in advance

**machinegunsquid** · 02-06-2014

Read through this. It seems like a lot, but it is the single best read for our cars.
http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...ding-Your-3800!

Weak points would be:
Lower intake manifold gasket (came plastic from the factory, WILL leak coolant into the oil. Replace with the metal revision)
Transmission (while not weak per say, once you start dumping power to it, you need to consider upgrading some hard parts)
Rust. Depending where you are, check all common rust areas (especially the strut towers)

Best thing to wake the GTP up is a tune. An intake/headers, tune and a pulley drop will get you quite a bit better performance out of them. After that, consider camming (or higher ratio rockers), intercooling, spraying meth, alky, water, etc.

**ScreaminZ** · 02-06-2014

Thanks for the link, that's a great write up. I forgot about that lower intake, my friend had a 2000 monte 3.4 and had to get that done

I think I will just stick to the intake headers tune pulley drop and leave it there. I was thinking about investing in handling mods and brakes, make it like an autox inspired car. The possibilities are endless haha

**machinegunsquid** · 02-06-2014

While you can make them handle much better, it'll never be anywhere near an autoX car (even though a few people here do that) Just to big and heavy.

Also, if/when you go with exhaust mods, don't expect to hear that nice V8 sound. They get rather raspy. Best they will sound is with a big cam (or a decent vacuum leak) and some Borla mufflers.

(I've got a 95 Caprice LT1 with LT4 top end, headers, exhaust, intake stuff, lots of fun for 3 tons)

**ScreaminZ** · 02-06-2014

In my opinion, a 6 cylinder will never sound good unless it's a gtr, grand national, or supra. I plan on a very tame exhaust to keep said rasp down

Yeah when I said autox I didn't mean that it was gonna be an insane handling machine, just a little more than stock is always nice

And I have a soft spot in my heart for b bodies, dream car is a 96 impala ss

**ScreaminZ** · 02-06-2014

The goal is to have my camaro as the fast straight line machine, and the gtp as the quick nimble cheetah on the road haha

**machinegunsquid** · 02-06-2014

I love B-bodies also. It's hilarious to pull up next to a stock F-body or any Honda/ricer in the wagon and get them to race. Look on their faces when a grandma wagon smokes them is hilarious.

Check this out for a handling upgrade.
http://gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm...ber=pk12456148

**ScreaminZ** · 02-06-2014

AND its a wagon? haha I bet they get pissed

**Slick2500** · 02-06-2014

Also upgrade the stock front brakes to the 98-02 Fbody style, http://www.clubgp.com/newforum/tm.as...mode=1&smode=1

**SnowFlake** · 02-06-2014

Originally Posted by ScreaminZ

In my opinion, a 6 cylinder will never sound good unless it's a gtr, grand national, or supra. I plan on a very tame exhaust to keep said rasp down

My 3800 sounds exactly like a grand national.

**Slick2500** · 02-06-2014

Lies

**231FUN** · 02-06-2014

Originally Posted by SnowFlake

My 3800 sounds exactly like a grand national.

LOL
So does mine
No lies...

**machinegunsquid** · 02-06-2014

Now if only they were as cool as a Grand National.

**ScreaminZ** · 02-06-2014

You could say that the GTP is a reinvented grand national, take a regal and put a GM boosted 6 cylinder in it you got the grand national

Take a Grand Prix and put a GM boosted 6 cylinder in it and you got the GTP lol

**ScreaminZ** · 02-06-2014

One thing I love about these cars is the sleeper aspect, if you took one look at my camaro you would say oh, it's just another piece of junk lt1, the paint is ****, there's a few dents, but it's all go and no show. I want to keep the same thinking with a gtp except it will only be easier because a quick de-badge and it's just a Grand Prix haha