Need opinions 5k budget

**sdogg201** · 03-08-2012

Ok so I am new to the GP forums been working on cars 20 years mostly old school. I have a 98 GTP all stock. Has issues. The main issues is rear struts are gone, brake pads, rotors are shot. But this car runs great and low miles got it of a granny (imagine that). So I have 5k (extra cash for some 18's and tires) sitting around and it's time to mod. What I want is some input on where to start and what to get. AGX's, parts from zzperformance, ect. Thanks for the input. Also should I stay SC or Turbo? and if SC go for the new SC I think Gen IV?

**Mjcanton** · 03-09-2012

It depends on where you want to put your money and what you want out of the car. You will need a built trans for a turbo build which can run you a couple grand. Most people would recommend doing a built trans right away or putting money away for when yours dies regardless of weather you stay S/C or go Turbo.

If it were me, I'd spend the money on the suspension and wheels first, then probably a trans too and see where you're at. From there you can decide what is best for you.

**ctracer** · 03-09-2012

OP it depends on what you want out of your car.
what are your goals?

**FordMan77** · 03-09-2012

Welcome to the forums!

You should fix everything, and I mean EVERYTHING that is wrong w/ the car currently and then go from there. A 98 is going to need all 4 struts, front end work, valve cover gaskets, LIM gaskets if not previously changed to the aluminum versions, rotors/pads as you say, and fluids changed. Once you get a solid base to work with then you can start modding. I know this doesn't sound as fun as putting 18's on it and dropping to a 3.4 pulley but trust me it will work out better in the long run. There's nothing worse than trying to troubleshoot an issue on a car that has not had a good maint. history, and adding speed mods are only going to strain those old parts that much more.

How many miles are on it now?

If you plan on adding a lot more power then I suggest you take a look at tripleedgeperformance.com for the cost of a good tranny as you will need one sooner or later. As far as staying S/C or going turbo, I would go turbo myself but that 5K budget may not quite be enough to do it properly unless you score some used stuff, especially taking into account the cost of replacing other parts beforehand. Keep in mind if you do any mods even on your existing Gen 3 you may end up needing a tune to keep from blowing it up.

Take a read through the "safely modding your 3800" thread and that should give you an idea on what/how to mod your ride. This should be mandatory for anyone looking for more performance. You don't want to know what a chipped piston sounds like, lol...

As far as the struts, take a look at the Brakes/Suspension/Chassis forum for ideas on what struts/springs combos work well together.

**BillBoost37** · 03-09-2012

1. Never pay full ZZPrice if possible. There are tons of threads about where to get stuff at better prices.

2. For ideas on suspension and some general other crap.. take a peek at what I did when in a similar position
http://www.grandprixforums.net/regal-39742.html

**FordMan77** · 03-09-2012

Check out Rock Auto for good prices on parts. Agreed on the ZZP suggestion. Ebay can be your friend as well.

And as far as checking out Bill's "positions", well, do so at your own risk

**Tuner-Extraordinaire** · 03-09-2012

turbo

**txslow6** · 03-09-2012

5K?
Then used turbo kit and Tim King built tranny.

That should put you around $4K with another grand for suspension/brakes.

**Odi** · 03-09-2012

a huuuuge snail.

**sdogg201** · 03-09-2012

Sorry I wasn't to clear. So far I am ordering BMR suspension kit. And looking at coilovers from HT Motorsports aka Arraut Motorsports or KYB AGX with springs (any suggestions on springs). Aside from General stuff I have changed all fluids changing what I can with Moog (ball joints, tie rod ends, ect.) The car has 123,768 miles on it. I am also doing the 12 inch brake upgrade using the Malibu brackets, rotors (I think it's the 05 and up). After the car is "sound" I will have around 5k to invest. So what I am eventually looking for is running down stock Vette's and still having a summer DD. Like I said I am a car guy just new to GP's, was mostly early to late novas and camaros.. Thank you again for all the info. Should I go turbo? Isn't a supercharger more reliable (thinking Gen 5) ? Eventually I would like to do old school build punch it 20 over, stroke it, forged pistons, connecting rods, cams, double chain timing, ported heads, SS valves, ect. But what would be the best bang for 5k off the bat is really what I am looking for. So basically a nice starters parts list would be great..I just love the way these cars look so it's time to make mine fly. I know being in Michigan I have ZZPerfromance and HT Motorsports just a drive away.

**Matt Palm** · 03-09-2012

i actually got my 2000 gtp from my great grandma who was 94 when we took her license away and it still only has 31k on it

**sdogg201** · 03-10-2012

Very nice

**sdogg201** · 03-10-2012

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

1. Never pay full ZZPrice if possible. There are tons of threads about where to get stuff at better prices.

2. For ideas on suspension and some general other crap.. take a peek at what I did when in a similar position
http://www.grandprixforums.net/regal-39742.html

Thanks good post

**sdogg201** · 03-10-2012

Originally Posted by FordMan77

Welcome to the forums!

You should fix everything, and I mean EVERYTHING that is wrong w/ the car currently and then go from there. A 98 is going to need all 4 struts, front end work, valve cover gaskets, LIM gaskets if not previously changed to the aluminum versions, rotors/pads as you say, and fluids changed. Once you get a solid base to work with then you can start modding. I know this doesn't sound as fun as putting 18's on it and dropping to a 3.4 pulley but trust me it will work out better in the long run. There's nothing worse than trying to troubleshoot an issue on a car that has not had a good maint. history, and adding speed mods are only going to strain those old parts that much more.

How many miles are on it now?

If you plan on adding a lot more power then I suggest you take a look at tripleedgeperformance.com for the cost of a good tranny as you will need one sooner or later. As far as staying S/C or going turbo, I would go turbo myself but that 5K budget may not quite be enough to do it properly unless you score some used stuff, especially taking into account the cost of replacing other parts beforehand. Keep in mind if you do any mods even on your existing Gen 3 you may end up needing a tune to keep from blowing it up.

Take a read through the "safely modding your 3800" thread and that should give you an idea on what/how to mod your ride. This should be mandatory for anyone looking for more performance. You don't want to know what a chipped piston sounds like, lol...

As far as the struts, take a look at the Brakes/Suspension/Chassis forum for ideas on what struts/springs combos work well together.

Thanks a lot very informational!!!!

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