• The site migration is complete! Hopefully everything transferred properly from the multiple decades old software we were using before. If you notice any issues please let me know, thanks! Also, I'm still working on things like chatbox, etc so hopefully those will be working in the next week or two.

Where to start, upgrading GTP

5

502BOOST

New member
A few months ago I purchased my 2002 Grand Prix GTP. 153k miles. Black/2dr/fully loaded. I love it, exactly what I was looking for! It had an exhaust leak when I bought it but I got it fixed right away. Replaced the one fog light that was out, now I iust am missing a side skirt I'm just waiting on it to warm up before I fix that. I'm just wondering when I get to start doing upgrades to my car what exactly should I be starting with? Exhaust? Pulley? Cold air intake? I'm not an expert but I do love cars, love learning new things about my car and that's why I'm here. Anybody got any ideas on where I need to start?
 


Basic info about them is that they are a GM W-Body, Coupe/Sedan, FWD, 4-spd automatic transmission (Code-Named the 4T65E-HD; 2.93 gearing) 3800 Supercharged V6 platform (Code-named L67 for 97-03 or L32 '04+), rated at 240 hp (260 horse for the '04+ cars)and 280 ft. lbs. of torque from the factory. Figure your 20%-ish drive train loss and you’ve got your basic wheel horsepower numbers. The N/A Grand Prix was also powered by the 3800 V6 (Code-Named L36 for 97-03 or L26 '04+) and mated to a 4-spd automatic transmission (Code-Named 4T65E; 3.29 gearing, Keep in mind in '04 The GTP Comp G used 3.29 gearing from the factory for a way better setup) making 200 hp and 225 (add 5 ft. lbs. for the '04+ cars) ft. lbs. of torque. If you have just bought your ’97-’08 WBody and are looking to modify it then please take these steps to insure safer modding steps. Begin with your typical maintenance first, such as:
1) New Spark Plugs (You can upgrade spark plugs at this time if you wish)
2) New Spark Plug Wires (You can upgrade spark plug wires at this time if you wish)
3) Oil/Oil Filter Change
4) Fuel Filter Change
5) Coolant System Flush (Replace Dexcool with Yellow/Green Coolant)
6) New Thermostat (You can upgrade to a 180*/160* Thermostat at this time if you wish)
7) Lower Intake Manifold Gaskets/Coolant Elbows (2)
8) Transmission Pan Drop/New GM Transmission Filter (Replace 3-4 quarts with Dexron VI, not Dexron IV)
9) New Brake Pads and/or Rotors
10) Supercharger Oil Change (Replace with 2 New Bottles of GM Supercharger Oil)
 


I really appreciate all of this very much. This is EXACTLY what I wanted to here and I love learning these things about my GTP. Can't wait to get a jump on it starting with that list of maintance work. I will focus on all 10 of these steps before moving on to any additional upgrades.
 
Actually I was going to get my transmission flushed recently and someone told me not to because I don't know when the last time it has been done and they have heard that sometimes putting brand new fluid in the transmission that hasn't been changed in a very long time can start causing problems. Hopefully that made sense.. Anybody know anything about this?
 


you heard right. see how your fluid looks now, is it nice and red? if so then just drop the pan, change the filter, add 8 quarts of new fluid.

reuse the factory gasket. when you have both in hand you'll see why. clean it and the pan with brake cleaner and re use it.
 
Tomorrow I will be beginning the maintance starting with buying NGK spark plugs and also some aftermarket wires. Any ideas on what wires to get? Does it really matter?
 


Scottydoggs said:
cheap parts store brand wires do just fine. get a set with a lifetime warranty. make sure you get iridium plugs too.
Click to expand...
so I'm guessing my local autozone or orileys will have these. So I should get NGK plugs but the iridium kind? With all honesty idk what iridium means but I'm here to learn.
 
iridium is a type of plug, its what came in your car, they will last you 70 to 100,000 miles.

DO NOT GET PLATINUM PLUGS. car wont like em, and they cost more too, so its like tossing money in the trash.

wires dont really matter. iv ran autozone wires, now im on advance auto wires. both work fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top