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Why are people abandoning the W-Body?



The 3.8L engine and trans was used in many different platforms for many years. It's well know for it's reliability. Of course when you start doing performance mods and racing any engine, the reliability decreases as performance increases. No way around it. I had never had and internal issue with my engine until 330k when it lost the complete roller off a lifter, but then again all the internals were stock and it was used as a DD and not raced/abused.
 
waupachino said:
The 3.8L engine and trans was used in many different platforms for many years. It's well know for it's reliability. Of course when you start doing performance mods and racing any engine, the reliability decreases as performance increases. No way around it. I had never had and internal issue with my engine until 330k when it lost the complete roller off a lifter, but then again all the internals were stock and it was used as a DD and not raced/abused.
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I used to race mine ALL THE TIME. The transmissions are junk, even when not pushed hard. No engine issues though. NONE. But my lil PCS soleniod trick actually saved this trans...
 
93k ish, with never enough time to really buckle down and do anything. I'm away from home a good portion of the year no hust hard to justify spending much time on it, cost me nothing for it to sit.


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jaydubb71 said:
Damn. I have noticed that the owners of 04+ cars (well... the people that I know) seem to have more issues than us 97-03 guys...
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I wouldn't say more issues, just different ones. Drive by wire throttle bodies, thinner front sway bars, they used an untested design for the ABS module, so on and so forth...

But that all comes with other improvements, like the interior (seats), tap-shift, an option for a V8, and so on...

It's all in what you consider to be important. Lol
 
I have no plans on getting rid of my GP. It has been a great car over the past 6+ years. Any problem I've had, well, I read about it on the 'net and was prepared for it to happen.
 
4 speed transmission made out of glass. Wish I had a 6 speed but otherwise I enjoy the car and plan on keeping it for another 5 years or so. I don't drive it much, my work issues me a car, so it only has 90k. Like everything else it is a dated platform, with newer technology out there for more HP and MPG.
 


It is so cheap to build a GP into a decent DD, with an "ok" amount of quickness and decent handling that can last almost forever with regular maintenance.

In order to go fast, you'll need a better platform, but the GP held it's own during it's heyday... Now it's slowly dying off as a contender, but it can still easily surprise the uninformed.

The amount it would cost to build up another platform is quite a bit more than what you can build up a W-Body for, but it's got it's limits and those limits have been hit so many times that people get tired of trying for the kind of performance that a different platform can provide.

Simply put, the W-Body is a great platform for an enjoyable daily, but it's not going to be "fast" as measured by today's standards.
 
Eliminating the rust factor.

A. because old
B. because teens buy and ask stupid questions all the time
C. people cant afford a trans to handle a turbo because M90 are slow
 
People are abandoning W-bodies? I should get out more and find them. Has everyone forgotten that '69 Camaros were rusty $800 heaps at this age too? You drive by wire guys can have that crap, make mine carb. The only really relevant fact that I think its wise to bear in mind when you think of switching.... is that the 98-00 is the best balance of advancements versus ease of modification. Bang for the buck, they are a no-brainer win as transportation and beginner hot rods. Just my .02.

Now will someone who has used the term dying platform here please define it.
 


I must be behind the curve, I didn't know people were leaving, I did my first engine swap 4 years ago and want to do top swap.. But then I don't take loans out for my cars. Cash is king
 
While this is an older platform I still like my GP. I got mine for free back in '07 at 120K~ish miles and now it has 379K on it (motor has 320K, on 2nd trans). Since I know turbo is the way to go I've just been slowly accumulating parts here and there as budget allows. Most of it is for show but it's my DD so not looking to break a land speed record in it.

I drive at least 100mi. a day/5 days a week in it so I need to be sure it's not going to leave me stranded. I own mostly Ford stuff (duh), but this GP and the 95 Bonne that I have are pretty dependable for the age and mileage on them. I keep up regular maint. on all my vehicles unlike the general public that accepts new car payments every 4 years as the norm.

As long as I can keep the rust monster away I plan on driving them 'till the wheels fall off, lol... Plus it keeps the mileage and wear off the other cars.
 
My grand Prix has been pretty damn reliable. Recently I have been fixing all kinds of stuff but not that stranded me anywhere. 150k, sounds like a ticking time bomb, but running.
 
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