Thread: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD

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  1. #1 Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    SE Level Member ITSWILL's Avatar
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    So, like the title said I am looking to buy a GTP for a DD. It seems like a pretty practical car with a good amount of pep.

    I would be interested in modifying it pretty much right away. I have read the safely modifying thread and think that 300whp would be a good goal.

    My main question is is there any specific year I should be targeting? Any other buying tips or things to look for would be very appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Will
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  2. #2 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    I live here. TLSheff's Avatar
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    Hello and


    I know you said you read the Safely Modding thread but I have all 3 of our big ones bookmarks so I'ma make a quick link here for reference anyways.

    http://www.grandprixforums.net/safel...0-a-67580.html
    Safely Modding ^^^
    http://www.grandprixforums.net/ultim...0-a-49055.html
    Cheap mods^^^
    http://www.grandprixforums.net/97-03...ems-60802.html
    Pre-purchase look for these^^^

    As to your primary query, if you are looking for a coupe you need to steer clear of 03s. I'd stay away anyways, they have alot of 03 specific parts that are NOT interchangable with 97-02 or 04+ cars. That and they are sedans only.

    So narrow down to 97-02 for a coupe
    Daytona editions were 98 & 2000, Special edition in 01, and 40th ann in 02.

    97 & some 98s had a vacuum actuated tranny and weaker parts, so I would stick with 99-02 if you want to mod it to 300hp, it won't hold up much better, but every little bit helps, right?

    If you have problems with losing keys regularly, I would suggest a 99, its the only year with the good tranny and NO PK3 option for security. 2000+ all use electonic (resistor) and if you lose one would require programming, plus the keys cost substantially more. One reason I love my 99. After all its a Grand Prix, if they want to steal it, its not that hard to bypass the PK3 setup.

    go to Pontiac Grand Prix - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
    It will give you some more indepth info on the differences through the years. For the most part, watch for rust on the suspension, wheel bearing, knocks, and weak tranny symptoms. If its good it should be solid.

    Good luck

    Quote Originally Posted by AmericanSoldier View Post
    ...not scanning/monitoring your motor is like bangin a hooker and you just HOPE your not infected.
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  3. #3 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    SE Level Member ITSWILL's Avatar
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    Thanks for the reply, I forgot that there was no coupe in 2003.

    I assume the vacuum actuated tranny cannot be electrically controlled and tuned. Also how can I tell if it is vaccum actuated 98 before purchasing?
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  4. #4 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    I live here. TLSheff's Avatar
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    Giant vacuum tube coming off the side. The hose will go into a regulator type thing on the side of the tranny if I remember correctly.

    Mine is a 99 and has the HD tranny, ideally what you want unless you want to get a pretty Daytona. You can always do a swap in with a newer HD and tune for it later.

    Quote Originally Posted by AmericanSoldier View Post
    ...not scanning/monitoring your motor is like bangin a hooker and you just HOPE your not infected.
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  5. #5 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    SE Level Member ITSWILL's Avatar
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    Right it should be going to a vacuum actuator. OK thanks.
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  6. #6 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    GTX Level Member STEVEGTX's Avatar
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    Make sure when when about to buy look at the trunk wheel wells where the Stratus attach they rust out
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  7. #7 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    Moderator dsmuts's Avatar
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    all the gtp's from 97+ had the 4t65e hd not a vacuum controlled trans.
    98 GTP modded 1.9's, sd headers, 3.4", zzp 1.0 230K miles scrapped.
    04 Comp G zzp stb's, UMI ta's, Speedbuilt sways, bully flo heads, XP, zzp headers, fsic, thrasher shift kit, 60#, 2.6" corsa 2.5", Inferno hood
    01 gt z7 turbo tep trans zzp motor
    08 g8 gt cam exhaust 11.87@118
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  8. #8 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
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    Quote Originally Posted by STEVEGTX View Post
    Make sure when when about to buy look at the trunk wheel wells where the Stratus attach they rust out
    Do you have a Stratus attached to your wheel wells ?
    1997 Red GTP 182000 miles stock
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  9. #9 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    GTX Level Member STEVEGTX's Avatar
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    Your really going to be that guy sorry my cell auto fixed itself just trying to help a guy out
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  10. #10 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    SE Level Member ITSWILL's Avatar
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    So I'm considering checking out this car, only problem is its 4 hours away so I want to have a good list of things to check out. Thanks for all the good information so far!

    grand prix gtp low miles
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  11. #11 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
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    5 g's for a 99? even with the low miles id pass. its still gonna break at some point. even if it is real nice looking.

    hell a member here just got one from NJ. hes from Ohio. a 98 for around 3 with 79,000 miles, 100% rust free too.

    98 Buick Regal GS, F body brakes, Caddy STS wheels, tinted tails L36 bottom end, lightly ported heads, 1.95 roller rockers, headers, gen 5 N* 3.0 pulley, FSIC, 42 lb injectors, a BrandonHall rebuilt trans, DHP tuned and AEM water/Meth injection https://goo.gl/gpV5kW
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  12. #12 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    SE Level Member ITSWILL's Avatar
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    Oh yeah? all the ones I'm seeing are a lot higher mileage. 3k Kinda sounds like a steal to me. KBB on this thing in good condition is $6,113 and I was planning on offering 4000 if it is nice and possibly doing 4500 if I really liked it.
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  13. #13 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    GXP Level Member ctracer's Avatar
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    4k is a good price for good condition lower mileage.
    07 Black GXP.
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  14. #14 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    SE Level Member ITSWILL's Avatar
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    Searching CL is funny, These things must be super reliable, This guy has some serious mileage on his car!

    1997 Grand Prix gtp
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  15. #15 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    GXP Level Member ctracer's Avatar
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    seems legit.
    might wanna take a look at it, thats a factory freak that one!
    07 Black GXP.
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  16. #16 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    SE Level Member schollianmj's Avatar
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    Just dont do a trans flush on that last one. That tends to kill higher mileage cars, and I think that qualifies as "Higher mileage".
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  17. #17 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
    I live here. TLSheff's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ITSWILL View Post
    So I'm considering checking out this car, only problem is its 4 hours away so I want to have a good list of things to check out. Thanks for all the good information so far!

    grand prix gtp low miles
    Clean car, but I doubt it was not abused. K&N drop-in Filter and Roof rails must have added to that extra $$$

    Quote Originally Posted by AmericanSoldier View Post
    ...not scanning/monitoring your motor is like bangin a hooker and you just HOPE your not infected.
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  18. #18 Re: Considering buying a 1997-2003 2 door GTP for a DD 
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    Quote Originally Posted by STEVEGTX View Post
    Your really going to be that guy sorry my cell auto fixed itself just trying to help a guy out
    Sorry, couldn't resist. You are right on checking the struts, especially with him being in Michigan.
    1997 Red GTP 182000 miles stock
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