1998 Grand Prix GTP Daytona 500

[Velcruz]

I just bought a Limited edition 1998 GTP with 255000 miles, I was wondering what I would need to replace to make it go another 100000+ miles. So far I am going to start with lower intake gaskets and other small things like coolant flush and oil change, etc.
The transmission was replaced 50000 miles ago. Thanks ahead of time!

 

[QUICKSILVER462]

WOW, that is some mileage, just a testament to the reliability on the 3800 series engine. Sounds like your on the right track with maintenance.

 

[markpa]

Normal stuff and change the tranny fluid and filter every 30 K.


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[Velcruz]

I asked a friend the same question (mechanic) and he said something about replacing the valvetrain within the next 10000 miles. Is this true?

 

[FordMan77]

If it's not having an issue, leave the motor alone. They will go all day long with regular maint. and oil changes. I've got 366K on my 00 GT motor and it runs just fine. I've NEVER had to change anything beyond the LIM gaskets and normal wear items. Valvetrain is just fine on these cars.

Things I'd do:
Change LIM gaskets/install updated aluminum coolant elbows
Change blower oil
Check ALL vacuum lines (the T under the snout likes to crack and cause a leak)
Clean the MAF
Remove and clean the throttle body
New air filter
Trans Fluid/filter change
Install Trans-Go shift kit while the pan is off the trans. (it's easy)
New correct spark plugs (NOT PLATINUMS) and a cheap set of wires (they really don't need to be anything expensive)
Fuel Filter

If you can do all this yourself it shouldn't be overly expensive and you'll know for sure when everything was changed and have a good starting point for maint. history. Check RockAuto for a lot of the parts and you can save some extra $$. I got my trans-go kit from Dave at tripleedgeperformace.com. Even for never being inside of a 4T65-E trans it was easy to do.

 

[Velcruz]

I got some of that done already but ill definitely start on the rest. Its going to be on its way from AZ all the way up to NY lets see how it goes, but by what guys have told me I expect it to go fine. Can this car pull the smallest trailer uhual has?

 

[QUICKSILVER462]

Pulling a small trailer can put the engine under high load for a longer time than would normally see just accelerating, this can cause extended time under "boost" conditions and then excess heat will be created that may not be able to dissipate fast enough to prevent detonation/pre-ignition, which is a killer for any engine especially engines with superchargers and turbochargers, that us of course unless you have a diesel engine.

 

[Scottydoggs]

whos flooring it and making boost towing? no one with a brain, thats not how you tow things even in a truck. unless you just hate your car or truck 100% and dont care if you kill it.

we got members who tow small open single axle trailers around. most are motorcycle trailers, id keep the load as light as possible, 1000 lbs or less. and load it so its not making the ass of your car sag to much, you want your trailer frame to be level with the ground when towing or its gonna sway all over on ya as you go down the hwy at speed.

 

[markpa]

If you do tow a light trailer i would also increase the tranny fluid and filter changes to like 20 k and make sure you have the trans go shift kit in the bottom end.


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[Bronco Boy]

I just rolled over 400,000km (248,000 miles). I do regular oil changes and tune-ups, added a trans shift kit, changed the LIM and coolant elbows, and roughly 14 wheel bearings. The trans wined when I get her 8+ years ago, and she still does (no change for the worse). Other than that, mostly cosmetic stuff. I don't romp on her to much, and do mostly freeway driving, so she has a pretty good life. Looking forward to 500,000km, if I have her still.

The car before this, 1990 T-Bird Super Coupe, dropped a bearing just shy of 300,000 km, so I didn't get to enjoy that moment. LOL