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1st time tuning/upgrading advice

Garandpa

Garandpa

New member
I'm making some mods to my 2002 GTP, which is otherwise stock other than MSD Blaster coils (which I have since learned have a so-so reputation). I have a ZZP cat-back exhaust and downpipe inbound, along with the ZZP PCM tune and a 3.5" pulley (per their recommendation), NGK TR6 plugs, wires from 3800 performance, and a 180 degree thermostat, and an alternator voltage booster gizmo. I rented the puller from ZZP and sprung for the modular hub and pulley. I'm going to install aluminum coolant elbows while I've got everything apart as well.

I'd like to get all of this stuff installed while my wife is out of town in a couple weeks so I'm hoping there aren't a bunch of pitfalls. What am I missing and is there anything in the list above that doesn't sound right or worthwhile? My goal is just to have a bit sportier ride for the summer months here in Michigan. I always run 93 octane gas, which is plentiful here.

Thanks,

Roy
 


in Michigan it seems like all the people who live there want to run E85 because of it's anti knock index. if you swap injectors to 42's or 60's you could run something like a 3.3 or 3.2. a downpipe is easier to install, but with headers you get a lot more flow. but headers are also more work to install.
 
^^^ headers fer sure.

And a mail order tune is always an eh upgrade, the real upgrade would be a proper tune from either a reputable shop that knows how to tune a 3800, or a local friend with a tuner.

Mail order tunes, or "canned" tunes never get the full potential that an actual tune will, because every car is different and canned tunes are all the same.
 


then dont do any thing to it. ZZP lies to sell parts, they really do suck. good chance the engine blows on ya as per their recommendation.
 
you are, zzp lies and sells crappy tunes on top of the lies. but your new and dont know any better yet. i mean why would you question a leading parts seller like zzp?

they are not the only game in town, most of what they sell can be found cheaper else where, or used. headers dont have to cost 800 bucks either, but zzp thinks they should.

for headers most of us run speed daddy headers, 220 shipped most of the time. add some band clamps and your all set. for 250 in all.
 


O.K., thanks. Great info. Headers are not happening this year. I know they're the greatest thing since sliced bread, but not in the cards right now. Maybe next year. I doubt I can return my ZZP PCM, but I'm checking into it. If I can't, perhaps I'll have 3800 Performance flash mine.
 
Yeah cancel your ZZP order, ZZP PCM is trash, ZZP catback exhaust adds no performance benefit (unless over like 350hp or something) just mass drone. Get SD headers for like $200, a PCM tune from Overkill and drop to a 3.4......or just listen to ZZP and their lies and chip a piston, your call.
 
Last edited:
Lishap said:
Yeah cancel your ZZP order, ZZP PCM is trash, exhaust adds no performance benefit just mass drone. Get SD headers for like $200, a PCM tune from Overkill and drop to a 3.4......or just listen to ZZP and their lies and chip a piston, your call.
Click to expand...

you need to clarify that statement because exhaust work is where many gains can be made. I think you meant catback, and even then there are situations where gains can be had, not every situation, but some.
 


No can return ZZP PCM, so worst case I'm out $125 if I order the 3800 Performance version. Overkill is twice as much $$.
 
So the 3800 performance PCM recommends a 3.4" pulley. Are 3800 Performance pulleys interchangeable with ZZP's? (I bought ZZP's hub and a 3.5" pulley).
 
zzp doesn't lock their pcms. if you have an opportunity, I would get a maf adjustment done because it is likely that your fuel trims will run rich with the zzp adjustment. zzp and intense modular pulleys are interchangeable, and for that reason, most people use the zzp hub or intense hub. those are the most common pulleys out there. 3800 performance has been declining in popularity for quite some time.
 
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