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Future upgrade advice (already read safely modding)

nik12937

nik12937

New member
v------------------------Original thread-------------------------------v
I'm making my own intake as per this thread : http://www.grandprixforums.net/simple-intake-pictures-33351.html

And I also stumbled up on this thread which confused me: http://www.grandprixforums.net/question-about-04-intake-43943.html

On the second link, what will happen to that odd vacuum tube when I'm bolting on the new intake? It's right before the air box, so I'm not sure now if I'm removing the air box and putting the intake where it used to be, or if I start farther back past that vacuum tube and fashion a new hole for it to sit in.

I hope this isn't too simple of a question but I couldn't find an answer in the threads I looked through and most writeup's tend to be for 03 and earlier GP's
^------------------------Original thread-------------------------------^

Additions: I almost made a new thread but realized that it would make more sense to just make this my "upgrade" thread if you will. I thoroughly read through the "safely Modding" thread so that's really where I got all this info :)

So far I plan on getting (in order):

1) Custom made intake (details or in other words, idiotic problems above)
2) 180 Thermostat
3) ZZP HV3 Insert
4) Headers (Or plog/u-bend/downpipe if headers won't help a N/A) Any good bolt on's? Probably Speed Daddy's but I heard they leak. I did find these but I can only use bolt-on's as I can't weld :( Pontiac Performance Racing Products for International Sales from SSAutochrome Inc.
5) ZZP ER Rockers (Split 1.85 intake and 1.80 exhaust I believe; unless 1.9 will give more hp) with LS6 springs and better retainers (push rods necessary?)
6) PCM tune from Overkill that I'll eventually dyno tune at a shop (doing this at the same time I finish actual engine "internals")

Actual questions for those who don't wanna read all that crap^
Overall the only problems I have are (1)the intake (written above, probably simple) (2)whether it's more worth it to go with headers or the "others" (I think I found good ones below), (3)if the ER rockers will give the most hp, and if push rods, springs, and retainers are necessary.

I'm just looking to make my dd more entertaining while keeping it N/A. I may have to eventually work on my transmission, either due to more hp^ or because my pressure control solenoid very infrequently (once a month) makes my transmission clunk.

Any help is really appreciated, I'm only 18, working a job and in college, so I don't have time for something in depth that requires a lot of skill like cams, but I want to start gaining engine knowledge with beginner's upgrades (rockers being on the top of that "scale").

If anyone has advice I appreciate it very much, and if anything doesn't make sense or is to unorganized I understand (I realize now that I asked a lot of questions to try to keep this to one thread), let me know and I'll fix it.

Also, none of this is time critical as I'm also retrofitting HID's, tinting, and getting new rims before/during this, so money will be sporadic to say the least.

Links to parts:

Intake: Top of post^
Thermostat: INTENSE-Racing.com: INTENSE™ High Performance 3800 Thermostats
ZZP HV3 Insert: http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=214&catid=113
Headers: No decision as of yet, maybe Pontiac Performance Racing Products for International Sales from SSAutochrome Inc.
Rockers: http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=555&catid=104
Springs: INTENSE-Racing.com: LS6 Medium Load Valve Springs
Retainers: INTENSE-Racing.com: Manley Performance Valvespring Retainers
Pushrods: INTENSE-Racing.com: INTENSE™ 3800 High-Performance Pushrods
PCM: :: Overkill Motorsports ::
 
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If the vacuum line that goes from the slinky looking part of the intake to the TB that is confusing you, just drill a hole in the pcv that you can fit the vac line into. Personally when I did mine I put the pcv on first then just marked the spot where the vac line would go in and drilled a small hole there and kept making it bigger until the vac line fit snug in there.

Your mod list would make a solid N/A build. I would go with headers instead of the plog/dp/u-bend delete because from what I've HEARD you dont actually lose torque from headers and SD headers would be cheaper than buying all of that stuff. For the SD headers just make sure to use rtv so that you have no leaks, a lot of people use SDs and have no problems with them. And if you decide to go turbo (or top swap) you would already have headers (which would be necessary for a top swap). If I'm not mistaken ER rockers give the most gains for N/A but if you think you will top swap then 1.9s would be better. You could also get a ported LIM, I'm not sure if you can do hv3 and ported LIM tho, hopefully someone else can answer, because I just ordered a ported LIM from Reptile and I'd like to know also. Hope this helps

Forgot to mention, thermostats can be found at any auto parts store, so you dont need to order it online unless you want to
 
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i vote buy those headers, because I, like you, have no experience/access to a welder.
and those headers you have up there look pretty good.

i'd buy them simply to be a little different.
 
be warned SSAC headers will infact be XS headers whentheyre shipped to your door. meh on the fit, not bad but you have to make some adjustments to them. and they are Stainless steel not mild.
 
I haven't had any issues with my SSAC headers. But why not just put money toward a turbo build. Your half to almost there with all of the things you plan to buy above.

Being N/A is boring on these motors. If you wanna keep it N/A stay stock.
 
I probably will go with a turbo kit down the road, but I don't really have the money to build my tranny and get alll the tubing etc.

Will these speed daddy headers fit my car even though it isn't a gtp? GRAND PRIX/GTP/REGAL/IMPALA/MONTE CARLO HEADER/EXHAUST | eBay

I will buy them very soon if so.

And what should I do about keeping my car's emissions legal? I figured a high flow cat would work since thos headers have none, so should I buy one and have it welded on or just connect the headers to my stock cat?

Thanks for all the help guys!
 


Just realized that :/ Plus having to worry about the return pump breaking down, etc.

I believe I'm going to save up for this kit: Cartuning Performance

Still do the headers at least in the meantime, and probably my transmission as well because I'll need at least an HD conversion if not more. But all in all that kit looks very simple to install, I may have to have someone help me with a turbo cam installation however.

Edit: Nevermind the headers, custom downpipe etc. are all included.
 
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How bout drive it stock until you go turbo because modding a NA 3800 is not worth the money unless turboing. How are you going to save for the turbo kit if your buying silly things like headers that your turbo kit can't use. Think it out just wait, save, buy, and enjoy!
 


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