Gonna make some upgrades to my '02 Grand Prix GT...any suggestions?

[Moribound]

Alright, so I have an '02 Grand Prix GT with 114,xxx miles on it, and I'm planning to do some long distance driving this summer (moving to AZ from IN). So, I've decided to fix or upgrade a lot of things on my car. I've picked out a list of things I want to do to it, but I don't know much about the quality or reputation of some the parts I've chosen. Keep in mind that I'm trying to keep the cost minimal. Here's my list:

(2) wheel bearing assemblies from Auto Extra
A Magnaflow catalytic converter
(4) Sumitomo HTR Z II tires
Shift kit/filter from zzperformance
SLP cold air intake on Summit
And an A/C charge

Also really wanna do something with my ugly ass American Racing wheels. Maybe find some 5 spoke wheels for cheap if I can and paint em black?

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

Wheel bearings are good, I prefer TIMKEN bearings off rockauto for 85ish each.

Whats wrong with your stock CAT converter? If its not broke, dont replace it with a highflow, it wont do anything.

Tires are okay.

Dont buy the ZZP shift kit, they suck. Buy a shift kit from Triple Edge Performance. Then get a filter and 8 quarts of DEXRON 3 from the auto parts store.

Search "simple intakes" on this site, you can make your own intake for under 60 bucks compared to 200 off a dumb website.

Ac Recharged is good too, keep it cool.

Trust me on what I said, I am just helping you save money and your car.

 

[Moribound]

Yea, the cat went bad about a month ago or so. Anything bad about the Magnaflow converters? They're super cheap so they're super tempting. lol

Just did a little more research on the ZZP shift kit---I can see the difference now. Does the Intense Shift kit include a gasket for the trans pan?

Thanks for the CAI tip...I think I've seen it before, but I'll give it another look. The SLP intake is a little cheaper on Summit though ($150).

 

[Moribound]

Also thinking about just throwing in a K&N filter instead and spending money on the GM handling package.

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

DOnt use K&N filter, the oil's can get on the MAF and cause them to go bad, just make a intake with a big ass dry flow filter for under 60 bones.

The stock trans pan gasket is metal, clean it and re-use.

 

[Moribound]

Thanks for the advice! Should have this thing riding like new pretty soon. Do you know of anyone selling 5-spoke wheels for really cheap? I'll just paint the ones I have if I must, but I'd prefer the stock five spoke wheels...

I know this is a horrible horrible picture, but this is the only pic I have of the car that's readily available right now.

They're 16" American Racing wheels and the chrome is flaking off. I'm guessing they were pretty expensive brand new, but they've lost their luster since then, and to be honest, I'm not a big fan of them. If you spent the money I'm sure you could get them de-plated and powdercoated or whatever. Maybe someone would be interested in doing some kind of trade?