• The site migration is complete! Hopefully everything transferred properly from the multiple decades old software we were using before. If you notice any issues please let me know, thanks! Also, I'm still working on things like chatbox, etc so hopefully those will be working in the next week or two.

Minor Modding/Tuning Up

brandonl2000

brandonl2000

New member
On a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8L, I am wanting to do a basic tune up when I get it. I would like to put new plugs and wires and do the oil and fluids etc. I was reading the "Safely Modding" thread and it was talking about putting cooler plugs in there. It has a stock engine. I intend to put a short ram intake on it a little later on. Which plugs do I need; Autolite 605 or 606? What is 1 heat range cooler going to do and what could it hurt?
Also I would like to replace the thermostat, as keeping the engine cooler would be more efficient, correct? So which is better; the 160 or 180? I don't want to mess up and end up hurting my performance.
And what is step 8 where you do the Transmission Pan Drop/New GM Transmission Filter? in detail... and is it even necessary?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:


Boost only happens in supercharged applications. What he is saying is that unless you do a bunch of mods, or add a supercharger, you don't really need to put in colder plugs or a cooler thermostat. I have an '01 GT with zzp plug wires, a Thrasher intake, colder plugs, and cooler thermostat. Before I added the cooler plugs, plug wires, and thermostat, I was getting 28mpg's on the highway. Now, I get 32 pretty consistently. I'd say that if you plan on doing some other things to your car then you might think about getting a thermostat and colder plugs. Granted, they're cheap enough mods that if you buy them and don't like them you can just take 'em off and you didn't really lose a lot.

That's my 2 cents.
 


the only thing i really plan on doing is putting a short ram intake on there. and MAYBE the ZZPerformance Exclusive HV3 Upper Insert later on down the road. it's just when i get this car, i want to get it running really well. new plugs n wires n that kinda thing. but for now, autolite copper core is good? do i really need the platinum and all the other higher qualities?
should i consider cooling things down once i put the short ram intake on?
 
brandonl2000 said:
the only thing i really plan on doing is putting a short ram intake on there. and MAYBE the ZZPerformance Exclusive HV3 Upper Insert later on down the road. it's just when i get this car, i want to get it running really well. new plugs n wires n that kinda thing. but for now, autolite copper core is good? do i really need the platinum and all the other higher qualities?
should i consider cooling things down once i put the short ram intake on?
Click to expand...


Build yourself a intake and run some Autolite 606's if Im not not mistaken, or TR55's which are no longer sold the model number changed. Also might take a peak at this:

http://www.grandprixforums.net/f81/safely-modding-your-3800-powered-car-17482.html

By the way no Platinums...
 
Do the fender well intake instead of the short ram/hot air intake.
Colder plugs and thermostat will not hurt anything. Try it.

Also check into the U-bend delete as well as flipping rubber bushings in the upper engine mounts. One mod is cheap, the other is free. Both are good.
 


Go with stock heat range plugs and stock tstat. The transmission pan drop is removing the oil pan on the transmission and changing the trans mission filter that is located right in side of it. It is a great thing to do if you like your transmission.
 
well i wouldnt mind doing the FWI..it's just i was reading about it on here and it seems like a minor pain because you have to cut something from the car. is it that hard of a job?
if i do the FWI, do i HAVE to have the U-bend delete to get the added performance/sound? what is the benefit of doing the FWI? is it similar to a CAI pretty much? and it will give me more power...?
as far as doing the motor mounts, what is the benefit of that? and is it hard to do?
and about the transmission, is that a tough job as well? dropping the oil pan, wouldnt that be messy? and of course i want to keep my transmission in the best shape. where do you even buy the filter to go in the transmission?
and also, what type of plug wires should i be looking to buy? i just want something GOOD, but i dont need anything super expensive and souped for racing; just daily driving. the reason for my modding is just to umph up the performance a tad and improve my gas mileage hopefully.
 
Last edited:
You probably found this stuff already. But here it is.
The tranny work is messy, any parts store will have the parts, you will need a torque wrench, and the U-bend needs to be removed by a shop.
But you can handle the rest easy enough plus your regular maintenance
Taylor wires are good quality for a good price.
You will learn that 3800 exhausts usually sound like crap no matter what.
Good luck.

http://www.grandprixforums.net/f18/dog-bone-flip-13286.html
http://www.grandprixforums.net/f73/transmission-service-32119.html
http://www.grandprixforums.net/f73/make-a-4-fenderwell-intake-fwi-20.html
http://www.grandprixforums.net/f73/how-to-u-bend-delete-19289.html
ZZ Performance
 
thanks!! so what about getting the reprogrammed PCM? does it really help your performance that much? especially since mine is going to be majority stock with the exception of maybe the intake. i was looking at 3800 performance and the core charge i didn't like. why must you send in the original? just explain the whole tuned PCM mod? what all does it take to get it purchased and installed properly etc?
and what does the dog bone flip do for me exactly?
 
okay, do the u-bend delete. just do it. its cheap, its worth it, you car will love you. youre freeing the exhaust so youre setting yourself for the intake mods like CAI and HV3. u might as well get a downpipe (catless if u dont have emissions in your state) since it already gets rid of the ubend.

if youre doing an intake - IMHO either good CAI design (thrasher or wizaird type) or an open cone. fenderwels are okay but its more of a pain imho. also, if you dont feel comfortable having ur PCM chillin there unprotected, grab a PCM tray. otherwise ziptie the *****. intake give minor gains on their own, made my car louder tho.

core charge is to pay for the PCM itself, not the tune. you send in your old pcm after u get the new one and they return it. its plug n play with the PCM. DO NOT GET A PCM FROM ZZP. they suck. otherwise, PCM is a great addition. a must have.

dog bone flip reduces engine travel. its cheaper then getting a polyurethane bushing.

so far i got an open cone intake, downpipe sitting in the garage, waiting for some money for a PEM and Hv3. after i do all my mods im gonna talk to Reptile about getting a tune.
 
Last edited:


MiriV said:
okay, do the u-bend delete. just do it. its cheap, its worth it, you car will love you. youre freeing the exhaust so youre setting yourself for the intake mods like CAI and HV3. u might as well get a downpipe (catless if u dont have emissions in your state) since it already gets rid of the ubend.

if youre doing an intake - IMHO either good CAI design (thrasher or wizaird type) or an open cone. fenderwels are okay but its more of a pain imho. also, if you dont feel comfortable having ur PCM chillin there unprotected, grab a PCM tray. otherwise ziptie the *****. intake give minor gains on their own, made my car louder tho.

core charge is to pay for the PCM itself, not the tune. you send in your old pcm after u get the new one and they return it. its plug n play with the PCM. DO NOT GET A PCM FROM ZZP. they suck. otherwise, PCM is a great addition. a must have.

dog bone flip reduces engine travel. its cheaper then getting a polyurethane bushing.

so far i got an open cone intake, downpipe sitting in the garage, waiting for some money for a PEM and Hv3. after i do all my mods im gonna talk to Reptile about getting a tune.
Click to expand...
i dont think i can do the U-bend delete we have emissions here in TN.
it would be more affordable and possible if i could to the FWI and make it look really nice. how loud did the intake make your car tho?
PCM sounds like a really great investment..only $100 and you get all that performance. oh yes :)
engine travel? wth lol
and whats the PEM that you are trying to get? As for the Hv3, it goes in the intake...but it also said in the threat that you should get a better front manifold. are those the same thing? which should go first, if so?
and by the tune, you mean the ported throttle body or PCM?
 
Last edited:
A u-bend is legal and wont mess up the emission at all. The u-bend is right before the CAT so it dont mess anything up and a local shop can do it for 30-40 bucks and its lets the car breath better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top