ShadowSwept
New member
My first car was a 96 Blazer, which I drove until the transmission nearly fell out. I then went looking for a Grand Prix. I wanted a GT, but ended up getting an 03 SE off of my grandmother. The transmission skipped second and the fuel gauge didn't work, but I drove it for five years and loved it, even after the ignition switch went out and the engine blew a head gasket. I replaced the engine, but it was a used motor from a Buick Sentinel, and the temperature gauge and overdrive no longer worked.
Well, Christmas last year it blew another gasket, so I went shopping for a new car. I nearly gave up on the Grand Prix, but then out of nowhere I got a call the beginning of February about a black 2003 GT at a car lot down the road. This has always been one of my favorite cars, on the list with 69 Chevelle SS, 79 Camaro, 2011 Camaro, and 86 Porsche - so probably also the most practical, especially considering I have two kids and work minimum wage.
The car looked and ran great, and he was asking $3700. Needless to say I jumped on it. I sold the SE for $800 as is and drove home in my new GT.
There were a few minor issues, but I had those fixed within the week. So far I've put in a new battery, changed the oil and the brake pads, and replaced the tires. There is significant evidence that the previous owner enjoyed burnouts quite a bit: aside from tiny chips all over the car and gravel lodged in strange places, the old tires were marbled with gravel dust and severely deformed and the spare, jack, and everything else was removed from the trunk.
Also, the dealer told me that when he got the car the engine was locked up. He began to replace it but found it was the flywheel and only replaced that. In the process he must've damaged the exhaust manifold and made a shoddy repair that I don't trust at all, and I'm assuming is the reason for the engine surging and the rattling during acceleration.
Also, I noticed when changing the oil that the flywheel is visible from below. Is this normal? It seems to be begging for road debris to jam into the gears.
Anyhow, despite these issues I am very satisfied with this car, and anxious to work on it.. I'm new to modding though, so I'm wondering if- based on this info -there's anything I should be looking for before I start. I plan on replacing the exhaust and mufflers as soon as I can find a nice set, but I'd like to know if I'm going to need to make some important (expensive) fixes before I start spending money on mods.
Well, Christmas last year it blew another gasket, so I went shopping for a new car. I nearly gave up on the Grand Prix, but then out of nowhere I got a call the beginning of February about a black 2003 GT at a car lot down the road. This has always been one of my favorite cars, on the list with 69 Chevelle SS, 79 Camaro, 2011 Camaro, and 86 Porsche - so probably also the most practical, especially considering I have two kids and work minimum wage.
The car looked and ran great, and he was asking $3700. Needless to say I jumped on it. I sold the SE for $800 as is and drove home in my new GT.
There were a few minor issues, but I had those fixed within the week. So far I've put in a new battery, changed the oil and the brake pads, and replaced the tires. There is significant evidence that the previous owner enjoyed burnouts quite a bit: aside from tiny chips all over the car and gravel lodged in strange places, the old tires were marbled with gravel dust and severely deformed and the spare, jack, and everything else was removed from the trunk.
Also, the dealer told me that when he got the car the engine was locked up. He began to replace it but found it was the flywheel and only replaced that. In the process he must've damaged the exhaust manifold and made a shoddy repair that I don't trust at all, and I'm assuming is the reason for the engine surging and the rattling during acceleration.
Also, I noticed when changing the oil that the flywheel is visible from below. Is this normal? It seems to be begging for road debris to jam into the gears.
Anyhow, despite these issues I am very satisfied with this car, and anxious to work on it.. I'm new to modding though, so I'm wondering if- based on this info -there's anything I should be looking for before I start. I plan on replacing the exhaust and mufflers as soon as I can find a nice set, but I'd like to know if I'm going to need to make some important (expensive) fixes before I start spending money on mods.
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. Sorry, I was going on maybe two hours of sleep. As for the SE, the first time it was confirmed as a blown head gasket. The second time was the same problems, so I didn't bother and just decided to get a new car. If my grandfather doesn't sell it fairly soon it's possible I may be able to use it as a parts car. Unfortunately it's a 3.1, but it could still be useful.
