Official Axby Replacement/Upgrade Thread

[Axby523]

I created this thread for two reasons;

i) I have a place where I can keep a list of all my information on parts and pricing.
ii) Knowledge center for people to check prices quickly as well comment on.

In regards to the comments my current knowledge level of brands is at .5 out of 10 when it comes to car parts. The .5 comes from the front sway bar. Any information on brands to go for and shy away from would be great for any of the parts listed bellow.

Text Color Legend:
Black - Not Started
Green - In process
Red - Complete

If you have any questions or would like something added to this list PM me.

NOTE#1: All prices are in Canadian Dollars.
NOTE#2: Research on these forums suggest shipping with UPSS to conserve money at the boarder.

Car: 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 40th Anniversary Edition
Code Name: Joani

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Front Sway Bar: I have decided to go with Dorman over the Progress Bar from ZZP (Solid) / SLP Front/ Rear Pkg from 3800 Performance (Solid) / GMPP (Hollow)

Dorman Package includes the bar, bushings and links.

NAPA: $191
CarQuest: $150.50
PartSource: $153.02

Front Sway Bar Links: Research on this forum leads to conclusion to replace Dorman hardware with Moog and tighten profusely.

Moog

NAPA: $18.10/link
CarQuest: N/A They don't carry Moog
PartSource: $7.68/link
ZZP: $13.99/pair + Shipping

Serpentine Belt: I am not sure of the makes of them except for PartSource. I have not done research on the different types and the advantages of an upgrade.

Replacement for split stock supercharger belt with 3.8" pulley

NAPA: $44.40
CarQuest: $49.20
PartSource: $51.00 (Goodyear Make)
ZZP: $30.99 + Shipping

Fuel Filter: According to ZZP the fuel filter is a minor detail that can hinder your upgrading project. They are cheap and worth replacing especially if it is the stock OEM.

NAPA: N/A Still need to call
CarQuest: $10.00
PartSource: $13.00 - $14.00 (GK Industries) *Upgrade
ZZP: $14.99 + Shipping *Upgrade 20% increase fuel flow over stock OEM part

Iridium Spark Plugs: At 160000 km these should be check / replaced. The guy at NAPA said Iridium is the only way to go with the GTP. You can get poor results with anything else.

NAPA: $16.20/spark
CarQuest: $18.21/spark
PartSource: NGK $8.99/spark
ZZP: $44.99/six pack + Shipping

Dog Bones: These are the two cool things we can paint that are located on the back of the Radiator and hold the front of the engine. Most come with the bushing pre pressed.

NAPA: $55.90/bone
CarQuest: $12.00/bone (seems really cheap to me)
PartSource: N/A couldn't find the part
ZZP: Polished Billet Dog Bones $131.99/pair + Shipping (These look really sweet)
They have 1" shorter dog bones if you need to lift the engine up from the front sway bar however this can have negative side effects based on research found on this forum.

 

[matt5112]

If youre modding copper works well but needs to be changed often.

Moog links are probably the best balance between cost/perf. Also if you buy the dorman bar youll want to pick up two sway bar bushings, moog as well. 1.26" bar.

Partsource/ct can get those dogbones. They can get anything if they feel like it.

Most will suggest skipping stock replacements and opting for poly mounts for both engine and rad support sides. Can add little vibration but shifts will feel much better. Mostly downshifts.

They can also get you a rear 7/8" solid addco sway bar for ~$180+ tax. It will come with bushings but still require new links. Again moog recommended. Make sure its not trw if getting from partsource.

Napa belts are made by gates iirc which are supposed to be better in resisting slip.

Wouldnt recommend prestone belts from partsource/ct. They seem to be short and crack quickly.

Youll also want new lca's. Price out dorman and moog. If anyone tries to sell ac delco for cheap ask which line. Advantage line is econony quality. Something to be avoided.