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SE, GT, OR GTP Motor Debate

M

mainevent5

New member
Hey,

I am new to the forum here and I was wondering if some of the Grand Prix professionals out there could debate which Engine is better for the Grand Prix 1998-2003 (before the newer body style). I have a 2001 SE right now that has given me nothing but problems since I have owned it, only has 169,XXX on it. I have seen posts of Prix's being sold with the 3800 engine in it with 210,XXX + on them. Is the SE motor just garbage or what? I don't hot rod in it or anything (obviously you can't hot rod with a 3100 motor) but I don't drive it that hard and is still giving me trouble. What do you think, is the 3800 a better motor..why or why not?
 


3100's and 3400's had lots of problems with head gaskets, intake gaskets, etc...

If you keep up with maintenance, they are a decent motor as far as longevity.

But, I haven't seen many motors that can make it past 200k with just oil changes. (besides a 3800)
 


Don't let on about the leaky LIM gaskets, coolant elbows, UIM, clog ready cats, flex plates, rod knock, lifter noise.

Just a heads up, your life could suck just as much if you purchase a 3800 powered car.

Or it could be great, like most of them.
 
matt5112 said:
Don't let on about the leaky LIM gaskets, coolant elbows, UIM, clog ready cats, flex plates, rod knock, lifter noise.

Just a heads up, your life could suck just as much if you purchase a 3800 powered car.

Or it could be great, like most of them.
Click to expand...
The 31/3400 have all those problems too except the uim.
 


My 96 grandam came with a 3100, got the car for free with about 185xxx on it, it sat for five years the ac pump was locked up car would not turn over sunk money into that thing to get it to run and only got about 3k out of it (3100s=POS piles)
 
Where do I mention piston slap?

I've rebuild two of these dirtyone hundreds in Malibu's because of it.

Wahooooo.
 


The 60* motors are great motors in my experience. My buddy's GA hasn't has any issues thus far and my sister's GA was sold just because the tyranny was about to puke on us. My old 2.8 motor never gave me a problem, but everything else on the car was crap.
 
slick2500 said:
Yes they were till 01 then all SEs just came with the 3100.
Click to expand...

02 had an option for a 3800 too I'm pretty sure.


And OP 3800 would be your best bet. If you are looking for a car that you don't need to always run 91 in you could settle for the GT. If you are looking for something that has more power and don't mind spending more money at the pump everytime you fill up then the GTP would suit you fine. If you don't plan on modding at all but still want to get something quickish get the GTP for sure. You know what? Just get a GTP because if you don't do it know you will spend the rest of your life wondering why you didn't like I am. lol. Plus you will probably like the supercharger whine as well.
 
I second that^ 3800 no matter what as they're pretty reliable and damn easy to work on, very good engine to start with if you're getting into fixing engines. And I really do regret every day not waiting another few months and getting a supercharged 3800, the N/A is just so underpowered. Still plenty of torque, but you'll lose races against... basically everything. Damn I need to put together parts for a top swap...
 
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