Thread: Considering Turbo, Suggestions?

I'm considering going turbo, but up until now all my research has been into supercharging as I planned on a top-swap. I'm looking for suggestions for turbos/kits and supporting mods. As of now I'm thinking HV3, ST2 cam, A2A intercooler (suggestions?), 60# injectors, 180* T-stat, LS1 TB, and LT1 MAF.

Again, suggestions wanted. This car is and will remain a daily driver. I don't plan on racing it, but I'd like to have the power available if I need it. I much prefer acceleration to top speed, so any pointers on making the most of that would be helpful. Also, I'd like to have as many supporting mods as possible installed before purchasing the turbo itself, so let me know what's safe to run without it.

You might want to get used to the light wallet mod.

Originally Posted by ShadowSwept

I'm considering going turbo, but up until now all my research has been into supercharging as I planned on a top-swap. I'm looking for suggestions for turbos/kits and supporting mods. As of now I'm thinking HV3, ST2 cam, A2A intercooler (suggestions?), 60# injectors, 180* T-stat, LS1 TB, and LT1 MAF.

Again, suggestions wanted. This car is and will remain a daily driver. I don't plan on racing it, but I'd like to have the power available if I need it. I much prefer acceleration to top speed, so any pointers on making the most of that would be helpful. Also, I'd like to have as many supporting mods as possible installed before purchasing the turbo itself, so let me know what's safe to run without it.

I suggest you pick a different platform.

As far as I know there's not really "supporting mods" for turbo... it's just the stuff you need to run it that comes with the kit. Check out ZZP as they have a whole kit that's apparently just pretty much bolt on.

ZZPerformance - ZZP Z3 Turbo Kit #ZZ-Z3TK

Even if that's too pricey for you and you wanna build a kit yourself from used stuff, that's a good place to see what you need to start buying.

Originally Posted by Nixon

I suggest you pick a different platform.

No, I specifically sought out and purchased a 2003 Grand Prix- just personal taste. Like I said, I'm not going to race it, just want to make the most out of my chosen platform.

Originally Posted by E IN v Y

You might want to get used to the light wallet mod.

Already used to it That's the main reason I'm looking to pick up separate parts and build progressively before using tax money for the big purchase .

Originally Posted by ShadowSwept

No, I specifically sought out and purchased a 2003 Grand Prix- just personal taste. Like I said, I'm not going to race it, just want to make the most out of my chosen platform.


Already used to it That's the main reason I'm looking to pick up separate parts and build progressively before using tax money for the big purchase .

Hey. You asked for suggestions.

I guess just go with a Z7 or equivalent but source a smaller turbo for less lag. If you can pull off 290-320whp consider it worth it and drive it till it needs a tranny.

Originally Posted by Nixon

I suggest you pick a different platform.

Every time I see someone ask a question about modding their car and I see a response like this, it boggles my mind all the hate for w-bodies on a w-body forum, lol.
I mean I get it if I brought up the platform on a simply GM site with other platforms around being discussed or something, but Grand Prix is the subject of the whole website, supposedly people who like their car enough to get into it and mod/talk about it with strangers... yet daily I see people saying how horrible the cars are and how new people on the scene should "get out asap" or "you just bought a worthless car."

I just dont understand it, is all, like why so much hate... sure the cars arent super fast but for a casual wrencher that just wants a fun car to drive with some pep, I think they're great, sharp looking cars even stock, let alone with a little work.

Just sayin there are cars with much weaker, less reliable motors that look like the manufacturer just carved a hollow spot out of a block of wood and painted it, our cars 97-2008 arent a bad car, even for someone with mild performance enthusiasms imo.

honestly...if you want the low end acceleration still, leave the stock cam in...

you can easily make 300-400 wheel out of it and just put 105s in.

Originally Posted by FriboRage

Every time I see someone ask a question about modding their car and I see a response like this, it boggles my mind all the hate for w-bodies on a w-body forum, lol.
I mean I get it if I brought up the platform on a simply GM site with other platforms around being discussed or something, but Grand Prix is the subject of the whole website, supposedly people who like their car enough to get into it and mod/talk about it with strangers... yet daily I see people saying how horrible the cars are and how new people on the scene should "get out asap" or "you just bought a worthless car."

I just dont understand it, is all, like why so much hate... sure the cars arent super fast but for a casual wrencher that just wants a fun car to drive with some pep, I think they're great, sharp looking cars even stock, let alone with a little work.

Just sayin there are cars with much weaker, less reliable motors that look like the manufacturer just carved a hollow spot out of a block of wood and painted it, our cars 97-2008 arent a bad car, even for someone with mild performance enthusiasms imo.

They're fun as bolt on cars. They really are.
But they get really needy past 250whp.

Originally Posted by FriboRage

Every time I see someone ask a question about modding their car and I see a response like this, it boggles my mind all the hate for w-bodies on a w-body forum, lol.
I mean I get it if I brought up the platform on a simply GM site with other platforms around being discussed or something, but Grand Prix is the subject of the whole website, supposedly people who like their car enough to get into it and mod/talk about it with strangers... yet daily I see people saying how horrible the cars are and how new people on the scene should "get out asap" or "you just bought a worthless car."

I just dont understand it, is all, like why so much hate... sure the cars arent super fast but for a casual wrencher that just wants a fun car to drive with some pep, I think they're great, sharp looking cars even stock, let alone with a little work.

Just sayin there are cars with much weaker, less reliable motors that look like the manufacturer just carved a hollow spot out of a block of wood and painted it, our cars 97-2008 arent a bad car, even for someone with mild performance enthusiasms imo.

Most people who say get another platform have never driven a 3.8 turbo GP. Their reasoning is that it's a bad platform to start with since its FWD and a V6. Are they correct? Depends on what that person talking about sees as "fast" or "too much money" etc.

You can make any car fast, some just prefer the easy way to do it by starting with more cubes, RWD, and a better looking car. More power to them, but it all comes down to personal taste. Will you work a little harder and spend a little bit more money on making the GP fast and "reliable" at the same time? Sure you will, but who cares as long as you have some fun. This hobby isn't about what other people think you should do with decisions about the car you chose.

Hae you read the sticky in this section yet?

if you are wanting the most power go with a stattma kit. For a run of the mill kit that will benefit you in the long run Z7. If you are wanting to throw one on a daily and mod it it in other ways slightly such as rockers etc- cartuning or a Z3 kit.

Decide how fast or how much power you want to put down. When you get into a cam and turbo on these cars 400 and beyond is fairly easily.

The best part about a super fast w-body is that no one is really expecting it. Most people know they can come supercharged, but when they're running around with 450whp, it surprises some people. I wish I had a camera that could take people's expressions when my BOV goes off next to them...priceless.

To answer the OP, if it's a street car, get a small turbo. You don't want to wait till 4k to spool. ZZP sells some nice kits, and as with every mod to cars, I put forward my favorite quote: "Cheap, Fast, Reliable...pick two". The number one reason people get mad after they mod their car is because they bought cheap parts. Spend the extra money on the stainless pieces, spend the extra money on a nicer turbo, and spend the extra money to get it tuned right.

Well, I'm looking for fast and reliable, this is a daily driver but I want to have some fun with it. Acceleration and handling weigh over top speed; I'd rather get up and go and lose someone in a maze than outrun them on the straightway - though that could be fun too if balanced out a little. I like to cruise a street called 'Rollercoaster Road' to relax; the street deserves the nickname.

So I've been told to upgrade the cam as well as to keep it stock. What actual differences are there between a stock cam and say the ST2 as far as power band and curve?

Actual turbo I need to research more, but Z3 seems to be a popular one. I've also had HX35 and S256 (?) recommended. Can anyone point me to a comparison of spool times and output?

All three of those are about the same.

Fair enough, so what about the cams? Also, would anyone happen to have a comparison of power output at various rpms for turbo vs supercharger? I know I've seen a chart but I can't seem to find it.

Originally Posted by ShadowSwept

Well, I'm looking for fast and reliable, this is a daily driver but I want to have some fun with it. Acceleration and handling weigh over top speed; I'd rather get up and go and lose someone in a maze than outrun them on the straightway - though that could be fun too if balanced out a little. I like to cruise a street called 'Rollercoaster Road' to relax; the street deserves the nickname.

So I've been told to upgrade the cam as well as to keep it stock. What actual differences are there between a stock cam and say the ST2 as far as power band and curve?

Actual turbo I need to research more, but Z3 seems to be a popular one. I've also had HX35 and S256 (?) recommended. Can anyone point me to a comparison of spool times and output?

too big for daily.

think smaller.

In all reality, just get the Z3 kit to start out with. On low boost you should be able to get the trans to last at least a year depending on your driving. I would not go with a cam or boost above 10psi without a built trans. The Z3 kit alone should be enough power to keep you satisfied and daily driver friendly. Once you get more comfortable and learn to tune, get an intercooler, buy a built tranny and start building your way up. Most likely you will be pretty satisfied with a built trans, intercooled Z3 setup on the stock motor.

You arent going to be able to add 2-300whp in one step and keep it daily drivable unless you are very familiar with these cars, can tune and know the cars limits.

stick with a stock or stock ported tb and 99+ maf, its much easier to tune with.