Basic Hop-Up

[WhenInDoubtThrottleOut]

Hi, I just got my first supercharged 03 Grand Prix. Im looking to do the intake, exhaust, and a smaller supercharger pulley. Im on a teenager budget unfortunately. So not the top of the line equipment, but no garbage. Basically I want a sleeper, but something with a throaty intake and supercharger whine. The exhaust I plan on putting a remote controlled butterfly in it, that way I can have it stock and practical or obnoxious and frowned upon "HA-HA" Can someone point me in the right direction for an intake? Then the smaller pulley, whats the trouble with a knock sensor or something? Is it better to go with one of the smallest available or something more mid range? As far as the exhaust I can figure that out, input is appreciated though. Thanks for the help!

[SgtMarshal]

don't mess with the knock sensor, there are no issues with them. there is a whole guide on doing what you want to do. we get this question almost on a daily basis.

http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...00-Powered-Car!!

[Scottydoggs]

knock aka KR is read off the knock sensors, you dont change them, you need to tune the kr out if possible.

your first mod is headers, theres goes 240 out of the budget asap.

[WhenInDoubtThrottleOut]

I figured it was pretty common, just didn't know exactly where to look. So say I installed a Thrasher press on 3.25" pully, what do I do to tune the knock retard down? What if I Install the 3.0" pulley, beside more power are there any differences, again how do I tune the knock retard down? Are the modular pulleys better? I will most likely fab up my own intake, and what brand of headers should I get? The smog laws in CA are kinda strict, so I believe they need to be CARB legal. I know this is all newbie stuff, but that's exactly what I am at this point.

[Scottydoggs]

you need to do much reading. start with that link marshal posted.

your not running anything smaller then a 3.4 without a ic or running e85 fuel. and it needs a tune.

speed daddy headers are the cheapest you'll find @ 200 shipped, you need to up grade to band clamps. 4 of em at 10 a pop.

[WhenInDoubtThrottleOut]

I've done a little reading. So if I get an intake, 3.4" pulley, and speed daddy headers would I need to do anything about tuning? Oh and what size clamps for the exhaust? Will this get rid of the U bend everyone talks bad about?

[speed demon]

Yes the headers will eliminate that horrible ubend...also you will need to get an upgraded flex section due to the one that comes with the speed daddy's is crap...be sure to use the stock manifold gaskets and not the ones that come in the kit due to them being garbage as well (or get new at the parts store)your choice of course!....zzp sells the upgraded flex for around 25-32 dollars shipped i believe....you will also need an extension harness for the o2 sensor,also sold by zzp and others.

[speed demon]

The clamps are if i remember correctly (2) 2.5 and (2) 3".

[Slick2500]

I do not believe SD's are carb compliant. I could be wrong though.

[blueguy]

I do not believe SD's are carb compliant. I could be wrong though.

They are not.

Take it from me teenager man.

Don't blow all your money at once, and research. Don't think because you took a few minutes to read some articles you've got it down pat. From the questions you're still asking, it shows you need to still get some things understood. I typed that thread for a reason years ago...it might be a little out dated but the basics of it are there.

If it were me, and I was on a budget...

I'd get a Tuned PCM, 180* T-Stat, a 3" Catted downpipe, and toss a cone filter on the TB. That'd probably set you back $300~ or so, if you do the work yourself.

Leave the pulley alone.

Enjoy it for awhile.

Then figure out what you want from the car, and go from there.

[WhenInDoubtThrottleOut]

I actually had a big BBK paper filter laying around. Rigged it up, and Im happy with it. Total investment - $0. I think I'm going to hold off on the headers, the car is plenty fast enough for me in stock trim. Too fast and I'll get in more trouble, I just barely ducked under a felony reckless evasion charge on my streetbike lol. I'll probably get the t-stat, PCM, and do some exhaust work. I'll remove the resonator and mufflers and just put a glass pack where the resonator normally sits. Then add in some pipe where the mufflers used to be, keeping the stock exhaust tips.

[Turbocharged400sbc]

the early TOGs are the only CARB exempted headers, good luck finding the original CARB sticker, though it may be available from the other guys

[buck531]

Just cut the manifolds up and route them out the fenders.

[Turbocharged400sbc]

that's really the only logical choice if removing mufflers

[WhenInDoubtThrottleOut]

Can I flip then upside down and cut some holes in the hood? That's obviously the best way to keep the bottom of the car cool

[blueguy]

I actually had a big BBK paper filter laying around. Rigged it up, and Im happy with it. Total investment - $0. I think I'm going to hold off on the headers, the car is plenty fast enough for me in stock trim. Too fast and I'll get in more trouble, I just barely ducked under a felony reckless evasion charge on my streetbike lol. I'll probably get the t-stat, PCM, and do some exhaust work. I'll remove the resonator and mufflers and just put a glass pack where the resonator normally sits. Then add in some pipe where the mufflers used to be, keeping the stock exhaust tips.

Just quit it.

Leave the entire stock catback.

It's not restrictive at all and the 3800 sounds like dog ass.

Can I flip then upside down and cut some holes in the hood? That's obviously the best way to keep the bottom of the car cool

Yes

[WhenInDoubtThrottleOut]

I've educated myself a little bit.
180 T-stat
NGK TR55 plugs
3800 Performance V1.0 PCM
ZZP 3" or 2.5" catted down pipe
Cone filter
Thrasher 3.4" pulley
Smaller supercharger belt

So as far as the PCM goes, I'll still pass smog right? Will the S/C pulley make a difference as far as smog? CA smog is really strict, I wonder if I'll even get by with the aftermarket catalytic converter. If not I can always swap it. Now if I go with the 3" down pipe, will it still bolt up to the stock resonator, or should I get a 2.5"? I'm not getting a cat back exhaust those are too expensive, so the down pipe needs to bolt to stock. I'll be getting these things in steps, should I do the downpipe or the PCM first? Because the PCM is tuned to operate with exhaust work, should I get the down pipe first? Thanks for all the help

[Scottydoggs]

being your in ca, you need tog, or slp headers, or you will not pass that lame inspection you have there. your cat must be carb compliant too. zzp cats are not.

the pcm will pass tho. its the visual part you fail.

[WhenInDoubtThrottleOut]

Installed some NGK TR55 plugs today, as well as a 160° thermostat. Pretty quick and painless. Sold a motorcycle today for a little pocket change. I bought it for $350, put $200 in it, a couple weekends worth of work, and sold it for $1700. Had to pay off the last bit of this car, leaving me with a few Benjamins for parts. PCM or down pipe?

[Scottydoggs]

take the 160 out, thats to cold, your engine wants to run at 200 degrees.