Road Trip!

**Chernobyl** · 02-19-2010

Hayo,

My 2001 Grand Prix GTP is coming with me and my friend on a road trip from Chicago to Philadelphia over spring break. I'm curious as to what I should do, maintenance-wise before I embark.

It's got 109xxx miles on it, the LIM gaskets are a tiny bit leaky, plugs and wires are less than 4000miles old, new synthetic oil. I also don't have a whole lot of money, so I'm curious what needs to be done to ensure I get good mileage on the highway, and minimize wear on the beast.

Suggestions?

**Bio248** · 02-19-2010

if those LIM gaskets are leaking at all id change them ASAP.

**shawngtp** · 02-19-2010

^^^X2 For Sure you dont want to have it blow up on you while driving.

**Zef_66** · 02-19-2010

Air filter, fuel filter, transmission fluid and filter.

Check brakes, tires, other fluids, air pressure.

And definitely change the LIM gaskets if they show any signs at all of leaking.

**Chernobyl** · 02-19-2010

I'll do the fuel filter, Air filter's a KN, so that's okay.. Transmission got done at the end of summer, filter and fluids. I'll have to make sure the tires are inflated correctly too.

Also, I know, I need to do the LIM gaskets, but I simply cannot afford to have them replaced. I don't have the money. I hardly have gas money, and I lack the technical knowhow to do it myself.

**TorqueAutoMotiv** · 02-19-2010

im sure if you ask around if any one on here is near you they would lend some help

I would not do any kind of road trip if the lim is shot its a bad idea

**Zef_66** · 02-22-2010

Originally Posted by TorqueAutoMotiv

im sure if you ask around if any one on here is near you they would lend some help

I would not do any kind of road trip if the lim is shot its a bad idea

Agreed. Just asking to be left on the side of the road with a hydro-locked motor or spun bearing. Or both. Not good.

And yes, there are plenty of people around that would help you do this on a weekend. And parts are cheap.

**jacobmh27** · 02-23-2010

how can you tell if it is leaking? Will it leak a lot or do you really have to look for it> I have heard that these things go all the time but do not know what to look for

**Zef_66** · 02-23-2010

Originally Posted by jacobmh27

how can you tell if it is leaking? Will it leak a lot or do you really have to look for it> I have heard that these things go all the time but do not know what to look for

Keep an eye on your coolant level. If you are losing coolant over a period of time, it is going somewhere. So check for external leaks. Any coolant pooled on the intake is going to probably be from leaking intake manifold gaskets. If you can't find any external leaks, and you are still losing coolant, then it is leaking into the combustion chamber, or worse yet, into your oil.

**jacobmh27** · 02-23-2010

not loosing any coolant that I can notice yet so I will keep an Eye out for it though

**Spartan GL** · 02-23-2010

Honestly i thought i didnt have the techinical knowledge to do it ether

dealership wanted 700$ to do it. no way in hell

so i went and did my LIM and while i was at it did the upper intake too.

it's fairly simple.

just disconnect all the Electric wires, the alternator and remove the Fuel injeroctors and then its 2 sets of bolts to your LIM

Here are some photos of a new one on

All that Colorful **** is the new 80$ GM LIM gasket. also make sure to Copper RTV the Corner of the Orange Gasket there.

And before you Put the new LIM gasket on use a Resurfacing tool to clean away anything leftover, oil, parts from the oil gasket sludge

and BAM saved yourself 800$ and you did it yourself.

Good luck, make some local friends that have some car knowledge and it should take just under a afternoon to complete. have some beer and enjoy some music.