Answers in bold for you...

Quote Originally Posted by 71GP2000GTP View Post
Hello.

Going from a 2000 GTP to a 2004 GT...I know, I know...it is newer not necessarily better. I'm not a body guy and couldn't keep up with the rust on the 2000.

I have been searching the forums and I found some items and wanted more info and I question I couldn't find an answer to:
  1. 180* Thermostat - Why? Cooler? Any other bits of wisdom are appreciated. - Because even though without a tune, the highway cruising temps will still drop to 180*~. It helps to keep things a little "cooler" and not get so heat soaked. It'll help more so with a tune...see transmission answer as well; because if you do a 180*, with a drop-in high flow filter, a catted downpipe to open it up a little, the shift kit, and a tune...it'll really help the car out. Not much...but it'll be worlds better than it was.
  2. K&N Cone Filter - Is this just a matter of removing stock air box and slapping the cone filter in place? - Yes. All this talk of "smooth airflow for the MAF" is crap. Been there. Done that. Doesn't make any difference either way you do it.
  3. This GT seems sluggish after the GTP...no mystery there...feels like the tranny needs to shift later, like the 'Performance Shift' in the GTP. Is there a mod that a weekend mechanic can do to squeeze a little more out of the tranny? - Skip the shift kit; unless you want to screw with it. If you're in there for a pan drop and filter change; then do it. If not...get the car tuned. Regardless the tune is where the transmission comes alive.


This is my daily driver so I need mods to be tried and proven.

I still have the GTP, so if there is anything she can give up for the GT, please suggest. Other than the obvious, like drivetrain swap, remember weekend mechanic.

Thanks! in advance.

If it was me; I'd leave this car alone. Rip the powertrain from the other one. Scrap it and find a clean body to swap it in and mod that. L26, unless going turbo...you're not going to benefit from anything on that damn thing. Hell a heads/cam full bolt-ons L26 probably wouldn't crack 225 horse to the tire. It's not worth the trouble. These motors just don't make power N/A for beans. OR; find a cheap turbo kit for it. That L26 will take a little bit...toothpick factory rods. It has been the weakest of the Series II/III 3800's across the board when modding. Trans will go if the motor doesn't...but if you top swap it, keep a stock pulley, toss headers on it with a small cam or some rockers...it'll be a decent street car: boost + high compression.