Quick Question For GTP Owners

**AkiraSieghart** · 07-24-2013

Alright, so I plan on buying a new car within a month or two and lately, I've been considering the 6G Grand Prix GTP because they're cheap, fast, and decently reliable. I also love the look of them (a F1 Ram Air hood does wonders

) but that's a different story.

My car right now is a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 5-speed. It's my third car (I had a '94 Firebird v6 and a '96 Saturn SL1), all of which have had manual transmissions. I love driving manual. Sure, it sucks in traffic but there's just no other feeling like it. Again, I love the GTP's but the automatic-only option is a serious bummer. I mean, I've considered other cars that have manual transmissions but none of them have the power/money ratio like the GTP's have (what I mean is, you can easily shave time off of your 1/4 time in a relatively low amount of money) and it comes supercharged which is another plus.

Anyway, what I guess I'm asking is: For you GTP owners out there, is it worth giving up driving stick?

**K Kraziee** · 07-24-2013

Yes, my past three car's were stick and when I got my GP, I felt comfortable right away. And if you get a tune, it shifts at redline so it's like driving a manual car only you don't have to worry about shifting.

**titanfan12** · 07-24-2013

yea although it woud be ****ing sick if we got a stick. Also the gtp is a fairly smooth ride and you can mod the **** out of it for cheap, and it still be relliable

**BillBoost37** · 07-24-2013

Not sure what you mean by 6G GTP, but if you are considering a GTP and want power plus a 5 speed. There is/was a person selling a swapped, modded car. Sven Sexman

**AkiraSieghart** · 07-24-2013

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Not sure what you mean by 6G GTP, but if you are considering a GTP and want power plus a 5 speed. There is/was a person selling a swapped, modded car. Sven Sexman

6G as sixth generation a.k.a 1997-2003.

I am glad to see that everyone does enjoy the car. I'd definitely do as many mods as I can without having to really enforce the trans or motor or anything so some bolt-ons, a 3.4 pulley, a tune, ect. But I've definitely heard good things about the trans. Actually, the only bad thing I heard was how risky it can be on a stock trans to go over 300hp but I suppose that's expected with any auto trans.

**BillBoost37** · 07-24-2013

Oh.. cool, thanks for the info. BTW, I'm not a GTP owner, so I hope you still value my opinion.

On the trans.. it's very easy to kill it stock. It's easier to kill it modded and super easy with plenty of mods. No need to ask how I know..I had two race built ones, that way each time I killed one, I swapped one. Two weren't enough in the rotation BTW.

**AkiraSieghart** · 07-24-2013

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Oh.. cool, thanks for the info. BTW, I'm not a GTP owner, so I hope you still value my opinion.

On the trans.. it's very easy to kill it stock. It's easier to kill it modded and super easy with plenty of mods. No need to ask how I know..I had two race built ones, that way each time I killed one, I swapped one. Two weren't enough in the rotation BTW.

Yeahhh, I've heard horror stories. I'm not really looking to race or anything. I mean, I do have a '94 Base 'Vette if I really wanted to go to the track or anything but I probably wouldn't even do that. I'm mainly just looking for a daily driver/occasional fun car to drive with the GTP. Something that will always get me from point A to point B but could make some kids in their Mustangs feel bad along the way, you know?

Sorry if I'm not really clear. But I do appreciate your advice and everyone else's. I'll probably go along with a GTP when the time comes.

**40thannivgtp** · 07-24-2013

AS, I know exactly what you're talking about. I love driving stick. Its faster, its safer and more fun. You feel more connected with the car. I have 3 cars right now and none are stick and its driving me nuts. (85 Monte Carlo, 02 GTP, '11 Colorado). But there's a few reasons why you'll like the Grand Prix that you might not mind mind not driving stick. 1) Its a nice sized comfortable ride. It doesn't really make you eager to want to do other things. 2) Stereos sound nice and are easy to upgrade if you want better. Always helps to stay entertained with a good radio. 3) Engine sounds good. even with factory exhaust it has a nice note. Sounds good going through the gears even with an automatic.

**AkiraSieghart** · 07-24-2013

Originally Posted by 40thannivgtp

AS, I know exactly what you're talking about. I love driving stick. Its faster, its safer and more fun. You feel more connected with the car. I have 3 cars right now and none are stick and its driving me nuts. (85 Monte Carlo, 02 GTP, '11 Colorado). But there's a few reasons why you'll like the Grand Prix that you might not mind mind not driving stick. 1) Its a nice sized comfortable ride. It doesn't really make you eager to want to do other things. 2) Stereos sound nice and are easy to upgrade if you want better. Always helps to stay entertained with a good radio. 3) Engine sounds good. even with factory exhaust it has a nice note. Sounds good going through the gears even with an automatic.

Yeah, I do agree that the pros outway the cons with this car. As I mentioned in my last post, I do have a '94 'Vette, too which is a 6-speed so I won't be giving up driving stick too easily! But then again, it's a weekend car and forget it about in the winter obviously.

But thank you. It's nice to see someone who seems to have my issue but is still satisfied with the car. Can't wait to get one.

**GTPpower** · 07-24-2013

Originally Posted by 40thannivgtp

AS, I know exactly what you're talking about. I love driving stick. Its faster, its safer and more fun. You feel more connected with the car. I have 3 cars right now and none are stick and its driving me nuts. (85 Monte Carlo, 02 GTP, '11 Colorado). But there's a few reasons why you'll like the Grand Prix that you might not mind mind not driving stick. 1) Its a nice sized comfortable ride. It doesn't really make you eager to want to do other things. 2) Stereos sound nice and are easy to upgrade if you want better. Always helps to stay entertained with a good radio. 3) Engine sounds good. even with factory exhaust it has a nice note. Sounds good going through the gears even with an automatic.

All I see out of that, is you love driving stick. To each their own, I guess.

**40thannivgtp** · 07-24-2013

Originally Posted by GTPpower

All I see out of that, is you love driving stick. To each their own, I guess.

Yes, I f-in love driving stick. All the reasons a mentioned and the cars seem to last longer. A LOT longer. I only drive GM cars and unfortunately for me they never had a great selection of manual gearboxes in their lineup. My last stick was 96 Grand Am 2.4. Good car. Had it to 195k.

**BillBoost37** · 07-24-2013

I was joiking.. I drive a Regal, but you understand.

So you two wanna go play with sticks.. uh huh..

Exiting stage left!

**GTPpower** · 07-24-2013

Tummy sticks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**GTPpower** · 07-24-2013

But...even though I have multiple grand prix's, I think I'll stick to girls.

**Scottydoggs** · 07-24-2013

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Exiting stage left!

only us older guys would even know that line lol

**titanfan12** · 07-24-2013

lol

**Nitvid** · 07-24-2013

besides my GP I have a Lincoln Mark VIII, which was also only available in automatic. I know quite a few people that have taken the original tranny's out and put in 6 speed manuals. Isn't there a manual trans that can be swapped out with the 3.8's with minor modding for those of you that need a manual fix? need the tranny, clutch pedal assembly, wiring change (neutral safety switch to clutch), change the tune... not saying it's an easy or cheap mod, but def a doable and more of a rare sight than the GTP's ya see on the road.

**Scottydoggs** · 07-24-2013

Originally Posted by Nitvid

besides my GP I have a Lincoln Mark VIII, which was also only available in automatic. I know quite a few people that have taken the original tranny's out and put in 6 speed manuals. Isn't there a manual trans that can be swapped out with the 3.8's with minor modding for those of you that need a manual fix? need the tranny, clutch pedal assembly, wiring change (neutral safety switch to clutch), change the tune... not saying it's an easy or cheap mod, but def a doable and more of a rare sight than the GTP's ya see on the road.

if it were just that simple to get done. take a bunch of fab work, no vendor makes a kit. and the biggest problem these days is finding a getrag tranny. they are no longer made, and if you find one they want a couple grand for it. because they cant be found anywhere.

heres just one of the few that have been done http://www.grandprixforums.net/incre...ild-66207.html

**AkiraSieghart** · 07-25-2013

Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

if it were just that simple to get done. take a bunch of fab work, no vendor makes a kit. and the biggest problem these days is finding a getrag tranny. they are no longer made, and if you find one they want a couple grand for it. because they cant be found anywhere.

heres just one of the few that have been done http://www.grandprixforums.net/incre...ild-66207.html

Isn't a problem with doing a swap also that (with the GTPs, at least) you can destroy the trans even more quickly than the stock auto one?

**Scottydoggs** · 07-25-2013

manual trannys take a better beating then a auto. clutches burn up if you dont know how to drive it right. or have lots of HP and just kill it.

bigger issue is finding one.