Brand new project car!!!

[mshuler009]

Hi, I'm new to this forum, but have been a member of the Ford Explorer forum for some time. I am a student at NASCAR Technical Institute in North Carolina, but am originally from Ohio. I've worked in the automotive field as an apprentice and now a technician for around 3-4 years, 2 of those being at a Pontiac dealership. I've done a lot of major work in my early career, and have even painted my own vehicle (explorer). But now I have a new project; my girlfriend's 97 grand prix gt, K engine. The car wasn't maintained by previous owners, and have left me with quite a challenge.


So, here's the list of mechanical/electrical things to do:


Engine ( VIN 1 Swap !!! )
Both Front Hub Assemblies
P/S Rack & Pinion
I-Shaft
Blower Motor
Blower Resistor
Window Regulators (2)
New Head/Tail Light Lenses (condensation)
Diagnose Horn/SRS circuit faults (possible clock spring or bad grounds)

Here's what I've already done:

Lower Intake/Valve Cover Gaskets & Upper Plenumn
Brakes
Sway Bar Links
Cluster Bulbs
Radio
P/S Hoses

Here's the cool stuff I'm doing:

Paint Job
Window Tint
Exhaust
Homemade LED'S
Custom Interior

And now the project car.....




Let me know what you think, and feel free to ask questions about either me or the vehicle!

[1998xGTP]

Why swap an l67 when you can top swap and make more power with it and make it more interesting for yourself? Just a suggestion.

[99prixgt]

m90'd l36/26

[mshuler009]

I would, but the bottom end of this engine is unreliable, high mileage, and the engine has been red hot more than once. After running different tests on the vehicle and considering the large amount of exhaust gases in the coolings system, I suspect a cracked block/cylinder head. But, even with that I have considered a top swap. The only thing that raises a flag with me is the 190K miles on the bottom end also. If I am going to do this, I would prefer to do it in a matter that would not leave such an important factor hanging on a maybe....like main and rod bearings...hahaha

I've located a local engine from a bonneville, and with proceed to examine in before purchasing. I want to get the ball rolling on this soon!

[nault31]

Sounds like a nice project, seem to have all of your bases covered. How's the rust on the thing? Especially under the doors and under the spoiler. Brakes I assume are fine as well.

I'm glad you wrote paint job otherwise it would continue to look like Mr. Schrader's Pontiac.

[mshuler009]

Rust is very minor under the body. I have planned on replacing all the steel brake lines and undercoating the vehicle too! Brakes are brand new as I had bought slightly used rotors (only .015" under new thickness) from a local junkyard, machined them at work, and put a new set of pads and hardware on. The fluid needs exchanged and is severly contaminated and has lowered the boiling point significantly. However, the show must go on....atleast until next paycheck

[gtpinsc]

trans swap?

[matt5112]

trans swap?

This... you NEED a 4t65e, get rid of the 4t60...

[wadehosic]

Sounds like you are well equipped to tackle this project. Have fun with the blower motor resistor, I just did mine a week ago and my back still hurts from the contortionist positions I had to be in!

Good luck with the project. I'll be interested to hear what goes well and what does not.