Thread: Minor Modding/Tuning Up

On a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8L, I am wanting to do a basic tune up when I get it. I would like to put new plugs and wires and do the oil and fluids etc. I was reading the "Safely Modding" thread and it was talking about putting cooler plugs in there. It has a stock engine. I intend to put a short ram intake on it a little later on. Which plugs do I need; Autolite 605 or 606? What is 1 heat range cooler going to do and what could it hurt?
Also I would like to replace the thermostat, as keeping the engine cooler would be more efficient, correct? So which is better; the 160 or 180? I don't want to mess up and end up hurting my performance.
And what is step 8 where you do the Transmission Pan Drop/New GM Transmission Filter? in detail... and is it even necessary?

Thanks!

being colder than you should be will just affect gas mileage.

i would leave the thermostat and plugs stock until you start running more boost.

Originally Posted by brandonl2000

the only thing i really plan on doing is putting a short ram intake on there. and MAYBE the ZZPerformance Exclusive HV3 Upper Insert later on down the road. it's just when i get this car, i want to get it running really well. new plugs n wires n that kinda thing. but for now, autolite copper core is good? do i really need the platinum and all the other higher qualities?
should i consider cooling things down once i put the short ram intake on?

Build yourself a intake and run some Autolite 606's if Im not not mistaken, or TR55's which are no longer sold the model number changed. Also might take a peak at this:

http://www.grandprixforums.net/f81/s...car-17482.html

By the way no Platinums...

Originally Posted by brandonl2000

k. yea that's the thread i was reading. thanks tho. i intend to build my own intake and get the autolite 606's copper core.

on the write track! Let us know if you need anything.

Go with stock heat range plugs and stock tstat. The transmission pan drop is removing the oil pan on the transmission and changing the trans mission filter that is located right in side of it. It is a great thing to do if you like your transmission.

well i wouldnt mind doing the FWI..it's just i was reading about it on here and it seems like a minor pain because you have to cut something from the car. is it that hard of a job?
if i do the FWI, do i HAVE to have the U-bend delete to get the added performance/sound? what is the benefit of doing the FWI? is it similar to a CAI pretty much? and it will give me more power...?
as far as doing the motor mounts, what is the benefit of that? and is it hard to do?
and about the transmission, is that a tough job as well? dropping the oil pan, wouldnt that be messy? and of course i want to keep my transmission in the best shape. where do you even buy the filter to go in the transmission?
and also, what type of plug wires should i be looking to buy? i just want something GOOD, but i dont need anything super expensive and souped for racing; just daily driving. the reason for my modding is just to umph up the performance a tad and improve my gas mileage hopefully.

okay, do the u-bend delete. just do it. its cheap, its worth it, you car will love you. youre freeing the exhaust so youre setting yourself for the intake mods like CAI and HV3. u might as well get a downpipe (catless if u dont have emissions in your state) since it already gets rid of the ubend.

if youre doing an intake - IMHO either good CAI design (thrasher or wizaird type) or an open cone. fenderwels are okay but its more of a pain imho. also, if you dont feel comfortable having ur PCM chillin there unprotected, grab a PCM tray. otherwise ziptie the *****. intake give minor gains on their own, made my car louder tho.

core charge is to pay for the PCM itself, not the tune. you send in your old pcm after u get the new one and they return it. its plug n play with the PCM. DO NOT GET A PCM FROM ZZP. they suck. otherwise, PCM is a great addition. a must have.

dog bone flip reduces engine travel. its cheaper then getting a polyurethane bushing.

so far i got an open cone intake, downpipe sitting in the garage, waiting for some money for a PEM and Hv3. after i do all my mods im gonna talk to Reptile about getting a tune.

Originally Posted by MiriV

okay, do the u-bend delete. just do it. its cheap, its worth it, you car will love you. youre freeing the exhaust so youre setting yourself for the intake mods like CAI and HV3. u might as well get a downpipe (catless if u dont have emissions in your state) since it already gets rid of the ubend.

if youre doing an intake - IMHO either good CAI design (thrasher or wizaird type) or an open cone. fenderwels are okay but its more of a pain imho. also, if you dont feel comfortable having ur PCM chillin there unprotected, grab a PCM tray. otherwise ziptie the *****. intake give minor gains on their own, made my car louder tho.

core charge is to pay for the PCM itself, not the tune. you send in your old pcm after u get the new one and they return it. its plug n play with the PCM. DO NOT GET A PCM FROM ZZP. they suck. otherwise, PCM is a great addition. a must have.

dog bone flip reduces engine travel. its cheaper then getting a polyurethane bushing.

so far i got an open cone intake, downpipe sitting in the garage, waiting for some money for a PEM and Hv3. after i do all my mods im gonna talk to Reptile about getting a tune.

i dont think i can do the U-bend delete we have emissions here in TN.
it would be more affordable and possible if i could to the FWI and make it look really nice. how loud did the intake make your car tho?
PCM sounds like a really great investment..only $100 and you get all that performance. oh yes
engine travel? wth lol
and whats the PEM that you are trying to get? As for the Hv3, it goes in the intake...but it also said in the threat that you should get a better front manifold. are those the same thing? which should go first, if so?
and by the tune, you mean the ported throttle body or PCM?

A u-bend is legal and wont mess up the emission at all. The u-bend is right before the CAT so it dont mess anything up and a local shop can do it for 30-40 bucks and its lets the car breath better.

nope, tell the shop what you want done and all they do it cut the that pipe out and put a bigger pipe in its place. simple as pie.