I just got this 2002 Grand Prix GTP and it seems to have been a little neglected as it was driven by the wife of the couple we got it from. Due to the many small issues I have spotted I have a feeling that this car has been neglected somewhat but possibly not abused much. Its running fine with no knocking (even though they ran it on 87 oct.
So I am trying to get this car in the best shape I can as soon as I can without going overboard. My first priority is tires and a regular tune up.
Due to sludge build up on the valve spring I want to change the oil and throw some sea foam in it to start with and change oild again soon a cpl of times to get rid of sludge. Will also suck some sea foam in through the vacume to clean top end. I want to get some of you guy's advice on what seems to work best for these cars and to make sure I am not over looking anything.
1) oil - 05-30 (I live in Alabama so not too cold here) what brand is mostly used that doesn't build up? I normally use Rotella in my Ram and Havoline in the PT Cruiser. I also always put in a pint of Lucas (I use to drive a big truck and with oil analysis I found the Lucas to do well).
2) Filter - I usually use Fram but willing to go with something different if you guys have found something that works better.
3) Plugs - From what I have read so far the Autolite 606 is what I need for a stock 3.8 supercharge I only plan to go with maybe a tune and headers in the future.
4) Plug Wires - From what I have read on here the Autolite brand seems to do just as good as the high dollar stuff so I plan to go that route.
5) SC Oil - I plan to do a sc oil change with approved sc oil. Watched the vid on this seems easy enough
6) Air filter. I like doing the self made cone upgrade. Seems easy enough.
7) Trans filter/fluid change - Plan to get filter from autozone. Is there any particular brand works best? What about trans fluid? Regular Dex 4 or 5 or what ever is out there now? I usually put some Lucas in as well. Is this recommended?
8) Am I missing anything? What about the coils?
I know this is not part of a regular tune up but thought I would throw this in as well. This thing rides pretty rough (bad dry rotted tires) and seems to bottom out. Once we get the new tires on it I plan to re-evaluate the ride but suspect it will need new struts. I find them at Rockauto from $50-$100 bucks some with springs and some with coils. Any recommendations on this?
Also is there any other problem areas with from suspension? Any particular rubber components that normally need to be replaced? Car has 132K. I felt something in the floorboard when hitting a big bump like something was hitting against the bottom of the car or frame. Any suggestions as to what this could be?
