03 gtp probems. is 87 octane "OK"

[RedneckGTP]

I am finding more and more problems. I need to start somewhere. Can someone maybe assist at point out obvious or common things so I have an idea of where to start?

First. Coolant smell/supposed leak. when warm after parking. smelled it before getting out, but windows were down... possible LIM? OH, I forgot. The heat didnt work this morning. maybe bad heater core? Still has

Exaust leak. rear manifold area. cant narrow down where exactly its coming from. was under it last night. is it normal for these to crack or leak? It didnt seem to be the flex pipe leaking, but its hard to tell.

The security light keeps blinking. I had it start and shut off a few times last night and I noticed the security light was blinking. So I got out locked and unlocked and then it was fine. but I noticed this morning it was still blinking.

3.4 pulley!!! So car has exaust. but stock exaust manifolds. no tune. no anything. but a 3.4 pulley. dangerous right? Then after doing all the paperwork etc on car we got onto gas and he said he runs 87 octane in it because it "ran the best on that" "he tested it". uh?! I am concerned. I put 93 in it this morning (it was empty). it seems to run and drive ok. The tranny in first gear did act a little funny at a light once. maybe my foot slipped or something goofy (he has a goofy ass auto zone peddle on there).

Oh, it does have a K/N filter/intake.

I am just trying to get an idea where to start...

[BillBoost37]

He who?

You might want to pop the hood and look for the coolant leak. While you are there.. put some water or coolant in, you have no heat because it's very low.

Exhaust leak.. check the manifold to dp gasket

3.4 + 87 = Chippy Pistons

[RedneckGTP]

He who?

You might want to pop the hood and look for the coolant leak. While you are there.. put some water or coolant in, you have no heat because it's very low.

Exhaust leak.. check the manifold to dp gasket

3.4 + 87 = Chippy Pistons

the guy I bought it from...

[Slick2500]

Running any GTP on 87 is a no no and should only be done under emergency situations where that is the only thing available. Even with 93 on stock exhaust I would not get into boost at all with a 3.4 pulley. I would also get a boroscope and check all your pistons.
First thing I would do is get a scanner, Aeroforce, Scangauge II, Torque some way to scan the car, then either remove that pulley asap and get a stock one or get at the least a 3" downpipe and a front plog if not headers, and even then the pulley could be to small.
As for the coolant, look for white residue on the side of the block or on the side of the rad, its plastic and can and does crack, I would even look at the coolant itself inside the rad, it should either be orange, green or greenish yellow, if its brown get it flushed out.
That is where I would start.

[RedneckGTP]

Running any GTP on 87 is a no no and should only be done under emergency situations where that is the only thing available. Even with 93 on stock exhaust I would not get into boost at all with a 3.4 pulley. I would also get a boroscope and check all your pistons.
First thing I would do is get a scanner, Aeroforce, Scangauge II, Torque some way to scan the car, then either remove that pulley asap and get a stock one or get at the least a 3" downpipe and a front plog if not headers, and even then the pulley could be to small.
As for the coolant, look for white residue on the side of the block or on the side of the rad, its plastic and can and does crack, I would even look at the coolant itself inside the rad, it should either be orange, green or greenish yellow, if its brown get it flushed out.
That is where I would start.

I have a tech force II I will unpack (still unpacking from moving) and put that on it. I will report back with codes tomorrow after work (have class tonight till 9:30)

[Slick2500]

No, you need to be able to scan for kr and timing advance, not a code reader.

Sent from A Galaxy Far Far Away........

[theaceofspades]

Ie Aeroforce
Scan gauge 2
Torque app
Your car may be hosed with a 3.4 and 87 octane

[K Slice]

3.4 pulley with no mods and running even running 93 octane = engine death...

[Slick2500]

3.4 pulley with no mods and running even running 93 octane = engine death...

As long as he stays out of boost he will be fine.

[RedneckGTP]

Ill try to put stock pulley on tomorrow night. I am not boosting at all until then. Like I said I did one time kinda hard. But was afraid to get on it more without consulting you guys. I am a little concerned. I only have 1700 into the car. SO if I do have to do larger work I am not to upset, BUT I am not ready right this second to do it (buying a house). I need it to last a few months before I jump into it to deep (engine rebuild/transmission).

[RedneckGTP]

since it looks like I need a puller I may just be staying out of boost for a while. unless my dad has one.

Anyone know how to "adjust" these aftermarket halo projectors? they are cross eyed right now and suck at night as they point towards each other and at the ground. they seem relatively bright. and dont look terrible, but if I cant see at night then they are no good. I see no adjustment or anything.

engine seems to run fine... 150 miles on it since ive had it and no blips or missfires or anything I am getting somewhat confident in it. exaust leak is making me crazy. gonna look at that maybe tomorrow night and try to scan it and get codes for now. I searched and searched for coolant leak and couldnt find anything. didnt notice much coolant smell tonight. coolant appears to be almost topped off. resevoir is half full and popped the rad cap and there is coolant right there.

security light is flashing while driving. that is a bit concerning. gonna go search for that.

[94GrandPrixSE]

Exhaust leak is probably from a rusted or damaged resonator or dp to res gasket.

[stealthee]

Sounds to me like you should have walked away from the car before you even bought it. You let the excitement of a buy get in the way of common sense.

[RedneckGTP]

Sounds to me like you should have walked away from the car before you even bought it. You let the excitement of a buy get in the way of common sense.

I did get it dirt cheap. The car blue books for 5k, and I dont even have a 3rd of that into it. even if I spent a grand on it getting it mechanically sound I will still be able to turn a profit. engine runs solid and is gaining my trust daily any used car is not going to be perfect. (especially one for under 2k). not that this will be turned for a profit.

Found out the security light was a relearn of the key code. turn ignition on for 10 min then off for 5 sec. again and again, and the problem is resolved. No flashing security this morning on the way to work.

Hell the rims and tires and kenwood in dash dvd player are worth more than I am into the car for (this aint my first rodeo). But, the less I have to spend to get it going the better... What does it cost to fix an exaust leak (especially when you have your own welder and ability). worst case scenario its a cracked manifold, and that just means new headers! I just cant find the leak yet. gonna jack it up tonight and get underneath.

[K Slice]

Hell the rims and tires and kenwood in dash dvd player are worth more than I am into the car for (this aint my first rodeo). But, the less I have to spend to get it going the better... What does it cost to fix an exaust leak (especially when you have your own welder and ability). worst case scenario its a cracked manifold, and that just means new headers! I just cant find the leak yet. gonna jack it up tonight and get underneath.

That literally made me LMFAO.. Not your first rodeo, but youre asking what does an exhaust leak cost to fix..?
And $5k for a 97-03 is a fantasy unless its in pristine condition and you find just the right (or a really dumb) buyer.

[BillBoost37]

He was being sarcastic about how much does it cost to fix, meaning ... he was the guy fixing it and he had all the tools needed. Cost might be a gasket at most.

5K for even an 03 seems like a fantasy, I agree.

[RedneckGTP]

He was being sarcastic about how much does it cost to fix, meaning ... he was the guy fixing it and he had all the tools needed. Cost might be a gasket at most.

5K for even an 03 seems like a fantasy, I agree.

thanks.

and maybe... KBB states its worth 5k in "average" condition. the likely hood of me selling for 5k in today market is slim. But still. I got a good deal on the car with the supporting stuff that is on it. So I am not worried about having to put a little money into it (I expect to do that for any used car I buy). If you think you can buy ANY car and not have issues with it you are crazy.

[RedneckGTP]

SO, what is the best resolve for this? a new gasket will probably just burn out again?

ALSO, downpipe CHECK. but looks like it steps down to 2.5" halfway down the car. is that going to mess with performance? just headers and a tune now!?

[K Slice]

Reread and now I get how that was worded.

[RedneckGTP]

well found both my exaust and coolant problem. I couldnt feel anything from up top, but once I got it jacked up and actually got all the way under it found out the manifold to downpipe gasket (bottom side) is pretty much gone. SO, what is the best fix for that. I have some pics below.

coolant appears to be the lower coolant elbow. they are plastic still. the bottom one is wet and after further inspection the belt is picking up drips etc and slinging it around the engine bay... SO, new water pump and coolant elbows are in the near future. I happen to have some of the aluminum ones from autozone in my tool box! pretty happy with those two outcomes. cheap and "easy". cheaper than easier in this scenario.