Thread: Long time lurker finally coming to the surface

Finally decided to start posting and contributing. Been a lurker for the past year, reading, learning....

04 GP GT. 80k miles. Stock motor, TEP trans on the way. Pretty much stock. Top swap or turbo kit in the works. Aftermarket sound system with 6.5 components up front. 3 button to 5 button DIC swap. Hitch. Big three power wire upgrade. My little grocery, kid hauler.....

Brett

when you put that tep transmission in, that would be a really good time to take the harmonic balancer off, change the cam, put in a double roller timing chain, and replace the harmonic balancer with a supercharged version. might as well just drop the whole engine and transmission out to make changing the heads that much easier, and it isn't that much more work because the engine will just be suspended when the trans comes out.

Thank you. I appreciate your advice. My plan is to do it all at once over my 4 day new years break from work. Just got a steal on a 04 GP GTP motor on CL few minutes ago! Going to pick it up after work. Seals the deal on turbo vs. top swap.

So my plan is swap trans and flush cooler/radiator.
Suspension: LCAs, inner and outer tie rods, front struts, sway bar endlinks and bushings
Motor: Top swap from GTP
Motor upgrades: 42 injectors, CAI in fenderwell, mild cam (timing chain, valve stem seals/retainers, etc), Speed Daddy headers, 3" high flow cat, fuel pump rewire (still debating), new fuel filter

Still have to figure out pulley size based on mods

Dyno tune with ZZP.

Using heated garage with lift, cherry picker, and air tools. Everything looks pretty straightforward install.

Haha, I found the key to being a modder is 1. Pattern your build after someone who has spent a ton of money finding out what works. 2. Buy used parts (in good shape) that people swap out to go bigger. 3. Budget 2x as you think you need. 4. Find the smartest guys on the car forum with the lowest ETs and dirtiest fingernails and listen to their advice!

I have played around with RWD, SBC, N/A all my life so FWD V6, F/I is charting new territory. I think traction is going to be my challenge. Motor and trans work is pretty straight forward and dependent on budget and reliability. (Of course matching intake,exhaust, engine, trans, etc to compliment each other) But traction on FWD is going to be interesting.... I am happy to see such a large support in the aftermarket and modders for this platform.

I bought this car a year ago N/A because I didn't want a money pit and it was low miles, unmolested, second owner. I have held out for a year for finally just giving in to my cravings. LOL

Forgot to mention I will be doing the usual compliments too. 180 stat, valve springs, etc