New owner, Question about maintenance.

**CassidyGrandPrix** · 09-26-2016

Hi! I just purchased a 97 Grand Prix GTP fully loaded 130k miles automatic. It is in pretty solid shape and clean under the hood.

However due to the circumstances, I am unaware of any recent maintenance that has been done.

There are no dash lights on.

I was wondering what, if any, preventative maintenance would be recommended. I make a drive that is about 700 miles round trip once or twice a month so I tend to lean towards doing preventative maintenance whenever it makes sense.

Thank you so much for your help in advance!

**waupachino** · 09-26-2016

First couple things I would do is if it still has the Orange Dexacool Coolant in it, change that out, Change the Oil and Filter, and change the Supercharger Oil.

**QUICKSILVER462** · 09-26-2016

Don't forget to change the lower intake manifold gaskets if they are the originals, do this when you change/flush your coolant.

**CrazyGuy03** · 09-26-2016

with that many miles - im sure along with changing fluids, it also would be a good idea to check the air filter, replace plugs and wires and front o2 sensor as well

**CassidyGrandPrix** · 09-26-2016

Originally Posted by waupachino

First couple things I would do is if it still has the Orange Dexacool Coolant in it, change that out, Change the Oil and Filter, and change the Supercharger Oil.

Fairly familiar with working on my car, by no means an expert however.

I did just about all the basic stuff on my saturn for the last 4/5 years.

However, I haven't the slightest clue how to change supercharger oil. Do you have a link to a good step by step or video that might be helpful?

Thank you so much everyone for the Tips!!

Also what's the best way to flush the coolant?

**CassidyGrandPrix** · 09-26-2016

Originally Posted by QUICKSILVER462

Don't forget to change the lower intake manifold gaskets if they are the originals, do this when you change/flush your coolant.

Quicksilver, thank you for your reply! I've never done an intake manifold, I've done things like Valve cover gaskets, waterpump, starter, spark plugs and all the other minor stuff. Is it similiar in difficulty to things like the valve cover and waterpump?

Basically is it pretty straightforward and easy diy type fix.

Thanks again!

**Scottydoggs** · 09-26-2016

once the fuel rail and wire harness is off its all gravy. theres a load of vids on yt, how to or two here as well.

lifters in 33 minuted is a good one on yt.

**CassidyGrandPrix** · 09-26-2016

Perefect, looks simple enough.

It isn't currently leaking any coolant or oil anywhere that I can tell, however like I said, I like to prevent as many future oh **** moments as possible.

So far on my list I have

bosch platinum spark plugs
duralast gold wireset
felpro intake manifold gasket
SPectre performance air filter
Duralast waterpump
felpro water pump gasket
(gonna do idler pulley and belt while I do the pump)
Duralast idler
Dayco belt

If anyone has suggestions or recommendations on those things in terms of brands they like etc that would be awesome. Thanks again everyone! So excited for the new car, quite the upgrade from my 01' Saturn SL1 base model.

**Scottydoggs** · 09-26-2016

you want iridium plugs, parts store plain wires work fine. new water pumps come with a gasket.

get the magnum lim kit from rockauto, its like 40 bucks and comes with more stuff then any other brand.

most of that stuff id get on advance auto on line, add discount code to get the best price. then do the local pick up.

**Scottydoggs** · 09-26-2016

add a set of metal coolant elbows to that list too. you'll need at least one when the lim comes off. magnum lim gasket kit does come with new o rings for the elbow, but why put a old plastic one on?

**CrazyGuy03** · 09-26-2016

What ? Im not quote-worthy?

Ill walk myself out .......

**CassidyGrandPrix** · 09-26-2016

what would I search for to find a set of the coolant elbows

**CassidyGrandPrix** · 09-26-2016

To be honest I quoted on accident i couldn't figure out how else to reply at first haha =( shhhh don't tell

**CrazyGuy03** · 09-26-2016

The metal elbows are at advance auto parts store in the isle with oem style replacement parts like vacuum hoses and oil caps

**CassidyGrandPrix** · 09-26-2016

Originally Posted by CrazyGuy03

The metal elbows are at advance auto parts store in the isle with oem style replacement parts like vacuum hoses and oil caps

Awesome thank you! Can't wait to give my new baby a tune up! will let you all know how well it hopefully goes >.<

**rickisrad** · 09-26-2016

BTW stay away from the Bosch all together. For Plugs I would use Autolite, AC Delco, or NGK Iridium.

I would do a fuel filter also. be warned that the line will probably break during this process. Dorman sells a filter fuel line repair kit if it does.

**rickisrad** · 09-26-2016

To change the supercharger oil I use a battery filler. (looks like a turkey baster) I attach a small vacuum hose to it. Suck the old out. Don't get it on you or spill it. You will smell like rotten ass for a week if you do. Gm dealer should have the oil. you will need 2 bottles.

**CrazyGuy03** · 09-26-2016

Let me know if you need a water pump and oem plugs - if the OEM plugs from a l26 will work for your engine - I can make you a sweet deal

**CassidyGrandPrix** · 09-27-2016

Hey everyone,

It appears that there are two different serpentine type belts for this car, is that correct? Having trouble finding a good video that explains this or how to replace them.