Thread: New to the Prix

Hello all, I just purchased a 1998 Grand Prix SE. I wasn't looking for one originally and its purpose is to get me to and from work (only 2 miles) but I may find myself into some tuning or other building up. I tend to not be terribly active (outwardly) but I do a lot of reading on forums. I know I'll be asking questions and asking for advice here and there. I'm not automotively inclined but I am learning and willing to try just about anything.

Thanks for having me and I look forward to chewing the fat over my car or yours.

Originally Posted by LilJoe

is your a 3.1 or 3.8?

Unfortunately it is the 3.1.


I'll be going through the list of 10 preventative maintenance things and moving in to the 7 mods you listed.

I don't have a huge budget, in fact I don't have much of a budget right now as I have several very large events planned for the next year and a half.

Since I'm not a car guy like a lot of you here, do you know of anyone who has posted up a how-to on making your own air induction system? I'll poke around the forums but if you know of something off hand that will help me.

It looks like I need to do some research on the pulley system. You talk a lot about going from 3.5" to 3.0" and 2.5" pulleys so I guess I need to know what that is all about.

Thanks for the info. I've read it in its entirety and bookmarked it. I know you forum guys don't like to hear question after question from the new guy so I'll try to keep them at a minimum.

So I had Firestone do a diagnostics on the car when I had them replace my tires. Here is what they told me.

ABS Light on - Front (R/L) Bearing Hub Assembly needs to be replaced
Needs Rear Brake Pads and Rotors (R/L)
Brake system flush
Alignment
Tie Rod Ends (L/R)
Engine code for EGR Valve
Engine code for Cylinder 1 misfire
And there is an Oil Leak...

The guy I bought the car from had all the following work done within the last year.
Spark Plugs
Thermostat, gasket, Radiator Cap and Anifreeze
Exhaust converter pipe and gasket
Front Struts replaced
Sway Bar replaced
Blower Motor replaced
Front brake pads and rotors and front caliper slide serviced

I just did:
Oil change and filter (included the dye to find the oil leak)
New battery
Tires

The guy at the shop seems to think the leak is in the oil pan gasket but he can't be sure. I'm finding an oil spot on my driveway about 3 inches across after one night of sitting. I will be spraying off the engine in hopes to find the leak soon. Also since I have to replace my rear rotors I'm looking for a good quality rotor. Any suggestions?