SE, GT, OR GTP Motor Debate

**mainevent5** · 01-10-2013

Hey,

I am new to the forum here and I was wondering if some of the Grand Prix professionals out there could debate which Engine is better for the Grand Prix 1998-2003 (before the newer body style). I have a 2001 SE right now that has given me nothing but problems since I have owned it, only has 169,XXX on it. I have seen posts of Prix's being sold with the 3800 engine in it with 210,XXX + on them. Is the SE motor just garbage or what? I don't hot rod in it or anything (obviously you can't hot rod with a 3100 motor) but I don't drive it that hard and is still giving me trouble. What do you think, is the 3800 a better motor..why or why not?

**blueguy** · 01-10-2013

3100/3400's suck.

That's about it.

And why is the 3800 better? Probably everything.

**Below Average Joe** · 01-10-2013

I agree with the above statement

**GTPpower** · 01-11-2013

3100's and 3400's had lots of problems with head gaskets, intake gaskets, etc...

If you keep up with maintenance, they are a decent motor as far as longevity.

But, I haven't seen many motors that can make it past 200k with just oil changes. (besides a 3800)

**EJOUIE** · 01-11-2013

nah

Keep the 3100.

Its just throwing a tantrum because it doesn't have a CSC on it yet.

**dsmuts** · 01-11-2013

3800>31/3400 in every way imaginable except exhaust note

**matt5112** · 01-11-2013

Don't let on about the leaky LIM gaskets, coolant elbows, UIM, clog ready cats, flex plates, rod knock, lifter noise.

Just a heads up, your life could suck just as much if you purchase a 3800 powered car.

Or it could be great, like most of them.

**nos4blood70** · 01-11-2013

Yeah, you're gonna want a 3800 variant. Preferably the boosted one if you like moving.

**dpzelenak** · 01-12-2013

3100/34/35>3800 all day everyday

**dsmuts** · 01-12-2013

Originally Posted by matt5112

Don't let on about the leaky LIM gaskets, coolant elbows, UIM, clog ready cats, flex plates, rod knock, lifter noise.

Just a heads up, your life could suck just as much if you purchase a 3800 powered car.

Or it could be great, like most of them.

The 31/3400 have all those problems too except the uim.

**GTPpower** · 01-14-2013

Originally Posted by dpzelenak

3100/34/35>3800 all day everyday

This was a funny post.

**ctracer** · 01-14-2013

3800 is a better motor.
easier to work on, more reliable.

**trojanone1** · 01-15-2013

The 3800 must've been an option for the se right? I got a'99 se w/ 3800. Im lucky lol

**Slick2500** · 01-15-2013

Yes they were till 01 then all SEs just came with the 3100.

**GrandPrixgtp2000** · 01-15-2013

My 96 grandam came with a 3100, got the car for free with about 185xxx on it, it sat for five years the ac pump was locked up car would not turn over sunk money into that thing to get it to run and only got about 3k out of it (3100s=POS piles)

**blueguy** · 01-15-2013

Where do I mention piston slap?

I've rebuild two of these dirtyone hundreds in Malibu's because of it.

Wahooooo.

**Sandman** · 01-15-2013

The 60* motors are great motors in my experience. My buddy's GA hasn't has any issues thus far and my sister's GA was sold just because the tyranny was about to puke on us. My old 2.8 motor never gave me a problem, but everything else on the car was crap.

**GrandPrixgtp2000** · 01-15-2013

Originally Posted by blueguy91

Where do I mention piston slap?

I've rebuild two of these dirtyone hundreds in Malibu's because of it.

Wahooooo.

Thats what ended mine piston slap! I dis like the 3.1 very much

**burgundybullet** · 01-15-2013

Originally Posted by slick2500

Yes they were till 01 then all SEs just came with the 3100.

02 had an option for a 3800 too I'm pretty sure.

And OP 3800 would be your best bet. If you are looking for a car that you don't need to always run 91 in you could settle for the GT. If you are looking for something that has more power and don't mind spending more money at the pump everytime you fill up then the GTP would suit you fine. If you don't plan on modding at all but still want to get something quickish get the GTP for sure. You know what? Just get a GTP because if you don't do it know you will spend the rest of your life wondering why you didn't like I am. lol. Plus you will probably like the supercharger whine as well.

**nik12937** · 01-15-2013

I second that^ 3800 no matter what as they're pretty reliable and damn easy to work on, very good engine to start with if you're getting into fixing engines. And I really do regret every day not waiting another few months and getting a supercharged 3800, the N/A is just so underpowered. Still plenty of torque, but you'll lose races against... basically everything. Damn I need to put together parts for a top swap...