1997 GTP Noob

[sjw515]

Hey guys i have been around on the forums for a little while.. But still have A LOT to learn. I recently bought a 1997 Grand Prix GTP Coupe which now has 101,xxx on it. Here is the maintenance i have done so far: New battery, oil change, changed the supercharger oil, new supercharger belt tensioner, new idler pulleys, and replaced both window motors/regulators. Also i have debadged the trunk, DRL delete, removed the hood liner and engine cover. The car still needs a new blower motor and blower motor resistor but i haven't gotten around to that yet. Passenger door molding is coming off a little bit, and my passenger tail light has a crack on the top of it but still works fine. Unfortunately i am on a limited budget so the car will be stock for a while.. but i do plan on getting some overlays from Reflective Concepts soon and making my own intake. All opinions/suggestions are welcome!!

Link to pics: http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/sw...?sort=3&page=1

[2007GPGTSC]

Welcome to GPF. next would be to do a drop n fill on the trans shift kit while your in there just for safe keeping might as well make your own intake too. All this should cost you under 100 bucks

Edit : that is a clean ass car - beautiful BTW

[Below Average Joe]

You should also replace the LIM gaskets, air filter, plugs and wires and the fuel filter. Clean car too.

[Scottydoggs]

cars in nice shape for a 97.

service the tranny next. keep up on the oil changes.

[sjw515]

Thanks guys. I really like the car too but i hate the tan interior.. So i should do a trans flush and new fluid and a shift kit next? Ill take an engine bay pic soon but its definitely not cleaned up like some of the ones i have seen on here!

[sjw515]

Also i know my plugs and wires work fine but is it worth replacing with ZZP wires and new plugs even though the car is stock?

[2007GPGTSC]

Thanks guys. I really like the car too but i hate the tan interior.. So i should do a trans flush and new fluid and a shift kit next? Ill take an engine bay pic soon but its definitely not cleaned up like some of the ones i have seen on here!

Do not do a flush. . . Just drop the pan and change the fluid and filter along with installing a shift kit. Use Dexron VI.

[2007GPGTSC]

Also i know my plugs and wires work fine but is it worth replacing with ZZP wires and new plugs even though the car is stock?

I have zzp wires and have had a Cyl. 6 misfire ever since changing just buy a new set of the stockers they work fine

Edit : Plugs I stick with AL 605's

[Below Average Joe]

Do not do a flush. . . Just drop the pan and change the fluid and filter along with installing a shift kit. Use Dexron VI.

This except use whatever the manufacturer recommends using for the fluid.

[sjw515]

Alright so new wires (taylor or does it not matter on the brand) and AL 605's are my best option for stock? (Doing the intake first)

[Below Average Joe]

just get some acdelco replacement wires

[2007GPGTSC]

Alright so new wires (taylor or does it not matter on the brand) and AL 605's are my best option for stock? (Doing the intake first)

605's are 1 heat range colder than stock. . . basically you want the hottest spark you can get whilest killing some KR. . . Also gap them at .50 - .55ish

[Scottydoggs]

Thanks guys. I really like the car too but i hate the tan interior.. So i should do a trans flush and new fluid and a shift kit next? Ill take an engine bay pic soon but its definitely not cleaned up like some of the ones i have seen on here!

like everyone else said, dont flush it. pan drop, shift kit and a new filter. i'd use dex 3 as thats what its supposed to use. dev vi is ok to use, but its for the newer trannys.

if its at a 100,000 miles its due for a tune up, get some acdelco iridium plugs. and parts store plug wires are just fine.

[2007GPGTSC]

like everyone else said, dont flush it. pan drop, shift kit and a new filter. i'd use dex 3 as thats what its supposed to use. dev vi is ok to use, but its for the newer trannys.

if its at a 100,000 miles its due for a tune up, get some acdelco iridium plugs. and parts store plug wires are just fine.

Or do what Scotty says lol. . . (605's) are copper plugs and do need changed every 15k mile or so. acdelcos are always a safe bet too

[sjw515]

cool thanks for the help. Another thing though.. when i debagded the trunk the paint underneath the lettering is all faded and i cant seem to get it out. Any advice? (theres a picture of it on the link from the first post)

[Russosaur]

Try some meguiars ultimate compound, as for your door trim peeling out I used super glue and then held it in place for 5min and it worked flawlessly. Still holding 2 years later. Just dont get it on the paint

[Scottydoggs]

cool thanks for the help. Another thing though.. when i debagded the trunk the paint underneath the lettering is all faded and i cant seem to get it out. Any advice? (theres a picture of it on the link from the first post)

once you got all the glue/tape crap off, you need to compound the area, then wax it up.

[sjw515]

i already got all the glue/tape crap off of it, just need to wax it i guess. Can i do it by hand with some compound or will i need to use a buffer? Btw i will be updating this thread with my progress.

[Scottydoggs]

you can do it by hand. buffers do work well tho.

[idrivejunk]

Hand buffing is tough. Either way, using two steps helps a lot with the dull spots. A more agressive compound followed by a finer polish. If you approach that right door lower molding to stick it back on, do so with caution because the plastic is amazingly thin and soft. Particularly the upper flange that the mounting tape goes on. It is easily ripped. New molding is like $500 from GM and salvage yard part is tough to remove without damage. What I'm saying is if some epoxy won't hold that on, be careful removing the molding to redo the tape. I would slice it off with a snap knife at the top. Tough to remove the old tape though. That factory paint is tough as nails, still shines up real nice. I have the same car but a 99 and yours looks very well cared for. If you were closer to me we could make a deal on a non-tan interior.