Noob with a 01' GP SE1

[Casper]

Hey guys, new kid on the block. Just picked up a 01' Grand Prix SE1 with 224k for 500$. Just needed a set of wheels to get me around.. Obviously not looking to mod the engine too much as it's a 3.1L .

Mainly joined the forum to check out what everyone's got going on with their rides, and to help myself with keeping her running until I can get my hands on a 2006 GTO 6.0L 6-speed (sexy beast right there) any who, back to trolling the posts an continuing to wish I had the 3.8L lol. Thanks!!

[Slick2500]

If the body is still in decent condition, find an 01 gt and drop the engine and trans out along with the subframe pcm and wiring harness and just swap everything over.

[idrivejunk]

Hard to find anything wrong with a runner for scrap price! Welcome aboard.

[Casper]

Thanks guys, and I hardly see the need to go hardcore on engine and drivetrain swaps at the moment... just going to clean her up, put some boom boom in the trunk and keep it stock and clean. When the motor finally chets on me, then maybe I'll think about it. Body is fairly decent, rockers have some rusting, and the under carriage also has some surface rust (older lady owned it, never did an under carriage wash to my knowledge) though she bought it at 22500, 2nd owner, all highway miles and at 224k she starts right up and purs... ABS light on so I'll be replacing the wheel hub and CV axel on the front right, Timken's wheel hub. Also I believe the ABS is on because the rear right tire is a bit smaller than the others.... any thoughts on that guys

[Slick2500]

Yes that would cause your abs light to come on.

[idrivejunk]

I had the dreaded ABS issue and only needed some electrical tape over the left rear hub wiring. Beats taping over the light on the dash, man that thing is annoying! The brittle old loom had broken away and moisture was getting into the connector, not just on rainy days but any time. It was a sho-nuf fix because the light stays off now. Tape is cheap, visually inspect all four corners of the wiring before you go down the hub road. Thats where trouble begins.

[Casper]

the hub deal is more of a fail safe for me... she's got a little vibration at 60+ coming from the passenger side. CV axle I assume, but the current hub attached is missing a stud also... figure I'll just rebuild all that. I don't like to do things multiple times..

I will check all the wiring around the hubs, and up front on the passenger side I believe I read where it gets pinched. Going to be a few weeks before I tag and title it though.. got a fishing tournament coming up weekend after next. Priorities.... lol

[Slick2500]

I want to go fishing

[idrivejunk]

Thats cool. CVs shake when you're ON the gas, in my experience. Tie rod ends are first to go up front, and those def cause highway shake too. Cheap n easy to replace, also. Then of course tires on a $500 ride are gonna be who knows. If you can tuna fish you'll do fine with the GP, SEs look catfish-esque up front, kinda. I like 'em. Enjoy your project, these things are great bang for the buck rides.

[Casper]

yea, do you know if the ball joints are bolt on or press in by chance

[Slick2500]

Thats cool. CVs shake when you're ON the gas, in my experience. Tie rod ends are first to go up front, and those def cause highway shake too. Cheap n easy to replace, also. Then of course tires on a $500 ride are gonna be who knows. If you can tuna fish you'll do fine with the GP, SEs look catfish-esque up front, kinda. I like 'em. Enjoy your project, these things are great bang for the buck rides.

Actually in 2001 they all had the same front bumper no more ant eater.

[Slick2500]

yea, do you know if the ball joints are bolt on or press in by chance

Just replace the entire lower control arm it is cheaper and easier.

[idrivejunk]

Actually in 2001 they all had the same front bumper no more ant eater.

I learn something new every day!

Agreed about control arms, replace assembly. Most practical option.

[idrivejunk]

Oh and hey Casper- no burn intended with the fish comment. As you see I've been corrected and that doesn't apply to yer ride. I was just attempting a smooth segway and thought all the SEs were that way.

[Casper]

All good bro, I gotta replace the front bumper anyways. It's not horrible, but the middle support on the bottom is broken out and taped in (get-to) lol. Junk yard's got a white one for 30$... perfect match for me

Might not be a go-getter.. but I want it to atleast look clean, and ride smooth... not toooo much to ask for with the W-body sexiness.

[mikejohnlewis]

my bumper is horrible its an embarrassment to 40th anniversary cars everywhere, its held together by zip ties, it absorbed a deer.

[Casper]

lol yea this ones claimed 3 deers in it's life, 2 on the front bumper and 1 ran into the passenger door.. didn't dent it just managed to give it 3 cracks. I'll post pictures when I get a chance. Finally took her to the wash for a much needed bath... cleaned up quite well I think.