Thread: Why are people abandoning the W-Body?

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  1. #1 Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    SE Level Member jaydubb71's Avatar
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    Yeah. Exactly as the title of this thread says. Why are people jumping ship? I bought my 98 GTP BRAND NEW! Im on the second vehicle since (2002 Maxima and 2009 G8 GT) and I still cant let her go. She still musters up some decent steam also. 216000 miles. Trans number 3. Original engine. Not driven easily either.

    Why???
    1998 GTP Coupe: Self-tuned with HPTuners, 3.4, FWI w/ 12 inch K&N, Autolite 103's, hot-wired FP, Caspers fan override, 180 t-stat, Speed Daddy headers, SLP exhaust w/ GTX tips, 12 inch brakes (Riviera/Impala), 6000K HID's, solid rubber engine and trans mounts, poly dogbone inserts (SOLD 3/2020!!! )
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  2. #2 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
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    3 transmissions and rust. That's your answer
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  3. #3 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    #Billsnamechangessuck MrPoopyButthole's Avatar
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    They aren't worth much anymore, why spend $$ to build a car worth $500-1000?

    Rust

    The 3800 platform is a bit dated the only way to make it come alive now is a turbo

    Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war.
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  4. #4 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    SE Level Member jaydubb71's Avatar
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    I understand that they aren't worth much to some. But what about using them as a daily? I mean... I'm not trying to set the world on fire with a super fast W-body. But why not keep it around? These things were stepping on a lot of toes when they were newish. I know I was slapping a few cars around with mine back then. Maybe I just love the car...
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  5. #5 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    GrandPrix Junkie CrazyGuy03's Avatar
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    Eliminate rust as a factor and I would own 3 probably
    2003 Buick Regal GSX lots of mods - click here to see latest build - http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...ld-for-the-gsx

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  6. #6 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    Solving problems BrandonHall10's Avatar
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    Cost to build a 500whp engine... Not bad

    Cost to build a trans to handle that... Priceless

    For me, rust wasn't an issue. I just couldn't get past the fact that I would never be able to build a reliable transmission for any amount of money if I actually pushed the engine to it's full potential.
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  7. #7 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
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    It’s a valid question. I love my 2000 GT (130K) and my wifes1998 GTP (260K – only on second transmission). My GT has just about all thesuspension stuff done to it so it’s a handler. I’m holding out for something catastrophicon the GTP and I’m parting her out &keeping the parts for a top swap on theGT. LOL.

    BUT honestly, it’s the technology. I just drove a rental2016 Impala. 6 speed auto, 300 HP 3.5L? Damn thing was fast at any speed. Holycrap. Ok handling, but in a straight line it moved. The wifey loved all thetech and moderness’ too. I would have never even looked at an Impala let aloneseriously considered one after her car dies. The price for slightly used one isn’ttoo bad either (can’t afford new and can’t afford/find a GXP G8 either).

    Hard to compare a 2016 Impala to a 2000 GT GP, but still.

    I’m actually hoping to keep my GT until my kids are ofdriving age which is just in a few more years. It’s a solid car. I think aslong as people still enjoy their W bodies, they will last. People move on,taste change and want something different. Styles change.
    Daniel - Code name ILMODC (il-maude)
    Current ride: 2000 GT, 1998 GTP (wifes) -
    Work in Progress: 1987 Trans Am – KnightHawk Edition (5.3 LSSwap)
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  8. #8 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    SE Level Member jaydubb71's Avatar
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    Rust.... Ehhh... I understand. I got a lil bit around the gas door area. Yeah the tech is way behind. But unless you're trying to go stupid fast (11s and quicker) I don't see the trans being an issue. I will tell you this. My PCS solenoid has been disconnected from the harness since 2007. The trans is fine. It may shift a lil rough but I keep my torque management on. She is just fine. I'm noticing the trans temps are higher than I like. I will be installing a trans cooler soon...
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  9. #9 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    I break things. WarStryker13's Avatar
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    I love my 04, it's the only car so far that hasn't given up on me... No matter how hard I pound on it, it'll still get me where I need to go.

    I fully plan on keeping this car until I'm too old to drive, and it's got no rot to speak of. Lol

    They're decently durable cars, outside of the trans and rust, and unless they're already a problem, they can be prevented from becoming a problem pretty easily... Shift kit and regular maintenance on the trans, and vigilance on the rust prevention will keep a W-body on the road for upwards of 300k miles.

    04 GP GT2: Handling upgrades, go-slow parts, and an attitude. Totaled.
    87 Dodge Ram 50:​ Junkyard rescue, resurrection in progress.
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  10. #10 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    SE Level Member jaydubb71's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by WarStryker13 View Post
    I love my 04, it's the only car so far that hasn't given up on me... No matter how hard I pound on it, it'll still get me where I need to go.
    Exactly. Mine sat for 7 years. Decided to put her back on the street. Changed the oil, valve cover gaskets, flushed the cooling system and 4 new tires. She huffed some oil smoke initially (valve seals needed some fresh oil maybe) and is running great. Been back on the road for a little over a year. With the exception of this air conditioning that driving me nuts, I still love driving her!
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  11. #11 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    I break things. WarStryker13's Avatar
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    I've seen quite a few people who left the platform, come back to it because they missed their old GP... There's just something about these cars, they keep the interest going.

    04 GP GT2: Handling upgrades, go-slow parts, and an attitude. Totaled.
    87 Dodge Ram 50:​ Junkyard rescue, resurrection in progress.
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  12. #12 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    SE Level Member jaydubb71's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by WarStryker13 View Post
    I've seen quite a few people who left the platform, come back to it because they missed their old GP... There's just something about these cars, they keep the interest going.
    When I bought my G8, I had the Maxima and the GTP. I had to sell one. The Maxima was an OK car. BOTH were modded. Maxima was starting to become headache. It needed additional tuning to reach its full potential. I ALMOST sold the GTP. Then I remembered... I had HPTuners. I hadnt touched the tune EVER. It had a DHP 1.0 but.

    I can honestly say Im glad I kept my GTP. Some people local to me are getting them and asking me a TON of questions bcuz Ive had mine for so long. Heck, even my ex-headache, I mean ex-girlfriend went and bought one (2004 Monte Carlo SS) after driving mine for a little while...
    1998 GTP Coupe: Self-tuned with HPTuners, 3.4, FWI w/ 12 inch K&N, Autolite 103's, hot-wired FP, Caspers fan override, 180 t-stat, Speed Daddy headers, SLP exhaust w/ GTX tips, 12 inch brakes (Riviera/Impala), 6000K HID's, solid rubber engine and trans mounts, poly dogbone inserts (SOLD 3/2020!!! )
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  13. #13 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
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    I've had my 00 GTP Coupe since 05 and 112K, I replaced the trans at 291K, and just swapped the motor at 330K, it's my DD and averages 24MPG city/hwy combined, I don't plan on it going anywhere soon. I drive 62 miles a day and my thinking was why should I buy a new car with a price tag of $20K-$80k that gets the same MPG or worse and won't be worth half of what I paid for it in 3 to 4 years, when I can fix this one for less then 10% of $20K.
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  14. #14 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    SE Level Member jaydubb71's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by waupachino View Post
    I've had my 00 GTP Coupe since 05 and 112K, I replaced the trans at 291K, and just swapped the motor at 330K, it's my DD and averages 24MPG city/hwy combined, I don't plan on it going anywhere soon. I drive 62 miles a day and my thinking was why should I buy a new car with a price tag of $20K-$80k that gets the same MPG or worse and won't be worth half of what I paid for it in 3 to 4 years, when I can fix this one for less then 10% of $20K.
    Exactly. If I can SOMEHOW manange to stay out of boost (hehehe...) I can get damn near 25 or better combined. Too much stop and go traffic and the occasional "Imma take your lane sucka!" battles. LOL! I can probably get more than that considering how much cruise timing I got in her. Problem is, theres this cute little whining noise she makes whenever I go real deep... LOL
    Last edited by jaydubb71; 10-04-2016 at 12:27 PM.
    1998 GTP Coupe: Self-tuned with HPTuners, 3.4, FWI w/ 12 inch K&N, Autolite 103's, hot-wired FP, Caspers fan override, 180 t-stat, Speed Daddy headers, SLP exhaust w/ GTX tips, 12 inch brakes (Riviera/Impala), 6000K HID's, solid rubber engine and trans mounts, poly dogbone inserts (SOLD 3/2020!!! )
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  15. #15 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    I break things. WarStryker13's Avatar
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    That whine is addictive, I hear... Lol

    04 GP GT2: Handling upgrades, go-slow parts, and an attitude. Totaled.
    87 Dodge Ram 50:​ Junkyard rescue, resurrection in progress.
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  16. #16 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    SE Level Member jaydubb71's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by WarStryker13 View Post
    That whine is addictive, I hear... Lol
    Very. Sometimes I snap the throttle JUST to hear it. Or to scare these youngins out here when they cross the street at night outside of the crosswalk with dark clothes and sagging skinny jeans on. I know they cant run... LOL
    1998 GTP Coupe: Self-tuned with HPTuners, 3.4, FWI w/ 12 inch K&N, Autolite 103's, hot-wired FP, Caspers fan override, 180 t-stat, Speed Daddy headers, SLP exhaust w/ GTX tips, 12 inch brakes (Riviera/Impala), 6000K HID's, solid rubber engine and trans mounts, poly dogbone inserts (SOLD 3/2020!!! )
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  17. #17 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    GXP Level Member coolone's Avatar
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    It's a love/hate relationship kinda thing... Lol

    I have 3 at the same time, one down and for parts, 2 still going, one has 230k+... I will always have one! Maybe sitting rusting away, but still have one!
    Overkill BBC Cam, YT 1.8 RR's, Rhodes Lifters, STGII Heads, GenV, Pacesetters, 3" Exh to Tips, TEP Trans. N*, ID 75# injectors/E85 coming soon
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  18. #18 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    Turbo is the way to go. REDCRAPGP's Avatar
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    It's a love/hate type of thing. The platform is dying. I still have the GP but reality set in that after damn there 9 years of owning and tinkering with it that I just got tired of having to constantly fix **** on what seemed like on a daily basis and once the old motor fell victim to rod knock that was enough for me to decide to go ahead and suck it up and get another car payment after several years of not having one. That and I knew I would be switching jobs soon after that, that involved mostly out of state work and the GP wouldn't have been up to the task.


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  19. #19 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    SE Level Member jaydubb71's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by REDCRAPGP View Post
    It's a love/hate type of thing. The platform is dying. I still have the GP but reality set in that after damn there 9 years of owning and tinkering with it that I just got tired of having to constantly fix **** on what seemed like on a daily basis and once the old motor fell victim to rod knock that was enough for me to decide to go ahead and suck it up and get another car payment after several years of not having one. That and I knew I would be switching jobs soon after that, that involved mostly out of state work and the GP wouldn't have been up to the task.


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    How many miles?
    1998 GTP Coupe: Self-tuned with HPTuners, 3.4, FWI w/ 12 inch K&N, Autolite 103's, hot-wired FP, Caspers fan override, 180 t-stat, Speed Daddy headers, SLP exhaust w/ GTX tips, 12 inch brakes (Riviera/Impala), 6000K HID's, solid rubber engine and trans mounts, poly dogbone inserts (SOLD 3/2020!!! )
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  20. #20 Re: Why are people abandoning the W-Body? 
    GrandPrix Junkie spazzz's Avatar
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    Probably under 50 k cuz its always broke
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