What Generation GTP Should I Buy?

**b4gto** · 11-05-2009

I have been looking for a great deal on a GTP for my soon-to-be 16 year old son. Yesterday, I think I finally found it but I wanted some feedback on these cars -- what to look out for, common issues, general thoughts, etc.

The car I found is a 96 GTP with the 3.4L. 90K miles, one-owner, garage kept, perfect body, no dings, perfect interior, new tune up, serpentine belt, new tires, etc. Price: $2500.

My son originally thought he wanted a 97-03 model with the 3.8L but this deal seems too good to pass up.

Questions:

What do you think about this deal?
Would it be worth another $1000 if I could find a car in the same condition as this one, only in the newer generation?
What are some of the issues/problems common to the 96 models?
How does the 96 transmission hold up?
How does the 3.4 compare to the 3.8?
Was the transmission upgraded from the 96 to 97 models?
Can the 3.8L Supercharged motor be easily swapped into the 96 model?

Thanks for any and all comments. I am new to this board and new to the GP. Just hoping to quickly learn a lot so I can make a decision.

**GAFF** · 11-05-2009

3.4 gtp?

**TheOtherNick** · 11-05-2009

The older models did not have the 3.8's I would go with a 97-03 gtp.

**GAFF** · 11-05-2009

i know but i see no reason to buy a gtp with a 3.4

**TheOtherNick** · 11-05-2009

It just an older grand prix. They had a few turbo ones.

**gtpinsc** · 11-05-2009

ehhhh supercharged/turbo car for a 16 yr old? to each their own... id get 97-03.

**Will5600** · 11-05-2009

im 16 almost 17 i got a 1999 gtp i love it get him something like it fun to upgrade and work on

**01gtspecial** · 11-05-2009

1. good car, not an outstanding deal...its a 96
2. yes, definitely
3. I know the DOHC 3.4L in my lumina had a major head gasket leak, dead water pump, 2 blown serpentine belts, and a 3 transmissions, and not the best gas milage in its 125k lifetime. But the 3.4 is a good motor, its DOHC nature, combined with lack of aftermarket support means that intake and exhaust is almost the best you can do for it.
4. see above. cost me $2200 to have it rebuilt the one time it blew out of warrenty
5. the DOHC 3.4l and the 3.8l are very comparable. relatively the same hp output, more torque out of the 3.8l and much more potential due to more parts being available for cheaper
6. 97-03 isnt available in a manual

. but yes, the auto was upgraded from a 4t60 to a 4t65, HD differentials on the GTPs
7. hell no.

hope this helps.

**Iron Indian** · 11-06-2009

3.4 DOHC in the old GPs need alot more attention. If you want something cheap and realible get a 3800... stick with the 97-03 line up IMO...

**ZR1Vette09** · 11-06-2009

you're way too nice buying the kid a GTP. why not a GT? It'll slow the progress of how fast he can make it

**BwolfGT** · 11-06-2009

Unless he's really, really mature for his age, get him a 97-03 GT, not a GTP.
Tell him if he goes a year in even a GT without a speeding ticket or accident you'll help him drop a GTP engine in it.
And 2,500 isn't really a "good deal", that's about right for that car.
But, like I said, if you think he's ready for a car that quick already...go 97-03 GTP.

**ninnyGTP** · 11-06-2009

Originally Posted by 01GTP

It just an older grand prix. They had a few turbo ones.

That was actually a 3100 that McClaren strapped a turbo to haha.

I will admit that aside from the 3.4 in the first gen GTP, they look awesome! Still would like to own one and stuff an L67 in it

**blueguy** · 11-06-2009

3.4 DOHC motor is epic failure.

Get a 98-02 W-Body...'03's had b!tchy transmissions and the '97s were the problem child.

**PontiacGTPSE** · 11-06-2009

I got my 01 GTP when i was sixteen and my dad told me one speeding ticket and it's gone I will be turning eighteen next month and not one speeding ticket. They are great cars, and are a lot of fun, but that fun comes with responsibility. Car wise go 97-03 GTP or GT its up to you. and i got my 01 with under 90,000 miles for 2,000 you just got to keep looking for good deals they are out there

**99prixgt** · 11-06-2009

3.4 DOHC is nothing but problems. 3800 is reliable, and easy to work on yourself. Get a 98-03 gt or gtp. You can find good deals on these cars, i got my 1999 gt for $2,500

**minichopper6hp** · 11-06-2009

They didnt nickname the 3.4 DOHC a boat anchor for no good reason.

**01gtspecial** · 11-06-2009

Originally Posted by minichopper6hp

They didnt nickname the 3.4 DOHC a boat anchor for no good reason.

hahahah!!

**Pittman06** · 11-06-2009

agreed totally, the weakest link IMO is the 4T60E, you wanna talk about a boat anchor! There freakin worthless, especially if your boy would ever get in it over half throttle then pop goes the tranny. I agree on the 97-03, GT would be the way to keep him out of trouble, then top swap it later if your bored and hes ticket free!