noob

[Adasm]

Hello all! I stumbled across this site while researching my recent purchase: 1997 Grand Prix GTP.
I've never owned a Pontiac before so this is all new to me.
This car has some upgrades to it i'm hoping to identify and also alot of small issues i'm hoping to get help with!

[comatoast]

Well hi there.. Im a n00b too.... 3 days and counting, but familiar w these motors.. whats the issue? and what mods do you have?

[HVACgtp]

Welcome fellow FNG!

[SlowNA06]

Welcome!
Upgrades, you say?
That's not always a good thing, so tell us what you know/see/find, and we can tell you if there's anything in there that'll blow up the motor.

[Adasm]

The only upgrades I can immediately see are cheap aftermarket mufflers which sounds terrible, MSD spark plug wires and a boost gauge in the lower dash column. I'm gonna hopefully get some pics up soon of the engine bay, maybe something can be spotted.

[SlowNA06]

Sounds like no problems so far.

[DanPrixGTP]

All the "mods" you have are just fine.

Swap out the mufflers for either stock or Borla.

Take a picture of the engine, lets see what you got.

[SlowNA06]

You make it sound like he's got no options on mufflers. He's got options.

[Adasm]

Well, after a little research, i've discovered a few more things: a previous owner had a remote starter installed and it looks like a helluva mess under the dash, so for now i'm just going to leave it alone. I noticed a mysterious brown wire in the engine bay that ran to that remote starter module.
My HID lights act funny sometimes: the drivers side cuts out from time to time and once in a while they'll go out altogether or alternate from one to the other? Strange, but they seem to be wired correctly, although there is no brand on the ballast at all and they're strictly plug and play style.
Other than that, my rocker panels are completely rotted out and i'm going to attempt to make some carbon fiber ones over the winter (i work for an aerospace company and have access to alot of fun things). Thanks for the input so far! I'll get some pics up as soon as my 7 month old allows me the time to do so!

[spazzz]

You make it sound like he's got no options on mufflers. He's got options.

still like my SLP catback..the only problem I had was getting them.Some place outta Indiana,cant remember. My order went thru,they canceled the order. I was like what,they refunded my money. I called them they said sorry,there back ordered. O-K I was cool with that,I'll take em anyway,but now there 100. more...WHAT? mumble mumble alright,how long,.. 6 weeks,.. holy hell, alright. Then to add insult to injury,they sent them USPS. The box weighed more than the scrawny mail lady...so pink slip....down to post office,wait in line....people were trippin when they saw the size of the box sitting on the post office counter. All that because I thought I was getting a deal....still like my SLP!

[Adasm]

So after a owning this for a bit now I've since made a brutal discovery that has now since been repaired:

All is well now but what a scare, found it when investigating water in the spare tire well.
Now that I've got the photobucket goin, I'll get some new pics up soon.

[Below Average Joe]

That is common

[Adasm]

Common? Wow, glad mine is fixed! Took the guy the better part of the day to fix, crack went all the way around the whole strut tower.

[Below Average Joe]

Strut towers go fairly regularly with these cars, especially for the age of yours. I keep an eye on mine too. Mine have no rust that I can see. I looked at a 98 Regal GS the other day and the rear towers were garbage. Glad to see you had it fixed and not just scrap the car.

[Adasm]

I picked this car up for $700 and all it needed was rotors and pads all around to certify. I think this damage had a lot to do with the price and the eagerness to sell! I love this car though, it needs some tlc but I enjoy the work and challenge bringing it back up to par and beyond!