I am looking to get better/more power from my 2001 N/A Grand Prix, I think it's an L36, and could really use some good advice. Car has 130k miles on it and am currently running SLP Headers, cat, and exhaust. The car is a daily driver into NYC and needs to stay that way. It occasionally driven by the wife, so I'm not looking to make crazy power, needs to be dependable and relatively easy to drive. Not looking to go to the track with it, I've got a Supra for that task.
So the first question is which kit is right for me or am I just asking for trouble or problems with these types of setups? The car has been great with no problems since I bought new off the lot almost 10 years ago. I was looking at the kits offered by ZZP (Z3, Z7, and Stattama). I've got the cash set aside, about $6k, and I think I'm looking to make around 100 to 150 additional horsepower? Really would like to pull up to these ricers and mustangs and give them a good run for the money. So do those horse power numbers look about right?
I know that the SLP headers will need to be replaced, but I no longer have the OEM manifolds. That being said, do I try to find a used set of OEM manifolds or opt for the front & rear ZZP Power Logs? Any real benefit for stepping up to the power logs? On the subject of exhaust, I know I will need a new down pipe, what size should I get? Do I keep the SLP cat or will the down pipes with cats offered by ZZP replace the SLP unit? My car has an air pump, do the rear power logs offer that hook-up? Can it be custom ordered/made?
Do I keep everything else stock: fuel pump, injectors, tranny, etc... What additional things should I be looking at, ie - shorter dog bones, boost control, shift kit, etc...
What kind of gas mileage can I expect out of these set ups? I'm currently getting around 22 mpg. If I step-up to like #42 injectors, will the car suck down that much more fuel? I was actually hoping that the turbo might actually improve the gas mileage a bit?
Lastly, I have found it difficult to find anyone out in this area (just north of New York City) that can do the installation. I have a good shop that does a lot of general work on my and friends cars. They said that they would be willing to install it, but how involved are these kits to install? I know replacing the rear manifolds are a real pain in the ass, not seeing install instructions, will that be the most difficult part of the install? Was just going to order a pre-programmed PCM from ZZP, don't have any tuner capability, will their set-up out the box be adequate.
I know that I just threw a lot out there, but I just had the car painted and suspension all upgraded so it's going to be around for a while, just need some good sound advice. Thanks in advance for any and all input.
