99 Grand Prix GTP questions

Feel free to post about anything here, just keep it work safe.
Post Reply
User avatar
Ozzwoman9
Registered User
Posts: 276
Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2010 10:06 am
Location: USA

99 Grand Prix GTP questions

Post by Ozzwoman9 »

As some know, my stepson gets his driving permit next month, so I bought him a 99 Grand Prix. Overall it's in decent shape, runs great. Body has some clear coat fading and hail damage (but being that it's black it's not that noticeable). Only problems are slight noise in the belt tensioner and the rear caliper is shot. Can't complain for picking it up for $600! So, I'm not all that familiar with the 3880 SC motors. Any bugs I need to know about? I know after he earns his part money and I get the brakes fixed that I'm going to be doing some overall maintenance to it. I plan on changing the SC oil. I understand I can take my mity vac and suck the oil out and replace that way. What kind of oil should I use and how much?


Mostly you meet friends when traveling by accident, like by sitting next to them on the train, or in a restaurant, or in a holding cell.
Image
1995 Beretta Z26 3100
1988GTU
Registered User
Posts: 2744
Joined: Sat Mar 23, 2002 1:06 pm
Location: A town up north

Re: 99 Grand Prix GTP questions

Post by 1988GTU »

that sc snout is a common wear item. The lower intake elbow and gaskets fail as much if not more often than the 3x00 60*v6's. Valve covers tend to leak oil, more so the rear vc. Dogbone mount bushing fatigue at a higher rate from isolating that boat anchor in place. Bigger Aux trans cooler is a must, especially being a first time kid driver with a supercharged pontiac gp.
EGR is a carbon caking culprit.
Wheel bearings all around and rear braking system is a high attention area.

Im most likely missing some stuff. I'm sure others will catch it.


_________
Image
-------------
ronaconda
Registered User
Posts: 688
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2008 7:30 pm
Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Re: 99 Grand Prix GTP questions

Post by ronaconda »

For sure changed the valve cover gaskets if they are leaking. The leaking gaskets are the #1 cause of engine fires on these engines.


SuperLbody
Registered User
Posts: 70
Joined: Thu Jan 15, 2015 6:47 pm

Re: 99 Grand Prix GTP questions

Post by SuperLbody »

Definitely check the supercharger to see if the oil has been changed and change it if not. Other than that, basic fluid checks/changes and such, you'll have a great car to have for awhile.


RobertISaar
Registered User
Posts: 98
Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2012 7:14 pm

Re: 99 Grand Prix GTP questions

Post by RobertISaar »

depending on your location, you may want to take a good look in the strut towers, usually only the rear, to make sure there isn't any hidden rust going on. it isn't nearly as bad with a 2nd gen w-body, but it still happens.

rocker panels also like to crumble apart in those same locations.


User avatar
Slinky
Registered User
Posts: 939
Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:27 pm

Re: 99 Grand Prix GTP questions

Post by Slinky »

yes as everyone said check the normal stuff and also pull the belt loose and check if there's any play in the end of the supercharger snout bearing, other than that in my opinion 3800 engines are pretty bulletproof


1 Of 1 Street Legal Centri S/c Beretta's In Existance
heavywoody
Global Moderator
Posts: 1991
Joined: Sun Nov 03, 2002 4:10 pm
Location: Concord, NC
Contact:

Re: 99 Grand Prix GTP questions

Post by heavywoody »

Injector o-rings should be replaced to prevent engine fires (IMHO). And, depending on how good your husband is with a pick, the o-rings inside the quick connect setup where the lines connect to the fuel rails on top of the supercharger.

If you are going to change the SC oil, replace it with the GM stuff (available at dealer). I would also replace the SC coupler inside the snout while changing the oil ($30 part).


Geoff
95 Z26 Turbo 3400 5spd - R&D Project
Beretta Preservation Society - Director of Acquisitions
Image
Post Reply