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Pontiac :: 1994 to 1996 Grand Prix UpgradesThis page is chiefly concerned with streetable upgrades. I believe that one should enjoy one's Pontiac everyday. In that spirit, all upgrades described here are for street Grand Prixs. This is, as is most of this site, a work in progress, so check back often for new projects and information. Air Filters - Oil Choice - Tires Stock Air Box Upgrade
OK. Like most other cars, one of the weakest links in the system, and most easily rectified, is the stock air box and filter. Frankly, there are several drop in replacements that car increase your GP's performance. (Or you can simply replace the box entirely. We will deal with that on a future page, hopefully with the aid of a GTP and a digital camera!) I doubt I need to explain why more airflow equals more power, so lets go right to the filters. Fram - OK, this is basically a tune-up filter. Fram has been a trusted name in the filtering world for quite some time. Fram's new filters use a unique filtering medium that traps more dirt and small particles thus keeping your engine cleaner. It is not very expensive at all, making this filter a bargin if you don't want to mess with 'upgrades'. This is not a high performance filter, but, it does come in a pretty orange color. It should be available at your local auto-parts store. Fram Part No. 7597 (all 94 - 96 Grand Prixs) K and N Filter Charger - This is one of the oldest names in aftermarket filter upgrades. It is a quality unit that requires less attention than traditional filters (thousands and thousands of miles between cleanings). K+N claims a 10% boost in hp, depending on application. I have been pleased with this filters results on both 3100s and 3.4Ls. Expect to spend about $40(US) on this permenant upgrade. (...and a few more dollars on gas enjoying it.) K and N Part No. 33-2063-1 (all 94 - 96 Grand Prixs) Holley Power Shot - Another big name! Relative new-comer to the drop in replacement / upgrade department (but not to the performance department), Power Shot seems to be similar to the K and N unit, but it has a wider filtering area and wider ridges that allow for greater air flow. Holley claims 5-12% better flow than K and N. While I cannot claim that I have any personal experience with this filter, I can say that it's design it top notch and Holley is known for quality products. Compared to the K and N, Power Shot has wider ridges and tighter molding at the edges which, logically, provide better airflow. Expect to spend about $2 more on it than the K and N unit. Holley Part No. 221-8 (all 94 - 96 Grand Prixs) Final Notes: Regardless of what engine your GP has, it could benefit from greater airflow than the stock filter. I recommend the K and N or the Holley (preferably the Holley) for your stock box Grand Prix. If you don't want to put forty plus dollars in a filter, Fram is a good way to go. Regardless of which route you take, be sure that you keep your filter and airbox clean. It is a good idea to check the box regularly (i.e., every oil change) just to make sure that there are no leaves or anything else that may have found it's way into the box. (Amazing the power loss from one leaf in the box!) Oil Upgrade?
Is oil really an upgrade? Well, no, but it is essential that your engine stay in good condition or your upgrades are useless. So, as this page is a tour of products so far, here are my suggestions on oil. Not all oils are created equally. Much like everything else in life, you pay for what you get. I recommend Castrol motor oils because of their high degree of engineering. (Now, perhaps you have heard the claim protection beyond 3,000 miles. Thats good advertising. Don't let it stay in your car beyond that or beyond 3 months. But I don't need to tell you that, do I?) Castrol GTX is a great product. If you want to go to synthetic, Syntec is a quality product. Your Grand Prix should have SAE 10W-30 (The fill cap may say 5W-30. Thats fine in a warm climate with a newer engine. If you have more than 50,000 and the temp gets anywhere close to freesing, stay with 10W-30.) Should I switch to synthetic? A good question. First of all, synthetic motor oil is a great lubricant for your car. It is 'slicker' than regular motor oil so that there is less friction between parts. Also, Synthetic is better at removing contamination from your engine. In theory, your engine will live longer with synthetic oil. There is a myth that if you switch to synthetic you can't switch back. This is, as stated, a myth: you can indeed switch back. So what's to loose? Well, there are two major concerns when thinking about changing to synthetic. The most obvious one is price. Synthetic is more expensive. However, it is better for your car... maybe. Why maybe? That brings us to consideration two: is you engine in good shape? You can put synthetic oil into any engine you like, old or new. But, if the engine is leaking, even a little, it will leak more with synthetic. This is because synthetic oil penetrates (and cleans) better than regular oil. Not only will your engine be cleaner and slicker, but the holes in your oil system will be too. Therefore, it is probably not a good idea to use synthetic if you doubt the condition of your engine. In conclusion, I recommend Castrol GTX or Syntec for your Grand Prix. Every 3000 / 3 months, regardless of manufacturer's claims. What is the best tool to get a stuck oil filter off? An old serpentine belt wrapped twice around the filter. Never fails. TiresSo your stock tires are looking pretty ragged? Kind of old? Kind of, well, benign? Well, perhaps it is time for an upgrade. Bottom line: tires are where your power meets the road. Without a good grip, your 3.4L GTP might as well be running on 4 cylinders. (That would not be ept.) Consider upgrading your tires as good maintenance and one of the best upgrades you can make to your car. The Grand Prix (SE trim) comes standard with 215R60 16s unless you have the GTP package, in which case you have 225R60 16s (and usually very attractive aluminum rims). Some older models have 15in rims. Right now, I don't have specific recommendations for you, but many of the tires mentioned here may be available in your size. This site recommends Michilen Tires for your daily driver GP. I personally have used X Ones and have been completely satisfied with them. Also, I recommend 225R60 16s for all models of the GP (with 16in rims). Though the SE Grand Prix is supposed to have 215s, I have had excellent results with 225s. I recommend 225s to SE owners serious about performance. Please read on for the recommendations. Daily Driver Family Car / Performer:
Michelin: X One
All Weather Sport:
Michelin: Pilot Sport A/S
Pure Sport:
Michelin: Pilot Sport
Potenza: RE730 Generation 2 |
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