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Sedans Pontiac Grand Prix Pontiac Grand Prix Brakes
81 messages, Last post on Dec 10, 2008 at 6:14 AM
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Replying to: wobbly (May 09, 2006 11:05 am) I am also relatively new to the "GTP" experience. I purchased my 2002 GTP 4 days ago. I have been doing ALOT of research on mods and tuning the last few days. The solution to most of your problems would be to get the PCM (Digital Horsepower Inc. v1.0 PCM for Grand Prix GTP ). This will take the limiter off, and increase hp by changing shift points and temp check points. There are a few mods that also need to be done in order to get the best gains (and least amount of knock) out of the GTP. A great site that has all the parts your looking for is : link title This site explains what each component will do as well as anything needed. To get best results these mods need to be done: Developed with the average 3800 enthusiast in mind, this calibration has been designed and dynamometer tested and proven for the following vehicle modifications installed: - 3.4 - 3.25 pulley - Cold air induction system (brand not applicable) - Cat-back exhaust system (brand not applicable) - Premium fuel (91+ octane) FEATURES: - Speed limiter removed - 3-1 and 4-2 skip shifts (Active in performance shift mode only*) - Transmission line pressure increased (Active in performance shift mode only*) - Shift points moved (5800-6000rpms) (Active in performance shift mode only*) - Fan turn on points altered: - 186 degree turn on - 2 minute fan on at key-off (this feature activates when engine coolant is 179 degrees or greater) - MAF calibration adjusted for proper operation and year - Digital Horsepower Inc. fuel/spark adjustments: - En-richens fuel delivery for critical problem areas - Provides a consistent power gain across the entire power band - Reduces spark retard (knock retard) - Removes 40MPH WOT lag - Dynamometer testing has shown up to 20 HP gain in 60 degree temperatures on a development vehicle. Click here to view the dyno results and detailed explanation. *NOTE: Cars without the performance shift button will require a wiring harness modification for these shifting features to be enabled. This is the best mod and most cost effective way to increase your gains accross the board. The PCM is like $100.00 (pretty cheap mod), but the exhaust can run 300-500 bux, and the intake runs 250-350 bux. So with about 7-800.00 bux you'll have a low 14 sec car, with no limiter and about 280-290 hps. Quickest and simple way to answer all your problems. I have also heard that these are relatively simple engine mods. My buddy is in the army and is in Germany as well, he is a Hummer mechanic. He always is telling me stories about the audobon (sounds like it would be fun!!). His name is Kelly Dood (nickname NEMO), If ya know him tell him Adam said "what up!" and good luck with your GTP. Peace Adam Johnson
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Replying to: ajohnson187 (May 20, 2006 8:01 am) Thanks for your input. I already found the Digital Horsepower DCM at www.pfyc.com/store/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PFYC&Product_Code=GP3901&P- roduct_Count=18&Category_Code=04UNDER But it says that it is not intended for the stock GTP. Moreover, installation will void my warranty. So unfortunately, it will have to wait until after warranty is up. There should also be a way to reprogram the original part. I will look into that too. My main problem is the awful noise I am getting at 115mph. But I hope to get this solved. While GM in the States is completely clueless regarding Pontiac in Europe, I managed to find a GM dealership in the area that honors the warranty for military personnel (found it in the military finder's guide). I have an appontment on Memorial Day and hope that they can fix the problem. The other problem, however, is that the brakes are already a disaster at a speed of 125mph. When I had to hit the brakes at that speed, it scared the shit out of me. While the brakes on my 14-year-old toy BMW have no problems with even higher speeds, the Pontiac is definitely not up to the task. My conclusion is that the car was never meant to be driven that fast. It's a shame. It is beautiful. It got muscle. But it doesn't have what it takes. It's all show. Like I mentioned earlier, the handling is also a disaster. I never realized all this while in the States. But it is a completely different ball game over here. As for your body, ask him where he is stationed. I am in the K-Town area. There are about 50,000 Americans in this area alone. And a lot of GTPs too. Thanks again and all the best for you and your GTP. Tom
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Replying to: wobbly (May 20, 2006 9:21 am) I didnt even realize the year of your GTP. I've got a 2002 so its a bit different set-up. I was up around 123-124mph on the highway today, and I didn't feel any knocking, or hear any sort of noises. The motor felt quite strong but I could tell I was not gonna get more than 4-8 mph's faster ( I had to slow up a bit due to traffic in MY LANE!! LOL) But anyways I haven't been able to top her out yet (not sure where the limiter is set at on my year, Ive got the series II motor) I love my GTP, maybe its just the year, car companies always seem to screw up perfectly good models and engines with their "performance" standards. My brakes felt pretty good as well at the higher speeds, I didn't slam on them but I did do a little VERY LIGHT tapping. I forgot where my buddy is stationed (yeah I know I was pretty vague with his location and I forgot how much military is actually in Germany at all times...lol). I think he is in the eastern part (sorry not very familiar with Germany). Anywayz good luck with everything, I have a great amount of respect for all US military. Thank You and Hopefully you can get those GTP probs figured out. Peace, AJ |
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Replying to: wobbly (May 09, 2006 11:05 am)  120 on the turnpike here in Kansas. I know, gutsy to drive that fast here. Anyway, the problem w/ that would be a stage 1 pcm from www.zzperformanceparts.com This will get rid of the top speed limiter, and lower kr, which is good on a supercharged car, and give correct shift points etc. etc. All in all this helped my car extensively. I can now go about 140mph. w/ no problems. Also, this will not affect your fuel milage at normal ( U.S.) highway speeds. Not sure about 100+ mph. Again, w/ the brakes. You will want a ceramic based pad for your front brakes. The cheapie semi-metalic pads that GM puts on the car suck. Spend the $100 and get ceramic pads, it could save your life. You can also get those on the same web site, or on www.pfyc.com and I believe either website ships international. If you are still wanting more power, then look into the smaller 3.4" supercharger pully. Will add about 30-35 h.p. on your car. Hope this stuff helps. |
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First I want to say thank you. This site has been a wealth of information and very helpful. Just about everything that has gone wrong with my car has appeared here! I have a 2001 Grand Prix with 130,000 miles, 3.8L engine and a recently rebuilt transmission. That being said, the latest trial and tribulation we have going on with my car is that there is a strange sound coming from the front end. It sounds like a pump running for a short period of time, (like the water pump in my dad's RV!). This occurs only at slow speeds (under 20mph). The ABS light and the low trac light do not always come on at the same time nor do they always come on when this sound occurs. The low trac light appears when there is not a problem with traction  . And to make matters more confusing, the brakes work fine. We will not take this car to the dealership - because they've lied to us in the past and I do not trust them. Other than dealers, do other mechanics have an ABS tester? And does this describe a possible problem with the ABS system?? Thanks for any and all feedback - it is greatly appreciated!
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Replying to: chele5 (Jun 10, 2006 7:13 pm)
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Replying to: prixmogranprix (Jun 11, 2006 1:30 am) I can't tell you if all your problems are related. But my experience has taught me that the dealers have a way of "only fixing what they have to" when they know that more will need to be done at a later date. This way they can charge you again for labor. (that lesson was learned with my transmission!). So get many opinions if you have to - please let us know what you find out. |
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Hi, As I mentioned before, I am stationed in Germany and took my 2005 GTP with me. Apparently, the car is not made for the high Autobahn speeds over here. Top speed is limited to 125 mph, tires are only "H" rated, transmission overheats (oil pan too small) during long Autobahn drives, and the brakes are a complete joke at high speeds (i.e., very, very dangerous). Compared to the brakes of a BMW, a Porsche, or even a Corvette, one can clearly see where the problem is: the rotors are way to small in diameter to give adequate performance. Again, driving conditions here cannot be compared to the conditions back home. When you drive 120 mph or faster (150 mph is not out of the ordinary, 200 mph are not unheard of especially with bikes) and a car going at half the speed decides to get in front of you without warning, you need brakes that can handle a situation like this. My question is, can I upgrade the brakes on my 2005 GTP (not just the rotors) with the ones installed on the 2006 GXP? Would they fit? Could I keep my rims? Does anybody know? I would appreciate any help. And while I am at it: Did anyone here try the transmission pan cooler for this car? Did anyone here put in an additional transmission oil cooler in his 2004 or newer Grand Prix? If so, which one worked out good for you in terms of ease of installation and fit. As always, all help is appreciated. Thank you! |
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GXP premature brake wear!!  Has anyone experienced this problem yet??? I have 23,000 miles in my first year of ownership. 98% of my driving is highway/freeway. As I write this message, my car is sitting at the dealership waiting for a set of pads to be overnighted. With no warning, my fronts are down to metal-to-metal. As near a I can tell, the pads retail at $150 and the rotors at $750. This is pretty poor performance when I am used to 60,000 miles, at least, between brake jobs on my 2 previous GTP's.
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Replying to: gsmith13027 (Aug 10, 2006 6:49 am) Braking performance is same or better but no more brake dust! Others seem to be having the same brake wear. Your mileage is about correct for the performance brakes with Metallic pads.
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