hey there, just bought a TGP and have a few questions if you guys don't mind. I'm pretty familiar with the GTPs (just got rid of my 2000 GTP coupe) but still am somewhat unfamiliar with the TGPs. Is there a problem with the stock exhaust? I plan on just removing the mufflers as I had on my GTP so will there be any gain in having the less restriction or is there little restriction to begin with? Also, I've been reading the forums and it seems that I can only go so high in boost if I were to add a Topgun, fuel cutoff at a certain point it seems.....does anybody know what that point is with stock fuel injectors? Also, is the main serpantine belt on the TGP self tensioning? Thanks alot, really appreciate the help
The serpentine belt is self tensioning.
I don't understand exactly what you're asking about the boost. But, I will try to explain it. The stock chip only allows you to run 9psi boost before it will hit a fuel cutoff, where the computer shuts off the spark for a second so you don't blow the engine up from too much boost/timing. The topgun chip alters the fuel tables and timing tables and raises the boost to ~11.5psi. (it does other things as well, but those are the main things) The boost cut is raised to 13psi boost, but I believe it will start pulling timing at around 12psi, so going higher than that is pretty much pointless. You can't really run any more boost than that without having detonation problems because of the size of the turbo and intercooler effieciency, etc.... The fuel injectors aren't really the problem, although with a chip they are close to being maxed out, but that isn't why there is a boost cut. The boost cut is there to protect your engine, and without switching turbo's, I wouldn't recommend disabling it to run more boost, its a bad idea and won't really help.
Shawn
understand, thanks.....what about the exhaust? I'd like to get maximum efficiency out of the engine and if something like removing the mufflers would do anything to add to that.....thanks alot
The mufflers aren't much of a restriction. I changed mine because they had holes in them and I knew the magnaflows sounded better. They MAY have helped a little, but I'm not sure, and the magnaflows are straight-through, so they flow about as good as its gonna get, so unless you want a different sound, I don't think I'd mess with them. They made it louder, and they didn't hurt it thats for sure. Removing my cat made a noticable difference, but if you have emissions where you are that will be a problem, and its not good for the environment. Getting a high-flow cat is a good idea and should help the turbo spool quicker, along with giving it a little more power throughout the powerband.
cool, thanks appreciate it.....think I'm gonna chuck the cat (no emmisions here in ND) and keep the mufflers so car isn't too loud. I dunno, was pulling great times with my '00 GTP and it seems those cars are a hell a lot easier to mod- drop pully size, t-stat, screen off TB, delete mufflers, and remove dead weight and you have a great recipe for ~14.2 in the quater....hopefully I have some luck getting this car there
GTP's are definately easier to mod, but part of that is because they have larger displacement, but most is that they have a large aftermarket. But, its nice that you can get into the 13's for very small amounts of money. (a couple hundred if you do it right) I've personally seen a GTP with only a 3.4 pulley do 13.7's before, but thats only on rare occasions does stuff like that happen. But these cars aren't that bad. If all you want to do is 14.2's, then it shouldn't be too tough. Chip, removed cat, K&N filter, t-stat, ud pulley, and 1.6 rockers and a good launch should get you pretty close to that.
Shawn
I would also change the cross-over pipe if you still have the factory one in it. The factory one is a peice of junk that cracks and allows extra air into the exhaust. In turn it cause the 02 sensor to think you are running lean, so it makes the computer run the car rich=bad. What happens is that the heat shields trap in moisture and causes it to rust. The new peice has no heat shields, and is all shiny and pretty. Not to mention the price is 1/3 the cost of a factory peice, that'll just rust again.
You can get a new pipe and the TopGun chip from www.turbograndprix.com
I have the stock crossover on all 3 cars and they all run fine. The Lumina is the worst and it will stall if you let it idle for more than about 2 minutes, but if you're driving its fine. They run rich yes, but in the STE that helps 'cause the injectors are too small, but I just hammer on them a lot to keep the engine nice and clean and replace the plugs every 8-10k and they are fine. Personally, unless you plan on getting really serious, or you are planning on never selling the car, I would spend the $425 elsewhere, these cars aren't worth lots of money, $425 is like 1/4 their value or maybe even more. Yeah, they would be better with a new one, but like I said, thats a lot of money to be putting into one of these cars.
Shawn
Hard and/or high miles/imperfect oil maintenence (less than perfect rings) + rich fuel mixture (unburnt fuel beyond rings) can = problems due to diluted oil (engine rebuild will run a little more than 425.00) Fix the crossover or you will never know how this car will perform--especially with a togun chip!!! but everbody has opinions.
im debating wether i wanna spend 425$ + 400$ install on this car, cause its a 6-7 hour job, im thinking of just trading it in a for 92-95 Grand Am GT, V6, but if you really wanna keep this car, go for it
Quote from: Prospeederim debating wether i wanna spend 425$ + 400$ install on this car, cause its a 6-7 hour job, im thinking of just trading it in a for 92-95 Grand Am GT, V6, but if you really wanna keep this car, go for it
Buy a cheap toolset, no better time then the present to learn how to work on your own automobile(s).
Quote from: mfewtrailQuote from: Prospeederim debating wether i wanna spend 425$ + 400$ install on this car, cause its a 6-7 hour job, im thinking of just trading it in a for 92-95 Grand Am GT, V6, but if you really wanna keep this car, go for it
Buy a cheap toolset, no better time then the present to learn how to work on your own automobile(s).
unfortunately, some of us know that it doesn't take 6-7 hours after 3 or 4 swaps[/quote]
no kidding, and you've got Jim offering to do if for you for free, what is wrong with you man!?!?! :shock: :lol:
Jeez, three cases of beer isn't a bad deal to get someone damn near professional who could do this with his eyes closed (and a broken leg) :wink:
I know I'm going to be taking advantage of Jim's expertise here is a couple months. I plan on keeping my car for a very LONG time and am planning on doing my crossover. I've already been in touch with him about some help. Now I just need to know what kind of beer to bring but I'm sure Jim will let me know when the time comes. :wink:
Mike
Anytime you are ready to do it Mike, just let me know!!! :wink: That means I get to work on both of your cars in the next couple of months :mrgreen: