New GTP...which one should I get?

[nabendroth]

Hey guys. I’m Nick, from Minneapolis and I’m looking at picking up a GTP. I have come up with some questions.

My brother has a 2000 GTP, and has not really gotten into the ‘enthusiast’ side of things. I am trying to figure out what GTP to get….

I am looking at a 2001, 2002 or 2003 two door coupe…(preferably a 2002 or 2003)

Here are my main questions.

First, On my brothers 2000 GTP, there is a ‘performance shift’ button on the shifter. I don’t see that on the 2001, 2002 or 03 models…does it still have performance shift, or has it moved to a different location??

Second, other than ram air, what is the difference between the GTP and GTX. I know it looks a bit different, but what is the actual performance difference.

Third, Is there any performance difference between the GTP and the 40th anniversary edition? I know it looks a bit different. With two tone leather, and the ‘heat extractor’ vents on the hood…

Fourth, performance mods…I was on 3800performance.com, and was thinking after I bought the car, I would buy intake, chip, exhaust…and a pulley. Is that the best site to get that from, or what should I be looking for?

Any information you can give me would be great. I am looking at purchasing one of these in the next couple weeks, and want something under 60K miles…with a cream leather interior….so whatever help you can give me is great!!!

-Nick

[BlackJack]

Originally Posted by nabendroth

First, On my brothers 2000 GTP, there is a ‘performance shift’ button on the shifter. I don’t see that on the 2001, 2002 or 03 models…does it still have performance shift, or has it moved to a different location??

Performance Shift is an option on most models, usually with a "package". All the late V6 and up GM's have the tables in the computer for performance shift, the difference is it's not wired in, no switch, and the tables not filled.

Originally Posted by nabendroth

Second, other than ram air, what is the difference between the GTP and GTX. I know it looks a bit different, but what is the actual performance difference.

I think you were looking for the GXP rather than the GTX. If not, then my-bad. To my knowledge the GTX was a Plymouth Roadrunner package.

GTP = 3800 S/C for earlier models (thru 2005)
1997- Series II 3800 (L67) with Eaton M90 (240hp)
1998- added traction control
2004 or 2005- switched to Series III 3800 (L32) with Eaton Gen 5 S/C.

GXP = didn't start up till 2004 and comes with an LS4 (5.3L V8).

Originally Posted by nabendroth

Third, Is there any performance difference between the GTP and the 40th anniversary edition? I know it looks a bit different. With two tone leather, and the ‘heat extractor’ vents on the hood…

Here's the link for "Hot Rod Magazine's" article on the 2002 year model 40th ann. edition:
http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicl...ary/index.html

Originally Posted by nabendroth

Fourth, performance mods…I was on 3800performance.com, and was thinking after I bought the car, I would buy intake, chip, exhaust…and a pulley. Is that the best site to get that from, or what should I be looking for?

There isn't a real "chip" for the GP or GTP. You can however order a reprogrammed PCM that replaces your original computer from DHP, or if you like to do extensive programming on your own, you can get DHP's PowrTuner where you can plug in anytime you want and change your settings, to include Fueling, Timing, Transmission characteristics, etc. It's almost like having your own stand-alone in the fact that you can change it however you like.

Best performance site that I know of is www.zzperformance.com
They sell all the performance stuff that you could ever dream of for a late GP or variant, including cams, pulleys, heads, exhausts, tuning, and wicked transmissions that can hold 9-second 1/4 mi times.

Originally Posted by nabendroth

I am looking at purchasing one of these in the next couple weeks, and want something under 60K miles…

Best of luck with whatever you decide on.

[RussGAGT]

^^^^BlackJack...there is such thing as a GTX, so he is on the right track...I do believe that it was an enhancement package by SLP...i think

[BlackJack]

ok, that's why I didn't know about it, because it wasn't factory production. Thanks for the info :D

[grandravermc]

Originally Posted by RussGAGT

^^^^BlackJack...there is such thing as a GTX, so he is on the right track...I do believe that it was an enhancement package by SLP...i think

Harley Russ ! Thanks bro- ANd YEAH, CERTAINLY is guys. Just got mine. I've wanted one ever since GM put out the Prototype '300 GPX' in late '95!
I LOVE it too!

To answer you questions...here you go:

The GTX was a package offered by SLP (Street Legal Performance)..same company that produced the 90's version of the Camaro 'SS', the 'Firehawk', and the even the CRAZY RARE, sorta "oddball" ones like the Regal "GSX", the Impala "LSX", and even the Ford Ranger "Thunderbolt".
Anyway, the "GTX" package was available on the '98'-03 Grand Prix's right from SLP/GM thru the dealer (when purchased new). Although, it's to MY understanding that you can send your GP to SLP and/or buy the parts to 'convert' it yourself? I know mine was bought NEW as a 'GTX'...formerely it was a GTP from GM. The guy bought it on the showroom floor like it is now. Apparently GM dealers sent a few GP's to SLP and had to converted then sold them w/ the CRAZY-expensive "GTX" package included w/ factory warranty.

GTX package came in stages. Although I've never seen a FULL 'Stage III' yet.
The base package offered:
SLP Ram Air hood, GTX badges, and GTX key fobs.
Options are: SLP 'PowerFlo' stainless cat-back exhaust, GTX floormats, and SLP spoiler.

And how about THIS too... that performance shift feature was ENDED in 2000! <--- that was the LAST year the GP's had it. Also the last year the GP's had the digital climate control, which is actually one of the MAIN reasons I "WANTED" a 2000. Worked out perfectly for me.
But, I'm sure the '01+ GP's have some advantages over the 97-00's too...??

The 40th Anniversary Package is completely an 'APPEARANCE' package too. Nice, but I personally don't LOVE them, b/c they only came in that purple color. I like the '03 LIMITED EDITIONS...they have different interior (white gauges, cloth/leather seating combo), nicer foglights, FULLY color-coated bumpers (where they're CHARCOAL-colored on the rest), REAL nice quad exhauast tips, and a funky spoiler on em.

I def reccomend 3800performance.com, but keep your options open to DEALS on eBay too ! (I've got some STEALS on there)

Check out Autotrader.com for referencing some different cars also.

I don't know that made a CREAM-colored interior though Nick. CHARCOAL GRAY is the MOST popular. Second is TAN, and sorta rare is the LIGHT Gray. (I've only seen this color on a few WHITE and BLUE ones). Then there's the '03 LIMITED EDITIONS which come with light gray CLOTH/charcoal LEATHER combo.

Hope this helps man! GOOD luck everything