Few questions before I go see dealer 2morrow

[NIEF]

I'm about to go see a dealer about this 2000 GAGT I saw on the net but I had a few questions to ask here first....

I mainly want a GT instead of an SE for the fact that its a GT engine and the top speed is 150. But someone told me that it stops at 128? I mean...I doubt I would have every hit 150 but still lol.

My question is...Is there any major differences between the SE and GT? I'm driving a honda accord 91' right now and I'm really looking to get into more of a car thats fun to drive and is...well...more of a CAR if you get my drift....(more power) basically...

Also...I know I'm gonna get laughed at for this question...But here in Illinois gas is high as hell around the $4.20/gallon mark. About $40 damn near fills up my honda tank. Whats the fill up looking like for a GA?

[Grandam1999V6]

..

[Grandam1999V6]

Your first question is true....there is a speed limiter that limits the speed to the 120s. I don't know the exact speed but i remember its in the 120 range. There's a sticky here that talks more about it, but I couldn't find it.

My 99 GA GT has a 15 gal tank....im pretty sure the other 99+ models are 15 gal tanks too. Yea, I usually fill up when its 1/2-1/4 tank...so about $33-$40 to fill it up.

[Gravey]

For 99+ Grand Ams there is no difference between the engine in the GT and SE if you are getting the SE with the 3.4L/3400. Basically the only difference between GT and SE is body cladding, trim, and some ram air ducting under the hood, which is negated by adding a CAI which most people do anyways.
For that matter there isn't much of a difference in power between the 3.4L and the 2.4L/2.2L. Also you CANNOT get a GT with a manual trans, they only come automatic as they only come with the 3400 and it is only available with an auto, you can however get an SE with a 5-speed.

[The Artist]

gt's got chrometech wheels
gt's got different suspension
gt's get the 150mph speedo, but as stated it's limited

how many miles on this car? wanna be on the look out for the LIM gasket problem

[NIEF]

around 110,000 miles are on it. What's the lim gasket problem?

[[ChaosweaveR]]

around 110,000 miles are on it. What's the lim gasket problem?

Lower Intake Mainfold. The motors are notorious for coolant leaks there, if neglected the coolant will leak and mix with the engine oil, and in the worst case, hydrolock the motor. It's a time consuming job, but if you know somebody who knows what they're doing, get it done. A shop could charge you around $800 for a job like that.

[NIEF]

Ok. I'm about to go look at the car in about an hour. Is there anything that I should check for under the engine leaking wise? what exactly would i see?

[RazorDX]

Look at the oil and see if it looks 'normal' or like a chocolate milkshake. If it looks like a milkshake, demand that the LIM gasket be replaced before even considering purchase.

[sunrunner_pei]

Look at the oil and see if it looks 'normal' or like a chocolate milkshake. If it looks like a milkshake, demand that the LIM gasket be replaced before even considering purchase.

Also look for small puddles of coolant along the valve covers, and on the transmission housing under the throttle body. Also check that the coolant level is up to the 'Full Cold' mark on the tank. The coolant itself should be clean and free of crud. Inspect the underside of the coolant cap and the oil cap for sludge.

[The Artist]

If it is bad, or does go after you buy it, there is a class action law suit that won about this whole problem. Do a search on this site for it and read up about it

[GMFWDFAN]

The GT tops out at 127. :)

[bballr4567]

If it is bad, or does go after you buy it, there is a class action law suit that won about this whole problem. Do a search on this site for it and read up about itActually the car will be out of the window being an 00 with 110k miles on it. Sucks but true.

How much are they asking for it? Id venture to say 5k right? Check out autotrader and all the like and you can find an 01-02 GT with 80k miles on it for the same price.

[gt00]

I'm really looking to get into more of a car thats fun to drive and is...well...more of a CAR if you get my drift....(more power) basically...While the GA may look sporty , that's about it . It isn't and was never intended to be a muscle car , if you want power buy something else or you may be disappointed .... ;)

[NIEF]

Nah...I was dissapointed. I test drove it 2day and it drove smoothly. Has enough power for me. Its actually 120,000 miles and they're asking $3000 cash

[Nighthawk243]

Even with the governor removed, the car will not do 150mph... the 3400 wouldn't be able to push the car that fast.

[sunrunner_pei]

Please, no discussions of top speed runs. I'll be watching. :peepwall:

[WarBird69]

Please, no discussions of top speed runs. I'll be watching. :peepwall:


I got my GA up to 20 MPH going down hill with a strong tail wind! :headbang:

I kid I kid. But seriously, like stated above, Grand Am's aren't muscle cars. They aren't even pseudo muscle cars. They are, plain and simple, a small family car that looks cool and is fun to drive.

Gas mileage also isn't all that great in a Grand Am. It's respectable, don't get me wrong, but if you're looking for a gas sipper, your Honda (depending on what type it is... Civic?) may be a better option.

EDIT: And this is my personal opinion, but I'd steer well clear of any V6 Grand Am that has the potential for the LIM leak. If it hasn't been fixed yet, she's bound to blow before too long. If she's been fixed, but it was a cappy fix, she'll blow again. Expect to spend several hundred dollars getting it fixed. Half a grand, or more.

[agerber2000]

Yea as stated above if your looking for gas milage you may not want a Grand AM. I live in the country so its about 20-21 mpg. I love my Grand Am so far. I've only got it a little over a month. They are fun and attractive looking cars. The only thing mine doesn't have that I wished it did is the chrome rims. Mine has the alloy rims. Same look but not near as eye catching in my opinion. The Ram Air's are cool cars. The GT's have 5 more horsepower over the SE's. I think? At least thats what my manual sais. 175hp vs. 170hp. Mine has 140k miles on it and doesn't use oil so thats a plus. Let us know if you get the car I'd be interested to see what you think of it. Best of Luck.