Ford Man thinking about a Grand Am - Page 2

stewartfn20 · 06-08-2010, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackhawk

Yes, the 6 is a V6. There's a power difference, but the four cylinders have superchargers that can be bought from GM.

only the 2.4l, i havent seen anyone use a cobalt sc on a ga, but i dont think that it would be too hard to make work. with the ecotec i mean

Brian1992 · 06-08-2010, 05:44 PM

Maybe that's what I'm seeing, some are saying supercharged even though you guys said GAs aren't lol

stewartfn20 · 06-08-2010, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian1992

Maybe that's what I'm seeing, some are saying supercharged even though you guys said GAs aren't lol

ga's never came from the factory supercharged. theyre all aftermarket, exect the gm charger for the 2.4, but thats still TECHNICALLY aftermarket

Brian1992 · 06-08-2010, 07:21 PM

Well once again,thanks for the info!
Can someone tell me what year each gen is now?

*Matt95GT* · 06-08-2010, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian1992

I'm seeing ads online saying 4cyl and some say 6cyl, the 6 is V6 right? And wouldhave better performance correct? (Coming from an SUV I'm used to bigger wheels lol, so 18's may very well work for me)

Depends. All V6's are automatic. Some of the DOHC I4's have manual transmissions available. A high-output Quad 4 has a tad more HP than the V6's (180 in 90-92) and is exclusively manual. My opinion represents the minority on this site but... I prefer earlier FWD gens with a manual Quad 4. I find the V6's semi-blah due to the automatic. I've owned both, and test driven almost every gen/engine.

It really depends on what you prefer... gear banging, high-revving DOHC 4-banger action (but with more torque than imports of that era), or solid torque, effortless cruising with the V6's. Also, note that as the DOHC were revised in attempts to make them more "refined" it also dulled them down over the years.

Specs varied almost every year - it would be hard to make a comprehensive listing, so perhaps choosing a generation/style would be as much as a starting point as engine/trans team.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian1992

Well once again,thanks for the info!
Can someone tell me what year each gen is now?

http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/fa...aq_generations

Note that some generations have major revisions within them. E.g., 92-95 and 96-98 vary greatly in appearance, but are both 4th gen and still share basic chassis/sheet metal/glass, etc.

Oh, and no, mine didn't come supercharged.

frankthetank81 · 06-08-2010, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trudgn

What I think Frank meant to say is the cooling system is okay when it works, but the parts involved are prone to failure. I'm on my second heater core and third rad (one of those was my fault though).

If you can find a Black GTP for a fair price, I would take that over a GAGT anyday. I hate to say it, but I settled on my GA because I couldn't afford a GTP.

thanks for backing me up!

yea in more detail i should have said that when it does work it is good. but i have had a decent amount of problems with two 3100 equiped cars. that being said parts were cheap, and once all new parts where installed, cooling performance was a ton better. over all the 31/3400 engines are next to impossible to blow up...

Brian1992 · 06-08-2010, 09:25 PM

Awesome! I think a 4 banger would be kick ass to have, but as much stop and go as I do, I'll deff stick with the auto.

Brian1992 · 06-08-2010, 09:38 PM

Im just so confused with the trim levels LOL, I'm used to fords XLS, XLT, Limited and Eddie Bauer.

I'm looking for leather interior, fully loaded, (Sunroof, power seats, 4 door, etc)

bballr4567 · 06-08-2010, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian1992

I'm looking for leather interior, fully loaded, (Sunroof, power seats, 4 door, etc)

That could be on a SE and a GT. Just got to look at the individual cars.

Brian1992 · 06-08-2010, 10:39 PM

I was just reading the MPG's thread, and read one of the first few saying hes got about 240 miles per tank, I was like WTF lol, because I get about 215 or so, and I have an 18g tank, but these I see only have about a 12-14gallon which will be nice on the wallet

haha.

Heres to another hour of CL'in it up looking for grandams

Bryle James · 06-09-2010, 05:21 AM

For you, I think it would be smarter to get something still under warranty. XD Sorry, the grand am is really a grand car, but a warranty would be really nice.

**Blackhawk** · 06-09-2010, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian1992

I was just reading the MPG's thread, and read one of the first few saying hes got about 240 miles per tank, I was like WTF lol, because I get about 215 or so, and I have an 18g tank, but these I see only have about a 12-14gallon which will be nice on the wallet

haha.

Heres to another hour of CL'in it up looking for grandams

240 per tank is low, a few days ago I had 400 miles to the tank (calculated to 33mpg).

frankthetank81 · 06-09-2010, 07:52 AM

yea that is another thing these engines are pretty decent for fuel milliage.

And my berreta with the 3100, i sold it when it had 230k on it and it still rana strong, and was still a lot faster then my 4 cyl cavalier that had 50k on it.

KingFish · 06-09-2010, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian1992

Are you a member on the EF? I love Explorers, and will have another one one day just the way I want it (3rd Gen, Black, Limited, V8, Lowered, etc) but thats when im a bit older and have some cashflow haha.

As for the Grand Am, me and my buddy were watching a few Youtube videos of them, stock, and with minor mods, and it made me want one SO much more.

Is there anything I should check/feel for while im actually driving it? (Besides the usuall everycar stuff)

Yes I am also a ef member but I'm not really on there a lot anymore

*Matt95GT* · 06-09-2010, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian1992

Awesome! I think a 4 banger would be kick ass to have, but as much stop and go as I do, I'll deff stick with the auto.

If your preference is automatic, I'd actually recommend a V6 then.

**TA^Guy** · 06-09-2010, 10:57 AM

^ I agree. If you are going to be doing mostly city driving and want a automatic you'll want something with some decent torque, the 2.4 isn't a very torquey motor. Look for a GT or a SE with a 3400.

Brian1992 · 06-09-2010, 12:06 PM

Yea, im set on the V6, GT/SE, I just hate reading the craigslist ads that are like:

"2003 Grand Am SE Loaded, Clean! Priced to sell!"

With like one overshot of the car.

Anyone know anything else simaler to CL that people can post cars for sale?

(And BTW, 240 per tank would even be an improvement haha.)

Another question, do these take premium?? Ive read a couple ads with people saying "Never ran anything but premium"

tomdg07 · 06-09-2010, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian1992

Another question, do these take premium?? Ive read a couple ads with people saying "Never ran anything but premium"

no you will see minimal if any improved performance/mpg improvement running premium. running premium = wiping with money instead of tp

*Matt95GT* · 06-09-2010, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian1992

Another question, do these take premium?? Ive read a couple ads with people saying "Never ran anything but premium"

Only the 2 most rare engines require premium (91+ octane)...
High Output Quad 4 (89.5-94, manual only, 8th VIN digit = A)
Turbo 2.0 (88-89)

Other engines (including all V6's) anything over 87 offers no benefit.

bballr4567 · 06-09-2010, 01:30 PM

Check ebay as well. A lot of used car dealers are using it.

CL is VERY hit or miss. I sold my old car on it in 2 days but I had a great description and a link to almost 50 photos of it.

06-09-2010, 07:52 AM	#33
frankthetank81 Senior Member Joined: Feb 13, 2009 Member Number: 29650 Location: Taylor Age: 29 Vehicle Information: 1996 Pontiac Grand am SE Engine: 3100	yea that is another thing these engines are pretty decent for fuel milliage. And my berreta with the 3100, i sold it when it had 230k on it and it still rana strong, and was still a lot faster then my 4 cyl cavalier that had 50k on it. __________________ Last edited by frankthetank81; 06-09-2010 at 08:02 AM.

06-09-2010, 10:57 AM	#36
TA^Guy Moderator Joined: Jan 19, 2003 Member Number: 30 Location: Scotia NY Name: John Sex: M Vehicle Information: 2002 Nissan Sentra SER SpecV Engine: QR25DE Odometer: 130k & climbing Mi 2001 Cheverolet S10 Xtreme Engine: 4.3 Vortec V6 Odometer: 98k chassis, 35k motor Mi	^ I agree. If you are going to be doing mostly city driving and want a automatic you'll want something with some decent torque, the 2.4 isn't a very torquey motor. Look for a GT or a SE with a 3400. __________________ '01 S10 Xtreme - '02 Sentra SER SpecV - '05 Yamaha R1 For Sale: Cadillac tail lights.

06-09-2010, 01:30 PM	#40
bballr4567 Booourns winter! Joined: Sep 21, 2006 Member Number: 17082 Location: Evansville, IN Name: Josh Age: 26 Vehicle Information: 2003 VW Golf Engine: 1.9 TDI	Check ebay as well. A lot of used car dealers are using it. CL is VERY hit or miss. I sold my old car on it in 2 days but I had a great description and a link to almost 50 photos of it. __________________ *GAOTW Jan 8, 2007!!*

06-08-2010, 05:44 PM	#22
Brian1992 Still a Ford Man Joined: Jun 08, 2010 Member Number: 35493 Location: Monroe, MI Vehicle Information: 2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT Engine: 3400 V6	Maybe that's what I'm seeing, some are saying supercharged even though you guys said GAs aren't lol

06-08-2010, 07:21 PM	#24
Brian1992 Still a Ford Man Joined: Jun 08, 2010 Member Number: 35493 Location: Monroe, MI Vehicle Information: 2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT Engine: 3400 V6	Well once again,thanks for the info! Can someone tell me what year each gen is now?

06-08-2010, 09:25 PM	#27
Brian1992 Still a Ford Man Joined: Jun 08, 2010 Member Number: 35493 Location: Monroe, MI Vehicle Information: 2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT Engine: 3400 V6	Awesome! I think a 4 banger would be kick ass to have, but as much stop and go as I do, I'll deff stick with the auto.

06-08-2010, 09:38 PM	#28
Brian1992 Still a Ford Man Joined: Jun 08, 2010 Member Number: 35493 Location: Monroe, MI Vehicle Information: 2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT Engine: 3400 V6	Im just so confused with the trim levels LOL, I'm used to fords XLS, XLT, Limited and Eddie Bauer. I'm looking for leather interior, fully loaded, (Sunroof, power seats, 4 door, etc)

06-08-2010, 10:39 PM	#30
Brian1992 Still a Ford Man Joined: Jun 08, 2010 Member Number: 35493 Location: Monroe, MI Vehicle Information: 2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT Engine: 3400 V6	I was just reading the MPG's thread, and read one of the first few saying hes got about 240 miles per tank, I was like WTF lol, because I get about 215 or so, and I have an 18g tank, but these I see only have about a 12-14gallon which will be nice on the wallet haha. Heres to another hour of CL'in it up looking for grandams

06-09-2010, 05:21 AM	#31
Bryle James Frequent Poster Joined: Jul 02, 2009 Member Number: 31452 Vehicle Information: 2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE1 Engine: 2.4 LD9	For you, I think it would be smarter to get something still under warranty. XD Sorry, the grand am is really a grand car, but a warranty would be really nice.

06-09-2010, 12:06 PM	#37
Brian1992 Still a Ford Man Joined: Jun 08, 2010 Member Number: 35493 Location: Monroe, MI Vehicle Information: 2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT Engine: 3400 V6	Yea, im set on the V6, GT/SE, I just hate reading the craigslist ads that are like: "2003 Grand Am SE Loaded, Clean! Priced to sell!" With like one overshot of the car. Anyone know anything else simaler to CL that people can post cars for sale? (And BTW, 240 per tank would even be an improvement haha.) Another question, do these take premium?? Ive read a couple ads with people saying "Never ran anything but premium"