Thread: Teach an old dog new tricks

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hello people i am not new to hot rods i have build a few cars like my 72 elcomino.but now it's my son's turn and he wants to beef up his 95 Grand Prix GTP .anyway i have to help of course,he wants to run at least 12sec 1/4 mile.
the car has 3.1 fule injected motor, what i need to know is where to look for tips like pistons,cam,crank and what computer problems are we going to have?can some one please point me in the right direction?
Thanks Redbeard1

Well first WELCOME to CHR
Second I realy don't think your going to see 12's with a 3.1 engine. Its only like 160 hp. If I'm wrong you'll know it as a bunch of others will know for sure.
Charlie

Yeah, I agree. You might with turbocharging or nitros, but life expectancy will be shakey.

I could be wrong too, but a built SBC will give you a better shot at it, consistently.

Don

well we were thinking about a 3.8L Series III -- Supercharged engine. it has 260 hp but i would like to stick with the 3.1.
what i want to know is can i get a steel crank,higher compression pistons ,and simi rad cam for the 3.1? i really dont want to go with V8 in a front wheel drive car no room to work.

The problem is that a car is only as strong as it's weakest link. Once you start beefing up the engine the trans will start taking a beating, then the axles and cv joints will want to break, etc. What these guys are trying to tell you is that this car really isn't a good candidate for these kinds of ets. Is it possible, sure, but the investment to get there and keep it running will be more than a different car and setup.

Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

The problem is that a car is only as strong as it's weakest link. Once you start beefing up the engine the trans will start taking a beating, then the axles and cv joints will want to break, etc. What these guys are trying to tell you is that this car really isn't a good candidate for these kinds of ets. Is it possible, sure, but the investment to get there and keep it running will be more than a different car and setup.

Don

i understand all this and have told this to my son many times but it's his car and his money so what do you do.i just need to know can i get a steel crank ,10.5 to 1 flat top piston's and a good cam and what computer problems will i have?

My best advice: Leave the GTP alone so that it's his dependable daily driver. Go to ebay motors and type in "project car". Look for the lightest car you can find and afford that is rear wheel drive, one without a motor or trans. Now, find the biggest motor you can that is cheap in your area. It might be a 440 Chrysler or a 472 or 500 Cadillac or whatever. In many cases, it's better to buy the whole car and use what you can off it, then sell the rest of the sheet metal and glass to recoup some of your investment. If you've never done an engine swap, go to amazon.com and order some of the books on the subject (swap, swaps, swapping).

It should be easy to get into the 11's with such a car. You can run as quick as 11.50 at the drag strip without needing a roll bar. All you would need is a good Snell approved helmet and driveshaft loop.

Build a tow bar to tow the rod to the strip with the GTP. This kid does not need a car that will go 12's on the street anyway. It's a recipe for disaster in my opinion.

Originally Posted by techinspector1

My best advice: Leave the GTP alone so that it's his dependable daily driver. Go to ebay motors and type in "project car". Look for the lightest car you can find and afford that is rear wheel drive, one without a motor or trans. Now, find the biggest motor you can that is cheap in your area. It might be a 440 Chrysler or a 472 or 500 Cadillac or whatever. In many cases, it's better to buy the whole car and use what you can off it, then sell the rest of the sheet metal and glass to recoup some of your investment. If you've never done an engine swap, go to amazon.com and order some of the books on the subject (swap, swaps, swapping).

It should be easy to get into the 11's with such a car. You can run as quick as 11.50 at the drag strip without needing a roll bar. All you would need is a good Snell approved helmet and driveshaft loop.

Build a tow bar to tow the rod to the strip with the GTP. This kid does not need a car that will go 12's on the street anyway. It's a recipe for disaster in my opinion.

well i tryed to give him my 81 comaro, i have a bigblock 454 with 13.5 to 1 popups with roller cam i am going to put in the comaro but he doesnt want it
he wants his gand prix i live 1 mile from Thundervalley dragstrip here in oklahoma he takes his car there on friday night test and tune to play around and he is a good kid and know's i'll kick his tail if he drags on the street's.