Just got a 98 GTP

[blueta]

Well I just got my 98 gtp today and had a couple questions. First off how long do these engines/tranny's typically last? I know it depends on a LOT of factors but just wondering about an average. Mine is bone stock and has 102k on it. Another thing is the performance button on the shifter. When I push it I don't get the light on the dash to light up. I turned the key to accessories and all of the other lights come on for a couple seconds but no performance light. Should this come on when I do that? I'm hoping it's just a bad bulb. Does any fuse control this either? Thanks.

 

[JasonGS]

These engines last forever, as long as you don't abuse them. I have tons of mods on mine, and have 135k on the clock, still running strong. The transmissions, on the other hand, don't hold up as well, especially if you start modding them. They are decent, but start abusing them on the street and they will go out much quicker.

I'm not sure whether the performance shift is on a fuse or not, but yes, the light on the dash should come on. Do a couple WOT runs thru 1st gear with performance shift on and off. When it's on, it should shift a couple hundred RPMs higher. If it does, then it's working, and the bulb is burned out.

 

[blueta]

Thanks for the help. I was playing around with it and no difference with the button on or off. But I was also pushing the button rapidly and playing with what feels like a wire under the boot and the light would come on and stay on for a couple minutes or just turn right off. So it seems like there is a bad switch or connection in there. Any info on how to take out that switch or get under to boot for inspection?

EDIT: Another thing, where the heck is the pcv on these things? I looked all over and can't find it. When I was at the auto store today getting some tune up things I looked up the PCV for it and it had one listed so I figured it has one somewhere.

 

[JasonGS]

Not really sure how the boot comes off. Most likely you need to pull the trip piece out, and possibly the center console panel. Definitley shounds like a short.

The PCV is on top of the SC. There is a black plate held in with 2 bolts. It's under there. When you take the plate off, be careful, the PCV is held in with springs under tension.

 

[blueta]

I would have never found that darn pcv under there. About the button. I took off the shift knob and pulled out the button. Sure enough the solder fell off and the wires were kinda just hanging out there. A little solder and I'm all fixed up now. Thanks.

 

[TT/Ameasap]

Jason,
You are the first person that I have seen with a fast combo out of a 3800 series motor....Wanting to know how much money it took to for all the mods. Buddy of mine is going back and forth on LC2 or LG69.....ThNKS

 

[JasonGS]

Haha, WAAAAAAAAAY too much $$$. I don't really want to go back and add it all up, or I will probably start crying. I'll just say several thou.

 

[TT/Ameasap]

Thanks
I tried to tell him all about the LC2, but he insisted on the 3800 motor. I will let him do what he wants

Even offered my other built TTA to him and he still wants to forge on with a 87 feiro

Thanks again
Bo

 

[RAMAIR1]

I'll just add to what was already said... the GTP motors go a LONG ways. My brother in law has a 97 with over 200,000 miles on it, still going very strong. My 99 only has about 70k, but no problems to report. These cars make very fun and even economical fast daily drivers. I love whoopin on "fast" cars too with my grampa-mobile.
You may want to try out clubgp.com for info too. Not exactly the Turbo Buick community, but helpful none the less. Good luck with the car!