Me again, the ignorant one This time I'm asking about a Pontiac, at least =) 94-96 Grand Prix, maybe later year if I can find one in good condition for 2500 Impression, thoughts, rants, etc. are greatly appreciated... Was thinking of going for one with a 3.1 in it as opposed to the premium-sipping, more-seemingly-maintenence-intensive 3.4. Does the 3.1 still move the car as well or better than, I don't know, say, my 93 Bonnie with it'* series I 3800 in it? Thanks AGAIN guys! Jeez, I'm gonna need to buy you all a fruit basket or something, being that you all have been so helpful...

By the way, I want you all to know I'd definitely go for a Bonnie, if i could just find one in my price range in the immediate vicinity =) Just expanding my shopping choices...

I only want a 2-door model 4-door one just looks too homely, in my silly opinion... =)

i dont think the 3.1 is gonna feel nearly as powerful after comin from your Series 1...i mean from my understanding its a good engine. buts its not as powerful as your 3.8

the 3.1 in a 96 has 160hp 185 ft lbs of torque
the 3.8 in your Bonneville has 170hp 225 ft lbs of torque.

i think youd feel that torque loss bigtime. but the 3.1s are pretty solid engines.
you could always find a 97 or higher GP and get the 3.8 series 2....but if your worried about the upper intake then dont. but while the intakes arent blowing up the series 2s are strong runners

But isn't the GP a lighter car? I would think it is, but maybe not light enough to even out that difference... Dunno...

And actually, I might end up with a 94 Gp if I do get one due to price considerations. I don't know...

id say your right about the GP being lighter....and i think the 3.1 will still put a smile on your face when you mash it, just maybe not a 3.8 smile....but hey i suppose getting a car of some sort takes precedence over performance anyway...you could also get a Civic!!

Civic smile :(
3.1 smile
3.8 smile

that sums it up

I did a little checking, I believe the GP is about 150-200 pounds lighter than the bonnie. So, what'* that amount to? Does it take up the difference?

Yea! There'* a 94 GP 2-door in the Auto Trader for 1700! It'* only got 120000 on it, too... Worth a look, for sure book on that @ Good condition is 1825, @ Excellent its 2180. DEFINITELY worth a look

sounds like a good deal to me...hope it works out for ya.

Well, they have their problems, but that'* why you get a thorough inspection by a mechanic beforehand Plus, my dad is, I'm SURE, one of the best heavy machinery mechanics in the world, and a great all-around mechanical person in general. So I should be relatively well-protected against harm if I do decide I like it For 1700, however, one has to worry about the reasons for setting a starting price on a car like this THAT low. Hmmm...