Traction Mods, what works, what doesn't.
01-14-2009, 09:55 PM
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Traction Mods, what works, what doesn't. Ok guys, I've searched the site extensively and all the threads having to do with traction mods are for the f-bodies and that's not really going to help me. I just recently got my '05 Grand Prix GXP (a step up from my old cobalt 
) and I've already noticed that horsepower to gain is NOT the issue with this car, it's getting the power it already has to the ground. I've heard mixed things about dogbones and bushings. I know tires are BY FAR the biggest factor in traction but what other supporting mods do you guys have and which ones do you think are the biggest performers? Bang for the buck and overall performance wise. Also, will the ZZP shift kit help our traction issues or make it worse? I know it helps a lot with 2nd gear but will it make the tires more prone to break loose at that shift? Thanks again, and remember I'm new to the GXP so be gentle 
) and I've already noticed that horsepower to gain is NOT the issue with this car, it's getting the power it already has to the ground. I've heard mixed things about dogbones and bushings. I know tires are BY FAR the biggest factor in traction but what other supporting mods do you guys have and which ones do you think are the biggest performers? Bang for the buck and overall performance wise. Also, will the ZZP shift kit help our traction issues or make it worse? I know it helps a lot with 2nd gear but will it make the tires more prone to break loose at that shift? Thanks again, and remember I'm new to the GXP so be gentle Last edited by cherry gxp; 01-14-2009 at 09:56 PM. Reason: I'm a douchebag
01-14-2009, 10:12 PM
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The only thing that really helps with traction on the GXP is slicks. The car has so much bottom end torque. Stiffer engine mounts and shift kits can help slightly.
By the way 01Z28Camaro, cherry gxp was asking for help and opinions not useless, dumb comments.
By the way 01Z28Camaro, cherry gxp was asking for help and opinions not useless, dumb comments.
01-14-2009, 10:28 PM
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Thanks La, that's kind of what I was figuring 
This thing does have an *** ton of bottom end. Is the dogbone really necessary or will bushings do the trick by themselves? I know it looks cool but come on now lol. Has anyone gone wider than 255/45-18 tires? I'm thinking about trying to jam 275/40-18's on 18x9 rims into the fender wells, not sure if it will rub when turned all the way over though. Any constructive criticism?
This thing does have an *** ton of bottom end. Is the dogbone really necessary or will bushings do the trick by themselves? I know it looks cool but come on now lol. Has anyone gone wider than 255/45-18 tires? I'm thinking about trying to jam 275/40-18's on 18x9 rims into the fender wells, not sure if it will rub when turned all the way over though. Any constructive criticism?
01-14-2009, 10:34 PM
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The poly mounts really do make a nice difference over the flipped mount. You can get them from 3800 performance. The Potenza's hook pretty good without a lot of pressure in them though. And Laz06, 01z made a correct statement. No need to jump his case. It's pretty common knowledge the trannies are the biggest weak spot in these cars.
Last edited by oshia86; 01-14-2009 at 10:40 PM.
01-14-2009, 10:42 PM
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I paid 40. You only need one for our cars instead of the two they sell together. Just email them and let them know you only want one, he will have you buy another product worth the $40 and he'll ship just the one poly mount.
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01-14-2009, 10:46 PM
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Do our cars already have LSD? Do you think this mod would help us out?
https://www.zzperformance.com/grand_...=926&catid=105
Johnroger here is the link to the poly mounts
https://www.zzperformance.com/grand_...=130&catid=138
ZZP seems to have a good amount of stuff for our cars. 01Z is right I can't see how a transmission designed for a 3.8 v6 can hold up to our beastly 5.3 v8 Oh well, break it and build it 
https://www.zzperformance.com/grand_...=926&catid=105
Johnroger here is the link to the poly mounts
https://www.zzperformance.com/grand_...=130&catid=138
ZZP seems to have a good amount of stuff for our cars. 01Z is right I can't see how a transmission designed for a 3.8 v6 can hold up to our beastly 5.3 v8
Oh well, break it and build it
01-14-2009, 10:49 PM
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01-14-2009, 11:29 PM
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intense used to have a lsd for 500. the gm torsen is a wee bit overkill.
http://www.intense-racing.com/gen3lsd/gen3.html
http://www.intense-racing.com/gen3lsd/gen3.html
01-14-2009, 11:42 PM
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The motor mounts or the limited slip differential? The motor mounts are simple, I guarantee you that you can pull it off, I'm sure there is a how-to you can search for on here, I saw one the other day I just don't remember where. If you're not trying to save the old one you just cut it out and slide the new one in using WD-40 then make sure you wipe off as much of the WD as you can after install, pretty simple. Thanks Neil for that link, that's a definite option. I've heard our differentials go really easily. So our tires have two-wheel peel? Is it pretty good or does it take a second for the 2nd wheel to lock in?
01-14-2009, 11:54 PM
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BINGO! I found the installation instruction for the motor mount, I knew I had seen it recently http://www.3800performance.com/msp_tbv2_mm_install1.htm I just contacted 3800 performance about buying a single one of these Thanks again oshia
Thanks again oshia
01-15-2009, 12:13 AM
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yeah, we just need one for our cars, the 2nd is for the 3800 v6 they have two topside mounts. Everybody, where is the best place to buy a better dogbone? I know 3800 performance has this one http://www.3800performance.com/Merch...roduct_Count=4 but there has to be more choices out there. Thanks.