Hey all, I am thinking about picking up a GA SE V6. Prior to today, I thought I saw a few SE's that have V6's. Which I have decided that is what I wanted. Now looking today, I have started to second guess myself. So, which is why I am posting.

Does the SE come w/ a V6? Or is that only the GT model.

What should I look out for? Price range for one? (2002) I am noticing most are going for about 5K w/ upgrades and about 100-130KM. Any and all information would be great!!!

Thanks

Jeff

The SE and GT both came with V6 and I4 engines. Up to 2001, the 4-cyl was the 2.4L and in 2002 they switched to the 2.2L ecotec. I think they switched the V6 from 3.1 to 3.4 in 2002 as well, but I'm not sure on that. Unless you plan on racing it, I would go with either 4 cylinder engine. They are both DOHC, and come close to the power of the V6, but with less weight. The only difference I know of between the SE and GT (other than decals) is the GT has a stiffer ride and is speed-limited slightly higher.

If you do go with a V6, the lower intake manifold gasket is a very common failure... not really a question of if it fails, it's when it fails. As with any car, give it a thourough inspection before you buy it. Any part can fail on any car.

For price, check kbb.com

The SE and GT both came with V6 and I4 engines. Up to 2001, the 4-cyl was the 2.4L and in 2002 they switched to the 2.2L ecotec. I think they switched the V6 from 3.1 to 3.4 in 2002 as well, but I'm not sure on that. Unless you plan on racing it, I would go with either 4 cylinder engine. They are both DOHC, and come close to the power of the V6, but with less weight. The only difference I know of between the SE and GT (other than decals) is the GT has a stiffer ride and is speed-limited slightly higher.

If you do go with a V6, the lower intake manifold gasket is a very common failure... not really a question of if it fails, it's when it fails. As with any car, give it a thourough inspection before you buy it. Any part can fail on any car.

For price, check kbb.com

I dont plan on racing it, though I do tend to have a heavy foot... and like to have the speed when I want it :-)

There is not much diff in the speed for the 4cyl and V6? And sorry... DOHC? What's that :-S..

I have heard some nasty shit about hte GT so I am goin to stay away from that... for the intake manifold... is it really that bad? how much does it cost to replace? and can you get one from some other company or whatever to replace it w/ that it wont screw up?

Thanks

Jeff

I dont plan on racing it, though I do tend to have a heavy foot... and like to have the speed when I want it :-)

There is not much diff in the speed for the 4cyl and V6? And sorry... DOHC? What's that :-S..

I have heard some nasty shit about hte GT so I am goin to stay away from that... for the intake manifold... is it really that bad? how much does it cost to replace? and can you get one from some other company or whatever to replace it w/ that it wont screw up?

Thanks

Jeff

The speed will be the same, both are capable of hitting the maximum speed allowed by the computer. I would think acceleration would be close because the 4-cyls are lighter but have slightly less power. DOHC is Dual OverHead Cam. The camshafts are positioned directly above the valves, rather than having a camshaft in the block and using pushrods and rocker arms (OHV or OverHead Valve)like the V6s do. These DOHC engines also have 4 valves per cylinder as opposed to the 2 valves in the V6s. This means higher volumetric efficiency. If you want it to be faster, I would go with a manual transmission. They are more efficient than automatics which means more power makes it to the wheels. My 2.4L manual is slightly faster than a 3.1L with an automatic (I think... some guy with a V6 pulled up next to me at a stoplight where his lane ended :))

I'm supprised to hear bad things about the GT specifically, as far as I know they are identical to the SE in most ways... maybe they just get driven harder :) The lower intake gasket will cost you about $600 to have it done by a mechanic. The parts are around $100, it just takes awhile to do. There are a number of companies that make replacement gaskets. We always use Felpro at my shop.

The speed will be the same, both are capable of hitting the maximum speed allowed by the computer. I would think acceleration would be close because the 4-cyls are lighter but have slightly less power. DOHC is Dual OverHead Cam. The camshafts are positioned directly above the valves, rather than having a camshaft in the block and using pushrods and rocker arms (OHV or OverHead Valve)like the V6s do. These DOHC engines also have 4 valves per cylinder as opposed to the 2 valves in the V6s. This means higher volumetric efficiency. If you want it to be faster, I would go with a manual transmission. They are more efficient than automatics which means more power makes it to the wheels. My 2.4L manual is slightly faster than a 3.1L with an automatic (I think... some guy with a V6 pulled up next to me at a stoplight where his lane ended :))

I'm supprised to hear bad things about the GT specifically, as far as I know they are identical to the SE in most ways... maybe they just get driven harder :) The lower intake gasket will cost you about $600 to have it done by a mechanic. The parts are around $100, it just takes awhile to do. There are a number of companies that make replacement gaskets. We always use Felpro at my shop.

Thanks for the help man!

I heard that the windows seem to always snap on the GT... Copule people said that they have went through 4-5 in less than a couple years... Not huge... Engine may run clean.

I may go with the standard... Mind you, I have only driven stanard a couple times... Is the 2.2 pretty quick? I like the speed lol .... as most people.

Hey all, I am thinking about picking up a GA SE V6. Prior to today, I thought I saw a few SE's that have V6's. Which I have decided that is what I wanted. Now looking today, I have started to second guess myself. So, which is why I am posting.

Does the SE come w/ a V6? Or is that only the GT model.

What should I look out for? Price range for one? (2002) I am noticing most are going for about 5K w/ upgrades and about 100-130KM. Any and all information would be great!!!

Thanks

Jeff

Welcome to AF.

The 1999+ Grand ams had the 3.4 or the 2.4/2.2.

IMO the V6 is more reliable then the 2.4L, even though the lower intake was a problem. If it was ever changed after 2003 then it should have newr gaskets, that was the failure issue of these. Cost $600-1200 just depends on your GP. The 2.2l ecotec is a nice little machine, capable of much more then a 2.4l.

The GT is exaclty the same as the SE except it has 10more HP and a stiffer suspension, better IMO, a few interior/badge differances too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Grand_Am

Both have issues with the window clips, but I see this as a mis use problem just as much as a defective part.

Like when your window is froze shut, and you try to break it free for 20 minutes pushing it up & down. :lol:

Tail lights, leaking sun roofs drains, wheel hub sensors(front), other various interior leaks, then you ave pass lock issues which I wont even get into.

I suggest a carfax and a GM repair history report. You can obtain this from any GM dealer with the VIN#.

Good Luck