Red Factor

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Here is a list of the modifications I have done, and want to do, to the engine.

Here are the details of the modifications I have performed.

Strut Tower Brace

This item here will help eliminate some of your car roll.  It is just a bar that connects to the top of your two wheel towers.  I purchased a factory strut tower brace that was made for a 98+ Buick Regal, part number 12456148 .  With some minor modifications you can have it installed into your car.  It was well worth the effort and time. The car handles a little better now.  For further installation instructions click here.

RedZ Intake

I ordered this item from M and S Production and love it.  It is made by an individual and comes much cheaper than any other intake I have seen.  I only feel a slight power increase but the throttle response is most noticeable.  At higher RPMs it feels like the car has more power since it can now breathe a lot easier.  The sound is the best part.  I consider 3000-5000 RPMs the "sweet spot." This is when the sound just gets louder and louder.  It gives the car an awesome deep growl.  For installation instructions please click here.  If you would like to hear this intake compared to the RedZ intake then check out the downloads section.

FFP Poly Dogbones

I purchased these Dogbones, or also known as Torque Struts, from Fast Foward Performance because my old struts were worn.  They were not "shot" but when I would shift from Park to Drive the engine would rotate.  With these new struts the engine does not move at all.  They work great.  The only side effect is that you can feel the engine through the steering wheel now.  The car accelerates better, and shifts easier.  I also do not have a whining noise when accelerate at higher RPMs.  Maybe this was because the motor was rotating and putting strain on the transmission.

AC Delco Rapidfires #6

These spark plugs were recommended by everybody that owned a Grand Prix.  They are not as expensive as the Bosch spark plugs were and they perform just about the same.  The only difference that I can tell that the Rapidfires do not have is the power band feel.  The number 6 refers to the gap size.  I would check the auto parts store on what kind to get if you do not have a 3100 SFI like I do.

Past
Modifications I did have, but no longer have on my car

K&N Drop-in Filter

Replacing the air filter with a K&N filter will not give you a huge power boost, much less a noticeable one.  When I swapped my old stock filter with a K&N filter, I didn't notice an acceleration increase, or overall power increase, but I did notice a throttle response difference.  It gave me a better throttle response and that was about it, nothing else.

Bosch Platinum +4 Spark Plugs

I replaced my stock spark plugs with these bad boys.  They didn't give me much of a power difference, but did give me a power band type feel.  If anybody has ridden a 2-stroke dirtbike then they know what I am talking about.  This little boost would kick in at about 4500 rpm's.  They did cause my engine to run just a little bit hotter, but nothing to even consider a problem.  I also replaced my spark plug wires with AC Delco wires when I replaced the spark plugs.

Note:  I have been reading lately that Bosch platinum are not recommended for any GM cars.  The reason is that GM cars produce too hot of a spark and can cause the spark plug's gap to increase, causing double firing.  They say this happens between 10,000-15,000 miles of use.  I have had these plugs in now for about 17,000 miles and no problems so far.  I pulled one and looked closely at it (picture above is at 17,000 miles).  I didn't find anything seriously wrong, but also I don't remember what the originals looked like.  I also only pulled one, so I can't conclude that they all are in good condition.  I will post a note when I found out if they are bad.

Updated Note:  I recently started to hear a "puffing" noise coming from my exhaust which means one thing.  The car was misfiring.  I decided to go with what people have recommended as the best performance spark plug for the GM.  The AC Delco Rapidfires.