Buick Regal 1998 GS 3.8L “beefing her up”

[simeontitmus]

hey guys i don’t know much about cars, but i unknowingly bought a beauty. i’m 16 and while searching for cars i came across a purple buick regal 98, and immediately fell in love, i work two jobs right now so i’m able to pay for stuff, but i’m ultimately wanting a shorter pulley. i would really appreciate like a list or some sort of run down of what i would have to do to be able to reach that without hurting the car. are there any recommended mods anyone has? i just spend a good grand on a new speaker system for it.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

One source for parts is ZZPerformance.

But before doing anything get a field service manual and go over the vehicle inspecting because of age and mileage may need replacement, including all fluids. Unless the vehicle came with documentation on its service history those are items where to invest first. Steering, brakes, suspension, engine and transmission all should be inspected and then you will know what needs to be done before any modifications.

When making any modifications all attached components need to be considered and able to also handle the upgrade or things will break. Vehicle modifications will find the weakest link, so if it's not documented it's been done or it questionable part or service "if in doubt, pitch it out" and then you know it's been done.

Good luck with the new ride.

 

[G-145653]

One source for parts is ZZPerformance.

But before doing anything get a field service manual and go over the vehicle inspecting because of age and mileage may need replacement, including all fluids. Unless the vehicle came with documentation on its service history those are items where to invest first. Steering, brakes, suspension, engine and transmission all should be inspected and then you will know what needs to be done before any modifications.

When making any modifications all attached components need to be considered and able to also handle the upgrade or things will break. Vehicle modifications will find the weakest link, so if it's not documented it's been done or it questionable part or service "if in doubt, pitch it out" and then you know it's been done.

Good luck with the new ride.

thank you so much, i really appreciate it, i’ll contact the previous owner and ask about previous modifications, i know he was a car guy so the parts shouldn’t be cruddy.

 

[simeontitmus]

thank you so much, i really appreciate it, i’ll contact the previous owner and ask about previous modifications, i know he was a car guy so the parts shouldn’t be cruddy.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Best thing is the history on a used vehicle for possible aftermarket parts replacement and troubleshooting problems.

 

[Mad_Coachman]

How many miles are on the car? Whenever I buy a car I start with a basic tune up....spark plugs and wires, oil and filter change, air filter. Make sure the basics are done before modifying it especially since you are inexperienced. Also a very important tool to have would be a scanner; either a stand code reader or an OBD dongle that plugs into your OBD port and communicates with an APP on your smart phone.

 

[G-552408]

Remove the ubend, get a downpipe with high flow cat, a cold air induction and colder plugs before getting a smaller pulley. Start with an OBD plug in and the Torque app. You have to learn to monitor knock retard. (KR).
Search the Regal and grand prix W body forums.

 

[Mad_Coachman]

Remove the ubend, get a downpipe with high flow cat, a cold air induction and colder plugs before getting a smaller pulley. Start with an OBD plug in and the Torque app. You have to learn to monitor knock retard. (KR).
Search the Regal and grand prix W body forums.

An initial tune up should be done before heaping a bunch of "go fast" parts on a motor that might not be running at it's peak efficiency. The OP admitted that he doesn't know a lot about cars. Let's see if he can accomplish a basic tune up before jumping in with any mods.