Does anyone know anything about this kit?

http://www.wbodystore.com/grandprix/...Kit-p-157.html

It looks to be a top-swap with all the parts you need for supercharging the L36, the only thing that concerns me is it does not have the Monte Carlo listed as an option for this.

I think I'll be going with this one though.

http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_p...=382&catid=109

Just a few problems, like car start up problems, and idling problems have me worried about this kit.

 

Definatly go with the ZZP kit. They are by far a better company and will help you with any questions you have along the way.

 

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The WBodyStore kit does seem to be a top-swap. It does list 2000-2005 3800 Series II Monte Carlos under applications, so if you just select the 1997-2003 Grand Prix option, it should be a direct replacement for your top end - since those Grand Prix's had the 3800.

Also, IDK why you would have a problem with idling or start up - as long as you get a PCM tuned for your motor (which both of those links offer), you shouldn't have any of those issues.

 

Well the W-body store's complete top swap kit is definitely cheaper, by about $400-$500...anyone think I should go with it over the ZZP SSM90 kit?

 

 

I say do the whole top swap, just because you'll have two belts rather than one long *** belt running everything.

 

Yea I say do the actual top swap. The ZZP one isnt my favorite thing, and you cant run as small of pullies with it.

 

The top swap is just mechanically more work. So if you can do the ZZP work yourself, but not the top-swap then I vote the ZZP kit.

 

It is just the top swap parts, and its nothing new. There is no reason why you couldn't source the parts on your own and save hundreds over that price. They charge more than the individual parts because they took the time to source all of the stuff for you. I think Ed Morad (moradpartscompany.com) sells kits too. But for an actual top swap, its much cheaper to source your own parts.

A far better company as far as what? IMO, the customer service on technical questions I have received from WBS is far better than ZZP. ZZP is a much larger company- I think that may be why WBS tries to provide more personal customer serivce. Thats not to say that ZZP doesn't respond to emails or whatever- the responses just don't go into the detail of WBS (presumably because they want you to get the stuff installed there also).

I'm not biased towards any of the companies either- I have sourced major parts from my setup from ZZP, Intense, and WBody Store. I've also had problems with orders from all 3 as well.


Search through the forums for SSM90 vs Top swap threads- there is a lot of good information on here (try over at clubgp too).

Basically, the top swap parts can be had for almost nothing (IMO easily doable for $500 for parts)- but you have to be OK with removing the harmonic balancer (the bolt is pretty tight)- and the heads (basically stripping the engine down to a bare shortblock with the exception of the timing cover.

The SS kit is far more expensive, much more limited as far as belt slip and pulley size- but it skirts the issue of pulling the balancer and heads for the install.


IMO, if you're ok with the labor- I'd prefer a top swap myself and save a ton of money that you could put into other mods.