Push and Pull - Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

Ah, the all knowing, all doing, all seeing LS. It’s been around, this engine, and it’s made its rounds in countless different vehicles. Everything from drag cars to Porsches, it’s likely has at some point had a Chevy-shaped heart transplant.

Push and Pull - Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

Ah, the all knowing, all doing, all seeing LS. It’s been around, this engine, and it’s made its rounds in countless different vehicles. Everything from drag cars to Porsches, it’s likely has at some point had a Chevy-shaped heart transplant. The pushrod masterpiece is basically always swapped into RWD cars due to simplicity, as this does not require transmission modifications and the likes, however GM saw fit of the powerplant in a FWD car. Alongside other front-spinning LS-bearers was one that intrigued me most, and seems to have been set aside in the automotive world, thrust into darkness by its competition and the general public. The Grand Prix GXP is, in my eyes, the ultimate FWD sports saloon.

Push and Pull - Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

Up until 2005, the final generation of the Grand Prix had nothing in particular going for it in terms of performance. The top of the range GTP Competition-G had an L-series supercharged 260HP V6, and the lower spec models had non-supercharged L26s, producing a lacklustre 200HP for the front wheels to squabble over. The game changed that year however, with the new reigning GXP model. A 4-speed auto with paddleshifters, Bilstein suspension components, drilled and vented brake discs with upgraded calipers and a HUD were among the upgrades GXP models received. The crown jewel of this version, though, lay under the bonnet. A 5.3 litre slice of freedom nestled in cosily, distributing 303HP and 323 lb/ft of torque between the set of 255mm Potenzas up front, bringing the skinny 225 rear boots along for the ride. In case you cared about fuel economy, displacement on demand was a boast the engine made. This signifies its ability to deactivate 4 cylinders under light loads, making the snarling V8 into a reserved 4-banger.

Push and Pull - Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

As the LS4 is indeed lighter than the boosted V6 (aluminium vs. iron), the larger lump provides more power whilst shaving kilograms, shifting the V8 front-spinner to 60 in a respectable 5.7 seconds. Torque steer is not an issue, as the Bridgestone tyres were developed specially for the vehicle and are constructed in such a way to prevent it. Handling was subpar as the weight bias was a colossal 64/36 (front/rear), but nobody in their right mind would expect a V8 saloon car tipping the scales at over 1.5 tonnes to attack corners with any sort of vigor. 0.83g on the skidpan leaves the GXP firmly midpack when against rivals.

Push and Pull - Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

Whilst not as refined as German or Japanese competitors, there’s some charm in the GXP that would have made me pick it over the rest of the options, had I been looking for a sports saloon in the time of the GXP. Its looks appeal to me over the equivalent Audi or Acura, and it’s a FWD car with a stinking great LS tucked away. Who could say no to that?

Remote video URL

#blogpost

Sponsored Posts

Comments

(what's left of) Sir GT-R

Great post P1, although an auto 4? Really Pontiac? You could’ve done much better (5spd manual) but it is what it is

04/14/2017 - 01:13 |
8 | 0

eh, it had paddles. Could be a lot worse.

04/14/2017 - 01:13 |
0 | 0
Dat muscle guy (Sam Stone)(Camaro Squad)(Die augen leader)(E

Dayum das gud

04/14/2017 - 01:19 |
0 | 0
Bring a Caterham To MARS

If you still have my hangouts, I can send you an LS swap build I’m doing on Stuner, and trust me when I say I’m pushing LS swaps to new lands.

04/14/2017 - 01:23 |
0 | 0

I have hangouts still yeah, sure, send pls

04/14/2017 - 01:24 |
0 | 0
Caro

“The Grand Prix GXP is, in my eyes, the ultimate FWD sports saloon.”

04/14/2017 - 02:17 |
104 | 4
Mr.Beam

In reply to by Caro

I personally like the DC2 Integra Type R. Maybe I could have a Corrado VR6 or the Integra as a second car

04/14/2017 - 08:49 |
10 | 2
P1eased0nteatme

In reply to by Caro

I don’t really like the FD2 as much as other things tbh :/

04/14/2017 - 09:58 |
2 | 0
10mm

Its sounds soo good too many of these rolling in texas

04/14/2017 - 07:21 |
0 | 0
P1eased0nteatme

In reply to by 10mm

They do sound fantastic, just had to add a video

04/14/2017 - 18:56 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

as a GTP owner, after my car dies (which probably won’t be for a long time) i want to put that motor in my car. don’t dig the looks of the GXP as much

04/14/2017 - 07:40 |
8 | 0
P1eased0nteatme

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I personally love the looks of the GXP, but each to their own i guess, haha. I just wish we got them over here, I’d love a Grand Prix

04/14/2017 - 10:00 |
6 | 0
redflamexfire(R32 squad)

I prefer a type r civic than this

04/14/2017 - 08:53 |
0 | 0

I’d take an EK9 any day, yeah.

04/14/2017 - 10:19 |
0 | 0
Dat Z Guy

Briliant blog, well done

04/14/2017 - 10:13 |
0 | 0

Thanks :)

04/14/2017 - 10:19 |
0 | 0
The Volvo Guy (Ikea Meatballs)

Great blogpost, and congratulations on the Editor’s Pick!

04/14/2017 - 11:20 |
0 | 0

Thank you! :)

04/14/2017 - 14:06 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

bruh, check the comments.

04/14/2017 - 13:59 |
2 | 0