GM 3800 Series III - Maintenance - Grand Prix

[SmallCityDave]

I just bought an 07 Grand Prix and I'm looking for advice on maintenance as it didn't come with records, the car has had the same owner for the last 15 years and looks well maintained but I have no proof.

My dilemma is that it's a 16 y/o car and I don't want to do/spend too much at the same time I don't want to save pennies to end up stranded on the side of the road.

My questions(s): are the "heater elbows" a big deal, if you replace them should you replace the belt tensioner? While you have that apart should I just replace the water pump and what about the thermostat?

I do plan to take care of the spark plugs, filters, belt, transmission filter and fluid and antifreeze (if it needs it).

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[melsg5]

You left a critical part of information out of your post, the mileage.
If the elbows are still plastic replace them, anything else depends on mileage.

 

[SmallCityDave]

You left a critical part of information out of your post, the mileage.
If the elbows are still plastic replace them, anything else depends on mileage.

137k miles.

 

[melsg5]

137k miles.

Read this thread

Talking about first-gen LaCrosse/Allure 3800 water pump replacement

I'm now at over 14 years and 110,000 miles. I am going to replace the serpentine soon. I am going to replace the coolant elbows with metal ones. I was thinking about getting this Gates kit and also have the water pump replaced when doing that, since it's behind this assembly, along with a...

buickforums.com

______________________________

 

[SmallCityDave]

Read this thread

Talking about first-gen LaCrosse/Allure 3800 water pump replacement

I'm now at over 14 years and 110,000 miles. I am going to replace the serpentine soon. I am going to replace the coolant elbows with metal ones. I was thinking about getting this Gates kit and also have the water pump replaced when doing that, since it's behind this assembly, along with a...

buickforums.com

That thread reads almost exactly as mine. I ordered the doorman elbows then the Gates tensioner with elbows and now the GM elbows just to be safe. I also ordered a Gates water pump.

 

[SmallCityDave]

I've been busy with the car here is a bit of an update:

Done:

Air and cabin filters -me
Radiator flush & new thermostat - me
Tranny filter & fluid - me
Backup camera - me
Bluetooth - me
Replaced side mirror - me
Turned front rotors - me
Replaced stud - me
Spark plugs & wires - OEM and Autozone
Serpentine belt - Gates
Heater elbows - GM - surprisingly the old ones didn't look bad the plastic was in great shape.
Belt tensioner - Gates
Water pump - Gates
Upper radiator hoses (have lower) - Gates
Rear brakes - Autozone
replaced back window tint
2 new fobs & programed
Extra key programed
Tire rotation and balance - 10/32 on front 7/32 on rear


Pending:

Took to dealer for recall of a couple minor items parts should be in next week.


My 1 year to do list:

Intake gasket, lower radiator hoses, injector o-rings, coils.

All new parts have a lifetime warranty (when available).