Calling Gransport owners - a few questions

[JonW]

Hi folks,

I’m actively considering selling my car and buying a Gransport LE, and would welcome some advice.

1) What are the best ways to enhance the exhaust note? I have a Larini x-pipe on my GTS which I’m presuming won’t fit, but love the crackles and snarl when changing up, so would like to achieve something similar...
2) What are the options in terms of bring the stereo and in-car technology into the 21st century? I don’t need Sat-nav as I always use Waze, but I would like to get in car phone calls, and ideally Bluetooth music streaming
3) Has anyone done a mod that gives steering wheel controls?

Thanks in advance

 

[hashluck]

1) I cannot answer 2) and 3) but I have a barely used H-Pipe available which seems the popular choice. There is a thread on here somewhere which compares H and X versions. My H-Pipe is sat at Emblem as they returned my GS to stock for me which I prefer.
2) I have used one of those plug-in USB things for Bluetooth which works on an FM frequency of the radio. It worked fine but I suspect you will be better off replacing the whole head unit with one of those pop-up display ones with phone built-in. Seen a few GS with that and I am sure they have remotes as well which will help with 3).

If you are planning on using a GS a lot make sure you can live with the ride on poor roads. Otherwise it is a superb choice. I used one as a daily with no drama.

 

[D Walker]

Mine has an X pipe and an aftermarket stereo that has Bluetooth and hands free for calls etc....never used it tho,
I think the consensus is, start with x or h, then if not enough, either remove and gut, or replace back boxes, or, remove and replace the front cats, if you’re bonkers, all 3.

 

[conaero]

Larini Sports Cats is an absolute must, X or H and have Benny modify the oem rear cans.

H is deaper tone, X pops an crackles more.

Perfection!

 

[Zep]

Larini Sports Cats, X or H and have Benny modify the rear cans.

H is deaper tone, X pops an crackled more.

Perfection!

This ^^^ The only Coupes I have heard that come close to a GTS in volume and crackle are Matts, MAFs, Benny’s and they all had the full list of changes.

For the stereo, I went for an Alpine HU which had Bluetooth calling and streaming, and the buttons could switched to green to match the interior lights so it didn’t set off my COD.

Steering wheel controls are a tricky one, getting any in the wheel itself is probably going to be quite involved as there is no room for a slip ring wiring connection and mounting a box in the shroud will probably make the indicator paddle area a bit too busy. But nothing is impossible!

 

[whereskeith]

I never have my stereo on as I’m always enjoying the sounds of the car.... I can always put one AirPod in for calls etc if I need it but generally don’t .

 

[hunta]

...so it didn’t set off my COD.

The mantle which is / was Zep's GS has now passed to me. I find the Alpine very easy to get on with, and Waze combined with voice commands cope pretty well for most scenarios. Much better than the constraints of the 4200 head unit.

It is very stiff on bumpy roads.

 

[JonW]

Mine has an X pipe and an aftermarket stereo that has Bluetooth and hands free for calls etc....never used it tho,
I think the consensus is, start with x or h, then if not enough, either remove and gut, or replace back boxes, or, remove and replace the front cats, if you’re bonkers, all 3.

Think you should just sell me yours Dave...!

 

[JonW]

The mantle which is / was Zep's GS has now passed to me. I find the Alpine very easy to get on with, and Waze combined with voice commands cope pretty well for most scenarios. Much better than the constraints of the 4200 head unit.

It is very stiff on bumpy roads.

Thanks Hunta - if I do it will definitely need to look into a replacement head unit... do you happen to know the model number?

 

[hunta]

It's an Alpine CDE-136BT.

 

[JonW]

I never have my stereo on as I’m always enjoying the sounds of the car.... I can always put one AirPod in for calls etc if I need it but generally don’t .

I am similar in my GTS, but there are times when it’s nice to have some music as well - especially on longer drives or when not “pushing on” as it were... AirPods is an interesting idea in terms of a simple way to take calls hands free...

 

[Navcorr]

Think I recall seeing photos of a "fold out" double din unit in a GS. Someone here on SM I think.
The screen covered the aircon dials and, iirc, the angle of screen adjustment wasn't quite perfect - but a nice "upgrade" nonetheless.

 

[D Walker]

Think you should just sell me yours Dave...!

Mines not LE, doesn't have the lights or auditorium

 

[JonW]

All,

Have got a test drive booked for Thursday morning, and this will be the first time I’ve driven a Gransport. I have read on the various threads in here that they are completely different to a Granturismo, so is there anything in particular I should be looking for?

Kind regards

Jon

 

[Oneball]

Good luck, they feel much smaller than a GranTurismo which I like.

Whenever I see GS specific parts like seats, centre console/switch gear for sale it seems expensive compared with the 4200 bits so I’d check those bits work.

 

[hashluck]

Make sure everything (that's everything) electrical works and no lights (also take an OBD reader if you have one). Check the wheels for repairs and buckles, they are made of cheese. Check brakes for vibration etc, also made of cheese. Ignore low mileage as being a good thing. Service history and maintenance regime far more important. However good it looks, budget around a £3-£6K spend in the first year to get it the way you want it. Check history and whether car has ever had heater matrix, radiator, alternator, air-con compressor - if not then it will likely need all of these one day. Clutch is a consumable but a negotiatiing point. Poke around underneath if you can. Remove boot trim if you can. Check cold and hot starts are OK and for funny noises on both.
Regarding the test drive, make sure you can live with the ride over bumps and even minor potholes. Sport mode will be worse but not by much. Get it on a smooth road and on the paddles and it is a lovely, lovely thing (assuming clutch etc, is set up correctly).

 

[Evo Cymru]

If serious about a purchase, get it inspected by a specialist. Another thing to mention to the above would be cracks in the wishbones!

 

[JonW]

Make sure everything (that's everything) electrical works and no lights (also take an OBD reader if you have one). Check the wheels for repairs and buckles, they are made of cheese. Check brakes for vibration etc, also made of cheese. Ignore low mileage as being a good thing. Service history and maintenance regime far more important. However good it looks, budget around a £3-£6K spend in the first year to get it the way you want it. Check history and whether car has ever had heater matrix, radiator, alternator, air-con compressor - if not then it will likely need all of these one day. Clutch is a consumable but a negotiatiing point. Poke around underneath if you can. Remove boot trim if you can. Check cold and hot starts are OK and for funny noises on both.
Regarding the test drive, make sure you can live with the ride over bumps and even minor potholes. Sport mode will be worse but not by much. Get it on a smooth road and on the paddles and it is a lovely, lovely thing (assuming clutch etc, is set up correctly).

Thanks John, this is really helpful, much appreciated!

If serious about a purchase, get it inspected by a specialist. Another thing to mention to the above would be cracks in the wishbones!

Thanks Evo - understood, and will be doing this for sure.

 

[whereskeith]

All,

Have got a test drive booked for Thursday morning, and this will be the first time I’ve driven a Gransport. I have read on the various threads in here that they are completely different to a Granturismo, so is there anything in particular I should be looking for?

Kind regards

Jon

I am interested to see your views after the test drive

 

[rockits]

Where are you going to look at one Jon? Anyone local to you on here that might be able to give you some steer?