yes, you are right about the 97 gtp having the 4T65E-HD. However, the 97 SE's and GT's came with the 4T60E.

98+ GT's came with the 4T65E

So my car, being originally an 97 SE w/ the 3.8L, came with the 4T60E. If I were to find a 4T60E-HD, would that be a direct swap in?

Yes Drummer if you can locate a 4T60ehd it will swap in and you would'nt have the same issues as the 65hd would .The 60eHD did come in earlier SSI's but the 96 bonny is the one you want as it was the first year of the series 2 3.8 and used the 60eHD so it would be a direct swap ,you would need the axles to .Chico(Pops)

sweet chico, thanks for the help. i will look into this when my tranny finally bites the bullet

would it be worth it for a 03 gtp trans (4t65ehd) to convert to the 4t60ehd?

Blewgtp I don't think it would be a worth while swap both trans are similar except the 65ehd is fully electronically controlled whereas the 60ehd still relied on partial vacuum assist for shifting,it would be a worth while upgrade from the 60e to the 60ehd because the pcm would work .Chico(Pops)

I've done several shift kits that incorporate changing the 1-2 and 2-3 accumulator components...... What about the 3-4 components????
I've never gone that far, and I think that's where Alex is experiencing his problems.