Bought a GTO!
03-06-2007, 10:25 PM
#226
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Originally Posted by SSpyder
Some suspention work and handling should improve.
I agree. I don't think it would take too much to make it into a really well handling car. It would just need some tweaking here and there.
03-06-2007, 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by ASH8
Actually the reason the Pontiac GTO did not "stick around" was because its birth was almost at the end of the VZ Commodore/Monaro's platform/body/life cycle, which is over 10 years old.
The production line for the VZ range has now ceased here in Adelaide and some 600 jobs will be lost.(Voluntary calls for redundancy)
The production line for the VE Commodore/Pontiac G8 is all new and "state of the art for GMH", that's the reason for the job cuts.
The production line for the VZ range has now ceased here in Adelaide and some 600 jobs will be lost.(Voluntary calls for redundancy)
The production line for the VE Commodore/Pontiac G8 is all new and "state of the art for GMH", that's the reason for the job cuts.
03-07-2007, 06:56 AM
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Originally Posted by YaXMaN
Read this, because somebody finally says the truth about the end of the GTO! theres so much misinformation over here. the RX8club IQ just went up a notch, so Thanks.
03-07-2007, 09:15 AM
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Originally Posted by ASH8
Actually the reason the Pontiac GTO did not "stick around" was because its birth was almost at the end of the VZ Commodore/Monaro's platform/body/life cycle, which is over 10 years old.
Well I think that sums up all troubles at GM. They release a brand new car, of legendary status in the US, back into the US market, on a 10 year old platform that is almost at the end of its lifecycle.
That's probably the smartest, most intelligent business decision I have ever seen.
03-07-2007, 11:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Riggs
Thx for the accurate info ASH.
Well I think that sums up all troubles at GM. They release a brand new car, of legendary status in the US, back into the US market, on a 10 year old platform that is almost at the end of its lifecycle.
That's probably the smartest, most intelligent business decision I have ever seen.
Well I think that sums up all troubles at GM. They release a brand new car, of legendary status in the US, back into the US market, on a 10 year old platform that is almost at the end of its lifecycle.
That's probably the smartest, most intelligent business decision I have ever seen.
But about the legendary status thing... out on the road, there are the older guys that roll down the windws to hear the V8, realize it's RWD, and get a total kick out seeing the GTO badges. Then there are few militant old farts that drive by staring at the badge and frowning at me and with this unmistakeable look of disapproval like "hello you bastard. you single handedly have destroyed the GTO name by driving that hell-spawn-devil vehicle impersonating a GTO." It really happens... no kidding. Cracks me up.
03-08-2007, 12:32 PM
#233
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Originally Posted by YaXMaN
Then there are few militant old farts that drive by staring at the badge and frowning at me and with this unmistakeable look of disapproval like "hello you bastard. you single handedly have destroyed the GTO name by driving that hell-spawn-devil vehicle impersonating a GTO." It really happens... no kidding. Cracks me up.
03-27-2007, 08:04 PM
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just testdrove the GTO at a local dealership today. Can't say i could argue with your decison all that much tiger.
From the drive, i came to a number of conclusions. However, do realize this was an LS1, not LS2 powered GTO. Yup...2004.
Pros:
1) Of course...power. TQ on demand in just about any gear except 6th. Running up the band to 6K is a pretty exhilerating feeling. Needless to say, after driving the GTO, the TQ alone required some default remapping of powerband usage in the 8...your so used to it anywhere you want it in the GTO.
2) Spaceous. Although i shouldn't be all that surprised by how big the car naturally is, I was. Got in and thought...wow, this has just about as much space as my old 1990 bonneville. You could just about throw an f-ing party in this thing. Seats were surprisingly comforatable.
3) Interior...for a GM. Much better than most of the grand am and other pontiacs i'd driven. Not sure about the longevity but it sure felt much cozy-er then expected. Got back in the 8 and could definetely tell it was more of a drivers car than a family seater.
4) Ride - not sure as though this would be because of the new tires put on this GTO, but on the highway and through general roads, it just glided free and clear...very little resistance.
Cons
1) Weight...always the enemy. The run up to 100 or so may be superbulously FAST, but braking from so made for an OBVIOUS change of inertia. Not only could you feel it but you could visually see the nose dive down. Not really surprised though...just shy of 2 ton, it's expected. Would expect to replace brake pads much more frequently.
2) Shifter. Good friggin gosh. It was smooth but WOW, was it a LONG throw! I felt like I was driving a semi when I first got in this bad boy. Took some getting used to, ESPECIALLY in comparison to the 8's wrist-snap design. Granted a short-throw shifter would be an easy fix, but why oh why did they make such a LONG throw stock?
3) Handling. Don't know how much more in depth I'd have to go on this. I hear the 05-06 was a step up due to suspension changes and bigger brakes, but it just felt somewhat like the bonneville in the corners. Then again, not too many people would be buying this to autocross all the time.
4) Styling. Simply put, it just doesn't growl at you when your pulled up next to one. The story changes quickly once you get the 3900lb chassis moving, but as for intimidating...well, it's more of a sleeper than anything.
5) GM - no offense to any hardcore fans, but their products always run great for the first 5-7 years or so, then just always feel like they fall to peices. Nothing was noted on the GTO yet, but its always in the back of your mind.
Overall, as with almost any test driven vehicle, i'd highly suggest to anyone to get out and try it. It's a fun car to drive, and IMO, has less quarks than the 8. The car was designed sheerly with power in mind, and on that behalf, it is superior. I'd only imagine the LS2 to be one HECK of a kick.
The part that did somewhat bother me after my test drive was getting back in the 8 having to almost completely re-teach myself how to utilize it's power again. the GTO could be sitting at 2500 and throw you in your seat. I pulled my 8 back out on the road afterwards, and got up to 3rd at 35 and hit it...almost NOTHING in comparison. No big surprise...i know. You'd have to be in 2nd to get much pull at 35MPH in the 8. It just goes to show you how much more specific the 8 can be if you are serious about getting some pull. Then again, that's TQ for you. This was ultimately the part of the test drive that made the biggest imprint on me. Its what made it memorable.
Congrats on the purchase (a lil late) tiger. If I ever would move on from the 8, it would be something pretty dang comparable to this. Not that it's in the drawings, but a VERY nice choice!
From the drive, i came to a number of conclusions. However, do realize this was an LS1, not LS2 powered GTO. Yup...2004.
Pros:
1) Of course...power. TQ on demand in just about any gear except 6th. Running up the band to 6K is a pretty exhilerating feeling. Needless to say, after driving the GTO, the TQ alone required some default remapping of powerband usage in the 8...your so used to it anywhere you want it in the GTO.
2) Spaceous. Although i shouldn't be all that surprised by how big the car naturally is, I was. Got in and thought...wow, this has just about as much space as my old 1990 bonneville. You could just about throw an f-ing party in this thing. Seats were surprisingly comforatable.
3) Interior...for a GM. Much better than most of the grand am and other pontiacs i'd driven. Not sure about the longevity but it sure felt much cozy-er then expected. Got back in the 8 and could definetely tell it was more of a drivers car than a family seater.
4) Ride - not sure as though this would be because of the new tires put on this GTO, but on the highway and through general roads, it just glided free and clear...very little resistance.
Cons
1) Weight...always the enemy. The run up to 100 or so may be superbulously FAST, but braking from so made for an OBVIOUS change of inertia. Not only could you feel it but you could visually see the nose dive down. Not really surprised though...just shy of 2 ton, it's expected. Would expect to replace brake pads much more frequently.
2) Shifter. Good friggin gosh. It was smooth but WOW, was it a LONG throw! I felt like I was driving a semi when I first got in this bad boy. Took some getting used to, ESPECIALLY in comparison to the 8's wrist-snap design. Granted a short-throw shifter would be an easy fix, but why oh why did they make such a LONG throw stock?
3) Handling. Don't know how much more in depth I'd have to go on this. I hear the 05-06 was a step up due to suspension changes and bigger brakes, but it just felt somewhat like the bonneville in the corners. Then again, not too many people would be buying this to autocross all the time.
4) Styling. Simply put, it just doesn't growl at you when your pulled up next to one. The story changes quickly once you get the 3900lb chassis moving, but as for intimidating...well, it's more of a sleeper than anything.
5) GM - no offense to any hardcore fans, but their products always run great for the first 5-7 years or so, then just always feel like they fall to peices. Nothing was noted on the GTO yet, but its always in the back of your mind.
Overall, as with almost any test driven vehicle, i'd highly suggest to anyone to get out and try it. It's a fun car to drive, and IMO, has less quarks than the 8. The car was designed sheerly with power in mind, and on that behalf, it is superior. I'd only imagine the LS2 to be one HECK of a kick.
The part that did somewhat bother me after my test drive was getting back in the 8 having to almost completely re-teach myself how to utilize it's power again. the GTO could be sitting at 2500 and throw you in your seat. I pulled my 8 back out on the road afterwards, and got up to 3rd at 35 and hit it...almost NOTHING in comparison. No big surprise...i know. You'd have to be in 2nd to get much pull at 35MPH in the 8. It just goes to show you how much more specific the 8 can be if you are serious about getting some pull. Then again, that's TQ for you. This was ultimately the part of the test drive that made the biggest imprint on me. Its what made it memorable.
Congrats on the purchase (a lil late) tiger. If I ever would move on from the 8, it would be something pretty dang comparable to this. Not that it's in the drawings, but a VERY nice choice!
03-29-2007, 09:05 PM
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Hey man, nice write up with a good critique… I know you directed this toward tiggerlee, but allow me to comment on your points…
Pros:
1) Yep, torque is neat. Bad part is that after nearly 2 years of ownership, I need a cam and headers because "it's too slow"
2) I was surprised as well
3) The comment is that it’s really not a GM, it’s a Holden. You should see how they appoint the Vauxhall and Holden versions… they are sold at a much higher price point, and luckily some of the interior features carried over to the GTO
4) The OEM tires they put on it are crap.
Cons:
1) Excellent observation – you’re absolutely correct that the GTO can feel like it “lunges” forward on braking, but its not simply due to weight. It’s well known that it can be mitigated with aftermarket Castor Adjustable Radius Rod Front Bushings.
2) The shifter throws are too long. GMM Rip Shifter would fix it. I haven't done that yet
3) A different driving style is needed to handle the GTO. The GTO is more difficult to drive fast, and it can be done. There aren’t many cars on the planet that have the neutral, balanced handling characteristics of the 8.
4) The styling sucks, It's fun to run into the retards that don’t know what it is. Loved that about the 8 when I got it in late '03. Curb weight is 3780lbs, by the way.
5) Again, it’s a Holden, not a run-of-the-mill GM. We’ll see how it does in 5-7 years
In the last part of your post, you touch on the same experience I had after taking a test drive. The difference is that I was absolutely intoxicated by the amount of power it had, and that nagging feeling of “where's the power” in the 8 lasted for days. I test drove another GTO a couple months later, and I knew I was hooked... well, obviously I bought it, just as tiggerlee did
Pros:
1) Yep, torque is neat. Bad part is that after nearly 2 years of ownership, I need a cam and headers because "it's too slow"
2) I was surprised as well
3) The comment is that it’s really not a GM, it’s a Holden. You should see how they appoint the Vauxhall and Holden versions… they are sold at a much higher price point, and luckily some of the interior features carried over to the GTO
4) The OEM tires they put on it are crap.
Cons:
1) Excellent observation – you’re absolutely correct that the GTO can feel like it “lunges” forward on braking, but its not simply due to weight. It’s well known that it can be mitigated with aftermarket Castor Adjustable Radius Rod Front Bushings.
2) The shifter throws are too long. GMM Rip Shifter would fix it. I haven't done that yet
3) A different driving style is needed to handle the GTO. The GTO is more difficult to drive fast, and it can be done. There aren’t many cars on the planet that have the neutral, balanced handling characteristics of the 8.
4) The styling sucks, It's fun to run into the retards that don’t know what it is. Loved that about the 8 when I got it in late '03. Curb weight is 3780lbs, by the way.
5) Again, it’s a Holden, not a run-of-the-mill GM. We’ll see how it does in 5-7 years
In the last part of your post, you touch on the same experience I had after taking a test drive. The difference is that I was absolutely intoxicated by the amount of power it had, and that nagging feeling of “where's the power” in the 8 lasted for days. I test drove another GTO a couple months later, and I knew I was hooked... well, obviously I bought it, just as tiggerlee did
03-29-2007, 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Razz1
I hated the brakes and the MPH light blinding your eyes.
03-30-2007, 07:03 AM
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not to say that anything's in motion here, but I'm thinkin of takin that 04 out for another spin while i'm out today. I guess a lil more in-depth drive couldn't hurt anything...it's their gas.
and yea, i wouldn't find it all that hard to believe that especially in the 8 crowd, almost every single person would walk away with a similar feeling about the TQ. Very oddly, when i test drove and 03 Cobra, I didn't feel the same way...maybe I couldn't get over it's desert-terrain ride. The GTO's just on the complete other end of the spectrum on power then the 8...but also on handling as well. I'd almost gaurantee that it's the turning point for every GTO-previous-8 owner. It's all about how much "whoosh" you really wanna feel.
Odd observation...R&T actaully ONLY ran a 1/4 mile time of .2 faster in the LS2 then in the LS1. Is that really all the difference?! I woulda thought that 50HP more would be more noticable than that.
Oh yea, and you are right...the curb weight is 3770. However, the tested weight-fully-loaded model would be about 3950 per R&T.
and the most quirky thing i forgot to note...a digital AND analog speedo...
and yea, i wouldn't find it all that hard to believe that especially in the 8 crowd, almost every single person would walk away with a similar feeling about the TQ. Very oddly, when i test drove and 03 Cobra, I didn't feel the same way...maybe I couldn't get over it's desert-terrain ride. The GTO's just on the complete other end of the spectrum on power then the 8...but also on handling as well. I'd almost gaurantee that it's the turning point for every GTO-previous-8 owner. It's all about how much "whoosh" you really wanna feel.
Odd observation...R&T actaully ONLY ran a 1/4 mile time of .2 faster in the LS2 then in the LS1. Is that really all the difference?! I woulda thought that 50HP more would be more noticable than that.
Oh yea, and you are right...the curb weight is 3770. However, the tested weight-fully-loaded model would be about 3950 per R&T.
and the most quirky thing i forgot to note...a digital AND analog speedo...
Last edited by Stavesacre21; 03-30-2007 at 07:05 AM.
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