dimetweaker

iTrader: (1)

I have been a long time fan of the GTO's and ive finally started looking for one. Im actually not against buying a higher mileage one as im looking for a car to yank the motor out of. I have a L92 w/ 20k on it and the #1 intake valve just barely kissed the piston, only hard enough to take the carbon off the piston, and bend the valve so slghtly. So LS3 intake valves, convention cam and a shave on the heads, voila!! 550 hp ls3 for pennies. Because im looking to swap motors, an LS1 car seems like a better starting point because of a WAY lower purchase price. Now I know that the brakes and rear were upgraded on the later models, but im not building a race car, might hit the strip just to see what the motor would do but not often. Is there any other reason besides those that a later car is a better platform for the swap? The LS1 goats are just way more affordable, especially when I plan on tearing the motor out and selling it. Not worried about any of the asthetic upgrades on later models either, mostly anything related to drivetrain and chassis.

06 6.0 GTO

I would go with an 04 if i was in your position, they can be had for mad cheap with a blown motor or no motor, or hell even higher mileage.

Then just upgrade the brakes if you want an your about set other then looks wise.

dimetweaker

iTrader: (1)

so nothing comes to mind other than the rear and brakes as far as that stuff goes then, and are the stock '04 rears good for a street beating in a DD? Thanks for your input too btw!

06 6.0 GTO

Im fairly sure the rears were the same in all years.

I had warranty replace A LOT of my rear, and keep in mind all of this was before 30k and at bone stock power levels, like differential, axle shaft, and differential seals. You may want to upgrade that or at least plan on it with an LS3.

dimetweaker

iTrader: (1)

good info to keep in mind, thanks again.

GreenF41

i think the 06.maybe 05/06 had better axles. not 100% on that though. still not enough to make up the price difference. however it is easier to install dual split exit exhaust on the 05/06. they do look better all around, but yes the o4 is better budget car. im an 04 owner lol

Glenn B

iTrader: (5)

I also thought the 05-06s had stouter axles. However I recently read a thread by someone who measured both and 04s and an 06 cars axles and found them to be dimensionally the same.
I was surprised as that was a rumor I had heard for years now.
I think for most any performance use, aftermarket axles are a great idea for our cars.
--Glenn

dimetweaker

iTrader: (1)

so just out of curiousity, the only visuals upgrades on the 05+ was the larger wheels, hood scoops, tail lights and rear valance and the optional factory appearance package or whatever that fancy front bumper was called right? other than that, the sheetmetal is all the same right? trunk, roof, quarters etc?

ntgilty

Not necessarily the bigger wheels. Some came with the 17s some with the 18s. Tail lights were only changed on the 2006. The 2005 were the same as the 04. The sheetmetal is still all the same, like you said, except for the hood the 05s and 06s have the scoops.

batboy

iTrader: (6)

Larger wheels? Well, there was a 18" option, but the standard was 17" same as 04. Hood, rear bumper, exhaust, red brake calipers (bigger front brakes) are different. Taillights are the same on 04 and 05, it was 06 that were different (blacked out, but still fit). The 04 could also get the Sport Appearance Package (SAP) which also included a different front/rear bumpers, spoiler, and hood. All the rest of the body is the same.

As for axles (or half shafts if you prefer), the early 04 had smaller axles and CV joints. At some point mid year they changed to the same as 05/06. Of course, the 05/06 had the LS2 and also the 4L65E trans compared to the 04 LS1 and 4L60E (The manual M6 stayed the same).

dimetweaker

iTrader: (1)

I stand corrected on a few items! thanks. Well if I find a nice '04 car ill probably jump on it and worry about the rear once the motor is in. And shouldnt have an issue with a trans, its going to have to be a M6. ive been driving an auto for the last 5 years and I like rowing my gears

GreenF41

I believe the 06 has lighted steering wheel controls, and also a place to rest your foot next to the clutch pedal in m6 versions. my 04 does not, so I either hover the clutch with my left foot, or tuck it away behind the pedal. in my opinion the 04 is a good budget car. the 05 is improved, but if I had the $$ for an 05, I would be looking for an 06..

rjwz28

Will the dead pedal for an 06 install easily in an 04 or 05? Or is it a slightly reconfigured floor?