Pontiac GTO 2004-2006 - Going from F-body to GTO?

Thinking about selling the Z28 and buying an LS2 GTO, and I wanted to hear from some other people who have made the switch from a 4th-gen F-body to a new Goat. What do you like, what dont you like, ect...?

Thanks guys.

i had a 01 ram air t/a vert that i traded in on the 06 gto.

i needed a car that i could pick up the kids (3 of them) in and still have power and not feel like a soccer dad! this was it!! :angel:

now i have a full interior and a trunk, 400 hp and the same feel as the t/a (power) yet! the ride is soooooo much better. like a caddy compared to the t/a.

if you want to feel like a man? and still drive around your kids? this is your car!!

just my .02

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I have a 05 GTO and a 01 WS6. The only two major things i have noticed this far is that in the GTO you dont have the feeling of sitting low and almost laying back. Also my GTO dosn't handle near as well as my T/A.

but does your gto change lanes like the ws6 does on a rough road?

the performance goes to the t/a, yet the gto gets the (caddy) feeling with still some road grip.

i would also take the gto seats over the t/a's "like a lazy boy" :)

I went from a 99 Trans Am to an 06 GTO. Overall I feel it was a good move. If I was selling my Trans Am and going to JUST a GTO I would have picked up an M6 GTO because they definitely are more fun to drive but my goals for the GTO were to keep it as stock as possible for the long run so that it'll be a good daily driver for years to come and I plan to replace the Trans Am with another F-Body or a C5 Corvette. GTO is a hell of a car IMO and the LS2 is a great powerplant. I definitely feel all around like they are a better car.

Former 2002 Z28 owner here.

I never thought I could enjoy a car (I could afford) more than my Camaro. Until I bought the Goat a few months ago. The GTO's interior just kicks ass. Plus I like playing with all the neat little do-dads that come with the computer (trip countdown, average MPG, etc). Plus I love to set the O/Speed chime to 55mph when I know my wife is going to drive it. Really pisses her the off. :jest:

I'm also enjoying the low production numbers of the GTO. It's not too often you see one on the road, so I always get looks when I drive somewhere. Alot of people compliment me on the exhaust, and ask me what I've done to it. Then I tell them it's still a stock exhaust. The GTO's have a good growl to them for a stock setup.

But the best part is that my GTO dyno'd higher bone stock than my Camaro did with headers, lid, filter, tune, etc. Same dyno. Similar weather conditions. Gotta love the LS2.

It just sucks that the GTO aftermarket is so expensive. Catbacks, LT's, suspensions, etc aren't cheap in these cars! It just means I have to save a little more, for a little longer. So that's one thing I miss from the F-body world: variety of good parts at inexpensive prices.

All in all... I couldn't be happier with my GTO. I still miss my Camaro at times, until I get in the drivers seat of the Goat... then it quickly goes away. :)

Switch, you'll love it.

I can give you a direct comparison, since my '02 Firehawk is 100% stock and my '06 GTO is also.

The GTO handles better. Less body roll, more responsive steering. It actually feels smaller and more nimble than the hawk.

The Hawk feels a little quicker, but not by much. Probably a good race.

Interior-wise, there is no comparison. GTO is as nice as or better than my C6 Vette.

I like the t-tops on the Hawk better than the no-glass GTO roof.

Visibility in the GTO is much better, the door line is lower than an f-body. You can see out very easily, and the hood is invisible when looking out of the windshield.

Shifter in the GTO is clunky and vague. (both are 6-spds). Hurst in the Hawk isn't bad.

Clutch pedal is stiffer in the GTO.

Trunk space sucks in the GTO. You can fit more stuff in the hatch of an f-body.

Ride quality of the GTO is smoother. Very nice actually.

Fit/Finish/Materials are nicer on the GTO than the Hawk. Seems better engineered and put together, especially in the engine bay and body gaps.

Headlights work better on the GTO, about like a Camaro. Firebird headlights just suck.

Overall, I'd say the GTO is a better daily-driver. It is a nicer car, reminds me of the M3 BMW in terms of interior and performance. The F-body is more of a hotrod.

Thanks Tony, thats exactly the kind of rundown I was looking for, and my mind is pretty made up at this point. Now I just have to find one in my price range, ect...


BTW Tony, you're doing a Holden/Vauxhall front evnd conversion on yours right? Any chance of getting a good write-up with part numbers and where you got the parts from when you're done? Cause I cant stand the front bumper on the GTO's compaired to the Holdens.

but does your gto change lanes like the ws6 does on a rough road?

the performance goes to the t/a, yet the gto gets the (caddy) feeling with still some road grip.

i would also take the gto seats over the t/a's "like a lazy boy" :)

I agree with you 100 percent. Its night and day difference in driving my GTO and T/A on Highways. The only thing im saying is that taking sharper corners at higher speeds just dont feel as good as the T/A to me.
But yeah i love my GTO.

looks and power my SS is better.


my 05 GTO is better everywhere else. it rides great. has a nicer interior and build quality isnt even close. i got an m6 which it makes it so much fun to drive. its tons more comfortable too.


id really like an SAP for my GTO but its too expensive. bolt ons arent that expensive. with a little over 1k in mods it dynoed 365/361. theyre great cars. you cant go wrong.

I've contemplated doing the same thing and decided just to have both. I would miss the convertible. I'm currently looking around for a GTO as a nice and fast DD and use the TA as my weekend car.

i agree with tony i made the jump out of my 01 ws6 to the gto and i love it

Do it. You won't regret it.

'98 Z28 to '05 GTO here.....

I miss being able to tear off 12.0s on 17" drag radials, but other than a standing 1/4 mile, I enjoy my GTO more than the Z in every way.

'98 Z28 to '05 GTO here.....

I miss being able to tear off 12.0s on 17" drag radials, but other than a standing 1/4 mile, I enjoy my GTO more than the Z in every way.




94 Z28 to 2002 VW Golf GTI turbo to 2005 GTO

I loved all of them,

but like the gto the best

Z28 was fastest.... (but I should fix that this month)
VW gave me the best service (spent less time in the shop, but it ran 14's)
gto gets the same highway milage as the VW (about 28-29)
and is definately more fun to drive

94 Z28 to 2002 VW Golf GTI turbo to 2005 GTO


VW gave me the best service (spent less time in the shop, but it ran 14's)


It only takes a time or two in the shop to get rid of a VW. Those boogers are expensive to work on and local mechanics don't want to touch them.

I've contemplated doing the same thing and decided just to have both. I would miss the convertible. I'm currently looking around for a GTO as a nice and fast DD and use the TA as my weekend car.


i did the same
.. ...... .. . . . .. .

94 Z28 to 2002 VW Golf GTI turbo to 2005 GTO

I loved all of them,

but like the gto the best

Z28 was fastest.... (but I should fix that this month)
VW gave me the best service (spent less time in the shop, but it ran 14's)
gto gets the same highway milage as the VW (about 28-29)
and is definately more fun to drive


I had a '94 too, before the '98. ;)

Funny this post should come up. I'm in heavy deliberation on the subject. While I'd like to keep my 02 Hawk AND have a GTO, it's just not in the cards right now. I love the hawk but the deafening road noise is really wearin on me and my daughter is gettin to the age and size that necessitates a roomier passenger rear seat. I haven't completely made my mind up yet but am leaning more and more towards theGoat especially with some of thge testimonials in this thread.

Funny this post should come up. I'm in heavy deliberation on the subject. While I'd like to keep my 02 Hawk AND have a GTO, it's just not in the cards right now. I love the hawk but the deafening road noise is really wearin on me and my daughter is gettin to the age and size that necessitates a roomier passenger rear seat. I haven't completely made my mind up yet but am leaning more and more towards theGoat especially with some of thge testimonials in this thread.


It's a totally different feeling. To be honest, it's so quiet and comfortable that when you mash the throttle, it doesn't FEEL all that fast....until you look down at the speedo and see that you're approaching triple digits. ;)

before my cam, I've had a lot of people tell me it felt like riding in a fast BMW. :)

oh oh oh can i join the bandwagon... well ill be keeping the camaro, but i need a nice DD. the only thing im really curious about is how it will stand up to new england winters. my z28 with blizzacks did pretty good in about 4 to 6 inches of the white stuff, plus the winter driver mod helped out a lot im sure. what can i say my first vehicle was a 2wd ranger LOL

oh oh oh can i join the bandwagon... well ill be keeping the camaro, but i need a nice DD. the only thing im really curious about is how it will stand up to new england winters. my z28 with blizzacks did pretty good in about 4 to 6 inches of the white stuff, plus the winter driver mod helped out a lot im sure. what can i say my first vehicle was a 2wd ranger LOL

with the extra weight, better suspension, narrower tires, ect...
it should get around better than the f-body.

mine has had no problem


keep in mind,
there isn't enough clearance for tire chains (or cables) should you need them

Everyone else has already hit the nail on the head. I went from a 2000 SS Camaro into the 04 GTO and I love it. Performance wise is the only thing I miss from the m6 of the SS. Other than that the GTO has it beat in EVERY category. It handles better I think, drives better, smoother, ride quality, fit and finish... I don't regret my decision at all!

Only thing I miss from my 95 TA is the T-tops otherwise I love my GTO. I wish the aftermarket was a little cheaper but I expected it to be pricey with the limited production. It is nice not seeing a hundred copies of your car driving around everday.

If your BONE stock and run up on a LS-1 Camaro or Firebird that has a lid & cat-back be fore-warned. They will hurt your feelings !

If you're into drag racing, then I would definitely stick with the f-body. The biggest reason is that they're lighter. But if you're just happy with regular street driving only, then an LS2 GTO with the M6 is the way to go. I think the last thing you want to do is downgrade (yeah, not upgrade) to a GTO with an A4. Sure, they run quicker than the M6's in the quarter mile, but they're heavy as hell and are far from being the ideal drag car--not to mention that the LS2 GTO's have a heat soak issue.

So, in short, if you're really into running the quarter mile, then stick with the f-body. If you're just into street driving, then go for an LS2 GTO. And an LS1 GTO shouldn't even be a thought.

If your BONE stock and run up on a LS-1 Camaro or Firebird that has a lid & cat-back be fore-warned. They will hurt your feelings !


not if you're driving a stock LS2 dude....;)

If you're into drag racing, then I would definitely stick with the f-body. The biggest reason is that they're lighter. But if you're just happy with regular street driving only, then an LS2 GTO with the M6 is the way to go. I think the last thing you want to do is downgrade (yeah, not upgrade) to a GTO with an A4. Sure, they run quicker than the M6's in the quarter mile, but they're heavy as hell and are far from being the ideal drag car--not to mention that the LS2 GTO's have a heat soak issue.

So, in short, if you're really into running the quarter mile, then stick with the f-body. If you're just into street driving, then go for an LS2 GTO. And an LS1 GTO shouldn't even be a thought.

my 01 t/a ws6 with just a lid and tune went 13.4 and put down 321hp, my 06 gto with a cai/fast 90 and tune put down 345hp and 13.3. so the gto is faster and smoother and thats without the bottle! like having the best of both world.

but, if your building a track car, then the f-body would be better "weight wise" and aerodynamics.

I've owned my '99 Z28 for over 7 years and I continue to enjoy it for what it is. However, as some have referenced in this post, the GTO is quite a different car from the F-body. The interior of the GTO is much more comfortable and up-to-date relative to the f-body, and it just offers a more civilized driving experience. You really have to drive one to completely grasp the difference...

You really have to drive one to completely grasp the difference...



absolutely. Until ya drive one, you can't appreciate them. :)

Sorry dude ! Didn't mean to sour your feelings.By the way,what did your LS2 gto run completly stock ?

not if you're driving a stock LS2 dude....;)




And your completly stock gto ran what at the strip ?

I'm surprised that the guys debating drag strip suitability have not mentioned the GTO's major achilles heel: the IRS.

Unless I missed it? :confused:

Have not switched from an F-bod to a GTO, so I'm not completely the member you are looking for comments from, but I did drive my buddy's M6 '05 GTO... and drove it hard a couple times. :drive: :devil: VERY nice car that definitely looks and feels like a step up in overall quality over an F-body and that LS2 felt pretty sweet. :)

And your completly stock gto ran what at the strip ?


i've never had this car on the track....

I don't wanna get into an argument about LS1 f-bodies vs. LS2 GTOs again.....there's enough of that crap on here....

i had a damn near full bolt on 02 ta i mean it put down really decent numbers and it got totalled and now i have an 04 gto a4 and i love it but its a pig and it handles so its kinda a toss up.... it still throws you back in your seat but its just not the same... i still wouldnt go back to an f body....plus in a fuckin gto everybody and thier mom wants to race you.... it kinda pissin me off especially mustangs and 3rd gen f body..... and they get pissed when they get ate up by a grocery getter

i really dont want to lose my baby, but the gto is so much more reliable. i test drove one and now i cant decide to get rid of my car or not. with the mods i have how much slower is the gto? i am still young (18) so i dont really want to loose all the power. i dont want to have a grocery gettin soccer mom car the looks like im gonna be an old man so should i keep the camaro? the only reason i am bating on selling it is it has 90000 miles on it. HELP ME

well at your age...i would keep the camaro....im 23 and im gettin my masters and i feel all professional now..haha...and i just feel like my car doesn't fit my profession....i feel that my Z is too flashy for me now.....when i was 18 i was lovin the attention (ive had an lt1 and an ls1)....so now im looking for a 2006 GTO...it looks a bit more "professional" and it is faster than most cars out there....just my 2 cents

Test drove an 04 m6 GTO at the time I was looking to buy another F-body. I loved the way the inside looked and felt. It was just an all around nicer ride. If things would have been different I probably would've gotten it, but decided on my 02 SOM Z28 instead. I might change to the GTO later, since my son is only 1 1/2 right now and fits in the back with is seat, ok.

I would love to have an 06 m6 Blue GTO......maybe someday :)

no need to concern yourself with an image. just buy what you like or keep what you like and who cares what anyone else thinks.

I went from my car in sig to an 06 GTO and wish I never would have. I think the reasoning is going from 700 hp to 400 hp was to big of a backwards move and I hate not having the power. Aftermarket is so high on these cars its not worth modding IMO and they are heavy as shit and I absolutely despise the IRS. The intrior is indeed alot better and so is ride quality but Im more of a hotrod guy so Im looking to get out of the GTO ASAP.

i've had f-bodies, and w-bodies, and I can say, by far the GTO is the best car I've ever had. Running a 13.0@108 bone stock first time to the strip w/ 2700 on the odo was nice. headers made it slower, cuz she couldn't hook!!!! Just headers gave me 111mph traps.

Get out of the GTO. The traction control is SOOOOO restrictive on those things. It is nearly impossible to spin the wheels or slide the car, even with the TCS off!

Get out of the GTO. The traction control is SOOOOO restrictive on those things. It is nearly impossible to spin the wheels or slide the car, even with the TCS off!

are you fuggin' kidding?
i know look how bad it hampered my GTO

http://videos.streetfire.net/search/new+GTO/0/4b1d00ee-684e-4f94-84e2-5aeabd38e9ff.htm

pfft.

dang i really think you are miss informed i have entered into a power slide with the tcs on . Yea it slowed the car down but that was after i had already started to straighten the car out

I went from my car in sig to an 06 GTO and wish I never would have. I think the reasoning is going from 700 hp to 400 hp was to big of a backwards move and I hate not having the power. Aftermarket is so high on these cars its not worth modding IMO and they are heavy as shit and I absolutely despise the IRS. The intrior is indeed alot better and so is ride quality but Im more of a hotrod guy so Im looking to get out of the GTO ASAP.


Im thinking of doing the same thing but this is what I'm worried about. Going from having so much power back to 350ish . Dont know that I could handle that. Dont get me wrong, I work at a dealer so I have drivien a few GTOs and that LS2 is potent but it doesnt pin you back like my camaro and Im worried I will miss that too much

are you fuggin' kidding?
i know look how bad it hampered my GTO

http://videos.streetfire.net/search/new+GTO/0/4b1d00ee-684e-4f94-84e2-5aeabd38e9ff.htm

pfft.


Come on now, I can drop the clutch @ 3+ grand in my 90 hp worktruck and light the tires up like that.


In my GTO I can be doing 5-10 mph in first and just hammer it and I get a nice cushy soft acceleration out. :(

I can give you a direct comparison, since my '02 Firehawk is 100% stock and my '06 GTO is also.

The GTO handles better. Less body roll, more responsive steering. It actually feels smaller and more nimble than the hawk.

The Hawk feels a little quicker, but not by much. Probably a good race.

Interior-wise, there is no comparison. GTO is as nice as or better than my C6 Vette.

I like the t-tops on the Hawk better than the no-glass GTO roof.

Visibility in the GTO is much better, the door line is lower than an f-body. You can see out very easily, and the hood is invisible when looking out of the windshield.

Shifter in the GTO is clunky and vague. (both are 6-spds). Hurst in the Hawk isn't bad.

Clutch pedal is stiffer in the GTO.

Trunk space sucks in the GTO. You can fit more stuff in the hatch of an f-body.

Ride quality of the GTO is smoother. Very nice actually.

Fit/Finish/Materials are nicer on the GTO than the Hawk. Seems better engineered and put together, especially in the engine bay and body gaps.

Headlights work better on the GTO, about like a Camaro. Firebird headlights just suck.

Overall, I'd say the GTO is a better daily-driver. It is a nicer car, reminds me of the M3 BMW in terms of interior and performance. The F-body is more of a hotrod.good comparison.i just bought an 06 IMB M6,i feel the quality is much better.

i too think that the car handles better than my F-Bod.feels much lighter than a 3800 lb. car.and the ride is sooo much better.

my Z/28 was killing my back.after 4 days of driving the GTO,(put 300 miles on it so far.)i can honestly say my back is feeling a lot better.very comfortable.the interior and ride quality is what sold me..

you can get a great deal on these right now,pick one up before their gone..

Get out of the GTO. The traction control is SOOOOO restrictive on those things. It is nearly impossible to spin the wheels or slide the car, even with the TCS off!


what are you talking about??

I get sideway with the TCS on....

what are you talking about??

I get sideway with the TCS on.... :werd:

I currently own a 2005 GTO M6 and my first time out at the track my best time was a 13.01. After bolting on just a set of drag radials the car ran a 12.8. Not bad for such a heavy car, that is stock. I've owned a 02 Camaro SS, and it was a great car 2 but stock for stock, not as quick. For all out drag racing a solid rear axle is the way to go, but for the streets even though GTO's often have bad wheel hop, I haven't had major problems hooking up.

I currently own a 2005 GTO M6 and my first time out at the track my best time was a 13.01. After bolting on just a set of drag radials the car ran a 12.8. Not bad for such a heavy car, that is stock. I've owned a 02 Camaro SS, and it was a great car 2 but stock for stock, not as quick. For all out drag racing a solid rear axle is the way to go, but for the streets even though GTO's often have bad wheel hop, I haven't had major problems hooking up.


that's good driving man! way to show the haters what the car CAN do with a wheelman. :)

I am possibly doing this. Maybe this weekend too. :)

6spd or nothing though. :drive:

Okay,I started out with a black 00' WS6 for my first "real" muscle car about 3 years ago.I loved the LS1,and the 6 speed,but the handling always seemed unpredictable which made it less fun to me,although I loved the car.It would launch hard with the 275 rubber on it too.But that dam 10 bolt wouldn't hold up.I added pacesetter coated headers,ORY pipe,granatelli lid,& ram HD powergrip clutch.It made it alittle faster,but by then the 04' GTO's had been out for awhile and I was wondering on whether or not I wanted one.
Well,I bought an 04' 6 speed,and the car wouldn't launch as good as the WS6 did,and you could tell slightly a difference in power b/c of additional weight.I kept this car stock,and over time learned how to use the irs,and got better at launching.I also noticed how well and predictable this car handled.I could go over not so smooth roads and swing the rear end out w/o being overly cautious,and at the same time felt more safe having fun in this car.It's just so quiet compared to the f-body's,and so comfortable.But then the 05' came out,and I made the mistake of driving a new one,and always craved it afterwards.That 6.0 is right at home in the goat.The torque is so awesome.The brakes are much improved,and I look the more aggressive look with the scooped hood and dual outlet exhaust.
So about 4 months ago,I found a used 05' that already had tinted windows,corsa sport catback,a dual gauge pod in the middle of dash,and some other minor things.I bought it.The first time I drove this car,I was in total AWE.I don't know if it's because the motor's broken-in with the miles or what,but it's an absolute HORSE.It seemed to have much more power than my 00' WS6,and pulls HARD all the way to 6500 rpm redline.I let a co-worker with a mid 12 second camaro drive it,just to see if I was being over-excited.He came back in 10 minutes,and i ask him,"how was it?".He says,"look at my hands",they were shaking,and he said he thinks I'd take his camaro,even though I think that's false.
But still,every time I get in that car,it just feels like a part of me,the way I fit in the seat,and the way it gets up to triple digits,screaming the whole way there,I'd have to tell you to get one of these cars,and trade in the f-bod,sorry.It's a hands down decision to me.I sometimes regretted my decision with the 04',and in NO WAY do I regret my decision now.So,if I was you I'd spend the extra money on the extra cubic inches that gives you extra torque for the extra weight.I've owned all three,the 05'-06' is the BALLS. :headbang:

Well I've never had an F-body but tell ya what at 5 to 10 mph I can punch the gas and slide the car sideways just fine. Oh I have the LS1 04 m6. And the first time I had ever been to a track was with the goat I ran 14.2(forgot to turn off TC) and then clicked of a 13.7 and for a final run that day a 13.6. That was bone stock paper air filter down to the sreet tire.. I went back a month later with a K&N drop-in filter and some drag raidials and ran back to back 13.174's at 106 with a 1.9 60ft, would have done better that night with a 1.877 that I pulled of but I missed 3rd. So the car is no slouch in performance, wheel hop is an issue now that I have headers and a catback. The interior I LOVE but in the winter it is cold as all **** sitting on leather seats. If they sill made F-bodys I would have probably ended up one of them but I wanted a newer car and am very happy with my choice.
Ben

Oh ya 05/06 have tork management so that sucks but can be tuned out.

Okay,I started out with a black 00' WS6 for my first "real" muscle car about 3 years ago.I loved the LS1,and the 6 speed,but the handling always seemed unpredictable which made it less fun to me,although I loved the car.It would launch hard with the 275 rubber on it too.But that dam 10 bolt wouldn't hold up.I added pacesetter coated headers,ORY pipe,granatelli lid,& ram HD powergrip clutch.It made it alittle faster,but by then the 04' GTO's had been out for awhile and I was wondering on whether or not I wanted one.
Well,I bought an 04' 6 speed,and the car wouldn't launch as good as the WS6 did,and you could tell slightly a difference in power b/c of additional weight.I kept this car stock,and over time learned how to use the irs,and got better at launching.I also noticed how well and predictable this car handled.I could go over not so smooth roads and swing the rear end out w/o being overly cautious,and at the same time felt more safe having fun in this car.It's just so quiet compared to the f-body's,and so comfortable.But then the 05' came out,and I made the mistake of driving a new one,and always craved it afterwards.That 6.0 is right at home in the goat.The torque is so awesome.The brakes are much improved,and I look the more aggressive look with the scooped hood and dual outlet exhaust.
So about 4 months ago,I found a used 05' that already had tinted windows,corsa sport catback,a dual gauge pod in the middle of dash,and some other minor things.I bought it.The first time I drove this car,I was in total AWE.I don't know if it's because the motor's broken-in with the miles or what,but it's an absolute HORSE.It seemed to have much more power than my 00' WS6,and pulls HARD all the way to 6500 rpm redline.I let a co-worker with a mid 12 second camaro drive it,just to see if I was being over-excited.He came back in 10 minutes,and i ask him,"how was it?".He says,"look at my hands",they were shaking,and he said he thinks I'd take his camaro,even though I think that's false.
But still,every time I get in that car,it just feels like a part of me,the way I fit in the seat,and the way it gets up to triple digits,screaming the whole way there,I'd have to tell you to get one of these cars,and trade in the f-bod,sorry.It's a hands down decision to me.I sometimes regretted my decision with the 04',and in NO WAY do I regret my decision now.So,if I was you I'd spend the extra money on the extra cubic inches that gives you extra torque for the extra weight.I've owned all three,the 05'-06' is the BALLS. :headbang:

One of the better reviews/story I've seen on this site. I hope by this time next year I can experience the LS2 GTO everyday like you are. :hail:

Well I've never had an F-body but tell ya what at 5 to 10 mph I can punch the gas and slide the car sideways just fine. Oh I have the LS1 04 m6.


you should try it with a cam and longtubes!!!

In the colder weather, the rear end will get loose anywhere below the top of second gear (60+ mph). :drive:

Well I put long tubes on in Dec. but havent been to the track yet..And a cam goes in the first week of March. Taking it to Cartek(2X) for some love. Traction will be a problem but some Pedders suspension products are in the works. What you doing on April 14th and 15th big GTO GTG in NJ.

I wouldn't think the goat would outhandle the Fbody unless the fbody had some crappy shocks or worn out ones. Weigh's less. etcetc

At least the rear isn't as weak as the 10 bolt...

The only thing wrong with the GTO is the weight. But it really isn't that heavy.

At least the rear isn't as weak as the 10 bolt...

The only thing wrong with the GTO is the weight. But it really isn't that heavy.


I agree....it isn't THAT bad....

Mine is down to 3600 pounds even (w/o driver, was 3690 stock) with just minor weight reduction (lightweight skid plate, lighter wheels, pulled Y-brace and a few other things). It's still heavy, but it's not the 4000 pound curb weight all the haters make it out to be.

An f-body with a 12-bolt or 9" rear and a heavy driver wouldn't have much of a weight advantage at all....

theres no comparison, better handling, better build, similiar performance....just do it.

The only thing I miss about my Camaro is the lope of the cam. My GTO is better in every other respect. That's not to say it's faster. It isn't. But my Camaro had h/c, headers, and 4.10s. It just wasn't reliable or all-weather friendly.

Not to bash the people that say going to the GTO would be too much of a drop in power, but I have to point something out. You had, or have, made some pretty extensive mods to get to that point. Your '02 SS didn't come with 700 HP. Heads/cam combos are the same price for GTOs as they are for F-bods. Same with clutches. Plus we already have updated clutch hydraulics and the LS6 intake (for you pre-'01 guys).

It's just when you get into parts that are exclusive to the GTO that it gets more expensive. The GMM shifter looks the same as the Pro 5.0 but it has a different shaft. It's $120 higher. Gears, halfshafts, and axle stubs are high. Comparing Kooks headers with cats, the GTO version is actually cheaper.

I have no regrets trading the Camaro for the GTO. It's built much better, has a killer interior and handles a lot better around town and on the highway (even before I added the Pedders Track II package). Plus there are the creature comforts: in-dash CD changer, an available OEM Bluetooth kit, comfy seats...

I have no regrets trading the Camaro for the GTO. It's built much better, has a killer interior and handles a lot better around town and on the highway (even before I added the Pedders Track II package). Plus there are the creature comforts: in-dash CD changer, an available OEM Bluetooth kit, comfy seats...

...windows that roll up and down within a few seconds, doesnt rattle its ass off...plus not having a live axle really makes a difference in handling...especially when going over a broken surface...i spent 2 hours in my buddies 00 z28 this weekend and it was the most uncomfortable 2 hours ive spent in a car in a long time...lets just say i was glad to be back in my GTO :judge: not to say that every F-bod is a rattle box but that window thing drives me crazy!

The window thing was the straw that broke the camel's back as far as my Camaro was concerned. After a summer of getting engine and wiring problems halfway sorted out, the driver's side window motor died. I got rid of the car within two weeks.

I own a GTO and two F-bodies, and the GTO is definitely the one I love driving the most. I'd much rather daily drive it than the 'Birds.

The window thing was the straw that broke the camel's back as far as my Camaro was concerned. After a summer of getting engine and wiring problems halfway sorted out, the driver's side window motor died. I got rid of the car within two weeks.


tell me about it...between my two Z28s, i ordered 3 new window motors... :lol:

Sure, they run quicker than the M6's in the quarter mile, but they're heavy as hell and are far from being the ideal drag car--not to mention that the LS2 GTO's have a heat soak issue.


:huh:

+1. If you want a full out race car halfway on the cheap, the GTO isn't your automobile. Find a no-option Z28 or an old Fox-body Mustang and have at it. :burn: