So I think I want a ls1 GTO
09-29-2011, 05:08 PM
#1
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So I think I want a ls1 GTO I find myself look at them lately. So can you guys give me the good and bad points?
Also if anybody want to part trade gto for my 96z28 let me know.
Also if anybody want to part trade gto for my 96z28 let me know.
09-29-2011, 06:05 PM
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The LS1 GTO is the '04. If that's the one you want it is a more sophisticated goat that when it first came out was compared to a BMW. It is very much a sleeper. The LS2 with the "cues" of hood scoops and split tails caved in to American tastes to make a new age car put on an old school costume. LS2s ('05-'06) have 18 more cubes and 50 more HP. As you probably know the HP difference is pretty small once modding starts. The LS2s also have larger brakes and a slightly stouter drive trains altho I wouldn't call either's drive shafts, stubs or half shafts bullet proof. There are a few bushings and the rear springs on all years that should be replaced. Overall the quality and ride is light years ahead of a fBod. Oh ya, you'll like working on the engine. They didn't hide it under the cowling.
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09-30-2011, 05:21 AM
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You will love the GTO! I was skeptical when i was looking 4 years ago after my fbody got totaled. Ill say this, only you can make thay decision, go test drive one. I fell in love with mine the second i.sat in the driver seat. The gto is much more comfortable and the ride is comparable to a bmw. Hope this helps
09-30-2011, 05:59 AM
#11
op what is your budget? the gto is a really nice ride but just wondering what your looking to spend, i looked at a few ls2 goats at the dealerships a few months back and they wanted 18 and up,imo i just told my self if im going to spend that ill get a c5z.
09-30-2011, 10:52 AM
#13
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1. Fuel line might be rubbing behind driver's side fuel rail cover. Can lead to gasoline leaks and fire if line is cut through.
2. BCM wires rubbing behind and underneath the passenger glove box. Can lead to all sorts of electronic issues if there is exposed wire on metal contact.
3. IRS is very sensitive in wet conditions. You must always have excellent quality tires and note their tread wear on these cars.
4. Pilkington glass used in these cars is very soft and so note the condition of your windshield wipers as they will easily scratch the glass.
Nothing else really. Some 2004 had front strut issues and fewer had axle bolts loosening. All years had some issues to be aware of.
Good Points:
1. Elegant and solid vehicle.
2. Appears as a much more expensive car compared to what is available here in the USA.
3. Solid platform for improvement and customization.
4. Outstanding value for the money although used car market prices have begun to increase.
Last edited by Felix C; 10-04-2011 at 09:40 AM.
09-30-2011, 11:02 AM
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No real negatives but areas to be aware of:
1. Fuel line might be rubbing behind driver's side valve cover. Can lead to fire if line is cut through.
2. BCM wires rubbing behind and underneath the passenger glove box. Can lead to allsorts of electronic issues if there is exposed wire on metal contact.
3. IRS is very sensitive in wet conditions. You must always have excellent quality tires and note their tread wear on these cars.
4. Pilkingston glass used in these cars is very soft and so be aware of the condition of your windshield wipers as they will easily scratch the glass.
Nothing else really. Some 2004 had front strut issues and fewer had axle bolts loosening.
Good Points:
1. Elegant and solid vehicle.
2. Appears as a much more expensive car than what is available for here in the USA.
3. Solid platform for improvement and customizing.
4. Outstanding value for the money although used car market prices have begun to increase.
1. Fuel line might be rubbing behind driver's side valve cover. Can lead to fire if line is cut through.
2. BCM wires rubbing behind and underneath the passenger glove box. Can lead to allsorts of electronic issues if there is exposed wire on metal contact.
3. IRS is very sensitive in wet conditions. You must always have excellent quality tires and note their tread wear on these cars.
4. Pilkingston glass used in these cars is very soft and so be aware of the condition of your windshield wipers as they will easily scratch the glass.
Nothing else really. Some 2004 had front strut issues and fewer had axle bolts loosening.
Good Points:
1. Elegant and solid vehicle.
2. Appears as a much more expensive car than what is available for here in the USA.
3. Solid platform for improvement and customizing.
4. Outstanding value for the money although used car market prices have begun to increase.
09-30-2011, 03:54 PM
#15
Every GTO will have problems with the strut mounts, radius rod bushings, and rear spring sag. When the strut mounts collapse and the radius rods fail, the front will feel sloppy and the tires will rub the strut. When the rear springs sag they will make the back of the car sit lower while the front remains pretty normal.
To fix the bushings problem, it's an easy fix that costs less than $300 in parts. Springs are going to be around $200 for just rears but I greatly suggest the new BC Coilover system when the time comes because it just makes these cars handle so well and allows you to set your ride height and comfort the way you like it.
The factory six-speed shifters suck and so does the hydraulic master cylinder. (Good aftermarket solutions for both)
All years are plagued by bad drivetrain problems if the cars are drag raced. Thankfully, there is an INCREDIBLE aftermarket for these cars when it comes to that. If you're a street guy who only hits the strip on occasion, I would suggest just running bags in the springs to eliminate wheel hop at the launch. This alone will limp the rear along so it won't break an axle, diff, gears, stub, or the two-piece driveshaft. Wheel hop can kill!
I came from a background in F-Bodies into a GTO. I traded my T/A in for the GTO and eventually ended up selling my SS because I stopped driving it too. I just enjoyed the car so much! It's four years later and I still love the car. You'll buy a car that you're gonna love right out of the box and then you'll find yourself modding it and making it better and more enjoyable every step of the way. Pretty cool cars!
To fix the bushings problem, it's an easy fix that costs less than $300 in parts. Springs are going to be around $200 for just rears but I greatly suggest the new BC Coilover system when the time comes because it just makes these cars handle so well and allows you to set your ride height and comfort the way you like it.
The factory six-speed shifters suck and so does the hydraulic master cylinder. (Good aftermarket solutions for both)
All years are plagued by bad drivetrain problems if the cars are drag raced. Thankfully, there is an INCREDIBLE aftermarket for these cars when it comes to that. If you're a street guy who only hits the strip on occasion, I would suggest just running bags in the springs to eliminate wheel hop at the launch. This alone will limp the rear along so it won't break an axle, diff, gears, stub, or the two-piece driveshaft. Wheel hop can kill!
I came from a background in F-Bodies into a GTO. I traded my T/A in for the GTO and eventually ended up selling my SS because I stopped driving it too. I just enjoyed the car so much! It's four years later and I still love the car. You'll buy a car that you're gonna love right out of the box and then you'll find yourself modding it and making it better and more enjoyable every step of the way. Pretty cool cars!
10-03-2011, 07:22 PM
#19
TECH Apprentice
Just for reference, I purchased my '05 GTO in August this year, and paid $16k for it. It's got 65k miles, 6-speed, and is excellent condition inside and out. I was willing to pay a little more for the LS2 and appearance upgrades made for the '05 and '06 models. A nice 2004 with lower mileage will probably use up your $15k budget. Good luck!
