Does the GTO transform with suspension mods?
09-08-2008, 09:51 PM
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Does the GTO transform with suspension mods? Well I have driven a couple of these things. 2004 with the LS1 and a 2005 and 2006 with the LS2. I really cared for the fit and finish of the vehicle considering it was not a domestic but had the badge, the power delivery was nice too. But traction was a concern, as was the weight of the car. Not much considering the SRT-8 cars are about 400lbs heavier almost. I was wondering how these cars would transform if some suspension goodies were added.
I just watched the Top Gear video on the Vauxhall Monaro which I believe is the same exact car and top gear loved it. They usually HATE american anything! But I do agree with many things that they say, from my own heart and car enthusiasm in regards to feel, fit and finish. The GTO is now DIRT cheap with CRAP for miles and a fast, strong and well put together car that was simply... not very popular.
Here is the vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeDl2jrLBHg
I value nimble/agile, well handling cars... I found myself in an SS Camaro after my dumdumdumdumdum for a bit and I couldn't wait to get back to my dumdumdumdumdum. The length and all hood feel of the SS just wasn't my cup of tea but I am wondering how serious of a contender the GTO could be for me as a road course car by day and a drag strip car by night. Putting my focus on suspension, brakes and rubber over bolt on power.
What would it take, and what would it hang with and for how much? Would this car fit the mold?
I just watched the Top Gear video on the Vauxhall Monaro which I believe is the same exact car and top gear loved it. They usually HATE american anything! But I do agree with many things that they say, from my own heart and car enthusiasm in regards to feel, fit and finish. The GTO is now DIRT cheap with CRAP for miles and a fast, strong and well put together car that was simply... not very popular.
Here is the vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeDl2jrLBHg
I value nimble/agile, well handling cars... I found myself in an SS Camaro after my dumdumdumdumdum for a bit and I couldn't wait to get back to my dumdumdumdumdum. The length and all hood feel of the SS just wasn't my cup of tea but I am wondering how serious of a contender the GTO could be for me as a road course car by day and a drag strip car by night. Putting my focus on suspension, brakes and rubber over bolt on power.
What would it take, and what would it hang with and for how much? Would this car fit the mold?
09-09-2008, 06:19 AM
#2
The car most definatyl changes. I am pushing nearly 1 G in a corner with 18's. And I would think with more sidewall with 17's, I'll see the 1 G. I have a full suspension. But the parts that did the best were the Hotchkis sway bars and the poly radios rod bushings. I would strongly recamend doing all the bushings, and getting better dampers and springs.
Just so you know, I love road corse driving. And feeling the car through the twisties. But also like to see what she'll do straight line. And I opted for the Pedders coilovers and 5/16 rear drag spring package. And I am totally happy with the whole setup. The car handles very well with drag springs.
Just so you know, I love road corse driving. And feeling the car through the twisties. But also like to see what she'll do straight line. And I opted for the Pedders coilovers and 5/16 rear drag spring package. And I am totally happy with the whole setup. The car handles very well with drag springs.
09-09-2008, 09:28 AM
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The car most definatyl changes. I am pushing nearly 1 G in a corner with 18's. And I would think with more sidewall with 17's, I'll see the 1 G. I have a full suspension. But the parts that did the best were the Hotchkis sway bars and the poly radios rod bushings. I would strongly recamend doing all the bushings, and getting better dampers and springs.
Just so you know, I love road corse driving. And feeling the car through the twisties. But also like to see what she'll do straight line. And I opted for the Pedders coilovers and 5/16 rear drag spring package. And I am totally happy with the whole setup. The car handles very well with drag springs.
Just so you know, I love road corse driving. And feeling the car through the twisties. But also like to see what she'll do straight line. And I opted for the Pedders coilovers and 5/16 rear drag spring package. And I am totally happy with the whole setup. The car handles very well with drag springs.
09-09-2008, 12:38 PM
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I've done everything but the shocks and struts *those are next.
Car is a completely different animal but the rear tires still scream for mercy when you mash it. Biggest problem is its tough to get more meat in the rear wells.
Car is a completely different animal but the rear tires still scream for mercy when you mash it. Biggest problem is its tough to get more meat in the rear wells.
09-09-2008, 07:09 PM
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I have seen GTO's with lots of rubber out back and it looks WEIRD. like big tires arent supposed to be there. I have heard it doesn't like lots of rubber... as in, can't fit.
09-10-2008, 08:04 PM
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Car is wonderful stock, but with some nice springs and shocks it transforms. Adjustable Konis for the win!!!
Much more than a 275 is hard to fit in back, so yeah big tires are not the cars specialty
Much more than a 275 is hard to fit in back, so yeah big tires are not the cars specialty
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09-15-2008, 11:17 AM
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Yes. I have the Hotchkis sway bars plus Koni shocks/struts, Pedders springs, and Pedders bushings. With these parts, it handles more like an M3 than a Cadillac. I fit 255/40-17 roadrace rubber at all 4 corners with -2.0* of camber up front.
It's for sale, if you're interested. Click the link in my sig.
It's for sale, if you're interested. Click the link in my sig.
09-15-2008, 07:02 PM
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It definitley transforms significantly. I have the Pedders Track II setup, Hotchkis swaybars, with 245/275 toyo t1r's on 19's. The car handles like a dream. It can hang with vettes no problem, and I've even hung with a Murcielago around a jughandle at 75mph. It's a very expensive investment, but well worth it, plus it got rid of the wheel hop.
09-16-2008, 12:28 PM
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Yes... swaybars, springs and bushings here along with 245/285 Goodyear F1's. The car handles great, the only drawback now (besides stock struts/shocks) is the weight of the car, not much can be done about that.
09-16-2008, 07:38 PM
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