for instance....a ls2 gto from what i read weighs about 300lbs more than a ls1camaro. is 300lbs that big of a deal when your talking bout an ls2 gto vs ls1 fbody? im trying to decide which car i want and weight may be a factor in my decision

 

Between the power change I wouldn't worry about the weight. Consider your overall goals. Also remember IRS cars are a bit trickier to launch.

If you want a comfortable nicer feeling daily car get the GTO and do bolt ons.
If you want a less refined more muscular looking car to build for strip/street get an F-body.

 

300lbs is apx 3/10 second on most setups.

 

im clueless about irs cars. iv had 2 ls1 camaros before but not irs.

the biggest thing that makes the decision tough is that ls2 engine. thats why im considering it. i dont care for the looks of gto. i love the sexy bad *** look of a ws6 though. decisions decisions

 

LS1 with a cam swap will be just as powerful as the LS2, I wouldn't let that make a decision for you. The GTO isn't as "drag friendly" as an F body. Probably more comfortable and drives nicer though.

 

i realise that about putting a cam in the fbody but i plan on modding whatever car i go with. i know theres not a huge difference in the engine size but theres somethin about having an ls2. hmmmmm........

 

Weight matters in a few regards....

Static vs. Rotating

Also

Where that 300lbs is located.

The LS2 motor allows for more cubic inches comparitvly, and also opens up cyl head choices that would be expensive for a LS1 block to do (darton sleeves), but like said a cam can make up the diff pretty quickly.

The GTO does have some suspension issues that lead to extemely premature tire wear and when the IRS goes it is an EXPENSIVE fix. To me, if you were going to run it hard, run the Fbody. If you just wanted to cruise, go for the GTO.