Still torn(GTO/Formula/Trans AM)
11-30-2009, 08:44 PM
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Still torn(GTO/Formula/Trans AM) Hey guys I am still torn between what the hell to get. I can't seem to make my mind up I am looking for guidence. As most of you know I totaled my very rare Formula WS6. Since then the sheer fact that it's gone is KILLING me inside. I loved that car and it was a nice 10 second car on spray, but what ever I get next I plan to turbo/blower, I can't decide between a Formula or a GTO I know how to make a Formula fast quick and that makes me like them but the fact of the GTO being newer and more luxury makes me lean that way. I want a 10 second weekend BEAST I am thinking the following setups
GTO Auto:
Stall with built 4l80e
cam and turbo put 500 to the wheels on 5/6 PSI
Headers and supporting mods
Formula
My BBKSSI intake
headers
ypipe
procharger/turbo 7 PSI
racetronix pump
lid smooth below BBK SSI 85MM throttle body
The GTO would be alot more money and take longer to complete but to the GTO owners how do you like the way it drives??
Also to the people who own both a good Pro/Con of each would help me greatly. Anyways thanks for the time. J
GTO Auto:
Stall with built 4l80e
cam and turbo put 500 to the wheels on 5/6 PSI
Headers and supporting mods
Formula
My BBKSSI intake
headers
ypipe
procharger/turbo 7 PSI
racetronix pump
lid smooth below BBK SSI 85MM throttle body
The GTO would be alot more money and take longer to complete but to the GTO owners how do you like the way it drives??
Also to the people who own both a good Pro/Con of each would help me greatly. Anyways thanks for the time. J
11-30-2009, 08:57 PM
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The very reason you like the GTO is the reason I don't (at least for a weekend toy). I prefer less luxury, less unnecessary options and frills, and less new.
GTOs make nice daily drivers. But it's too bland to be a weekend toy and too heavy to be an ideal choice for a race car, IMO.
So my opinion is to go with the Formula.
GTOs make nice daily drivers. But it's too bland to be a weekend toy and too heavy to be an ideal choice for a race car, IMO.
So my opinion is to go with the Formula.
11-30-2009, 09:27 PM
#3
Yeah I mean if you're just looking for numbers at the track the F body would be the cheaper, easier way to go. But, you still have to drive this thing too so that's where the GTO would shine. Then again, I'd be more interested in making this thing a road-racing machine than a drag star. I dunno man, tough choice...
11-30-2009, 09:29 PM
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RPM has good points. I enjoy hearing the raw sound of a V8 crank up every weekend. The nasty vibrations, the horrible gas mileage, obnoxious exhaust noise.....the scared kiddies I pass at intersections raising money, the look on the face of the sensible middle class that gives me blank stares as the cars trembles and snarls at redlights, the tire melting torque waiting....begging, to be unleashed. Man I love this hobby. 
Be sensible Monday through Friday 
Be sensible Monday through Friday 
11-30-2009, 11:11 PM
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RPM has good points. I enjoy hearing the raw sound of a V8 crank up every weekend. The nasty vibrations, the horrible gas mileage, obnoxious exhaust noise.....the scared kiddies I pass at intersections raising money, the look on the face of the sensible middle class that gives me blank stares as the cars trembles and snarls at redlights, the tire melting torque waiting....begging, to be unleashed. Man I love this hobby. Be sensible Monday through Friday
Be sensible Monday through Friday 
For the most part, I have removed myself from circulation in normal society, therefore I generally prefer less socially acceptable cars. All the things most normal people complain about in an F-body are the things I love....seating position, interior design, suspension format...and of course the more popular sledgehammer of a V8. I also very much enjoy my stinky, loud, unrefined, non-economical, environmentally hazardous, simple, carbed SBC Nova.
The part where you mentioned trembles and snarls, and the strange looks from normal people....that's good stuff. That's what a weekend cruiser is all about.
12-01-2009, 12:57 PM
#7
i was in the same predicament before i bought my camaro. what strayed me away from the GTO was:
1. Its not easy on the eyes
2. Its heavy
3. You sit very high on the inside, not like in the cockpit of a camaro/transam
4. Its more expensive then an fbody, yet its harder to make faster and make look better.
5. wheel choices are limited and you cant a have nice looking meat in the back
6. they have serious wheel hop issues because of the IRS setup on that car.
7. it will not be faster as either a drag car or auto x car compared to a nicely setup fbody.
but at the end of the day all that matters is if you like it or not.
1. Its not easy on the eyes
2. Its heavy
3. You sit very high on the inside, not like in the cockpit of a camaro/transam
4. Its more expensive then an fbody, yet its harder to make faster and make look better.
5. wheel choices are limited and you cant a have nice looking meat in the back
6. they have serious wheel hop issues because of the IRS setup on that car.
7. it will not be faster as either a drag car or auto x car compared to a nicely setup fbody.
but at the end of the day all that matters is if you like it or not.
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12-01-2009, 02:54 PM
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GTO= 1/2 *** attempt by GM to fill the void left when they killed the 4th gen early. Even soccer mom can see this as she asks you if your GTO is a new Cobalt.
If 4th gen go WS6 Formula, Formula Firehawk, or Camaro SS.
Here's one for you, why not go in a totally new route like a 70's Firebird, Formula, or Trans Am? Pro-tour that out and you'd have one hell of a ride for about the same money that would have ZERO depreciation. All of the pro tour parts for the 70-73s work for ALL of them built through 1981.
If 4th gen go WS6 Formula, Formula Firehawk, or Camaro SS.
Here's one for you, why not go in a totally new route like a 70's Firebird, Formula, or Trans Am? Pro-tour that out and you'd have one hell of a ride for about the same money that would have ZERO depreciation. All of the pro tour parts for the 70-73s work for ALL of them built through 1981.
12-01-2009, 05:33 PM
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ok, im sure you look wonderful in your firehawk but i dont think i would. why is this striking such a nerve with you? he was asking for opinions so i gave one. if you want talk about peoples ages and the cars they drive start a thread it.
12-01-2009, 05:49 PM
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I personally like both of the cars. It really depends on what you want though, something thats a street/strip car or just a daily driver with a little extra power.
12-01-2009, 06:08 PM
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just look @ the pic below !!! lol
(I'm 51 and drive my firehawk with no concerns....). cheetoh i got you beat by 4 years lol
Last edited by billyb; 12-01-2009 at 06:14 PM. Reason: add add
12-01-2009, 09:28 PM
#19
I used to bash GTO's alot back in the day; I used to call them "Cavalier SS's", but after 5 years they've finally grown on me. I think the GTO, with the ram air hood from the later years, looks awesome and honestly, if I had the money I'd probably pick one of those up as well. Power, looks, comfort, the F-body can only pull off two of those attributes. And then there's the LS2...