LS4 Performance
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Teching In
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From: STL
LS4 Performance I'm considering getting one of these (Most likely it'd be a Monte Carlo SS) but I wanted to know how much aftermarket support is available for the LS4 (bolt ons and suspension). How do they handle? We have a 2001 SS witht he 3.8 and I'd say elephant on roller skates or a yacht describes its handling accurately. Have they improved this aspect? Thanks in advance! I need something to replace my LS1 F-body that was wrecked by a drunk driver 
and I want to get an honest opinion on them from owners! I'll be honest FWD isn't thrilling, but it's the most inexpensive "go quick" option, and I'd like to know how easy it'd be to get it into the 12s. Other options are an LS2 GTO, G35, CTS-v, E46 M3, Cobra, or a Corvette (later year C5 esp Z06 or if I can find one at just around $30K a C6)
and I want to get an honest opinion on them from owners! I'll be honest FWD isn't thrilling, but it's the most inexpensive "go quick" option, and I'd like to know how easy it'd be to get it into the 12s. Other options are an LS2 GTO, G35, CTS-v, E46 M3, Cobra, or a Corvette (later year C5 esp Z06 or if I can find one at just around $30K a C6) 
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Michigan
LS2 GTO's can be found for less than a new Monte Impy or GP GXP. The only problem is you'll be buying a new 2 year old car. Better get Gap insurance. But they are fast as hell. Had one until wife totalled it.
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Teching In
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From: STL
Originally Posted by John B
If you want cheap performance buy a bare bones '08 C6 with the LS3 for $39,995!
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Teching In
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From: STL
Originally Posted by mikeroot2
LS2 GTO's can be found for less than a new Monte Impy or GP GXP. The only problem is you'll be buying a new 2 year old car. Better get Gap insurance. But they are fast as hell. Had one until wife totalled it.
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Great cars with great storage ability. I love the monte carlos. Def have a look of the past with a modern take on things.
If you are coming from RWD\Stick car, you might get disappointed with the nose heavy FWD performance. They are hard to launch and cornering under acceleration yields hesitation and stuttering due to differential score protection. The 4 speed tranny is a huge performance bottle neck when racing of a 40-60 roll. It needs another gear or two unless you can jam pack it with some ponies.
If you go in with the FWD underdog mindset, it might work out for you. Overall great cars, very roomy interior. Interior is a little plasticy (at least on the monte) but it's clean and modern. Seats are made for a 400lb redneck nascar fanatic...yet comfortable on long trips. Def have some nice available features overall...fairly complete package.
If you want straight up performance out of the box, I'd say go for the GXP since they have the improved suspension, tires, and brakes. The monte carlos are the lightest of the bunch though. If you want to look good, and possibly get most hp per lb, go monte. I'd say they are the rarest of the bunch in terms of what you see in general public...so you'll probably get the most looks and compliments with the monte.
If you are coming from RWD\Stick car, you might get disappointed with the nose heavy FWD performance. They are hard to launch and cornering under acceleration yields hesitation and stuttering due to differential score protection. The 4 speed tranny is a huge performance bottle neck when racing of a 40-60 roll. It needs another gear or two unless you can jam pack it with some ponies.
If you go in with the FWD underdog mindset, it might work out for you. Overall great cars, very roomy interior. Interior is a little plasticy (at least on the monte) but it's clean and modern. Seats are made for a 400lb redneck nascar fanatic...yet comfortable on long trips. Def have some nice available features overall...fairly complete package.
If you want straight up performance out of the box, I'd say go for the GXP since they have the improved suspension, tires, and brakes. The monte carlos are the lightest of the bunch though. If you want to look good, and possibly get most hp per lb, go monte. I'd say they are the rarest of the bunch in terms of what you see in general public...so you'll probably get the most looks and compliments with the monte.
Last edited by hexxLS4; Sep 23, 2007 at 09:26 PM.
If your looking for something like a drag/sports car, I'd go with a RWD vehicle!It's just not the same with FWD! And fortunately you still have options of some nice RWD's! I don't know if I would call one of these cars a " muscle car" which is why I stayed away from the Monte, my idea of a " Monte" is a mid 80's RWD version! I love my Impala and I guess I took/take the underdog approach with it , FWD, 4DRS, but LSX potential! I needed a roomy, family oriented vehicle, that hopefully wasn't a minivan,that my ego would accept and the Imp fit the bill nicely! I'm impressed with it and GM for that matter, but once the wife gets a new SUV/Minivan, I will be looking for a 06-08 Vette/ New Camaro (if it looks good) or a CTS-V! The GXP looks good but too boy racer/plasticky for me, I wouldn't mind the brakes and suspension though! Just my .02, overall LS4's are nice, quick cars for what they are, and will surprise many, but I don't know if they can be compared with RWD LSX's! Good Luck! Enjoy your choosing!
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Drive a few of them, just like I did.
The Monte won. Up here in Michigan, I can get my V8 fix 24/7/365. No longer have to wait for April / May and put the Z away in October.
Had several variations of the W-Body (3.1; 3.4; 3.8; 3.8 S/C; now the 5.3), 5.3 V8 is what they should have done years ago, like '02 when they killed the Camaro / Firebird.
I think they're muscle cars, they handle very well, yes you need to learn how to handle the car, as it's handling characteristics are different. I feel the MCSS will do 85% of what my Z28SS will do.
Anytime comfort and room is needed, we take the MCSS. Guys night out is the Z.
IMO the interior is great for a $25K car. Agree on the GTO interior ... not for the average American consumer (red guages / green displays / colored leather w/ bold stitching).
Good luck!
The Monte won. Up here in Michigan, I can get my V8 fix 24/7/365. No longer have to wait for April / May and put the Z away in October.
Had several variations of the W-Body (3.1; 3.4; 3.8; 3.8 S/C; now the 5.3), 5.3 V8 is what they should have done years ago, like '02 when they killed the Camaro / Firebird.
I think they're muscle cars, they handle very well, yes you need to learn how to handle the car, as it's handling characteristics are different. I feel the MCSS will do 85% of what my Z28SS will do.
Anytime comfort and room is needed, we take the MCSS. Guys night out is the Z.
IMO the interior is great for a $25K car. Agree on the GTO interior ... not for the average American consumer (red guages / green displays / colored leather w/ bold stitching).
Good luck!
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 190
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From: Oregon
I'd go with the GXP for all around package handling/braking, 4door/trunk room, TAP-SHIFT, heads up display, driver&passenger heated seats,sunroof,factory ground effect kit,factory suspention is stiffer and 9mm lower than a standard GP.To much to list car comes very well equipt.There's a used 2007 GXP with 2800mi on it where I live for only $22,900 to me thats a darn good buy. Peace just my opinion.
The monte/imp/gxp serve better as comfortable DD's that have lots of power on tap, not blown-out track RWD cars. Until we get some more attention, the mods are limited; we have basic bolt-ons now. I have full intake/exhaust, rockers, springs, pushrods, DR's for the track, and some other small mods such as IAT sensor...I find myself enjoying cruising in the car (on the highway) just as much as romping on it around the town.
Basically, these are very comfortable cars, but if you are looking all out performance, stay away from these cars and cts-v's (bad IRS). I've driven a lowered procharged f-body, and although great looking, grab the chicas, and are scary fast, they ride hard, are not so practical, and pretty much spartan and blatant in the interior. The Ls4 car interiors are 10x better in my opinion.
Basically, these are very comfortable cars, but if you are looking all out performance, stay away from these cars and cts-v's (bad IRS). I've driven a lowered procharged f-body, and although great looking, grab the chicas, and are scary fast, they ride hard, are not so practical, and pretty much spartan and blatant in the interior. The Ls4 car interiors are 10x better in my opinion.
