Well this is my first post on these forums and from my name - you can see I love the GTO, however, I'm 17 and lack the funds to buy one. I recently spotted a 2000 WS-6 with ~58k Miles on it and around my price range (~$17k). I REALLY want a sports car but it's at one of those Joe Blow dealerships. I know it's low mileage for a 2000 car... my only problem with it other than that is the tranny (A4 - wanted an M6). Should I go for it? Also, I'm sure this has been discussed before but I really need to know ASAP since the deal may be gone soon; what does it take to make these low 12-second cars other than Drag Radials, Tune, etc. - in terms of cash/parts? I know Heads/Cam is a good start, headers, exhaust, CAI, MAYBE a turbo (if I REALLY work my @$$ off! - also I'm trying to avoid Nitrous). All the while keeping it Nevada Smog/Emmisions legal. Thanks for any suggestions/replies - I LOVE how these cars look and I know the LS1's a good engine + the WS-6 offers a great suspension =). Sorry for the long post - lots on my mind leading up to this possible buy.

Pz,
GTObsessor

 

go for it... you will not be dissapointed... just do the basic bolt ons and you should be in 12's easily

LT's, exhaust, and a nice stall will get you low 12's

 

Thank you! I'm so excited! =) Just hope it runs nice when I go test drive it... u make it sound like I can make 11's with nothing more than a turbo and supporting upgrades? Also, how will the stock A4 handle the added HP (needed for 12's and a nice hard holeshot every... mm... say... day or so... =)) Anything I may need to predict replacing in the near future after buying the car?

 

Yea man go for it just got a 2001 my self and the bolt ons have started. they will not disapoint

 

11's on turbo?.. lol... i dont think you have to go turbo to hit 11's... seriously...
the 4l60e is a great tranny... as long as you dont do stupid stuff like "manually" shift it and such.. it will hold up just fine... if you want 11's in a daily driver... get the basic bolt ons + stall + wheels/tires + heads/cam + tune.... you just have to match the parts up right and not go too big, or too small... and i recomend nitrous if it doesnt get the job done... a small 100 shot will not hurt the car if you use it wisely.

 

If it's at one of those small "buy here pay here" dealerships, you might want to take the car to a local GM dealer for a check up before signing any paperwork. Make sure the car is mechanically sound before beginning any bolt-ons.

 

I'd really see if you can get that price knocked down.
I got my '01 with 38,000 miles for 17K, and its in mint condition.

I suggest test driving more than one F-body too, it will help you get an idea of how they are supposed to drive. On top of that make sure to test drive a 6 speed if you are wanting one, you may like that better than the auto.

 

I would say you will love the car and probably never regret it but I tell everyone here this before they buy a used car RUN A CARFAX ON IT!! I spent 25 bucks on a carfax report for my car and it saved me almost 2 grand because of what I found on it. Well worth the money!

 

I second the CARFAX suggestion and personally I would search for an '01 because of the extra stock power - especially due to the better 241 heads. As noted above - they can be found in your price range as well. Also, 12's will definitely be easily attainable with minor mods combined with sticky tires and a 3200 to 3600 stall. You be quite surprised! Good luck in your search...

 

I second driving some others also. Don't settle for an A4 if you want an M6.

 

Thank you all very much for your help and suggestions - I plan on test driving quite a few F-bodies in the next week or two to get a feel for how they should react. I have a new question: Just how important is the WS-6/Ram Air packages? Do they really make a difference in something that will be used day-to-day and on the drag strip? *other than making it look cool as hell!* I've seen quite a few *regular* 5.7L V8's for a lot cheaper. Plz help me decide

 

If you're planning on modifying the car yourself, you might end up replacing quite a bit of the WS6 components - or could replace the non-WS6 components with ones similar to the WS6 ones... a similar-looking aftermarket hood could be purchased, too. So if you're trying to save money up front, you could duplicate (or improve on) a lot of the WS6 stuff later

 

I agree with that, but didnt want to say anything.

I know if I just settled with an A4 I would regret it every time I stepped in the car...

 

The WS6 is no faster in a strait line than the 'normal' Trans Am, or Formula. But it does handle better, thats what the WS6 was, a handling package.
The Ram Air hood doesnt add any noticable power, but its fiberglass, unlike the steel hood on stock T/As, so its a little lighter.
I would suggest not getting a WS6, and if you want a good handler, get a Firehawk.
The only reason I got a WS6 was because it was perfect (right color, milage, price, transmission, condition), it just happened to be a WS6 by coincidence.

 

What would be a fair price to get this done at? Would I pay the mechanic directly as an after-work job or should the dealer let me take it down to a dealer to get it checked out? Thanks.

 

I agree. I'd also hold out for an 01 or 02. They don't have the egr stuff on them either. If your gonna spend that much money on a car get exactly what you want (color, trans, etc.). Don't settle for anything. If nothing else while you're looking for the perfect car for you, you can save money for bolt ons. At least you're on the right track with a WS6 TA.

 

Yah... since I started lookin around I think I might slow it down and wait till I find something perfect for me... or I'll take yours cause it's litterally EVERYTHING I'm lookin for j/k - I know you're in love with it. Thanks guys.

P.S. What's EGR stuff?

 

don't worry about EGR.
it's one of those things that you can rip out from the car, and delete the codes in the computer.

less clutter under the hood..

 

haha I would be interested in selling my 99 TA Firehawk maybe for 17k!

 

One thing that troubles me is that you are 17 years old and want to run 11's.
I am not trying to be a jerk, but my question to you is, do you even know what 13's feels like?
Learn to walk before you run dude, 11's is fast.