Need advice about buying a 2004 GTO
06-03-2012, 11:38 AM
#21
There are plenty of option. The G8 is even heavier than the GTO, both auto/manual? I really like the looks of a G8, very nice cars. Keep in mind, these are discontinued cars, and something as simple as a window switch has the possiblity that you wont even be able to get one in 5 years or 10 etc. From GM a headlight for a GTO is $700 each. Just to put parts in perspective for you.... The nice thing about the LS1 gto is that it shares alot of same engine companants as F-bodys. So parts are plentifulp 
06-03-2012, 12:30 PM
#22
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Haha, you guys are funny. As long as buying a car with 110k miles isn't stupid, I want to get it. Now it comes down to money...
Two remaining questions:
I drove a G8 GT a few weeks ago. It was the most powerful car I've driven (I'm young, don't hate) and the only "car" with a V8 (a van doesn't count.) The G8 has 355 HP and the 2004 GTO has 350. I'm sure they're nearly the same power (driving wise, but not time wise.)
Will the GTO give me the same smirk across my face that the G8 did?
This question is regarding the far, far future, but I'll ask it anyway. What are the cheapest add-ons to achieve more HP? Superchargers and turbos seem to run $6000+, at lease from what I have read on here. I'm guessing there are cheaper alternatives to give a little less power? I'm learning as I go, so please dumb it down for now. I still need to Google what a "cam" is
Two remaining questions:
I drove a G8 GT a few weeks ago. It was the most powerful car I've driven (I'm young, don't hate) and the only "car" with a V8 (a van doesn't count.) The G8 has 355 HP and the 2004 GTO has 350. I'm sure they're nearly the same power (driving wise, but not time wise.)
Will the GTO give me the same smirk across my face that the G8 did?
This question is regarding the far, far future, but I'll ask it anyway. What are the cheapest add-ons to achieve more HP? Superchargers and turbos seem to run $6000+, at lease from what I have read on here. I'm guessing there are cheaper alternatives to give a little less power? I'm learning as I go, so please dumb it down for now. I still need to Google what a "cam" is
One way to get more power is Longtube headers. This will give your car about 25more hp and give it better (most people's opinion) sound. There are some other bolt on mods that will help like CAI. Most people like the SVDE or Varoom, better flowing heads, under drive pulleys, intake manifold and of course a tune.
06-03-2012, 01:39 PM
#24
As far as making power is considered 490 cam only I also call bullshit.
My car made 450 n/a with heads cam long tubes fast 90/90 setup. 5.7's respond well to little things
Good luck with your new car and keep this in mind,
There are always a few guys on here that will come to the rescue when you questions
My car made 450 n/a with heads cam long tubes fast 90/90 setup. 5.7's respond well to little things
Good luck with your new car and keep this in mind,
There are always a few guys on here that will come to the rescue when you questions
06-03-2012, 02:02 PM
#25
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Thanks everyone!!! I like this board already. Some other GTO forums don't seem as helpful.
The owner said the tires are "soft" and they cause a bumpy/loud ride for the first mile or two. (The tires were on the car when he bought it from the original owner.) Since I've never heard of tires being "soft," should I care? He said they have plenty of tread left and the ride gets better after those first few miles.
(This seems moot, considering this is a tire issue and not a car issue. When the tires need replacing, I'd obviously get better tires if I don't like these ones..) Hope this makes sense lol
And regarding parts: I have seen lots of parts for sale locally on CL and even more on eBay and here. So I don't think I'll have an issue finding a replacement part, unless of course it's something expensive thing like an engine (only because it'll be expensive, not because it's hard to find.)
The owner said the tires are "soft" and they cause a bumpy/loud ride for the first mile or two. (The tires were on the car when he bought it from the original owner.) Since I've never heard of tires being "soft," should I care? He said they have plenty of tread left and the ride gets better after those first few miles.
(This seems moot, considering this is a tire issue and not a car issue. When the tires need replacing, I'd obviously get better tires if I don't like these ones..) Hope this makes sense lol
And regarding parts: I have seen lots of parts for sale locally on CL and even more on eBay and here. So I don't think I'll have an issue finding a replacement part, unless of course it's something expensive thing like an engine (only because it'll be expensive, not because it's hard to find.)
06-03-2012, 05:30 PM
#26
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He said h/c made 490 not just cam. Jesus people. And that seems like a good deal on the ops car. I love my 04. They have their flaws no doubt but what car doesn't? I also get enjoyment out of the ls2 nut swingers.
06-03-2012, 05:52 PM
#27
....here we go with all of the "ls1's are just as good as ls2's"....they're not.
But like he said, hes not worried about the performance or looks difference between the ls1 and 2.....so no biggie.
Im interested in this "soft tire" bump issue. I've had Et streets (radial and bias ply), NT05R's, et drags, and never had an issue where they make a noise because theyre soft but it goes away....
But like he said, hes not worried about the performance or looks difference between the ls1 and 2.....so no biggie.
Im interested in this "soft tire" bump issue. I've had Et streets (radial and bias ply), NT05R's, et drags, and never had an issue where they make a noise because theyre soft but it goes away....
06-03-2012, 06:35 PM
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06-03-2012, 06:59 PM
#31
still no freaking way it made that N/A
06-03-2012, 07:17 PM
#32
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Not saying it did. I'm just more of an 04 gto person. IMO the hood looks terrible on 05s. Yes they have more power congrats. But once you start building it all pretty much goes out the window. Not saying I wouldn't take one but I just got a good deal on mine. Who cares ls1 vs ls2 we are all brothers!
06-03-2012, 07:55 PM
#35
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Once you start building? The LS2 always comes out 20-30hp more than the LS1 due to the cubes. And let's not forget the power potential under the curve.
Fact is, unless you add cubes to an LS1, it falls short of an LS2 mod for mod.
Fact is, unless you add cubes to an LS1, it falls short of an LS2 mod for mod.
06-03-2012, 08:21 PM
#36
06-03-2012, 09:04 PM
#39
More cubes
more compression
ability to use the square port heads (stupid fad)
higher redline
LS1 valley has knock sensors and ineffecient oil drainback
LS2 block has better oil passages and drainback
.....ls1 = god?
I'm not saying the ls1 is a bad motor, because all of the LS motors are ridiculously impressive...but the ls2 was made for a reason. Improvements. Its ok to accept them.
more compression
ability to use the square port heads (stupid fad)
higher redline
LS1 valley has knock sensors and ineffecient oil drainback
LS2 block has better oil passages and drainback
.....ls1 = god?
I'm not saying the ls1 is a bad motor, because all of the LS motors are ridiculously impressive...but the ls2 was made for a reason. Improvements. Its ok to accept them.
lol.