Pontiac GTO 2004-2006 - Pros & Cons of Getting a GTO

im very interested in getting a GTO. im just looking for some information from some people that have owned them or do own one. im lookin at a 05-06 model with the 6.0. thanks

I like my GTO. Its a 05 m6. The only thing I don't really care for is how heavy they are. But the ride decent. Very nice interior. And has decent looks.

Yeah I really wish my car weighed around the 3200-3400 mark, but what can you do. I love how comfortable it is on ten our trips, the seats help a lot, easily the most comfortable I've sat in.

I'm very happy with my 04 m6 lil heavy but lots of fun, very good ride, comfy, nice interior, solid car and stable at triple digits. Kinda a jack of all trades LS car master at none. Needless to say im very happy with it and im sure you will enjoy one too

The LS2 is deffinatley the one to get. Like already stated, the weight kinds of hurts a bit, but you cant have it all. I was going to get one but the wife played her trump card cause she didnt like the styling so I got a WS6 instead. I love my car now but I still kind of wished I had a goat.

DEFINITELY

(sigh)

I have a 2006 M6 GTO that I bought brand-new. Weighing 3,725 lbs+, it wouldn't be the ideal car to run on the dragstrip. (Hell, I would say the same for the new Camaro, Challenger, and GT500) The LS2 GTO's, however, are the ideal daily driver and you can probably buy them used at a steal. Otherwise, get a used C5 if you want a car for the street/strip.

yea im looking into it for the extra room. id just like to get it to run mid 12's. shouldnt be that hard. just a few boltons

theyre very comfortable, well built cars with descent power. great for daily usage.

Are the backseats larger than F-Bodies? How is the l76 motor?

Are the backseats larger than F-Bodies? How is the l76 motor?


yes.and more leg room. GTOs comes with an ls1 or ls2. both good motors.

what would i need for a 2006 automatic to get into the 12's? tryin to maintain decent gas mileage. no nitrous either

It always ticks me off when people complain about the weight of the goat. At 3750 pounds it MIGHT be 100 pounds heavier than a ws6. That aint enough to make a difference. The way to go with goat is to buy the auto. My auto ls2 gto went 12.96 @ 109 with just a tune and K&N which in my book aint bad at all for a stock car. The m6 goats are hard to drag race. The gto is better over all car than the f-body. The only drawback is that your cant get a wide tire under it. I love my goat and nows a great time to get one becasue the value of them is in the crapper and you can get one cheap right now. I have noticed the trans am value is creeping up and they are selling for more than goats and It wont be long before gto value starts to creep up.

got 2 more questions.
1. whats the widest rear tire it can fit without rubbing?
2. i noticed they dont have power windows or locks. does the key fob have a lock button to push or do you have to manually lock both doors everytime you get out?

The cars have power windows, the switches are just behind the shifter. The car locks itself when you put it in gear and unlocks itself when you put it in park.

If you like them get it. I like them, they have by far the nicest interior of any GM car that I know of. :chug:

The pros are if you are in the market for one. They are cheap, ride well and make a good Daily driver. can be made into a decent performing car.

Cons: Heavy, some parts are expensive, hard to get some wide rubber on the back.

what kind of parts are expensive on the gtos?

Take the differential for instance. For an 800 HP build you need to change the axles, stubs, differential, carrier cover, driveshaft and wheel studs.

$499.00 GTO Differential Cover
$899.95 GTO Driveshaft
$999.90 GTO CV Shafts
$999.90 GTO Axle Stubs
$950.00 Kaaz Differential
$ 40.00 ARP Wheel Studs
_____________________
$5,424.70 Total for the GTO hardware


$2,495.95 Moser 12 Bolt with Truetrac for a 2002 Camaro
$ 429.95 3.5" Aluminum Driveshaft for a 2002 Camaro
_____________________
$2,925.90 Total for the Camaro hardware

Note: The Moser 12 Bolt comes with new axles, differential and wheel studs.

------------------------------------------------
$2,498.80 Cost difference in favor of the Camaro
------------------------------------------------

Drive a Mustang and save even more money!


what kind of parts are expensive on the gtos?

what about just normal stock parts? all id be changing on the car would prolly be exhaust, headers, cai, and a tune.

Are the backseats larger than F-Bodies? How is the l76 motor?

A.) lol man you need to find someone with a GTO and and get in the back seat - there is no comparison to POS fbody back seats. They are very comfortable and roomy, once you get back there. :D

B.) :lock: LS1/2 only...

High 12's can be had stock with the LS2.

A tune and DR's will get you in the mid twelves. A convertor if auot will get you in the low 12's with tune and DR's.

Largest size that will fit is 275 40 17.

A tune and DR's will get you in the mid twelves


Whaaat? You sure about that one? :devil:

i don like the fact that you can't get very wide tires the widest you can get is like 9" 9.5" but i love my goat..wouldnt trade it for nothing

How is the l76 motor?

:confused: 04' - LS1 and 05/06' - LS2

i keep hearing how expensive it is for parts and its scaring me away from getting one and the insurance is gonna be $2300 a year

question was asked about widest tires. i have 285 Firestone Firehawk Wide Ovals in the back on 9" "stock" (widened an inch) wheels. i get no rubbing even tho lowered and can go all the way to the bump stops. i like my '04 because besides the fact i got to drive close to a year longer i for one like the sleeper looks without the boy racer scoops and stuff. the LS1 TB is cable driven (FTW) and the LS1 can easily be made to keep up with or pass the LS2. we're only talking 18 cubes here

question was asked about widest tires. i have 285 Firestone Firehawk Wide Ovals in the back on 9" "stock" (widened an inch) wheels. i get no rubbing even tho lowered and can go all the way to the bump stops. i like my '04 because besides the fact i got to drive close to a year longer i for one like the sleeper looks without the boy racer scoops and stuff. the LS1 TB is cable driven (FTW) and the LS1 can easily be made to keep up with or pass the LS2. we're only talking 18 cubes here

yep yep

I ran 12.9 with headers only on an 04 M6 with DR's

Buddy ran 12.8 with headers only on auto LS2 05 GTO with DR's now hes knockin on the door of 11's with 3600 stall and cam
were not pro divers either
12's is easy to get to really esp in ls2 05/06

i keep hearing how expensive it is for parts and its scaring me away from getting one and the insurance is gonna be $2300 a year

Insurance is going to be high on any sports car im not even paying that much on insurance for my goat im paying 165/month...

i just turned 24 and that was just a quick quote with geico on the internet

Dont mean to hijack, but how does it handle comparted to an F-body?

Dont mean to hijack, but how does it handle comparted to an F-body?

Better :D

I think better but a gto is independent rear suspsion vs a f-body stright axle

if all you want is a catback, cai, headers and tune the parts are no more expensive than an f-body. the most expensive part would be the exhaust and you can get pacesetters for around 400 bucks.
I have owned f-bodies a vette some mustangs, and by far this car has the best build quality and interior of any car ive owned. Its a pleasure to drive.

i keep hearing that stock parts are expensive to replace. is this true?

what do you think you would need to replace?

oh i dont know. im just talking about regular maintance and the normal replacement stuff. is any of it cost more than normal?

no, not really. Regular maintenance is just like any other 6.0. and for other replacement parts, its kinda hard to find a f****d up gto. most of them are nice low mile cars

yea im trying to find one with under 35k miles. if i were to put 3.73's in it would it cost the same as a fbody?

so are you going to get a f-body or a gto??????

wanting to find a gto...already had a fbody

Whaaat? You sure about that one? :devil:

Yes. Cause I did it with mine. And a others have done it too.

Too many misinformed people out there.

I just went from a 98 TA M6 to an 04 GTO M6 as my daily driver.

The GTO is easily faster, rides better, much more comfortable, better build quality etc.

Its not as flashy, but its definitely a "nicer" car.

There are a couple little things that GTOs will need as soon as you get them... rear springs and front radius rod bushings. The two together cost around $400. The rear springs sag from the factory and make the tires wear wierd because of excess camber. The front radius rod bushings let the front end move around and also cause wierd tire wear.

Mine is an 04 with 34k miles on it, and after i replaced those two items im very happy with it. No regrets at all.

I just went from a 98 TA M6 to an 04 GTO M6 as my daily driver.

The GTO is easily faster, rides better, much more comfortable, better build quality etc.

Its not as flashy, but its definitely a "nicer" car.

There are a couple little things that GTOs will need as soon as you get them... rear springs and front radius rod bushings. The two together cost around $400. The rear springs sag from the factory and make the tires wear wierd because of excess camber. The front radius rod bushings let the front end move around and also cause wierd tire wear.

Mine is an 04 with 34k miles on it, and after i replaced those two items im very happy with it. No regrets at all.

Agree with ya another cheaper way to raise rear is drag bags keep them at low psi and it will raise the rear end a bit (more with more psi) and help with wheel hop and traction...best of both worlds really. I have a airlift kit thats not really "drag bags" but does the same thing and u dont have to modify the rear springs. You just put the bags in the springs, run a few air lines, and fill to the pressure you want :D got the kit for under $100 shipped to my door i think it was $79?

Yes. Cause I did it with mine. And a others have done it too.

Too many misinformed people out there.

Yea impressive. These cars are clearly faster than people let on. I think there was too much emphasis on the weight issue early on and it stuck...

By far the best GM interior out there!

GTO's are not light. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. There are guys that made them fly but they have broken some parts along the way. Most newer cars are heavy though. The new Camaro is really a pig.

im just looking for mids 12's. nothing to serious

buy a old vette. they are cheap now.

GTO's are not light. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. There are guys that made them fly but they have broken some parts along the way. Most newer cars are heavy though. The new Camaro is really a pig.

We scaled my 98 SS and my friends GTO on some nice Billet circle track scales..and the GTO was only slightly heavier...I think around 100lbs or so maybe thats not as bad as people make out...

In fact my friends low option 01 Z28 Hardtop weighs more than the GTO thanks to an iron 6.0, Procharger, and 4L80E....

Point being...they should NOT be dismissed due to weight.... find another reason...

with just DR many GTO drivers have broken into the high 12s. with full exhaust and ever a canned predator tune, you should be able to hit mid 12s..

We scaled my 98 SS and my friends GTO on some nice Billet circle track scales..and the GTO was only slightly heavier...I think around 100lbs or so maybe thats not as bad as people make out...



The difference is greater than you think.

I used the same CAT scale at the same truck stop to weigh both my 2002 Z28 and 2006 GTO.

The 2002 Z28 has the 4L60E and is a no-options (1SC) car. During the time it was weighed (5/26/05), the only modifications were a rear-end girdle and a trans-cooler. There was only a quarter tank of fuel in the car. Without me and my personal belongings, the car weighed

3,395 lbs.

Check out my full post on it:

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/drag-racing-tech/327790-i-finally-got-my-stripped-down-1sc-02-z28-weighed.html

The 2006 GTO has the 6-speed manual and the factory 18 inch wheels. During the time it was weighed (10/1/06), the entire suspension system was upgraded to the Pedders' Justice suspension package. There was only 2.12 gallons of fuel in the car. Without me and my personal belongings, the car weighed

3,686 lbs.

You can check out my entry in my Car Domain by clicking on my GTO link in my signature for more info. (I even had it re-weighed after getting the full exhaust upgraded. I actually saved 40+ lbs!)

The weight difference was 291 lbs. Keep in mind that I have a stripper Z28 with the A4. Also, if the GTO had an automatic transmission, then the weight difference would have been even greater.

The 2002 Z28 has the 4L60E and is a no-options (1SC) car. During the time it was weighed (5/26/05), the only modifications were a rear-end girdle and a trans-cooler. There was only a quarter tank of fuel in the car. Without me and my personal belongings, the car weighed

3,395 lbs.



Man I thought the 1SC cars where waaay lighter than loaded cars?

My 98SS A4 is a power everything, Leather, T-Top car... (I took out the AC, but it still has the tire/jack)

My weight with 3/4 tank of fuel was 3414 So my Loaded SS with 1/2 tank more fuel is only 19lbs heavier than a stripper car? Hell the weight of the fuel alone almost makes them even....

That doesnt seem right to me?... But I know others have weighed 34XX with cars like mine... did you have sandbags in there? LOL

We scaled my 98 SS and my friends GTO on some nice Billet circle track scales..and the GTO was only slightly heavier...I think around 100lbs or so maybe thats not as bad as people make out...

In fact my friends low option 01 Z28 Hardtop weighs more than the GTO thanks to an iron 6.0, Procharger, and 4L80E....

Point being...they should NOT be dismissed due to weight.... find another reason...

I wasn't dismissing them for that. The OP asked for info. Heavy car + IRS= broken parts at higher HP levels. Hell the F-body isn't any better with the glass 10 bolt and their wieght. It is something that should be brought to the attention of a guy that might not realize that. :chug:

I wasn't dismissing them for that. The OP asked for info. Heavy car + IRS= broken parts at higher HP levels. Hell the F-body isn't any better with the glass 10 bolt and their wieght. It is something that should be brought to the attention of a guy that might not realize that. :chug:

Oh I know... wasnt directed at you. Just people who say "oh well they are too heavy Ill get something else" and thats their only reason..

Man I thought the 1SC cars where waaay lighter than loaded cars?

My 98SS A4 is a power everything, Leather, T-Top car... (I took out the AC, but it still has the tire/jack)

My weight with 3/4 tank of fuel was 3414 So my Loaded SS with 1/2 tank more fuel is only 19lbs heavier than a stripper car? Hell the weight of the fuel alone almost makes them even....

That doesnt seem right to me?... But I know others have weighed 34XX with cars like mine... did you have sandbags in there? LOL

Well, both the GTO and the Z28 were weighed on the same exact scale at the same exact location.

We could only correctly compare our f-body weights if we used the same exact scale at the same exact location. Otherwise, we don't really know what f-body weight is correct if you used a scale that's different from mine. We would be comparing apples to oranges.

Well, both the GTO and the Z28 were weighed on the same exact scale at the same exact location.

We could only correctly compare our f-body weights if we used the same exact scale at the same exact location. Otherwise, we don't really know what f-body weight is correct if you used a scale that's different from mine. We would be comparing apples to oranges.

Well mine was weighed on a high dollar set of billet racing scales so I am pretty sure they were right... and like I say, I have seen a few cars like mine weigh in close...

I wonder if you may be lighter than you think even?...That'd be sweet huh?

I twin turbo'd my goat and last week came off the scales @ 3620lb... with a spare in the trunk and cleaning supplies @ half a tank of gas. I was shocked! I should be able to get down to 3500lb for race day. I hate the limited space for tire too. Otherwise I love this car

I'm curious though, how far in hp/tq can I go on the stock diff !?

Everytime I look at GTO's and mods, anything over 550hp on stock parts is starting to push it.

Everytime I look at GTO's and mods, anything over 550hp on stock parts is starting to push it.

Why is 550hp pushing it on only a GTO? You think an Fbody is any less stressed at those levels?

if i recall correctly its the rods/pins that are the 1st weak links in these motors .. the weight in GTO's might play a part in this equation as well ....

if i recall correctly its the rods/pins that are the 1st weak links in these motors .. the weight in GTO's might play a part in this equation as well ....

The motors are identical to those in the 01-02 Fbodys.

If your looking for mid 12's with an auto goat, just go with a larger stall and full exhaust (headers, mid-pipes, cat back) plus a tune. You will get there easy.

I did it with my LS2 goat.

im very interested in getting a GTO. im just looking for some information from some people that have owned them or do own one. im lookin at a 05-06 model with the 6.0. thanks

I'll sell you mine for 18,500. 2006 Spice Red M6 with just over 20 K on her. Car is perfect 10 out of 10 interior/exterior plus it has already been dyno tuned and runs high 12's

Do not buy a GTO...that way they will be cheaper when I buy my 2nd one. I've got 98,000 miles on my 06, so I'm going to need a new one in a couple years.

And I still have a DD :D

Gerry

Do not buy a GTO...that way they will be cheaper when I buy my 2nd one. I've got 98,000 miles on my 06, so I'm going to need a new one in a couple years.

And I still have a DD :D

Gerry

I like the way you drive your car. No matter what car it is, in the end, it's simply a tool. Unless they bought the car through a lease, I never understood why people would want to keep their cars low mileage. I guess they think that they'll live long enough to actually see their cars appreciate in value, if at all? Stupid people. I drive both of my cars as much as possible and encourage my little brother to drive the car that I'm not driving as much as possible, because cars are tools. Period.

If you get a a4 get 3.73's if you get a m6 then get the 3.91's.
And the backseats are the most comfortable backseats Ive ever sat in lol
I like the gto a lot more than the f body but the wieght does make a difference!
but you can get down to f body wieght pretty easy...im workin on that right now!

Cheap and rare....what more do you what? well worth it!!

I like the way you drive your car. No matter what car it is, in the end, it's simply a tool. Unless they bought the car through a lease, I never understood why people would want to keep their cars low mileage. I guess they think that they'll live long enough to actually see their cars appreciate in value, if at all? Stupid people. I drive both of my cars as much as possible and encourage my little brother to drive the car that I'm not driving as much as possible, because cars are tools. Period.

I just like driving my WS6 more... It has 137K on it as opposed to when I bought it 4 years ago and it had 40K on it. I only drive the Goat on long trips where the WS6 is uncomfortable. Cars are meant to be enjoyed not stuck in a garage. I agree with you 100%.

I broke 5 10 bolts with a bolt on 6 Speed camaro. finally save dup enough for a 12 bolt.
the 10 bolts are not very good when you put them on the track.

GTOs are IRS....no 10 bolt

The good- Interior is really comfortable.

The bad- They look like Cavaliers from the side.

yea im looking into it for the extra room. id just like to get it to run mid 12's. shouldnt be that hard. just a few boltons

You'll love the interior upgrade and quality of the GTO over the F-body.

Just make sure you get the 6.0. Low 12s are easy street to achieve in the 6.0s and really GTOs in general. As a platform I don't think their superior when it comes to the drag stip against F-Bodies, but overall, their interior quality, overall build quality and handling are superior.

Your first mod should be to get rid of that uglyass spoiler :)

As far as the power handling ability of the LS2, there are PLENTY of people running 10's on a factory short block. One of the guys here in town as a 50K + mile '05 H/C/I car running mids 10's on spray, and drives it all the time. If you want a drag car, get an A4. If you really want to have fun with the car, get the M6. Just be prepared to spend some money on suspension mods and a clutch. 12's are REALLY easy in these cars, and you can still get good gas mileage for a DD. I average about 18mpg driving to and from work, and 23-25mpg on highway trips. Some guys are doing even better. Also, it is possible to make 400rwhp with a bolt-on only car. Not too many F-bodies doing that.

so did you get a gto or what? im trying to decide on getting an ls2 or another ls1 camaro firebird

High 12's can be had stock with the LS2.

A tune and DR's will get you in the mid twelves. A convertor if auot will get you in the low 12's with tune and DR's.

Largest size that will fit is 275 40 17.

LOL
i want some of whatever you are smoking!

LOL
i want some of whatever you are smoking!

:eyes:

Everything he said is true...

The only thing iffy is the tires, those will probably rob without rolling, but big deal...

gto's are heavy , i like everything else

Buy an F-body to run 315 drag radials and drive on sunny days. Buy a GTO for a driver; it even works pretty well in the snow on Blizzaks. You won't regret it. I have both cars running about the same setup. The GTO feels a little more 'refined' but the Z is a little easier to work on.

LOL
i want some of whatever you are smoking!

Get a clue douche bag and STFU.

I've been able to run low 12's with minimal mods during hot weather months.

This may have already been covered. But, if I was going to get a Goat I'd already have planned to do that front end rebuilt kit to cure the slop from factory. As I understand it, the mileage doesn't matter as it pretty much effects any/all Goats.

The only thing iffy is the tires, those will probably rob without rolling, but big deal...

Most don't rub with the Nitto 275's. Mine didn't. Some have, but I think they had too much in the trunk or weak springs.

BFG's and MT 275's will rub. You'll either need springs or bags to keep from rubbing. Some will roll the fenders.

Most don't rub with the Nitto 275's. Mine didn't. Some have, but I think they had too much in the trunk or weak springs.

BFG's and MT 275's will rub. You'll either need springs or bags to keep from rubbing. Some will roll the fenders.

Yes, we have 275 BFG KD2's out back and they would sometimes rub until we had just a tiny bit of the lip cut and all has been well. BTW car has a cradle alignment and Pedders 5/16" drag springs as well which also play important roles.

I've owned 2 f-bodies and drive the GTO alot and the GTO is a much nicer car. Only downside is the garbage suspension from the factory. Worn out rear shocks and springs and issues with strut rub upfront and the extreme slop in the front suspension. Figure a decent amount of dough to fix any issues you may have. I think we have spent about $3k+ fixing the suspension issues we had plus adding some extras to really finish everything off and that's on a car with only 26,000 miles. Overall though it's worth it IMO, they are great cars!

Most don't rub with the Nitto 275's. Mine didn't. Some have, but I think they had too much in the trunk or weak springs.

BFG's and MT 275's will rub. You'll either need springs or bags to keep from rubbing. Some will roll the fenders.

Happen to have a sound clip of your car? Been thinking about adding some LT's and an X-Pipe and keeping the stock mufflers since it's a DD.

Get a clue douche bag and STFU.

I've been able to run low 12's with minimal mods during hot weather months.

Are you considering a cam as a "bolt-on" ???

I can see a LS2 running mid 12's with bolt-ons...but not in hot weather...

I ran a 13.345 @ 106mph in my unmodded '04 M6... It still had the yellow factory paper filter and factory exhaust....

So I would hope a car that has 50 more horse from the factory would be able to run less than a second faster AFTER some power unleasing mods...

Tunes make a HUGE difference, even in stock-lightly modded GTO's. The factory tune is very conservative and auto's have horrible torque management.

Most don't rub with the Nitto 275's. Mine didn't. Some have, but I think they had too much in the trunk or weak springs.

BFG's and MT 275's will rub. You'll either need springs or bags to keep from rubbing. Some will roll the fenders.

I have 275's out back and they are Nitto's... And my car has factory sagging 65k springs on it...no issues at all with mine...

I have stock suspension and my 275's dont rub!