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Old 05-25-2008, 08:40 AM   #21 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FlameofOsiris View Post

-Is the car as long as it looks in pictures?

-Should I get an automatic or manual transmission? I live in Queens so driving in traffic everyday is inevitable. Manual seems to be very complicated and I've never driven one, although my dad used to have a stick hatchback. Not really sure which one. I'm worried that I won't be able to get the hang of it, and as immature and stupid as this sounds, I can't really drive a “manual” car in video games, which I would think would be much simpler, considering the fact that there isn't even a clutch. I feel as though if you drive a sports car and it isn't a stick, people look down on you. I know I shouldn't worry about something so trivial, but it does linger in the back of my mind.

-As much as I like the way the LS2 GTOs look stock, I absolutely love the way this wide body kit looks:


I found a very similar kit here:
2004 - 2007 PONTIAC GTO PRO-DTM WIDE BODY KIT :: Full Kits :: Pontiac GTO 04 - 06 :: Pontiac GTO Body Kits :: Pontiac Body Kits :: American Body Kits :: Body Kits :: Bodykits.com - Car Body kits and Ground Effects - 1-877-7BODY-KITS
What do you guys thing of it? It's seems to be really expensive already, and I have no idea how much extra it would cost to have it painted and installed. Also, look at the grill on the GTO in the picture, and look at the grill on the body kit in that link. The link's body kit has the grill of a Monaro I believe. Also, what happened to Lingenfelter's “Revenge” GTO? I liked the way that kit looked as well, but can't find it anywhere.

-What are the best performance mods I could get for about $3,000? I'm looking at the Corsa Sport Exhaust, but I don't know what it does to the car besides make it sound really nice. Does it add any horsepower, and if so, how much? I've heard borlas, slp loudmouth Iis, and I liked the way the Corsa Sport sounded the most, although they all sounded good in their own ways. Is an exhaust system something that you could put on by yourself, or do you need some type of mechanic to do it?

-Should the stock suspension be changed, and is there a need to add sway bars or struts to improve handling and body rigidity?

-How did this person get his grill to be indented like this, it looks very good:
GTO pictures | Pontiac GTO Photos - GTOpics_with_rims_008 - Powered by PhotoPost
His car as a whole looks very clean and I really like it, as I do pretty much all GTO's. Out of curiosity, does anyone know what size rims those are? I wouldn't want them any bigger than that, for fear that it might start looking ricy, which is exactly what I don't want in a car.

-Has anyone heard of 360 forged rims? They look like they would be on the expensive side of the rim spectrum, but does anyone know how much they would cost specifically? The carbon fiber ones look absolutely amazing. Why are they 3 piece rims though? What does that mean? If these are ridiculously expensive, what are some nice 5-spoke rims to look at. I ask for 5-spoke because I can't really see anything else looking good on it.

-Is Top Gears review of the Holden Monaro an accurate representation of the GTO here in the US?

-Last but not least, where would I learn about the more “complex” parts of a car. I'm honestly now very good with terminology and it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable when I read this forum. For example: what is a cat or a cat converter. What are long pipes? What does it mean to get a full exhaust? Does that just mean that it actually connects to your engine, and isn't just a fart can? How does one begin to learn. I've tried searching individually for answers to questions like this, but how would I learn about how these parts work as a whole, and in conjunction with each other?

Thank you so much for taking the time to look at my thread, and for any answers or suggestions you might have for me. I really love the GTO and hope that getting one is plausible for me. Oh and are there any GTO meets in NYC or a neighboring area where I would be welcome? Sisters Scion tc and all? Haha. Thanks again.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlameofOsiris View Post
Hey I don't wanna be a **** or anything, but can someone address at least a couple of the questions I asked in my first post? I just want some answers and figured that posting a thread would be my best bet. Please guys haha.
Lets see....

1. Is the car as long as it looks in pictures?

It is not a boxy looking car, it's appropriately sized and sleek. The rear seats will accommodate someone 6'2 with leg room. Answer I'd say YES

2. Should I get an automatic or manual transmission?

Depends on your application. If you do a lot of city or stop and go driving then A4 may be a wise choice. You sate manual is complicated, and you never driven one. IMO learn to drive stick on a less powerful car then graduate up until you are comfortable in a manual in a car of this nature. Due to your inexperience on stick and you wanting this car I'd recommend automatic until someone teaches you how to drive manual. Learning in this car as a newbie you may end up as a statistic in roll over or not being able to negotiate this car. ANSWER....AUTO.

3. Body Kit?

RA6. Major $$ to have this car outfitted. You will need to feed the car with gas. You will quickly learn you'll need a separate bank account for gas. Unless you have lots of money to burn, then IMO.... Save up for it then gussy it up.
Do I like it....Yes, would I shell out the money..... NO WAY.

4. Mods?

Can't help you there as mine has none. A good tune, CAI will net you some gains.

5. Should the stock suspension be changed, and is there a need to add sway bars or struts to improve handling and body rigidity?

Why would you want to do this? If you are just driving on the street normal, why go through the expense if there is nothing wrong. Do you plan to race it, etc? If so then you may want to go that route. The car handles great in curves and I feel no body flexing. Now if I were racing it then I'd want every advantage I could get and adding what you want will help. Unless you are racing it, and there is nothing wrong, my answer is leave it alone.

6. Is this car a bad choice for a first car?

YES. Why? Your first car with 400HP, no experience, age, etc. etc is a recipe for disaster. Look at all the GTO's wrecked and a some of the drivers killed as a result of chances taken, misjudgments etc. Most are from what they thought was "skilled" drivers. If you think you will take this car and drive conservatively you are kidding yourself. As you progress in experience so does your risk factor. Your age, driving experience etc in this car bad choice. You need to hone your skills on a lesser car and graduate up, your chances of becoming a statistic in the wrong category is HIGH.

7. -How did this person get his grill to be indented like this, it looks very good

I am assuming you mean the grille inserts? They are SAP grille inserts. They are discontinued and you will have a hard time finding a set. If you do expect to pay though the nose for them. There are after market ones very similar to them for under 400.00.

8. Forged Rims:

Can't help you there.

9. Is Top Gears review of the Holden Monaro an accurate representation of the GTO here in the US?

I didn't read the review so I can't answer this question. If you read what the critics wrote about the car then you won't want one. I don't listen to most of them. If I listened to every movie critic who wrote an essay on a movie, then I'd never go to the movies. Your BEST critics are owners of the car, not some guy who is loaned one and paid to dissect the car. They are being paid to criticize not glamorize.

10. Last but not least, where would I learn about the more “complex” parts of a car. I'm honestly now very good with terminology and it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable when I read this forum.

Google is your friend. Type in questions and you will find answers there. Most words are abbreviated, a dictionary and thesaurus will help you understand terminology.

11. Oh and are there any GTO meets in NYC or a neighboring area where I would be welcome?

Again Google up GTO meets in NY I am sure enthusiasts will welcome you.

The GTOAA is having their International Convention is Saratoga Sprigs NY the week of July 13. If you really want to educate yourself on this car, I'd make it a point to come check it out. You will find answers to all your questions from owners who have no mods to guys who have modded to the hilt. Think of it as an educational experience. You will then get a better understanding of this car.
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Last edited by GTO JUDGE : 05-25-2008 at 08:54 AM.
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Old 05-25-2008, 11:53 AM   #22 (permalink)
 
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I agree completely with the Judge.

If you are serious about wanting a manual learn on something with far less HP. I taught my wife how to drive a stick in my beater that goes around town and to work. (89 Toyota Tercell EZ hatchback 4 spd man.) The problem is that she won't drive it regularly and thus doesn't have anywhere near the skill needed to handle the goat. I don't think I need to tell you that she doesn't drive it at all. She likes to tell people that she could if she really wanted to, but at her current level that aint happening.

What I am getting at is that you, in my opinion should start out with something in a manual transmission that has less power than a goat. With that said and looking back at your other post where you spell out the deal you have worked out with your dad. I think you are going to end up with a goat. So have fun and please becareful.

Afterthought: Go test drive a goat. Best way to know for sure.
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Old 05-26-2008, 05:34 PM   #23 (permalink)
 
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Thank you so much guys. I'm thinking of maybe getting a G35 instead as a first stick car. I'm sure the insurance is cheaper too.
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