Finally got around to test drive an 05 GTO - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

I've had the urge for a long time to test drive a GTO. I went to the dealer today and took out a yellow 05 6-speed. Fit and finish inside is nice, as is the look of the dash, radio, shifter, and seats. That 6.0L is torquey and pulls the 3800 lb. car rather well. Things I didn't like: Shifter is way too mushy, car feels heavy, can't heel and toe, and I couldn't fit my little size 8 foot too well between the clutch pedal and the dead pedal area. Even with the traction control turned off, it hooks up pretty well. 0-60 felt rather quick, brakes felt smooth, and the handling felt decent (for a test drive).

It really made me realize how much I've changed the Z28 over the years. The Z28 is a track car with all the suspension pieces, rod ends, etc. The Z28 does what I want it to do "right now", no mush, no wait. It's something I guess I'll have to get used to if I get another performance oriented "street car". After driving the GTO, I realized how nice of a mod that Hurst shifter was. I don't like sloppy shifters. If I bought the GTO, that would be the 1st thing to go....the shifter.

Well, I've got the 01 Z28 with 33k miles on it which is 99% track only, my truck is used for hauling things and the car to the track. I drive a 95 Honda Accord around as my daily driver (50 miles each way to work). I bought it 4 years ago for $3,500 with 140k miles. I've kept up on it in general, but it now has 210k miles, with a few problems developing. It needs a timing belt soon, at which time the leaky cam seal can be replaced. It also needs a tune-up (belts, wires, plugs, cap, rotor), struts and shocks. Other things to mention are the windows don't go up in their tracks well, a cracked header bolt which was replaced, warped the header slightly, so there is a slight leak (noisy at times). It also has roll up windows and manual locks which is kind of a pain on a 4dr. I also hate the fact that it is automatic!

Well, the GTO is not part of the GM deals anymore (neither is the Vette), so the thing is never going to be less than $30k. So now I'm back to looking for something cheap again. What is good in the $8k range that I can get stick and be able to haul a few people around? I'm thinking Honda Accord again?

Teutonic Speedra... Teutonic Speedracer View Member Profile	Aug 6 2005, 06:01 PM Post #1
LS1 Inside! / Toolbox / Mechanical Engineer Group: Advanced Members Posts: 2,215 Joined: 5-February 04 From: NJ Member No.: 179	I've had the urge for a long time to test drive a GTO. I went to the dealer today and took out a yellow 05 6-speed. Fit and finish inside is nice, as is the look of the dash, radio, shifter, and seats. That 6.0L is torquey and pulls the 3800 lb. car rather well. Things I didn't like: Shifter is way too mushy, car feels heavy, can't heel and toe, and I couldn't fit my little size 8 foot too well between the clutch pedal and the dead pedal area. Even with the traction control turned off, it hooks up pretty well. 0-60 felt rather quick, brakes felt smooth, and the handling felt decent (for a test drive). It really made me realize how much I've changed the Z28 over the years. The Z28 is a track car with all the suspension pieces, rod ends, etc. The Z28 does what I want it to do "right now", no mush, no wait. It's something I guess I'll have to get used to if I get another performance oriented "street car". After driving the GTO, I realized how nice of a mod that Hurst shifter was. I don't like sloppy shifters. If I bought the GTO, that would be the 1st thing to go....the shifter. Well, I've got the 01 Z28 with 33k miles on it which is 99% track only, my truck is used for hauling things and the car to the track. I drive a 95 Honda Accord around as my daily driver (50 miles each way to work). I bought it 4 years ago for $3,500 with 140k miles. I've kept up on it in general, but it now has 210k miles, with a few problems developing. It needs a timing belt soon, at which time the leaky cam seal can be replaced. It also needs a tune-up (belts, wires, plugs, cap, rotor), struts and shocks. Other things to mention are the windows don't go up in their tracks well, a cracked header bolt which was replaced, warped the header slightly, so there is a slight leak (noisy at times). It also has roll up windows and manual locks which is kind of a pain on a 4dr. I also hate the fact that it is automatic! Well, the GTO is not part of the GM deals anymore (neither is the Vette), so the thing is never going to be less than $30k. So now I'm back to looking for something cheap again. What is good in the $8k range that I can get stick and be able to haul a few people around? I'm thinking Honda Accord again?

rmackintosh View Member Profile	Aug 6 2005, 07:36 PM Post #2
Senior Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 5,226 Joined: 24-December 03 From: Danville, CA, USA Member No.: 27	...at least the Accord actually HAS a trunk..... I liked the GTO a LOT.....until I opened the trunk....a car THAT size, should have a damn trunk.... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)