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Pontiac GTO

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Comments

  • whatsachevywhatsachevy Member Posts: 136
    No way can 100 mph = 1700 rpm if 80 mph = 2000? If we ever get rid of this rain and snow, I'll see what it really is. I'm guessing 2500?

    I agree with the need for a little shorter throws when shifting when you're really gettin' on it. I was still able to beat an F150 SVT. Every time I shifted he would close a little, but once in 4th, it was all over. He actually followed me to Wal-Mart. He got out with this puzzled look on his face. It was hilarious. "I haven't seen one of those yet." "So that's the new GTO?" "Are you runnin' nitro?" I said, "nope, Quik Trip 91 octane". "How many pounds of boost are you pushin'?" When I told him none, it was naturally aspirated, he wouldn't believe me until I lifted the hood. Maybe he isn't used to reading what's in front of him. I guess Pontiac 6.0 didn't register with him. His SVT was fast, just not fast enough. I'm sure he's used to smokin' GT's, just not GTO's!
  • sputterguysputterguy Member Posts: 383
    I just took an '06 for a ride and it sure smelled like a new car.
  • sputterguysputterguy Member Posts: 383
    Sorry dude. I musta been asleep at the wheel. I meant 100mph=2700rpms.
  • midwesttradermidwesttrader Member Posts: 291
    From another forum:

    Total retail November sales for GTO = 770, 27% increase over October, 31% less than last November.

    Grounded stock = 2,568 or 108 days supply, 87% 2005 models or 360 2006's on ground, next ship due in on 12/15 with 350 units, then 12/26 with 700 units.
  • xkssxkss Member Posts: 722
    2005

    image

    Darkened rear tail lamps for 2006

    image
  • mick1mick1 Member Posts: 84
    My radio presets retain the station but not the equalization. I called Pontiac customer service who only read back page 3-45 from the owners manual and said it doesn't do that. the manual says tune to the station, set the equalization and hold the preset button till it beeps. If I set five buttons to rock, then the sixth to jazz they all change to jazz. Anybody else have this problem.
  • whatsachevywhatsachevy Member Posts: 136
    Even though the manual says the EQ will be kept for the presets, it doesn't work on my '05. I've also tried EQ off and manual settings for bass and trebel, same thing.

    xkss, nice pics of the '05 and '06. I bet I could buy the dark colored taillamp lens with the $2K cash back and still have money left over.

    I'm happy to be 1 of the 770 November retail sales. 507 miles of total satisfaction (outside of a minor dash rattle which can wait until my free first oil change). I guess I can go faster than 55 mph now (ha! ha!). Oh well, I've always said break 'em in how you normally drive 'em - and this one wasn't made to drive 55. Heck, my wife had it over 100 in 4th gear before it had 100 miles on it. Like Sammy Hagar said, "at 55, I can't even get my car out of 2nd gear".

    If anyone is even thinking about one of these, don't wait any longer, go take a test drive and make sure you take your check book with you.
  • meathead88meathead88 Member Posts: 4
    Hello, My 12k '04 has some sort of stearing issue that 2 dealers have been unable to rectify.

    The car seems to follow any grooves in the road and is especially bad on uneven road surfaces like beat up black top. It takes more force to the steering wheel than it should and constant adjustments to keep the car going straight. I just bought 4 new Perrelli PZeros but the issue remains.

    Sometimes I feel the car wants to go a diferent direction than I do..

    I've been assured the alignement is perfect....

    Any ideas? With the holdiay season upon us, its impossible to drive this car even after one drink for fear of getting pulled over for swerving... ;)
  • white6white6 Member Posts: 588
    Probably caused by the front strut rod bushings. Mine were shot after one hard stop. They are fluid filled and, evidently, are quite fragile. Static alignment won't find this problem. If the bushings have been "blown" they are so squishy that while just driving down the road they will allow toe-out of the front tires. Not only does this mess up tracking, it will wear out the inside edges of the tires pretty quick. I have ordered aftermarket bushings to fix mine, as I'm sure the dealer wouldn't be able to "duplicate the problem." Pretty bad that I have to spend money out of my pocket to fix what is a defect, but I like this car that much...
  • meathead88meathead88 Member Posts: 4
    white6,

    Thanks for the reponse. Is there a way to test/see that it is the Bushings? This seems to make sense, but if I put it up on the rack, is there something that will tip me off the bushings are shot?

    What bushings did you go with?
  • eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    i wonder if that bushings problem could be related to the crunching sound i get from the left front suspension on some low speed stops & once today on a turn without the brake engaged - after not having driven the car for 6 weeks. i'll have dealer check that crunching during the next snowstorm...
    in other news, i verified today what is not a surprise to anyone: the stock 17s are DOWNRIGHT HAZARDOUS on snow, such as hard-packed snow from a tiny snowstorm.
    ... local tire shop has blizzak WS50s on the way...
  • meathead88meathead88 Member Posts: 4
    Well I'm putting mine up on the rack tomorrow to get a good look. I'll let you know and maybe post some picks of what I find.
  • white6white6 Member Posts: 588
    Don't know for sure how you would tell, short of witnessing them actually leaking fluid dripping on the garage floor (like I did). Where's our resident expert? Bueller.... Bueller???
  • axiomloveraxiomlover Member Posts: 216
    Just read a copy of Speed magazine, issued by Road&Track. They evaluated 8 stock cars for their drifting abilities, ease of completing a drift course, the angles, speeds, etc. All 8 cars were RWD and stick-shifts and were evaluated independently by two drivers. I was surprised at the results. Here they are from worst to best:

    8. Acura NSX
    7. Mazda Miata (new body)
    6. Dodge Viper
    5. Ford Mustang GT
    4. Porsche Carrera 911
    3. Nissan 350 Z
    2. Pontiac GTO
    1. BMW M3

    Good going GTO!
  • eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    any of you annoyed by the way the gas cap hangs against the side of the car when refueling, with no room to put the cap next to the filler neck? it hasn't scuffed the finish yet, but it just sort of annoys me. anyone got any ideas on anything else to do with the gas cap while refueling?
  • tolenashtolenash Member Posts: 52
    It did annoy me - I clipped the pastic leash w/ wire cutters and do what I used to - put it on the gas pump...

    I did the same thing on my old 96 grand am - but that fuel door had a little grippie thing to hold it.
  • eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    thanks tolenash. i considered cutting the gas cap leash too, but sooner or later i'd surely leave the cap on top of the pump. a fuel door grippy thing would be very nice - seems like that might be a cool aftermarket add-on, maybe someone makes sort of stick-on grippy thing.
  • white6white6 Member Posts: 588
    I just turn mine 90 degrees and it fits right in to the left of the filler spout...
  • mick1mick1 Member Posts: 84
    anybody had a water leak where it's soaking wet in the back floor and a little wet under the floor mat both on the driver's side. I had the door panel water shield replaced and it may have not totally solved the problem as there is still a slight wetness in the driver's floor carpeting around the rubber foot pad. And some of you guys are upset about the gas cap.
  • eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    hi Mick - who is upset about the gas cap!? it just goes to show how great the car is if "gas cap" is one of my few complaints...

    but a wet back floor sure would tick me off due to the smell/mold/etc!

    white6, thanks, i will keep trying to fit the cap in there. (i was lousy with rubiks cubes too.)
  • meathead88meathead88 Member Posts: 4
    Yeah, we had it up and stared at the front end for about and hour but couldn't find anything that looked odd.
    The only thing we noticed was that it was possible to move the wheel slightly by hand and watch the bushings compress slightly. We thought the bushings would be harder than that.

    Should any movement be possible by just pull/pushing on the wheel by hand?
  • white6white6 Member Posts: 588
    I wouldn't think so. You can see how, if you can move it by hand, a 3700 lb car could easily deform these bushings enough to screw up the toe. Got my Noltec bushings on Friday and I'll be installing today or tomorrow. Folks say the steering accuracy and consistency is significantly improved with these Aussie aftermarket bushings. They come with several additional washers, so you can tune the caster in .5 degree increments. They report no increased harshness or other detrimental effect. I'll report back after a test drive.
    On another note, I installed my "unholy" trunk lid yesterday. Purchased a phantom black trunk lid from a salvage yard and had the spoiler holes welded up and re-painted. Now the tail of my car looks finished (no more holes with plugs!). Car looks so aerodynamic and more sophisticated without the "wing." Just my opinion, of course, lots of folks like the looks of the spoiler. I just feel like this should have been optional....
  • foxbabefoxbabe Member Posts: 2
    okay my boyfriend has a 04 gto and for xmas i was going to get him a ton of stuff to clean his car inside and out... now i have no idea what brand is good for a gto because of the suade inside so could you guys possibly help me out seeing most of you are owners??
    thanks
  • hammen2hammen2 Member Posts: 1,284
    http://www.zainostore.com would be my recommendation - if you have the scratch, buy the ZKIT-2, which contains the leather cleaner and conditioner, as well as the tire gloss. I actually prefer a Meguiars product for tire gloss, but use the Zaino tire gloss on the non-Alcantera (suede) portions of the interior (which I would leave alone). Looks awesome. Be aware that I used up a whole bottle of leather conditioner on my seats in the first month or so... the leather is very dry (I've joked that it's Kangaroo leather, not cow, coming from Oz :-)

    --Robert
  • hammen2hammen2 Member Posts: 1,284
    I bought a box of 5-6 small white plastic hooks (adhesive-backed) at a department store. Painted one purple. It's on the arm of the gas door, and I hook the cable on it... and if it comes off, I still have 4-5 more left :-)

    --Robert
  • hammen2hammen2 Member Posts: 1,284
    There have been a few water leak GTO's on the "other" GTO site. A couple have become buybacks/lemon law, others have persisted (with the help of good service folks) and figured out the issues with plugged drain holes, or improper seals.

    Google for "Pontiac GTO" "water leak" LS1 GTO and see what you get...

    --Robert
  • foxbabefoxbabe Member Posts: 2
    no scratches.. its brand new.. never touched...i know its weird bc its an 04
    sooo i should prob get him some conditioner then cause i dont think hes touched it haha... its actually put away for the winter and out of the sun so she'll be okay for a lil while...
    thanks for the suggestions :o)
  • hammen2hammen2 Member Posts: 1,284
    You would be amazed at the amount of crud on a "new" car. I clayed my then-new GTO this spring when it came out of storage, and the yellow clay bar had all kinds of black/brown crud in it.

    What color is your boyfriend's GTO? If it's any dark color I bet there are swirls (you'd need to look under a flourescent light and I'd bet that you will see them). You may have less issues with a lighter-colored car (I only see the swirls on my wife's white Envoy if I look for them - on my black Aurora or purple GTO, they are all too evident without using the Zaino products).

    I use the leather cleaner and conditioner on the seats, and the tire gloss on the other plastic surfaces inside the car. There are kits, from Italy, for taking care of the Alcantara - Google for "Alcantara care kit" and see what you get. I use Sprayway glass cleaner - the Zaino stuff is abrasive and good for using on an older car (like my '98 Aurora), but it's probably not needed on a newer car...

    --Robert
  • hammen2hammen2 Member Posts: 1,284
    Just a question... how much did the Noltec bushings cost you? I saw on the "other site" that there was a Group Purchase being attempted for the Pedders... but never saw pricing.

    Did you ever get your driveline vibration issue resolved?

    --Robert
  • hammen2hammen2 Member Posts: 1,284
    Someone asked for pics of these awhile ago. Sorry, reorg at work, and I'm busier than ever (but that's a good thing... more mod money for my GTO :-):

    None of these are my car, but the purple one looks just like mine (except for the VZ Monaro wheels and the "Supercharged" badge on it :-)

    image
    image
    image
  • mparis1mparis1 Member Posts: 107
    had [2] oil changes on my 2005 cyclone grey goat.....luv the car...asked service manager if he reset computer...said yes,,,,,,at 5,050 miles SERVICE OIL MESSAGE COMES ON COMPUTER..... checked oil....clean/full.
    cannot stop message from coming on every time I start car... followed instructionsin booklet...cannot get rid of message.....PLEASE ADVISE :confuse:
  • tolenashtolenash Member Posts: 52
    If I remember right - the maunal says to put the pedal to the floor 2 times in 5 seconds - its actually 3 times.
  • white6white6 Member Posts: 588
    Paid $177.76 with shipping from Midwest Performance. Their website lists a higher price, but after I ordered online, he called and, after I mentioned seeing them on the "other website," he gave me the lower price shown there (discount for members of the "other site"). I'm picking up a 24mm deep socket today for installation.
    And, no, I have not resolved my vibration issue. What is really strange is that it is non-existant when the outside temperature is below 40 degrees. Idle is fine. As ambient temperatures rise from there, it gets progressively worse. I drove a new 05 A4 and it had the exact same issue, so I really think it's an inherant flaw in the programming. I suspect the more radical cam profile, as that is the only significant difference in this engine and the one in my 01 A4 Formula Firebird (that idled absolutely fine). I may try having a custom tune done to see if something can be adjusted in the idle programming. Seems to me that colder air is denser, so I'm thinking that maybe the computer, for whatever reason, isn't leaning out the mixture properly as the ambient temps rise. A simple exhaust sniff could tell me alot. I'll have to wait till next summer (and warmer temps) to find out.
  • hammen2hammen2 Member Posts: 1,284
    I haven't noticed the driveline vibration on my A4 that you are experiencing. Then again, I'm running the stock Predator tune (had DiabloSport re-flash the unit last May or June). If you really think it might be a tuning issue, I'd consider, when it gets warmer, disconnecting your battery for an hour or two, and letting the PCM reset/relearn, and see if it makes a difference. If no, perhaps picking up a Predator (if used, make sure it's updated) and trying the stock tune, and seeing if it's different. May also want to talk to a tuner like RWTD...

    --Robert
  • eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    thanks hammen2inator! i'll get me some of them adhesive hooks and will give that a try except for the purple. also i think i figured out why some folks notice a prob with putting gas cap next to filler neck and others do not. it's because different states/EPA-regions have different vapor recovery requirements & hardware. the kind with the rubber springy thing cannot seat on the filler opening if the gas cap is next to the filler opening. ok then...
    in other news, for 7 days after the 6 week rest for the car there was no front crunching noise. it happened once today - reminding me that it sometimes happen as i gas it from a stop , just after i release the brake. seems related to brake for sure.
    also clutch has substantial clicky/sticky at the bottom of travel about 53.1228819% of the time. my 89 IRAQ-Z had this symptom before clutch slave cylinder failed catastrophically *in the dealer's parking lot* as i was about to drop off the car for the problem at about 50k miles.
    a reminder to folks driving in arctic temperatures - check those tire pressures! also it's the perfect time to use 87 octane - it either has no effect on power/torque at all, or at least no effect on *usable* power/torque.
  • white6white6 Member Posts: 588
    I'm actually running a "semi-custom" Predator tune right now. Idle problem remains unchanged, with or without Predator tune. I have done the whole idle re-learn procedure as spelled out by GM (quite a long process) with no improvement. I have conversed a bit with RWTD, but they are now ignoring my e-mails. I guess I should try to call John on the phone...
  • rob999rob999 Member Posts: 233
    Owners: What kind of "real world" highway gas mileage (MPG) can you get with the 6-speed, cruising at a constant 70-75 or so?
  • sportgtosportgto Member Posts: 14
    23-25 MPG AT 70-75 MPH,
  • preformancenutpreformancenut Member Posts: 22
    Does anybody know where I can buy some heavy duty half shafts? I am looking at putting some very sticky street legal M/T tires on my 05 and I doubt the stock shafts will hold up very long.
    I read somewhere that the stock driveshaft will hold up to 450 RWHP but they did not say what the half shafts would take.
  • hammen2hammen2 Member Posts: 1,284
    Driveline parts for a GTO? You want to be talking to the folks at BMR Fabrication:

    http://www.bmrfabrication.com/GTO.htm

    Disclaimer: I've no relation to the company, never bought anything from them, yadda yadda yadda.

    I miss my car! 3 weeks asleep for winter, at least 14 more to go :-(
    But, when I look at all of the salt and crud on my (used to be black, now is mostly white) Aurora, I know it's in a better place (heated storage facility, surrounded by 3 C5 'Vettes).

    -Robert
  • whatsachevywhatsachevy Member Posts: 136
    It has finally warmed up enough and the snow has all melted to warrant a Christmas shopping trip in the GTO. I actually got two bean bags and a few other things in one trip (one bean bag in the trunk, the other riding shotgun). Hopefully, it stays warm enough to put a few more miles in the next few weeks. I can't believe I miss driving a car so much.

    BTW, actual rpm for 6-speed '05 with 17" wheels:
    90 mph = 2250
    100 mph = 2500
    110 mph = 2750
    120 mph = ??? (My new Christmas present (Escort SOLO 2) said whoa!!!). It's really amazing, but 100 mph feels about like 60.

    Still waiting for the second fill-up. First tank averaged 18.9 with mixed city and highway driving (and this was the dealer fill-up, so I don't know exactly how full it was). It will be very difficult to get a true reading of what this car could actually get with sensible driving habits (400 hp and 400 lb/ft of torque is just too tempting).

    My first mod will be on order shortly - K&N cold air intake kit - supposed to get about 14 hp for $275. I figure that's about as cheap a horsepower gain as you can buy. The only other thing I might consider is a Magnaflow exhaust (but that's supposed to be only about 10 hp for $1000 plus installation). I don't think I need a supercharged 600 hp car (although I might change my mind when the 500 hp Mustangs come out).

    Merry Christmas and happy driving to all!
  • tmlynn0654tmlynn0654 Member Posts: 2
    The check oil warning indicator came on in my 2005 GTO after about 3500 miles. The dip stick was below the add mark. No leaks. The dealership says they haven't heard of any GTO's having a problem with burning oil. Has anyone else had this happen to them with their GTO?
  • hammen2hammen2 Member Posts: 1,284
    Yes, this problem has happened to a very small number '05's that I've read about (Google for "LS2 Oil Consumption". Have the dealership perform an oil consumption test on your car, and check the oil frequently/keep great documentation on changes, mileage, and oil levels.

    Here's a GM document on this issue:

    "Document ID#1409149 - 2005 Pontiac GTO
    "Excessive oil consumption, not due to leaks, is the use of 1 L (1qt) or more of engine oil within 3200 kilometers (2000 miles)"

    Hope this helps,

    --Robert
  • tmlynn0654tmlynn0654 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks Robert for the information. I googled but haven't been able to find any related information yet. Do you know how I can look at Document ID 1409149? Also, do you know what might be the cause of this problem and if it can be resolved? The dealership did mention performing the oil consumption test. They said Pontiac requires that it be done to show there is a problem before they will do anything to try to correct the problem.
  • hammen2hammen2 Member Posts: 1,284
    If you go to Google and search for, in quotes, "LS2 oil consumption", I guarantee that you will find a discussion about this (on a non-Edmunds site that I can't provide a direct link to, sorry).

    Re: looking at that document ID, need to find a GM dealer to display that.

    Yes, you pretty much need to have the dealership perform the oil consumption test before GM will do anything. I know in a couple of cases they've replaced motors. I have not read about this happening on a lot of cars, just a handful - so don't anyone think this is a chronic LS2 issue...

    --Robert
  • spdwy33spdwy33 Member Posts: 21
    Probably a dumb question here; but is there any way to change the color of the gagues?

    Really not a big fan of the color red - more partial to black and white. Any way to change the colors or order any optional colors?

    Any and all help is appreciated!
  • white6white6 Member Posts: 588
    Not any easy way. Best option is to buy a Midnight Blue Metallic car, since they come with silver-gray gauges. I purchased a silver-gray cluster off e-bay (these came in the pulse red 2004 "40th Anniversary" GTOs) and traded out that for the red cluster in my Phantom Black GTO. Looks SOOOOO much better, in my opintion. The silver gray gauges complement the silver trim nicely. However, that wasn't enough for me; I pulled out the red overlay, scanned it into my computer, cleaned it up and changed the typeface. Then had it output to a film positive (I'm in the graphics field); trimmed it out and backed it up with several layers of white frosted vinyl and installed. I'm pretty happy with it; my 46-year-old eyes can read the white-on-black, non-condensed font gauges much better.
    I'll try to post a picture...
    image
  • spdwy33spdwy33 Member Posts: 21
    Just what we want - but how would a 'poor dumb beancounter' get something that good!
  • white6white6 Member Posts: 588
    I wouldn't feel confident hacking up someone elses cluster. I've actually done a lot of stuff to my car (replacement trunk lid without spoiler, BMW wheels with custom-fit Pontiac centercaps, left foot dead pedal, 05 brake upgrade). When I don't like something, it just eats away at me until I do something about it.
    image
  • zingerzinger Member Posts: 61
    Nice Ride white6!

    Do tell what kind of rims?

    Trunk looks smooth as glass - how did you handle the removal and filling? New trunk lid, is that right?

    Why did you remove the badges?

    Any more pics?
This discussion has been closed.