Hey NoOp Patrick -- it's time to go GTO shopping!

I've got the bug and I've got the money and I'm getting me an '04, '05
or '06 GTO. I drove an '04 w/auto trans on Saturday and these things
are nice. Even the '04, with the 350 hp LS1 5.7 liter, will flatten
you to the seatback in first and second.

The differences between the '04 and the '05-'06, in addition to the
400 hp LS2 6.0 liter, are better brakes and stronger half shafts. But
all years have a minimum of 350 hp, IRS, 4-wheel discs, the best seats
ever in any Chevy, a Blaupunkt (?!) 8-speaker stereo with 6-disc CD,
and all the other typical luxury doodads. From what I can tell, 6-
speed Tremecs are about 4:1 as common as 4-spd autos.

Particularly the '05, and maybe all years, have crap bushings on the
Mac struts and on the various control arms, front and rear. The Mac
strut prob can cause extreme negative camber, causing catastrophic
rubbing damage to the inside edges of the front tires. Aftermarket
bushings are a common fix.

But the good news is the '04's are settling in around the high to mid
teens. The '05's are right around $20,000, and the '06's are $22,000
to $25,000.

One thing, though, it's hard to find a bone stock unit, and the
sellers sometimes want to charge more for a modded one. Still, for
example, I could pick up an '05 with 22000 miles and a Magnacharger
roots blower, 514 rwhp/498 rwtq, 28 highway mpg, for sale here in Cali
for $24,000. That's a purty good deal! I would have to add another
$20,000 to the $30,000 I already have in my '65 Mustang fb to get
close to as nice a car, and I would still fall way short.

180 Out

On Mar 25, 10:24 am, wrote:
> I've got the bug and I've got the money and I'm getting me an '04, '05
> or '06 GTO. I drove an '04 w/auto trans on Saturday and these things
> are nice. Even the '04, with the 350 hp LS1 5.7 liter, will flatten
> you to the seatback in first and second.
>
> The differences between the '04 and the '05-'06, in addition to the
> 400 hp LS2 6.0 liter, are better brakes and stronger half shafts. But
> all years have a minimum of 350 hp, IRS, 4-wheel discs, the best seats
> ever in any Chevy, a Blaupunkt (?!) 8-speaker stereo with 6-disc CD,
> and all the other typical luxury doodads. From what I can tell, 6-
> speed Tremecs are about 4:1 as common as 4-spd autos.
>
> Particularly the '05, and maybe all years, have crap bushings on the
> Mac struts and on the various control arms, front and rear. The Mac
> strut prob can cause extreme negative camber, causing catastrophic
> rubbing damage to the inside edges of the front tires. Aftermarket
> bushings are a common fix.
>
> But the good news is the '04's are settling in around the high to mid
> teens. The '05's are right around $20,000, and the '06's are $22,000
> to $25,000.
>
> One thing, though, it's hard to find a bone stock unit, and the
> sellers sometimes want to charge more for a modded one. Still, for
> example, I could pick up an '05 with 22000 miles and a Magnacharger
> roots blower, 514 rwhp/498 rwtq, 28 highway mpg, for sale here in Cali
> for $24,000. That's a purty good deal! I would have to add another
> $20,000 to the $30,000 I already have in my '65 Mustang fb to get
> close to as nice a car, and I would still fall way short.
>
> 180 Out

Man, I need an "edit" function like in the web based boards. Either
that or proofread prior to posting. So anyway, I meant to say "best
seats ever in any GM product," and that the '04 is most likely to have
bushing problems.

I also meant to mention that the GTO platform is the same one as the
Opel Omega model that became the Cadillac Catera.

Also to add that the day when an old school classic was the cheap way
to major high performance is well and truly dead.

180 Out

On Mar 25, 12:24 pm, wrote:

180,

I'm jealous! I loved my test drive in one. It was an auto and it
still r-o-c-k-e-d. With two other people on board, in thick humidity,
and heat it was still tossing the tail end around on gear changes.
Big fun!

I think you'd be wise to spend a little extra and get an '05-'06
model. I really like the copper color.

Patrick

> I've got the bug and I've got the money and I'm getting me an '04, '05
> or '06 GTO. I drove an '04 w/auto trans on Saturday and these things
> are nice. Even the '04, with the 350 hp LS1 5.7 liter, will flatten
> you to the seatback in first and second.
>
> The differences between the '04 and the '05-'06, in addition to the
> 400 hp LS2 6.0 liter, are better brakes and stronger half shafts. But
> all years have a minimum of 350 hp, IRS, 4-wheel discs, the best seats
> ever in any Chevy, a Blaupunkt (?!) 8-speaker stereo with 6-disc CD,
> and all the other typical luxury doodads. From what I can tell, 6-
> speed Tremecs are about 4:1 as common as 4-spd autos.
>
> Particularly the '05, and maybe all years, have crap bushings on the
> Mac struts and on the various control arms, front and rear. The Mac
> strut prob can cause extreme negative camber, causing catastrophic
> rubbing damage to the inside edges of the front tires. Aftermarket
> bushings are a common fix.
>
> But the good news is the '04's are settling in around the high to mid
> teens. The '05's are right around $20,000, and the '06's are $22,000
> to $25,000.
>
> One thing, though, it's hard to find a bone stock unit, and the
> sellers sometimes want to charge more for a modded one. Still, for
> example, I could pick up an '05 with 22000 miles and a Magnacharger
> roots blower, 514 rwhp/498 rwtq, 28 highway mpg, for sale here in Cali
> for $24,000. That's a purty good deal! I would have to add another
> $20,000 to the $30,000 I already have in my '65 Mustang fb to get
> close to as nice a car, and I would still fall way short.
>
> 180 Out

On Mar 25, 12:29 pm, wrote:
> On Mar 25, 10:24 am, wrote:
>
>
>
> > I've got the bug and I've got the money and I'm getting me an '04, '05
> > or '06 GTO. I drove an '04 w/auto trans on Saturday and these things
> > are nice. Even the '04, with the 350 hp LS1 5.7 liter, will flatten
> > you to the seatback in first and second.
>
> > The differences between the '04 and the '05-'06, in addition to the
> > 400 hp LS2 6.0 liter, are better brakes and stronger half shafts. But
> > all years have a minimum of 350 hp, IRS, 4-wheel discs, the best seats
> > ever in any Chevy, a Blaupunkt (?!) 8-speaker stereo with 6-disc CD,
> > and all the other typical luxury doodads. From what I can tell, 6-
> > speed Tremecs are about 4:1 as common as 4-spd autos.
>
> > Particularly the '05, and maybe all years, have crap bushings on the
> > Mac struts and on the various control arms, front and rear. The Mac
> > strut prob can cause extreme negative camber, causing catastrophic
> > rubbing damage to the inside edges of the front tires. Aftermarket
> > bushings are a common fix.
>
> > But the good news is the '04's are settling in around the high to mid
> > teens. The '05's are right around $20,000, and the '06's are $22,000
> > to $25,000.
>
> > One thing, though, it's hard to find a bone stock unit, and the
> > sellers sometimes want to charge more for a modded one. Still, for
> > example, I could pick up an '05 with 22000 miles and a Magnacharger
> > roots blower, 514 rwhp/498 rwtq, 28 highway mpg, for sale here in Cali
> > for $24,000. That's a purty good deal! I would have to add another
> > $20,000 to the $30,000 I already have in my '65 Mustang fb to get
> > close to as nice a car, and I would still fall way short.
>
> > 180 Out
>
> Man, I need an "edit" function like in the web based boards. Either
> that or proofread prior to posting. So anyway, I meant to say "best
> seats ever in any GM product," and that the '04 is most likely to have
> bushing problems.
>
> I also meant to mention that the GTO platform is the same one as the
> Opel Omega model that became the Cadillac Catera.
>
> Also to add that the day when an old school classic was the cheap way
> to major high performance is well and truly dead.

180 Out,

I agree. The modern performance car has become so great at so many
things -- top end, breaking, handling, acceleration, everyday
driveability -- that the old stuff can't compete anymore.

Patrick

wrote in news:5fb7c061-3577-4554-bef7-9c4ebdd34f35
@e67g2000hsa.googlegroups.com:

> breaking

Yeah. I guess you meant braking. But the new cars might be good at
breaking.

> wrote in message
...
> On Mar 25, 12:29 pm, wrote:
>> On Mar 25, 10:24 am, wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> > I've got the bug and I've got the money and I'm getting me an '04, '05
>> > or '06 GTO. I drove an '04 w/auto trans on Saturday and these things
>> > are nice. Even the '04, with the 350 hp LS1 5.7 liter, will flatten
>> > you to the seatback in first and second.
>>
>> > The differences between the '04 and the '05-'06, in addition to the
>> > 400 hp LS2 6.0 liter, are better brakes and stronger half shafts. But
>> > all years have a minimum of 350 hp, IRS, 4-wheel discs, the best seats
>> > ever in any Chevy, a Blaupunkt (?!) 8-speaker stereo with 6-disc CD,
>> > and all the other typical luxury doodads. From what I can tell, 6-
>> > speed Tremecs are about 4:1 as common as 4-spd autos.
>>
>> > Particularly the '05, and maybe all years, have crap bushings on the
>> > Mac struts and on the various control arms, front and rear. The Mac
>> > strut prob can cause extreme negative camber, causing catastrophic
>> > rubbing damage to the inside edges of the front tires. Aftermarket
>> > bushings are a common fix.
>>
>> > But the good news is the '04's are settling in around the high to mid
>> > teens. The '05's are right around $20,000, and the '06's are $22,000
>> > to $25,000.
>>
>> > One thing, though, it's hard to find a bone stock unit, and the
>> > sellers sometimes want to charge more for a modded one. Still, for
>> > example, I could pick up an '05 with 22000 miles and a Magnacharger
>> > roots blower, 514 rwhp/498 rwtq, 28 highway mpg, for sale here in Cali
>> > for $24,000. That's a purty good deal! I would have to add another
>> > $20,000 to the $30,000 I already have in my '65 Mustang fb to get
>> > close to as nice a car, and I would still fall way short.
>>
>> > 180 Out
>>
>> Man, I need an "edit" function like in the web based boards. Either
>> that or proofread prior to posting. So anyway, I meant to say "best
>> seats ever in any GM product," and that the '04 is most likely to have
>> bushing problems.
>>
>> I also meant to mention that the GTO platform is the same one as the
>> Opel Omega model that became the Cadillac Catera.
>>
>> Also to add that the day when an old school classic was the cheap way
>> to major high performance is well and truly dead.
>
> 180 Out,
>
> I agree. The modern performance car has become so great at so many
> things -- top end, breaking, handling, acceleration, everyday
> driveability -- that the old stuff can't compete anymore.
>
> Patrick

Goto Dynacorn.com and get the best of both worlds. Old School looks and you
do the rest.

Nick

"ND" > wrote in message
...
>
> > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Mar 25, 12:29 pm, wrote:
>>> On Mar 25, 10:24 am, wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> > I've got the bug and I've got the money and I'm getting me an '04, '05
>>> > or '06 GTO. I drove an '04 w/auto trans on Saturday and these things
>>> > are nice. Even the '04, with the 350 hp LS1 5.7 liter, will flatten
>>> > you to the seatback in first and second.
>>>
>>> > The differences between the '04 and the '05-'06, in addition to the
>>> > 400 hp LS2 6.0 liter, are better brakes and stronger half shafts. But
>>> > all years have a minimum of 350 hp, IRS, 4-wheel discs, the best seats
>>> > ever in any Chevy, a Blaupunkt (?!) 8-speaker stereo with 6-disc CD,
>>> > and all the other typical luxury doodads. From what I can tell, 6-
>>> > speed Tremecs are about 4:1 as common as 4-spd autos.
>>>
>>> > Particularly the '05, and maybe all years, have crap bushings on the
>>> > Mac struts and on the various control arms, front and rear. The Mac
>>> > strut prob can cause extreme negative camber, causing catastrophic
>>> > rubbing damage to the inside edges of the front tires. Aftermarket
>>> > bushings are a common fix.
>>>
>>> > But the good news is the '04's are settling in around the high to mid
>>> > teens. The '05's are right around $20,000, and the '06's are $22,000
>>> > to $25,000.
>>>
>>> > One thing, though, it's hard to find a bone stock unit, and the
>>> > sellers sometimes want to charge more for a modded one. Still, for
>>> > example, I could pick up an '05 with 22000 miles and a Magnacharger
>>> > roots blower, 514 rwhp/498 rwtq, 28 highway mpg, for sale here in Cali
>>> > for $24,000. That's a purty good deal! I would have to add another
>>> > $20,000 to the $30,000 I already have in my '65 Mustang fb to get
>>> > close to as nice a car, and I would still fall way short.
>>>
>>> > 180 Out
>>>
>>> Man, I need an "edit" function like in the web based boards. Either
>>> that or proofread prior to posting. So anyway, I meant to say "best
>>> seats ever in any GM product," and that the '04 is most likely to have
>>> bushing problems.
>>>
>>> I also meant to mention that the GTO platform is the same one as the
>>> Opel Omega model that became the Cadillac Catera.
>>>
>>> Also to add that the day when an old school classic was the cheap way
>>> to major high performance is well and truly dead.
>>
>> 180 Out,
>>
>> I agree. The modern performance car has become so great at so many
>> things -- top end, breaking, handling, acceleration, everyday
>> driveability -- that the old stuff can't compete anymore.
>>
>> Patrick
>
> Goto Dynacorn.com and get the best of both worlds. Old School looks and
> you do the rest.
>
> Nick

WTF Nick?

I gotta say, Patrick is right. I just got a new MKZ Lincoln. I have had
lots of 5.0s and have a 1993 Cobra now. It's a fact, the Cobra would be
hard pressed to lose the Lincoln in anything but a straight line, and even
then, as soon as brakes were needed, the Lincoln would catch right up.

Add to that warm, cushy seats, all the cool tech features, the quiet nature
of the car, better fuel economy... the "old" stuff is just hopelessly
outclassed. That said, I'll keep my Cobra cause I love it cause I grew up
with those cars, but if in a few years a Honda Accord goes by me like I'm
standing still, I won't be too surprised.

Brad

On Mar 26, 11:30 pm, "Brad and Karen" > wrote:
> "ND" > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
>
>
>
>
> > > wrote in message
> ...
> >> On Mar 25, 12:29 pm, wrote:
> >>> On Mar 25, 10:24 am, wrote:
>
> >>> > I've got the bug and I've got the money and I'm getting me an '04, '05
> >>> > or '06 GTO. I drove an '04 w/auto trans on Saturday and these things
> >>> > are nice. Even the '04, with the 350 hp LS1 5.7 liter, will flatten
> >>> > you to the seatback in first and second.
>
> >>> > The differences between the '04 and the '05-'06, in addition to the
> >>> > 400 hp LS2 6.0 liter, are better brakes and stronger half shafts. But
> >>> > all years have a minimum of 350 hp, IRS, 4-wheel discs, the best seats
> >>> > ever in any Chevy, a Blaupunkt (?!) 8-speaker stereo with 6-disc CD,
> >>> > and all the other typical luxury doodads. From what I can tell, 6-
> >>> > speed Tremecs are about 4:1 as common as 4-spd autos.
>
> >>> > Particularly the '05, and maybe all years, have crap bushings on the
> >>> > Mac struts and on the various control arms, front and rear. The Mac
> >>> > strut prob can cause extreme negative camber, causing catastrophic
> >>> > rubbing damage to the inside edges of the front tires. Aftermarket
> >>> > bushings are a common fix.
>
> >>> > But the good news is the '04's are settling in around the high to mid
> >>> > teens. The '05's are right around $20,000, and the '06's are $22,000
> >>> > to $25,000.
>
> >>> > One thing, though, it's hard to find a bone stock unit, and the
> >>> > sellers sometimes want to charge more for a modded one. Still, for
> >>> > example, I could pick up an '05 with 22000 miles and a Magnacharger
> >>> > roots blower, 514 rwhp/498 rwtq, 28 highway mpg, for sale here in Cali
> >>> > for $24,000. That's a purty good deal! I would have to add another
> >>> > $20,000 to the $30,000 I already have in my '65 Mustang fb to get
> >>> > close to as nice a car, and I would still fall way short.
>
> >>> > 180 Out
>
> >>> Man, I need an "edit" function like in the web based boards. Either
> >>> that or proofread prior to posting. So anyway, I meant to say "best
> >>> seats ever in any GM product," and that the '04 is most likely to have
> >>> bushing problems.
>
> >>> I also meant to mention that the GTO platform is the same one as the
> >>> Opel Omega model that became the Cadillac Catera.
>
> >>> Also to add that the day when an old school classic was the cheap way
> >>> to major high performance is well and truly dead.
>
> >> 180 Out,
>
> >> I agree. The modern performance car has become so great at so many
> >> things -- top end, breaking, handling, acceleration, everyday
> >> driveability -- that the old stuff can't compete anymore.
>
> >> Patrick
>
> > Goto Dynacorn.com and get the best of both worlds. Old School looks and
> > you do the rest.
>
> > Nick
>
> WTF Nick?
>
> I gotta say, Patrick is right. I just got a new MKZ Lincoln. I have had
> lots of 5.0s and have a 1993 Cobra now. It's a fact, the Cobra would be
> hard pressed to lose the Lincoln in anything but a straight line, and even
> then, as soon as brakes were needed, the Lincoln would catch right up.
>
> Add to that warm, cushy seats, all the cool tech features, the quiet nature
> of the car, better fuel economy... the "old" stuff is just hopelessly
> outclassed. That said, I'll keep my Cobra cause I love it cause I grew up
> with those cars, but if in a few years a Honda Accord goes by me like I'm
> standing still, I won't be too surprised.
>
> Brad

The Dynacorn unibody is a great product if you want the '67-'68
classic vibe. But it costs about $14,000 plus shipping iirc. That
price does not include a hood and front fenders. The unibodies are
not "ready for paint," either. A few dozen hours of blocking, and of
course panel fitting, are required to get them ready for paint. And a
modern OE-quality paint job will run $1000 for materials alone. So
you've already passed the price of a running, 20,000 mile or less 2004
GTO just to get your body shell prepped and painted.

Now you've got to add brakes, which can be made to match or exceed the
GTO's, but which will not have ABS. You'll need coilovers in both
front and rear to approach the GTO's handling characteristics. You
won't match them, however. Brakes, suspension. rims and tires, you're
into it for another $10,000.

Now you've blown past the price of a 5,000 mile 2006 Goat. And you
still don't have a 400 hp/400 lb-ft EFI engine or a six speed or 4-spd
auto trans, or an interior, or gauges, or a sound system, or AC. Or
any of the 400-500 trim pieces and fasteners you need to build a
complete car from scratch. (Actually you ought to get a '67-'68 parts
car for this project.) Add another $15,000 for all this stuff.

Also add 25% to the total, for the inevitable unknowns. And don't
include anything for the 1,500 hours of your evening, weekend, and
vacation free time that you've sunk into this car. Grand total, about
$50,000.

When you're done you'll have one of the coolest '67-68 Stangs ever.
Depending on where you live, registration may be a problem, but by
hook or crook it can be done.

I still don't think, though, that the finished product will be
objectively as good a car as a $23,000 5,000 mile 2006 GTO.

180 Out

"Brad and Karen" > wrote in message
news:3aHGj.126709$pM4.99044@pd7urf1no...
>
> "ND" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On Mar 25, 12:29 pm, wrote:
>>>> On Mar 25, 10:24 am, wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> > I've got the bug and I've got the money and I'm getting me an '04,
>>>> > '05
>>>> > or '06 GTO. I drove an '04 w/auto trans on Saturday and these things
>>>> > are nice. Even the '04, with the 350 hp LS1 5.7 liter, will flatten
>>>> > you to the seatback in first and second.
>>>>
>>>> > The differences between the '04 and the '05-'06, in addition to the
>>>> > 400 hp LS2 6.0 liter, are better brakes and stronger half shafts.
>>>> > But
>>>> > all years have a minimum of 350 hp, IRS, 4-wheel discs, the best
>>>> > seats
>>>> > ever in any Chevy, a Blaupunkt (?!) 8-speaker stereo with 6-disc CD,
>>>> > and all the other typical luxury doodads. From what I can tell, 6-
>>>> > speed Tremecs are about 4:1 as common as 4-spd autos.
>>>>
>>>> > Particularly the '05, and maybe all years, have crap bushings on the
>>>> > Mac struts and on the various control arms, front and rear. The Mac
>>>> > strut prob can cause extreme negative camber, causing catastrophic
>>>> > rubbing damage to the inside edges of the front tires. Aftermarket
>>>> > bushings are a common fix.
>>>>
>>>> > But the good news is the '04's are settling in around the high to mid
>>>> > teens. The '05's are right around $20,000, and the '06's are $22,000
>>>> > to $25,000.
>>>>
>>>> > One thing, though, it's hard to find a bone stock unit, and the
>>>> > sellers sometimes want to charge more for a modded one. Still, for
>>>> > example, I could pick up an '05 with 22000 miles and a Magnacharger
>>>> > roots blower, 514 rwhp/498 rwtq, 28 highway mpg, for sale here in
>>>> > Cali
>>>> > for $24,000. That's a purty good deal! I would have to add another
>>>> > $20,000 to the $30,000 I already have in my '65 Mustang fb to get
>>>> > close to as nice a car, and I would still fall way short.
>>>>
>>>> > 180 Out
>>>>
>>>> Man, I need an "edit" function like in the web based boards. Either
>>>> that or proofread prior to posting. So anyway, I meant to say "best
>>>> seats ever in any GM product," and that the '04 is most likely to have
>>>> bushing problems.
>>>>
>>>> I also meant to mention that the GTO platform is the same one as the
>>>> Opel Omega model that became the Cadillac Catera.
>>>>
>>>> Also to add that the day when an old school classic was the cheap way
>>>> to major high performance is well and truly dead.
>>>
>>> 180 Out,
>>>
>>> I agree. The modern performance car has become so great at so many
>>> things -- top end, breaking, handling, acceleration, everyday
>>> driveability -- that the old stuff can't compete anymore.
>>>
>>> Patrick
>>
>> Goto Dynacorn.com and get the best of both worlds. Old School looks and
>> you do the rest.
>>
>> Nick
>
> WTF Nick?
>
> I gotta say, Patrick is right. I just got a new MKZ Lincoln. I have had
> lots of 5.0s and have a 1993 Cobra now. It's a fact, the Cobra would be
> hard pressed to lose the Lincoln in anything but a straight line, and even
> then, as soon as brakes were needed, the Lincoln would catch right up.
>
> Add to that warm, cushy seats, all the cool tech features, the quiet
> nature of the car, better fuel economy... the "old" stuff is just
> hopelessly outclassed. That said, I'll keep my Cobra cause I love it cause
> I grew up with those cars, but if in a few years a Honda Accord goes by me
> like I'm standing still, I won't be too surprised.
>
> Brad

Brad,

Bottomline its all up to the individual and what they like. I happen to
agree with you but wanted to point out in some cases you can have your cake
and eat it too, especially in this case if you bake (build) it yourself lol.
I own two ASC McLarens. The first one i got the itch and started modifying
its performance to todays standards retaining the old school looks. The
other is strictly a beauty queen remaining all stock in her glory. Fox
Mustangs are very special to me as that is what I also grew up with. I would
love to purchase an 86 SVO comp prep, and a '93 Cobra someday. Tell me about
yours? Is it all stock? Which color combo did you get? Take care.

Nick

> wrote in message
...
> On Mar 26, 11:30 pm, "Brad and Karen" > wrote:
>> "ND" > wrote in message
>>
>> ...
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> > > wrote in message
>> ...
>> >> On Mar 25, 12:29 pm, wrote:
>> >>> On Mar 25, 10:24 am, wrote:
>>
>> >>> > I've got the bug and I've got the money and I'm getting me an '04,
>> >>> > '05
>> >>> > or '06 GTO. I drove an '04 w/auto trans on Saturday and these
>> >>> > things
>> >>> > are nice. Even the '04, with the 350 hp LS1 5.7 liter, will flatten
>> >>> > you to the seatback in first and second.
>>
>> >>> > The differences between the '04 and the '05-'06, in addition to the
>> >>> > 400 hp LS2 6.0 liter, are better brakes and stronger half shafts.
>> >>> > But
>> >>> > all years have a minimum of 350 hp, IRS, 4-wheel discs, the best
>> >>> > seats
>> >>> > ever in any Chevy, a Blaupunkt (?!) 8-speaker stereo with 6-disc
>> >>> > CD,
>> >>> > and all the other typical luxury doodads. From what I can tell, 6-
>> >>> > speed Tremecs are about 4:1 as common as 4-spd autos.
>>
>> >>> > Particularly the '05, and maybe all years, have crap bushings on
>> >>> > the
>> >>> > Mac struts and on the various control arms, front and rear. The
>> >>> > Mac
>> >>> > strut prob can cause extreme negative camber, causing catastrophic
>> >>> > rubbing damage to the inside edges of the front tires. Aftermarket
>> >>> > bushings are a common fix.
>>
>> >>> > But the good news is the '04's are settling in around the high to
>> >>> > mid
>> >>> > teens. The '05's are right around $20,000, and the '06's are
>> >>> > $22,000
>> >>> > to $25,000.
>>
>> >>> > One thing, though, it's hard to find a bone stock unit, and the
>> >>> > sellers sometimes want to charge more for a modded one. Still, for
>> >>> > example, I could pick up an '05 with 22000 miles and a Magnacharger
>> >>> > roots blower, 514 rwhp/498 rwtq, 28 highway mpg, for sale here in
>> >>> > Cali
>> >>> > for $24,000. That's a purty good deal! I would have to add another
>> >>> > $20,000 to the $30,000 I already have in my '65 Mustang fb to get
>> >>> > close to as nice a car, and I would still fall way short.
>>
>> >>> > 180 Out
>>
>> >>> Man, I need an "edit" function like in the web based boards. Either
>> >>> that or proofread prior to posting. So anyway, I meant to say "best
>> >>> seats ever in any GM product," and that the '04 is most likely to
>> >>> have
>> >>> bushing problems.
>>
>> >>> I also meant to mention that the GTO platform is the same one as the
>> >>> Opel Omega model that became the Cadillac Catera.
>>
>> >>> Also to add that the day when an old school classic was the cheap way
>> >>> to major high performance is well and truly dead.
>>
>> >> 180 Out,
>>
>> >> I agree. The modern performance car has become so great at so many
>> >> things -- top end, breaking, handling, acceleration, everyday
>> >> driveability -- that the old stuff can't compete anymore.
>>
>> >> Patrick
>>
>> > Goto Dynacorn.com and get the best of both worlds. Old School looks and
>> > you do the rest.
>>
>> > Nick
>>
>> WTF Nick?
>>
>> I gotta say, Patrick is right. I just got a new MKZ Lincoln. I have had
>> lots of 5.0s and have a 1993 Cobra now. It's a fact, the Cobra would be
>> hard pressed to lose the Lincoln in anything but a straight line, and
>> even
>> then, as soon as brakes were needed, the Lincoln would catch right up.
>>
>> Add to that warm, cushy seats, all the cool tech features, the quiet
>> nature
>> of the car, better fuel economy... the "old" stuff is just hopelessly
>> outclassed. That said, I'll keep my Cobra cause I love it cause I grew up
>> with those cars, but if in a few years a Honda Accord goes by me like I'm
>> standing still, I won't be too surprised.
>>
>> Brad
>
> The Dynacorn unibody is a great product if you want the '67-'68
> classic vibe. But it costs about $14,000 plus shipping iirc. That
> price does not include a hood and front fenders. The unibodies are
> not "ready for paint," either. A few dozen hours of blocking, and of
> course panel fitting, are required to get them ready for paint. And a
> modern OE-quality paint job will run $1000 for materials alone. So
> you've already passed the price of a running, 20,000 mile or less 2004
> GTO just to get your body shell prepped and painted.
>
> Now you've got to add brakes, which can be made to match or exceed the
> GTO's, but which will not have ABS. You'll need coilovers in both
> front and rear to approach the GTO's handling characteristics. You
> won't match them, however. Brakes, suspension. rims and tires, you're
> into it for another $10,000.
>
> Now you've blown past the price of a 5,000 mile 2006 Goat. And you
> still don't have a 400 hp/400 lb-ft EFI engine or a six speed or 4-spd
> auto trans, or an interior, or gauges, or a sound system, or AC. Or
> any of the 400-500 trim pieces and fasteners you need to build a
> complete car from scratch. (Actually you ought to get a '67-'68 parts
> car for this project.) Add another $15,000 for all this stuff.
>
> Also add 25% to the total, for the inevitable unknowns. And don't
> include anything for the 1,500 hours of your evening, weekend, and
> vacation free time that you've sunk into this car. Grand total, about
> $50,000.-
>
> When you're done you'll have one of the coolest '67-68 Stangs ever.
> Depending on where you live, registration may be a problem, but by
> hook or crook it can be done.
>
> I still don't think, though, that the finished product will be
> objectively as good a car as a $23,000 5,000 mile 2006 GTO.
>
> 180 Out


Soon both cars will be old, their performance lacking, and in the end what
are you left with? These cars are supposed to leave you in awe, you just
have to decide if its the awesome looks of a '67-68 Mustang or the awful
looks of a 2004 generation GTO???

Food for thought. What are the '67-68 Mustangs currently going for ground up
rotisserie restorations from bare metal to foot on the pedal? I've seen some
Eleanor clones going for an easy $50k. The path you describe above is the
worse case expensive scenario as you even stated additional percentages for
the unknown. For the most part I don't know of any other kit car investment
were you would get nearly every penny back you put into it. If you wanted to
make a budget of $24k for either car you might be able to find a decent
enough original Mustang and aside of buying all new you can find old donors
for the body and newer donors for the drive train, suspension, brakes,
etc... I can imagine you could buy same year Mustang and do better too.

Nick