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Pontiac GTO

4353 messages,  Last post on Oct 13, 2010 at 5:13 PM

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What is this discussion about? Pontiac GTO, Coupe

Messages Page 424 of 436

#4225 of 4353 Re: I'm still here. [hammen2],...THANK YOU ROBERT by mparis1 by mparis1

May 29, 2007 (12:05 pm)

Replying to: hammen2 (May 24, 2007 1:39 pm)
Thank You, Robert. All of us GTO Owners are lucky to have you in this forum .Your advice/insight is invaluable.you provide to us a resource that is hard to find ,especially on a special performance car.....GTO. Thanks again.
Yes , I will probably buy the car. I live in NYC, and there is nothing like it here. Everybody is always looking at it and afficionados always want to talk to me . It is an interesting car.Yes Pontiac let a great tradition die ..Too bad...
Some questions[of course];
1. Are Bridgestone Potenzas tires a "safer" fit due to the bushing problem?
2. Will there be difficulting in getting GTO "Parts"in years to come since the car is discontiued?
 
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT/GTH specs . do not match the 2005/2006 GTO . The Shelby GT500 is a "machine" but I hear dealers are getting $80,000.00 for them .Otherversions will be extremely expensive ....KR/Boss /Snake......so the GTO is stillthe best street machine for now. The Dodge Challenger will never be built..Chysler out of business.....The Camaro will come out in 2009/2010...if at all......$4.00 gas prices will kill it.So I am keeping the "LAST GTO'

#4226 of 4353 Some answers by hammen2

May 31, 2007 (5:17 pm)

I wouldn't say the Potenzas are "safer". It's just the stock 18" tire size of 235/40 which allows for more strut clearance. Some folks have gone up to 245/40 with different tire brands, but you have to be careful - not all tires measure out the same (some BFG models, i.e. KD, won't fit in one size, but a KDW (NT) in the same size fits fine).
 
Truthfully, to address strut rub, at a minimum you should change out:
a) radius rod bushings
b) front strut mounts and bearings
c) get a decent alignment
 
Do those three things (and check periodically) and you'll do fine. The OEM radius rod bushings are fluid-filled and weak/fail early and often. You will note improved brake feel with upgraded bushings. The factory strut mounts tend to collapse quite frequently and early - possibly due to the fact that the front springs are compressed for the long boat ride, and any bouncing/moving around while on the boat will put pressure on the mounts.
 
I'm about to change these items (along with rear radius rod bushings and inner control arm bushings) on my GTO, as I'm about to cross 20k miles in the next few days. I'm also contemplating changing out the front struts and springs, as well as the rear shocks and springs - it's just a bit pricey and I'm making sure I can afford to do it this month.
 
Regarding parts availability, the LS1/LS2 and the six-speed and two different auto trannies are common parts with other GM cars. It's when you run into some of the suspension components, interior, and GTO-unique parts where you might see shortages down the line. Fortunately (or unfortunately), there are a number of totaled GTO's out there, so you can find parts in automotive recycling (a/k/a junkyards). GM will still bring parts over (this will accelerate with the G8 also being sourced from Oz early next year). And then there are aftermarket companies like Pedders (suspension) and JHP (pretty much any Holden or HSV part) who specialize in servicing the GTO aftermarket. I don't think you'll have major problems finding parts for a number of years...

#4227 of 4353 first major problem by jetterf8

Jun 09, 2007 (9:26 am)

Bought the '04 in Feb '04; the '05 in Feb '05. No problems major problems with either -- until last week.
 
The problem: key would not turn to "start" in the ignition -- steering wheel remains locked. Tried all the book stuff: reset key, jiggle steering wheel, changed ignition CB, checked battery OK. Called where I bought it and got "Gosh, we don't know anything about that!" It will be covered by warranty.
 
Another subject: got the SLP Bobcat mod over a year ago. I can't get enough of it -- the sound, especially. It's really too droney for my wife, on the highways at around 2200RPM, but everyone should own 455hp (dynoed at 456) before they croak. I'm really impressed with SLP and their authorized installers.

#4228 of 4353 ignition by hammen2

Jun 11, 2007 (10:28 pm)

Lots of folks on LS1GTO having that issue... most in warmer states (Texas, Arizona, California). Seems like it might start to be a common problem...

#4229 of 4353 key problem by jetterf8

Jun 17, 2007 (4:14 pm)

The locksmith/genius determined that the key problem was mechanical, not electronic.
 
Apparently there is a pin which "homes" upon the intial turning of the key (before any electronic checkpoints are triggered). He said this pin is made of very hard metal, while the cylinder in which it rides is very soft metal. The pin had grooved the soft cylinder metal in such a way as to restrict the pin from "homing" and unlocking the steering wheel (and proceeding to the electronic system checkpoints).
 
I mentioned your comment regarding warmer states and he said that it was a plausible theory because the cylinder metal was so soft that it could, indeed, be sensitive to higher temperatures resulting in metal softening and the problem I had.
 
He offered his email address, if anyone's interested.

#4230 of 4353 key repair cost by jetterf8

Jun 17, 2007 (4:16 pm)

Oh, it cost $145 for two hours labor and the part, shipped from Australia.

#4231 of 4353 Re: key problem [jetterf8] by elias

Jun 18, 2007 (6:51 am)

Replying to: jetterf8 (Jun 17, 2007 4:14 pm)
jetterf8, thanks so much for posting this followup info from the locksmith. it's very good to know about.

#4232 of 4353 05 CGM6 Strut Issues update by cyclonehank

Jul 09, 2007 (12:29 pm)

I was performing a tire rotation and noticed that the inside of both front tires were rubbing the struts. Took it to my local dealer and was told that Pontiac knows nothing of the problem. After printing several pages of info from several different sites including the newsnet5 investigation from Cleveland, The safety administration request for an investigation, and the class action suit filed in Cali, Pontiac told my dealer that there is an unpublished service bulletin for the strut rub. Pontiac told the dealer to adjust the camber to it maximum but stay within the specs. I threw a coat of paint on the strut and will drive it for a couple of weeks. Stay tuned.

#4233 of 4353 Have your dealership check... by hammen2

Jul 09, 2007 (7:48 pm)

...your front radius rod bushings (they are fluid-filled and prone to rupture... the replacements will rupture, too - I purchased replacement SuperPro bushings for $120 from Autoform, http://www.autoformgroup.com) as well as your strut mounts. They can align all they want, but if the radius rod bushings are blown, and/or your strut mounts are collapsed, your alignment's going to change each and every time you hit the brakes on your car/you may continue to have strut rub...

#4234 of 4353 Re: Have your dealership check... [hammen2] by monarofan

Jul 13, 2007 (4:38 pm)

Replying to: hammen2 (Jul 09, 2007 7:48 pm)
Robert
 
How do you tell if the radius rod bushings are ruptured? Can you feel it on the road (and what does it feel like) or can you look for it without getting the car on a hoist?
 
Chris

Messages Page 424 of 436

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