I was out trying a new set of tires yesterday evening (big thumbs up to the 285/35/18 Nitto RIIs on '00R wheels) and ended up attracting the attention of a new yellow GTO.
I was doing around 60mph on an empty stretch of sanctioned "track" when he pulled up next to me. I looked over and at first thought it was a new Cavalier or Grand Prix until I looked closer.
About the time I realized it was a GTO he hit the gas and pulled out in front of me into my lane. I am thinking "what the hell" is this move. I switched lanes, downshifted to third, and pulled up next to him.
As soon as I got beside him and looked over he hit the gas. I floored it, pulled ahead by a couple of cars by 90, and ended up being a good four cars in front by the time I shut it down at 120.
He did a nice flyby, changed lanes, and then slammed on the brakes. I changed lanes quickly and pulled up next to him. He was still slowing down and motioning for me to roll down my window. He stated he wanted to run from 40mph and that he missed a shift on the last run. I grinned at the thought of a 2nd gear launch at 40. I told him to go on the second honk since we were running out of "track". We slowed to 40, downshifted into second, honked once, and off he went. I blew by him shortly and once again had a good four cars on him by 120.
He dropped way behind me and then turned off at the nearest exit so I am putting the driver in the ricer category. I am back to stock except for the cai and catback so I was not that impressed with the performance. However, knowing it weighs about 200lbs than my car and is probably putting down about 65rwhp less puts things into perspective.
I would love to drive one on an open track to see how they handle compared to our car provided it had a decent set of tires on it.
Knowing the vast aftermarket for the LS1 I would except some GTO owners to have some hot setups in the near future. However, just like our car there will be a significant weight penalty to overcome.
At this time I am not that impressed with the looks or performance. I will reserve judgement on the handling until I drive one.
I was doing around 60mph on an empty stretch of sanctioned "track" when he pulled up next to me. I looked over and at first thought it was a new Cavalier or Grand Prix until I looked closer.
About the time I realized it was a GTO he hit the gas and pulled out in front of me into my lane. I am thinking "what the hell" is this move. I switched lanes, downshifted to third, and pulled up next to him.
As soon as I got beside him and looked over he hit the gas. I floored it, pulled ahead by a couple of cars by 90, and ended up being a good four cars in front by the time I shut it down at 120.
He did a nice flyby, changed lanes, and then slammed on the brakes. I changed lanes quickly and pulled up next to him. He was still slowing down and motioning for me to roll down my window. He stated he wanted to run from 40mph and that he missed a shift on the last run. I grinned at the thought of a 2nd gear launch at 40. I told him to go on the second honk since we were running out of "track". We slowed to 40, downshifted into second, honked once, and off he went. I blew by him shortly and once again had a good four cars on him by 120.
He dropped way behind me and then turned off at the nearest exit so I am putting the driver in the ricer category. I am back to stock except for the cai and catback so I was not that impressed with the performance. However, knowing it weighs about 200lbs than my car and is probably putting down about 65rwhp less puts things into perspective.
I would love to drive one on an open track to see how they handle compared to our car provided it had a decent set of tires on it.
Knowing the vast aftermarket for the LS1 I would except some GTO owners to have some hot setups in the near future. However, just like our car there will be a significant weight penalty to overcome.
At this time I am not that impressed with the looks or performance. I will reserve judgement on the handling until I drive one.
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