After nearly three decades without a GTO, GM Vice Chairman of Product Development Bob Lutz spearheaded a movement to bring back the moniker to add some heritage to the Pontiac brand. The result was the Holden Monaro-based '04 Goat, which debuted in the same year of the original GTO's 40th Anniversary and was produced through '06. Though the Pontiac faithful had mixed feelings about its look, no one could deny its performance.
For this article, our main focus will be on the sophisticated independent suspension system that underpins this Cadillac Catera-spawned Pontiac, which is light years (well, 30-40 years) ahead of its solid rear-axle ancestors, and has a lot of potential for serious performance and impressive road manners. The front uses MacPherson struts and progressive-rate springs. Out back is an independent semi-trailing control-link suspension, coil springs, and gas-pressurized shocks.
Speaking from experience, the author can comment on the comfort of the factory setup. It's remarkably similar to that of a BMW or Mercedes, in my opinion. The German models have an advantage, however. Their comfort comes at no cost in performance and road feel-something the GTO could improve upon.
That's where the aftermarket comes in. Even if road-course supremacy isn't your primary goal, the manufacturers contained herein have options that will make your GTO more enjoyable on a small budget.
If there's one thing we learned in the compilation of this guide, it's that all the manufacturers are in agreement: "Every GTO owner needs to buy front radius-rod bushings!"
Why, you ask? According to Andy Kollar at Kollar Racing, "The factory radius-rod bushings are known for premature failure, causing excessive strut/wheel movement under braking, and in cornering. This has a significant effect on tire wear and performance. It's a simple mod and it should be on every GTO owner's to-do list." Also, the factory rear springs tend to "sag" after approximately 30,000-40,000 miles, resulting in improper negative camber in the rear, which affects tire wear and ride height.
Take a look at what these companies have to offer to help decide which package is right for you. From mild to wild, it's all here.
Whiteline
Available through Global Performance Parts
(616) 399-9025
www.globalperformanceparts.com
Suspension Kits Manufactured
Street/Track
Fits the following Models
'04-'06 GTO
Features
• Front 30mm 4-point adjustable stabilizer bar
• Front adjustable strut brace
• Front adjustable polyurethane caster kit
• Front polyurethane control arms bushings
• Front polyurethane strut mounts
• Front polyurethane engine mount
• Rear 20mm 2-point adjustable stabilizer bar
• Rear polyurethane 4-point camber/toe kit
• Rear polyurethane subframe/differential traction kit
Benefits According to the Manufacturer
• Fine-tune handling balance (oversteer) with 4-point front and 2-point rear adjustable heavy-duty stabilizer bars
• Sharp handling and improved braking by way of the front polyurethane caster kit
• Increase chassis rigidity with front alloy strut brace
• Enhanced gear changes via the high-performance polyurethane engine mounts
• Minimize axle-hop with rear polyurethane traction kit
• Improve rear tire scrub with the rear on-car adjustable camber/toe kit
Options or Upgrades
• Rear camber kit also offered with removal tool
• Non-adjustable sway bars are also available
Mods Required
Front strut brace requires drilling of strut tower
MSRP
Individual products start from $60-$350