[tom406]

The GTO was no mint survivor, but it was a car I really wouldn't have dreamed of modifying this way. That said, I would never again start with a car this rough on a project of this type. Though I still don't like the idea of taking a really nice survivor or restoration and turning it into a modified, the practical and rational side of me TOTALLY understands, especially now. Reproduction stuff is OK at best, awful at worst, and makes everything take longer than you'd hoped. This build would have been time and money way ahead if I'd started with a cream puff.
That being said, we stripped this thing down and did it right. 480hp LS3/T56 6 speed, 3.89 9" rear, quick ratio steering box, SpeedTech suspension and frame stiffening brace, Viking coil overs all around, Wilwood discs on all four corners, 15x7 and 15x8 chrome Rally I's with 235 and 255 60/15 custom redline radials. Interior is handmade with custom black leather, with Hartz cloth canvas top and custom boot.
The car drives like a dream, that T56 is the BEST shifting manual transmission I've ever had the pleasure of driving. We debuted it at the GTOAA Nationals in July, where it received a Concours Gold certificate. It then went to Goodguys Pacific NW Nationals where it took a Winner's Circle GTO Pick of the show. Finally, in November it was invited to display at the Seattle International Auto Show, where I think it got the best response if only because the crowd wasn't expecting a tastefully tricked out GTO among all the new cars on display. It was quite the adventure-though the stress about killed me a couple times. No matter how clever you think you are, these projects can get the better of you.