best daily driver V8/stick? [Archive]

Donovan

08-25-2008, 10:52 AM

pick of the litter.

What is the best daily driver stick shift V8 powered car for the basic money?

Why?

I'm in v6 Accord limbo:wedgie:. The car is rock solid and gets an average of 24 MPG all the time. But I'm tired of it. I spend 2 hours commuting and would rather it at least sounded good when I easy into the gas haha.
TIA!

jy211

08-25-2008, 10:54 AM

prob the new pontiac g 8

maybe the GTO

after that the price jumps...BMW M3, corvette....

jackfrost

08-25-2008, 10:57 AM

1998-2002 Pontiac Trans AM WS6 M6

you'll pull down that 24 mpg easy on the highway.

Donovan

08-25-2008, 11:00 AM

uh oh. Maybe I should show my hand a bit more here. I have a new baby so if we go new it will be a baby-mobile like a crossover that SHE will drive. what baby need baby get. lol

I was thinking cheap toy for me, used and easy to get. A used vette is just out of reach I'm thinking, The G8 would be best case scenario if I had a second job haha. I'd love to have one.

Donovan

08-25-2008, 11:01 AM

1998-2002 Pontiac Trans AM WS6 M6

you'll pull down that 24 mpg easy on the highway.

This sounds like a good candidate. Any reason NOT to buy one?

Blown353

08-25-2008, 11:15 AM

This sounds like a good candidate. Any reason NOT to buy one?

With the engine so far under the cowl on the 4th gen F-bodys, some tasks are a bitch to do... but luckily the powertrain is pretty reliable so not much "real" work under the hood should be needed.

A recipe for a bad weekend is either a longtube header install or plug change on a 4th Gen with longtube headers... ugh.

If you can find $15K or so, you can pick up an earlier C5 Vette with >75K miles and that's a good bet too-- at steady freeway cruise you can get 28 +/- MPG. I've got a friend with over 200K now on his 1998 and he hasn't had to do anything other than scheduled maintenance and replace normal wear items.

Tony_SS

08-25-2008, 11:20 AM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/18d-1.jpg

ill steez

08-25-2008, 12:08 PM

probably the pontiac G8.

i daily drive a C5 Z06 though. if not for the baby i would say go for that! i easily average over 26 mpg per tank.

chicane67

08-25-2008, 01:58 PM

G8...

Benoit23

08-25-2008, 02:26 PM

The G8 has a V8 option???

class67

08-25-2008, 02:27 PM

About eight years ago (or so) I had a 92 Camaro with a v8 / 5-speed that I commuted in, it was a good solid car and was fun. I'd probably look for something like that again if I were in the market or like jackfrost said....an older T/A.

chicane67

08-25-2008, 02:47 PM

G6 = V6

G8 = V8... not to mention its an LS derivative

Donovan

08-25-2008, 05:19 PM

So far the choices are-

C5
98-02 F-body
2004-6 GTO
G8

Anything else a good option?

Nobody said 5.0 or Mustang GT. Why is that?

Damon777

08-25-2008, 08:28 PM

So far the choices are-

Nobody said 5.0 or Mustang GT. Why is that?

If you have to ask....

I did the hour each way commute with an SN-95 (99) Mustang GT for a couple of years, and it wasn't too bad. 24 MPG, easy passing, etc.

Maybe I'm getting too old, but now I prefer something with a little more room/ride quality. When I was still commuting the last 2 cars I ran were an SHO Taurus and my current ex-cop crown vic. I would commute with either of them before another pony car.

Edit: If I could choose anything, I would consider a G8, GTO, 5-series BMW, Audi A6, etc. Sporty V-8 RWD/AWD sedan.

Randy67

08-26-2008, 04:07 AM

The Mustang is a little better on interior room than a 4th gen F-body (the windshield is less likely to decapitate you). I have had both a 95 TA and now have an 03 Mustang GT. The GT gets better gas mileage, it should since it is only a 4.6L. I get 24 mpg on country roads and 26-27 mpg on the highway. No real city driving so I can't comment on that. It gets it's best mileage with the stock wheels, bigger wheels/tires will drop the mileage 1-2 mpg.

Donovan

08-26-2008, 10:10 AM

Good info on the Mustangs, guys. I really appreciate your perspective on this as it drive home right to my concerns. The fact you both have had either pony car is a perfect comparison.

"Maybe I'm getting too old, but now I prefer something with a little more room/ride quality. When I was still commuting the last 2 cars I ran were an SHO Taurus and my current ex-cop crown vic. I would commute with either of them before another pony car."

Funny thing, my main car is a Lincoln LS V8 Sport. Leather, cooled seats, baby DOHC V8, handles better than most cars on either side of it's class. 4 wheel disc, anti-squat suspension, 50/50 balance etc. This is a great car! but it tends to get about 22mpg on the same commute. Now that I have a new baby I leave the LS for her and driver her accord into the ground. So that's why I'm here, now. LMAO

Just this morning I had a blow out on the toll road. It really underscores my attitude now. Wanting something relatively cheap and easy to get so I don't feel bad for putting a lot of miles on it or even it getting a scratched rim.

BonzoHansen

08-26-2008, 11:18 AM

I'm in v6 Accord limbo:wedgie:. The car is rock solid and gets an average of 24 MPG all the time. That sucks. My 02 Intrigue recently pulled down 28 hwy mpg.

G6 = V6

G8 = V8... not to mention its an LS derivativeG8 can come with V6 or V8 (G8 GT). T56 version supposed to come out one of these days.

PT Goat

08-26-2008, 12:04 PM

Plenty of good suggestions, G8, GTO, 4th Gen, maybe new Camaro or Challenger, but I'll go a completely different direction.

How about a Dodge Dakota? Not sure about the newer ones, but a few years back you could get an extended or quad cab with the 318 (maybe the 4.7 now) and a 5-speed, 4x2 or 4x4. Although I'm a GM guy, I would have bought one around 2003 or so if the tow rating were a little higher. An extended cab 4x4 wouldn't be the best on gas mileage, but it would be a little more practical than a 4th gen with an unusable backseat. At least it would be okay in the snow (not that it snows in Houston).

JEFFTATE

08-26-2008, 12:37 PM

Pontiac G8 if you want 4 doors and back seat for baby seat.
New C6 Corvette if you can deal with 2 doors.

bwhinnen

08-26-2008, 03:07 PM

I'm biased as I own a sedan based on the G8. I'd wait for the T56 model and get one of those. You'll love it and it has plenty of room for a family and luggage for road trips or just a trip for shopping to the mall / supermarket...

I would have discounted the Mustang GT due to the two door coupe body personally.

silver69camaro

08-27-2008, 05:27 AM

Man, the mileage reports from this thread are amazing. Anybody care to share what their car does around town instead?

Damon777

08-27-2008, 06:11 AM

Man, the mileage reports from this thread are amazing. Anybody care to share what their car does around town instead?

My 99 did about 21 around town. I had 3.73 gears, march underdrive pulleys, and a 5-speed.

I've had a couple of fox bodies also and they netted about 20 around town, depending on what my foot did. My current vic is doing 18, but it has some driveability issues I haven't gotten around to addressing. The SHO was a solid 28 on the highway, low 20s in town.

Donovan

01-08-2009, 07:46 AM

funbnme

01-08-2009, 08:24 AM

Yelcamino

01-08-2009, 08:29 AM

G8...

Are G8's front wheel drive? :barf:

Donovan

01-08-2009, 08:41 AM

Are G8's front wheel drive? :barf:

no no. Rear wheel drive. And a 6 speed stick is available.

now clean up that mess, lol

Donovan

01-08-2009, 08:42 AM

I'll put a vote in for a C5 Corvette. Highway milage was over 26mpg when I had a 2000 model.

Styling is great. Performance is awesome and mine was reliable (I got mine off lease when it was 3 years old).

You didn't see what I just wrote..... I have an RX-7 now

It'll have the same engine as a C6 vette and be lighter! I should be able to get 30mpg on the highway easily...

So even better! And less cash.:smoke:

T_Raven

01-08-2009, 08:52 AM

If you were thinking cheap, I like 3rd gen F bodies, especial the GTAs. There are a couple pics of my 89 here https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42868
You can get a 305/t5 or get a 350 and spend about $2k to put a t56 in. But 4th gens are getting cheaper too. I just picked up this one for $6500, but that was exceptially low. https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50636

I also like fox body mustangs and they are pretty cheap. They feel a little less like a "muscle car" than f bodies do, but they are cool. I don't know what it is about mustangs but in general they sound so much better than anything else with a nice set of mufflers.

Derek69SS

01-08-2009, 09:35 AM

Occasionally a 94-96 Impala SS will pop up for sale that's had a T56 swapped in. I'd imagine they'd get somewhere around 27-28mpg on the highway with the stick, good tune, and sensible gears. I get 24mpg with my '95 wagon LT1/auto/2.56

Twentyover

01-08-2009, 09:37 AM

IIf you're trying to keep mamma happy, along w/ jr. I know it's not V8 but I'd look at a 3 series BMW

Donovan

01-09-2009, 08:15 AM

IIf you're trying to keep mamma happy, along w/ jr. I know it's not V8 but I'd look at a 3 series BMW

Took care of that too. Let her trade in the Lincoln LS for a Highlander Hybrid a month ago.

Don't laugh, they haul ass for the fat pig they are. When you get in the throttle both the electric motors and the gas engine kick in. Quite a kick in the pants. Almost feels like dipping in boost.

Mathius

01-12-2009, 07:52 AM

You're up in Minnesota, F-bodies suck in the snow. But you did say it was a toy, so I don't know if you intend to drive it in the winter.

Mathius

Restomod

01-12-2009, 07:58 AM

My 01 Z06 w54k miles for $15k.............That is your best choice ;)

Donovan

01-21-2009, 09:33 PM

My 01 Z06 w54k miles for $15k.............That is your best choice ;)

Nice!

andrewb70

01-22-2009, 08:36 AM

Just for fun I wanted to report back. Went in a totally different direction. hahahaha

I bought a low mileage 1990 RX-7 GXL in October... With plans to swap it.

I'm going to put an L92 and a T56 in it.. The rotory runs great! but is weeeak.

Here's the really funny part, I just traded the HONDA for the L92! hahaha

Still need to find an appropriate T56 and a Turbo rear diff. Then I can start buying conversion parts. This thing is gonna be a beast and still get better mileage than the rotory.

I am doing my 3rd LSx RX7. This one is for someone else.

http://www.v8rx7forum.com/v8-rx-7-build-threads/53584-89-vert-ls1-t56-cobra-diff-irs.html

For a good daily driver, I would look at the G8. I've also always had a soft spot for BMWs, but know nothing about living with one.

Andrew

Shiro666

01-22-2009, 08:58 AM

Hey Restomod,

Is that ZO6 of yours still for sale?

I saw it dissapear from the "for sale" forum.

Restomod

01-22-2009, 11:52 AM

Its still around,sent you a PM.

Surfer

01-23-2009, 09:34 AM

Personally if you can find a used last gen CTS-V, can't go wrong there. Easy as hell to mod, comfortable as hell, and fairly light for a sedan....handles more like a smaller sports car. And good on gas mileage for the performance.