We owned an '89 Ford F-250 HD with the 460 and 5 speed trans. I used an '87 Buick Turbo T for work because it got better mileage and she ended up using the truck for a daily work vehicle. We also had a 32 foot 5th wheel camping trailer so we needed to keep the truck for that. She drove it but never enjoyed it. Especially in the winter. So anything resembling a manual trans for her is not going to fly. Now, if I can afford a second car for me (not including the '63 Catalina) I would not mind a manual. My dream car would be a built 301 Pontiac with a good 6 speed in an '89 to '92 third Gen GTA. But these darn LS based motors are so good I almost have to build one of them. I'd build a 4 inch bore aluminum (L76 block??. I already have one in the G8---) (slap me--I'm getting in trouble already) with a 4.8 crank for 327 cubes. Perfect high rpm motor with a 6 speed and tall gears. I built a small block Chevy several years ago fo rmy '67 Nove. It was a 400 blcok (.030 over 4.155 bore) and a steel 350 crank for 377 cubes. It acted like a big brother Z28 302. It had more of everything. One of the sweetest motors I've ever owned. I'd like something like that again. OK I'm rambling again.

Mark

an old truck 5spd is alot different than a t56, lol. i love the gta'* though to but my favorite would have to be the TTA they had in 89 with the GN engine, one of those with a t56 conversion would be my favorite car ever but they are too expensive to mess with now.

as far as the ls engines they keep becoming more and more attractive. the engine in my car cost quite a bit to build but when i did the ls engines were just coming out in the f-bodies and corvettes. its 400hp, but gets single digit mpg most of the time. there are 4.8 and 5.3 truck blocks that come up on craigslist all the time for like 500 bucks with the wiring and pcm. a few have put them in their f-bodies with single turbo'* with no internal mods over on thirdgen.org. they really like boost it seems, running times that must be around 600hp with a stock 4.8. pretty good for a 2k outlay. i paid more for just my engine and those have 50% better power and probably twice the gas mileage.

The LS platform is fantastic compared to the old generation GM V8'*. My want for a true Pontiac base V8 is just my Pontiac sickness. Hence the reasons for all the money and good parts put into my '60 389 block in the Catalina. If I weren't such a Pontiac sufferer I would use a different platform/engine.
The Turbo TA is also a great car but I think a regular GTA but upgraded to a LS bases motor and turbocharged would blow it out of the water. I would leave the TTA for the purists and build a regular V8 GTA. Much less cost to start with. The head flow on even regular stock LS motors is way above the old small block heads, right off the bat. That'* why the turbos are so effective. Engines now a days are so much better, more advanced over what we had in the past, it'* truly impressive. The head flows, power potentials, and the engine management capabilities is Star Wars tech compared.
Oh, hey you laugh at my Ford F-250 HD 5 speed huh, huh?? I guarantee there was not a single truck, pulling a trailer, getting out of the toll booths on any interstate anywhere faster 'n my big ol' Grey Ghost Blue Oval. HA! I swear I had the front tires off the ground more than once. I remember my son (then around 11-12 years old) yelling at me because he banged his head against the back window of the truck on my (powerless) shifts. I think I may have been yelled at by my wife a time or two also, but I'm not too sure since I tune her out like all good husbands do!!! LOL. OK I'm done. 8^)

Mark

i had a 89 tbi 350 5spd pickup, but wasent in a hurry to get anywhere. especially with the camper behind it. i dont think it would have gone fast if i tried though. but it pulled fine without over heating and the autos really sucked back then. if you used a 700r4 for towing it would only last 100k. i never even put a clutch in mine

Well guys, I can now officially say I've stepped back into the modern GM/Pontiac world. I just bought a 2008 Black on black G8 GT. 56,000 miles and pure stock. I'll get some pics up as soon as I can. Nice, nice car. Right now reading through the manual and have to wait some 5 to 7 days to get the released title. Anxious to take it out and push it a little. I'll go into the Pontiac section as well and see if anyone here has one. WOOHOOOO!!!!

Mark

I know you said you will, but regarding the new G8...

Sorry Guys, forgot to take the pics. Been Superbowl partying today. Been studying up on the manual in the family library (LOL). Took the engine cover off to see what is all under there. Just putsin' until I can really get in and get dirty. I won't be really doing anything for a while. Gotta concentrate on the Catalina now.

Mark

Oooh..Congrats Mark..(jealous) on the 2008 Black on black G8 purchase!

I would also like to ask if u could create a new post for your G8 pics in: Your Ride Pictures & Video Section.
This is where photo posts get selected from, for Car of The Month Contest!
I am sure your car would get nominated!!!

Also Waiting to see some photos of your New G8!

Here'* the pics of the G8 sitting in my back yard. Waiting for the title to clear the Credit Union that held the title.









I'll start a tread on the car too. Just wanted to drop it in here first.

Mark

Woh that looks brine new! Awesome purchase!
Your going to enjoy that ride!
Must be like new under hood too I bet...photo... please!