GTO Import

[Shogun888]

Ive been looking for information about this for a couple of days. I was looking into Importing a JDM GTO I found one on a site called Japan-Partner.com they Import to Miami Fl along with various other places. You can buy a 1994 GTO TT Currently and have it shipped for 8,000, Far cheaper than most VR-4s in the US Some of the things I've been seeing is the cost to convert it from RHD to LHD. I have a 1997 3000GT SL that Im not too happy with I could spend 8000 on cosmetic/mechanical improvements and It still wouldnt be TT or AWD. Could'nt I transfer my steering column, Dash, Shifter etc. to the GTO with at the least some minor welding. Also I live in South Carolina where we have no Emissions/Inspections you can drive just about anything with Vin plates IE the SL.

[Stealthee]

You're not going to get a GTO to be 100% legal. There are a few "grey market" GTO's floating around but if ever caught the cars will be seized and crushed.

If you cant find a VR4 for $8000 then you have issues.

[Shogun888]

Originally Posted by Stealthee

You're not going to get a GTO to be 100% legal. There are a few "grey market" GTO's floating around but if ever caught the cars will be seized and crushed.

If you cant find a VR4 for $8000 then you have issues.

Your right about the vr-4 part you can find some that are in pretty good condition for under 8000 from private sellers. Mainly 91' to 93'. my choice would be a 99 spyder. But 8000 for a GTO isnt bad either. I know it would'nt be legal I was just wondering for the sake of argument if someone were to buy a GTO switch it to LHD using parts from a pre-existing 3000 GT and switch the Vin plates no one would know the differance. around here anyway. there is no inspections in our state. the only way to tell would be to look at the parts themselves. Ive never had anyone look under my hood before. There is chop shop cars driving around here all the time. Some of them are probebly two or three different cars, some straight piped, some with 500+ horsepower. The Police dont care. I saw a guy driving one of those little mini bikes the other day down the hwy. You know one of those they make for 7 year olds. Anyway my real question Is would the steering linkage line up on the left side? Is the Engine in GTOs mounted differently? Would you have to manufacture something for the steering or do they make such a adaptor. I know you would have to do some rewireing for the electrical and the heat. Would a 3000gt dash mount where a Gto dash goes? Im pretty good at working on cars but I dont know everything. I rebuilt my transmission myself just using the shop service manual, but Ive never done an engine swap or rebuild. I also considered swaping out my engine with a Low Milage Vr-4 but its too much work. Plus you would either have to buy one of those adapters from 3s which would stick it in fwd. or intall a drive-shaft and new rear axle from a vr-4 ha. If you even could I dont know. I might as well buy one and use my car for spare parts. or be the only one in the US with a GTO. Thanks, Shogun

[Shogun888]

P.S. nice car by the way

[Stealthee]

Originally Posted by Shogun888

Your right about the vr-4 part you can find some that are in pretty good condition for under 8000 from private sellers. Mainly 91' to 93'. my choice would be a 99 spyder. But 8000 for a GTO isnt bad either. I know it would'nt be legal I was just wondering for the sake of argument if someone were to buy a GTO switch it to LHD using parts from a pre-existing 3000 GT and switch the Vin plates no one would know the differance. around here anyway. there is no inspections in our state. the only way to tell would be to look at the parts themselves. Ive never had anyone look under my hood before. There is chop shop cars driving around here all the time. Some of them are probebly two or three different cars, some straight piped, some with 500+ horsepower. The Police dont care. I saw a guy driving one of those little mini bikes the other day down the hwy. You know one of those they make for 7 year olds. Anyway my real question Is would the steering linkage line up on the left side? Is the Engine in GTOs mounted differently? Would you have to manufacture something for the steering or do they make such a adaptor. I know you would have to do some rewireing for the electrical and the heat. Would a 3000gt dash mount where a Gto dash goes? Im pretty good at working on cars but I dont know everything. I rebuilt my transmission myself just using the shop service manual, but Ive never done an engine swap or rebuild. I also considered swaping out my engine with a Low Milage Vr-4 but its too much work. Plus you would either have to buy one of those adapters from 3s which would stick it in fwd. or intall a drive-shaft and new rear axle from a vr-4 ha. If you even could I dont know. I might as well buy one and use my car for spare parts. or be the only one in the US with a GTO. Thanks, Shogun

No such thing as a 99 Spyder.

A few people have done RHD conversions and it costs a lot of money and takes an enormous amount of time to do it right. You'd have $15000 into it before you were even close to being done and it still wouldnt be 100%.

You can buy a nice 2g VR4 for $15,000.

You can also buy 2g's for $8000. You just have to look and sometimes have to travel.

Originally Posted by Shogun888

P.S. nice car by the way

Thank you.

[jason_bet]

LOL..


That is all

[3S Motorsports]

So the idea is to get a RHD GTO shipped over the US, then convert it to LHD for..... fun?
I just don't get your concept. Considering the way the economy is right now, people are practically give these cars away and the buyers have plenty of dough to start modding with. That's usually when I see them.

In no way, shape, or form would your idea be anywhere near practical.
I get people in my shop all of the time asking me to sell their cars for them. Some of the prices they throw at me are really low, so they are easy to sell.
Good luck with whatever you end up doing, just keep in mind that your plan is not really the greatest.
-Steve

[Hans_GZP]

I've got 3 twin turbos in your price range. I can even bring it down to you!!!!!!!!!