Search found 42 matches

by Slimer
Sun Aug 08, 2004 2:13 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Been thinking- variable-output engines?
Replies: 13
Views: 3850

Re: Been thinking- variable-output engines? (Stang2Vibe)

Stang- I'm talking about a robotic manual like BMW SMG, not an automatic. Essentially a manual with an electromechanical actuator to shift it.
by Slimer
Sun Aug 08, 2004 2:09 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Been thinking- variable-output engines?
Replies: 13
Views: 3850

Re: (noginsk)

With displacement on demand, the improvement in efficiency is not that great because you're dealing with mechanical friction, which is a big part of the wasted energy in a gallon of gas. Displacement on demand is for ****. The way I see it, modifying the engine program continuously to accomodate dem...
by Slimer
Sat Aug 07, 2004 12:05 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Been thinking- variable-output engines?
Replies: 13
Views: 3850

Been thinking- variable-output engines?

Ok, so I've been thinking about an automotive concept that seems like a no-brainer with today's technology, and that would go over like gangbusters. It occurred to me as I was putting down the highway into the mountains in my Vibe, wishing I had a few more horsepower to get me up the hill. Here's th...
by Slimer
Sun Aug 01, 2004 8:38 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Is the GT a pain to drive in the city??
Replies: 43
Views: 9789

Re: Is the GT a pain to drive in the city?? (ian)

You know what I'd really like? That new DSG gearbox that Audi/VW are coming out with. Double-clutch hybrid transmission, no torque converter, shifts as fast as a human being. The first clutch transmits the power while the second one "preselects" the next gear, and the transition is super-f...
by Slimer
Sun Jul 25, 2004 10:00 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The wife and I traded...temporarily,
Replies: 23
Views: 4513

Re: The wife and I traded...temporarily, (noginsk)

I was referring more to its generally faux-toughguy, aggressive, in your face attitude more than anything else- although it's terrible safety record, tendency to smash small cars, embarrasingly bad gas mileage, and godawful styling also play a big role. I've noticed that there are a lot of cars and ...
by Slimer
Sat Jul 24, 2004 5:49 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Vibes on rough terrain?
Replies: 8
Views: 1855

Re: (sloth)

Yeah, it's a base, not a GT. I was thinking it would probably be better than the GT. With the AWD I wouldn't even ask the question, I'd be totally golden. But it sounds like I might actually be OK.
by Slimer
Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:53 pm
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Greetings from Colorado
Replies: 24
Views: 3001

Re: (ragingfish)

Colo. DOES rock. If you saw an Envy Vibe, it was probably me.... And yes, your comments about worst drivers ever is absolutely accurate. Denver drivers are absolutely horrible. And what's this about rural? Denver's pretty cosmopolitan...of course, out East is pretty rural with the farms and whatnot,...
by Slimer
Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:17 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The wife and I traded...temporarily,
Replies: 23
Views: 4513

Re: The wife and I traded...temporarily, (VIBEOK)

Good reasons? I could name a million. I'll refrain from slamming the Avalanche because I'm in a good mood. Let's just say I find it to be the automotive equivalent of an upraised middle finger and leave it at that.
by Slimer
Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:27 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Vibes on rough terrain?
Replies: 8
Views: 1855

Vibes on rough terrain?

So I'm planning a little camping trip down to the Colorado Sand Dunes in a few weeks, and the good camping areas are all on somewhat rough, sandy trails. Anybody taken a Vibe off the beaten path and can tell me how it did? I'm not talking about offroading, but just rough, narrow dirt roads with chan...
by Slimer
Sat Jul 17, 2004 1:50 am
Forum: Latest News
Topic: Pontiac Vibe (Stupid Car Name)
Replies: 36
Views: 9738

Re: (Stang2Vibe)

Ok, just to speak of a little heresy.... Vibe IS a pretty dumb-ass name for a car. To me, it sounds like a focus-group'ed piece of marketing BS, thought up to try to evoke some image of a youthful extreem sports college sorta active lifestyle thingy. It's not the worst example of this- the insuffera...
by Slimer
Fri Jul 16, 2004 1:38 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How Much Did Everyone Pay For Their Vibes?
Replies: 34
Views: 6974

Re: How Much Did Everyone Pay For Their Vibes? (drunkenvibe)

Base, Envy, no power stuff or moon and tunes, two tone, auto, '03. Bought used in '04 with 14,500 miles on the clock. Price: 12,500, the same as a similarly equipped brand new Kia but with better equipment and engineering, more power, more room, higher quality. Unless you've got a hardon to put the ...
by Slimer
Fri Jul 16, 2004 1:33 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: "Damn Good Car"
Replies: 41
Views: 10845

Re: "Damn Good Car" (Charlievibe)

Gawd! What a wreck. I noticed, though, that the passenger cell was mostly undamaged....the engine area and front end was demolished, but the passenger area seemed to be relatively intact. That's impressive...Volvos do the same thing. Your son will probably need some help getting back behind the whee...
by Slimer
Sun Jul 11, 2004 9:02 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe is wasp proof!
Replies: 14
Views: 1687

Re: Vibe is wasp proof! (Flip-Side)

Not to mention that he had to bring in a backhoe to scoop out all the dirt that was contaminated by the toxic fuel. Not only did he not have eyebrows for six weeks, his front yard was a mini Superfund site. I suppose it goes without saying that this little escapade transpired while both of us were d...
by Slimer
Sun Jul 11, 2004 8:56 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Is the GT a pain to drive in the city??
Replies: 43
Views: 9789

Re: Is the GT a pain to drive in the city?? (joatmon)

Did he mean the automatic Base or the manual Base? I was assuming auto.
by Slimer
Sun Jul 11, 2004 8:15 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Is the GT a pain to drive in the city??
Replies: 43
Views: 9789

Re: (goodvibe)

Just my thoughts here. The GT would be acceptable for low-density city driving (and of course excellent for highway and open road.) By low-density, I mean suburban areas and spread-out city areas. High density would be city centers, tightly-packed cities like Europe and the Eastern seaboard has, etc...
by Slimer
Mon Jul 05, 2004 11:12 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe is wasp proof!
Replies: 14
Views: 1687

Re: Vibe is wasp proof! (redlava)

Heh. This reminds me of a funny story. A good buddy of mine owns a helicopter, and as such has a large supply of helicopter fuel around. JP4 is just about the most volatile substance in existence, barring, perhaps, plutonium and antimatter. He had a little ground wasp trouble, and poured about a gal...
by Slimer
Mon Jul 05, 2004 10:18 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: I hit a deer
Replies: 30
Views: 5696

Re: (Merzbow)

I live in a deer-infested area too. What I did was get some little doohickeys my dad had laying around (off an old car of his) that create ultrasonic whistles that scare deer off. Not audible to humans, but sounds like a jet taking off to deer. Epoxied them in behind the lower grille, totally invisi...
by Slimer
Mon May 03, 2004 10:45 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: Production numbers by paint color
Replies: 16
Views: 7288

Re: Production numbers by paint color (ebslopp)

Booya! Limited edition! Bet y'all are just...ahh...green with envy....Right. I still think it's awesome that only 766 Envies were built. Does that make me special or something? Do I get to form my own little club within Genvibe? I dub it Envybe.
by Slimer
Thu Apr 29, 2004 10:19 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Stolen!
Replies: 40
Views: 8826

Re: Stolen! (yank dini)

So I have to ask- why is insurance giving you crap? It should be fairly straightforward...I had a car stolen from my high school parking lot, and I had the insurance inside of a week. Your insurance shouldn't be jerking you around, if your car was properly registered and insured. You shouldn't have ...
by Slimer
Sat Apr 24, 2004 10:51 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Tell me your Vibe's quirks...
Replies: 42
Views: 7575

Re: (Dax)

Well, it's a great car. Very pleasant to drive, good brakes, communicative suspension and steering, nippy around town, decent cruiser. Lots of storage and thoughful touches,and the interior is finished nicely except for the criminally underpadded armrests. Scads of cargo room and very comfortable ev...
by Slimer
Sat Apr 24, 2004 10:31 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: POLL: What should the new 2005 Vibe color be?
Replies: 25
Views: 4939

Re: POLL: What should the new 2005 Vibe color be? (MailGuy!)

Some thoughts: - Sage green. Sort of a gray-green metallic. Would be quite understated. - Canary yellow- not Beetle yellow, but more of a strong, deep, bright yellow. - Deep blue-green. Some Jeeps were made in this color. - Ferrari red. Sorry, Lava and Salsa don't do it for me. I want 60's Ferrari/f...
by Slimer
Wed Apr 21, 2004 1:35 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Comparison of Vibe/Matrix
Replies: 12
Views: 2217

Re: Comparison of Vibe/Matrix (bus driver)

I had a choice between a VW Jetta wagon, a Mitsubishi Outlander, an old Passat, and the Vibe. The Toyota mechanicals sealed the deal for me- I want a car that's not gonna give me any crap, and I had a Jeep that was in the shop every 3 months before this.
by Slimer
Tue Apr 20, 2004 9:38 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe!
Replies: 28
Views: 6252

Re: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe! (Stang2Vibe)

- Right, but my ideas re: methane and biodiesel would serve the same function- it would be entirely possible to take care of our energy needs that way. Hydrogen is great in theory, but there are numerous problems; you have faith that I don't that they will be solved in the immediate future. I have t...
by Slimer
Tue Apr 20, 2004 3:52 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Green with Envy
Replies: 24
Views: 6115

Re: (silverawd26)

I've got an Envy. It grows on you somewhat, but I wouldn't have gotten that color if the cost/benefit equation hadn't been so great. I call it Slimer.
by Slimer
Tue Apr 20, 2004 2:52 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe!
Replies: 28
Views: 6252

Re: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe! (Slimer)

Some further thoughts. While high performance hybrids are possible and fairly easy to make, I think that emphasis should be put on introducing mass-market hybrids. If you put planetary-gear diesel hybrid engines under the hoods of the cars that most people buy- minivans, small SUV's, midsize sedans ...
by Slimer
Tue Apr 20, 2004 12:52 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe!
Replies: 28
Views: 6252

Re: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe! (Stang2Vibe)

Regarding the EV1- that was expensive due to all the batteries, and the development of the lightweight technology. My proposal uses off-the-shelf stuff, and technology already being used in relatively inexpensive production models. A decent planetary-gear hybrid, especially with a performance setup,...
by Slimer
Mon Apr 19, 2004 8:31 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The Vibe...OFF-ROAD!!!
Replies: 7
Views: 1962

Re: (ebslopp)

I have a great story about when we got chased off of Pike's Peak by the park rangers for driving like lunatics. That was when I still had my supercharged Jeep Cherokee, and we were racing. Crazy, crazy afternoon. Criminally stupid, yeah, but whatever.
by Slimer
Mon Apr 19, 2004 8:28 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Comparison of Vibe/Matrix
Replies: 12
Views: 2217

Re: Comparison of Vibe/Matrix (StampedeVibe)

The depreciation is quite real. I bought my 2003 Vibe for 12k. Insane price.
by Slimer
Mon Apr 19, 2004 7:20 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Horsepower Difference
Replies: 28
Views: 7079

Re: Horsepower Difference (jake75)

Yeah, that's the GT motor. The Base will remain at 130, the GT has gone from 180 to 173 to 170. Now, to really bake your noodle: The HP of the Base Vibe is actually 140, but they understate it so owners of the entry-model Celica don't suspect that they're actually running the same mill as the Coroll...
by Slimer
Mon Apr 19, 2004 6:30 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Motor Trend: on the new 2005 Vibe
Replies: 19
Views: 3910

Re: (trdvibe)

IMO, the Vibe's just a much cleaner and better-proportioned design. The individual elements of the Az aren't too horrible, but the proportions are terrible. If it had been made a little more wagon-like, it would have been a winner. It's too upright and slab-sided, and any wheel is too small. That, a...
by Slimer
Mon Apr 19, 2004 3:26 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe!
Replies: 28
Views: 6252

Re: (ragingfish)

Haha! Mr. Fusion- the ultimate energy source. Also, some research I did over the weekend indicates that the planetary-gear setup in the Prius is acutally more efficient than my idea, because it combines my idea with a regular hybrid. It uses my concept (or something like it) to get up to speed, then...
by Slimer
Mon Apr 19, 2004 3:05 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe!
Replies: 28
Views: 6252

Re: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe! (MJN2)

Mostly because you have to distill it. Methane, being gaseous, would simply rise up, already pure, out of whatever slop you were creating it with. Also, ethanol requires sugar, not just biomass; creating that sugar is pricy to begin with.
by Slimer
Mon Apr 19, 2004 2:58 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe!
Replies: 28
Views: 6252

Re: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe! (Slimer)

And stang- I can think of few better ways to get some REALLY nasty performance than a hybrid set up for performance rather than economy. A turbocharged performance engine- set up for really high HP at high revs- coupled with a torquey electric engine to take care of the lower rev range. The engine o...
by Slimer
Mon Apr 19, 2004 2:53 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe!
Replies: 28
Views: 6252

Re: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe! (Stang2Vibe)

Ok, I'll try to answer the cost and hydrogen questions in one go. As for the price of the Hybrivibe, it wouldn't be that expensive. I don't know why you're quoting Ferrari prices here, because I can't imagine how that'd be the case. Aluminum spaceframes aren't that expensive, small engines and batte...
by Slimer
Mon Apr 19, 2004 2:19 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The Vibe...OFF-ROAD!!!
Replies: 7
Views: 1962

Re: (ebslopp)

I've rallied mine on a dirt road a few times. Having the AWD would be cool for that, but it's set up pretty well for some fun as it is. You can kick the rear end out pretty nicely drifting a curve. However, my buddy's Subaru WRX is much better for that sort of thing....for obvious reasons.
by Slimer
Fri Apr 16, 2004 11:58 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe!
Replies: 28
Views: 6252

Re: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe! (redlava)

I agree. I think that eventually we're gonna have to wise up and realize that having our cake and eating it too is too costly. This would provide reasonable performance- something like our vibes. I suspect that rising fuel prices are going to bring to an end the era of the muscle car- and good ridda...
by Slimer
Fri Apr 16, 2004 2:08 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe!
Replies: 28
Views: 6252

Hypothetical car concept- 100mpg 2009 Vibe!

Hey everybody. I thought I'd share with you some musings I've been having lately on the evolution of the car, and how the automobile could be improved. My personal philosophy is highly environmentally conscious, and I try to dedicate myself to living in as wise and sustainable a way as possible. Now...
by Slimer
Wed Apr 14, 2004 2:05 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: FYI - Can't order any more 2004's from the factory
Replies: 23
Views: 2938

Re: FYI - Can't order any more 2004's from the factory (trdvibe)

Well, say goodbye to the cool noses. The 2005 vibe's front fascia is enough to induce instant drowsiness, it's so boring.
by Slimer
Wed Apr 14, 2004 2:03 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: What's your Vibes Name?
Replies: 34
Views: 5421

Re: What's your Vibes Name? (Kari)

Mine is named Slimer, after the green ghost in Ghostbusters. (It's Envy green, what else could I call it?). It's also good because Slimer ate everything, and Vibes have mad cargo room.... I think Slimer's a she in this incarnation, tho. Also in the running: The Blob, Blobster, The Bomb, Nuker, etc. ...
by Slimer
Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:54 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: My slime-green Vibe....
Replies: 18
Views: 3745

Re: My slime-green Vibe.... (kep427)

Methinks it really is as simple as that. Shouldn't be too difficult- you can see the horn just behind the grill. Looks like you should be able to just unscrew it, disconnect the wires, and pop in a new one. But don't take that on face value, make sure.
by Slimer
Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:50 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: My slime-green Vibe....
Replies: 18
Views: 3745

Re: My slime-green Vibe.... (noginsk)

Gracias for the warm welcome. I'll post pics when I get the chance. In answer to questions, it's two-tone, which I actually think works pretty well...gray and green go together ok. The rarity factor is pretty cool, I definitely had never seen one in this color before. Guess I'm just special. It migh...
by Slimer
Tue Apr 13, 2004 1:10 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: My slime-green Vibe....
Replies: 18
Views: 3745

My slime-green Vibe....

Hey everyone.... noob here, just bought a 2003 Envy base vibe- the only used one I found for the right price. I'm enjoying it very much on the whole. My only criticisms:1. Engine could use an extra 20hp. Totally hypothetically, it'd be sweet to stick in Volkswagen's new direct-injection 2.0l 150hp e...