GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

nerdydaddyo

Update: do NOT get rid of your factory headlight assemblies. Have them restored; Walmart does it for 40 bucks using Cerakote. You are going to have the worst time trying to replace them. ANYTHING out there aftermarket is a gamble. I bought a set of two "Eagle Eyes" branded headlight assemb...

nerdydaddyo

I am seriously considering picking up another Vibe and having a set of them myself. It's a toss up between the AWD 2003-2008 or the 2009-2010 final years with the updated design. If anyone has any feedback on either of those options I'd love to hear it. I have enough room left in my driveway for one...

nerdydaddyo

Just wanted to give an update on my 2003 Salsamobile. I'm at 209k miles, and am JUST now changing the following Driver's Side parts: Wheel Hub Assembly (Moog LK071), CV Axle (Cardone 60-5229), Axle Seal (SKF 13616), Lower Ball Joint (so easy to replace with the "finger" bolt on design, Bec...

nerdydaddyo

Highly recommend the 6 speed trans over rebuilding the 5. Still going strong almost 5 years later.

nerdydaddyo

It's been awhile since I have visited the forums, but as a mechanic, when I see a design flaw and fix it, I have to pass the info along. The fog lights, the retainer clip IS replaceable. It isn't listed as such, but after doing some research, you can use the OFFICIAL GM 11570830 on both left and rig...

nerdydaddyo

Over a year later, Vibe is still running like new. This net has saved us some serious grocery drops.

nerdydaddyo

The purpose is to keep things from falling out when the hatch is opened. A lot of the time I will just open the lift glass and set stuff in the back without paying attention to how it will fare once the entire hatch is opened. Bags of groceries fall over, items roll around, etc. The second idea was ...

nerdydaddyo

This mod is long overdue as it was promised months ago. I've been so overwhelmed in life lately that even though I've had the Moto-Gate since then, it was only this weekend that I got around to taking the pictures so I could do this properly. To start, you'll of course need the Moto-Gate (linked in ...

nerdydaddyo

As promised, and long overdue, I have pictures and instructions posted for my other easy mod, the Moto-Gate: viewtopic.php?f=29&t=44670&p=507767#p507767

nerdydaddyo

Today I have some photos that I forgot to upload which will help support the reasoning behind my decision to swap out the base model 5 speed manual transmission driver's side (half shaft) CV axle for the 6 speed version: Comparison between the 5 speed and 6 speed manual transmission driver's side (h...

nerdydaddyo

No problem. I did notice over the course of the few weeks after replacing my AC Compressor Clutch kit that the air began to get warm on the passenger side of the car until it slowly worked its way to the driver's side as well until only one vent by the driver's door had any cold air at all coming ou...

nerdydaddyo

The symptoms I experienced were the clutch not engaging at all (even with the jumper test). The other way to check is to take the serpentine belt off and use your hand to check for a worn bearing by trying to tilt the AC Compressor pulley in all directions. Any play is indication of a bad bearing. G...

nerdydaddyo

Thanks, 2010. I am not upset that the 5 speed manual transmission failed on me for several reasons: One, it led me to this site; Two, it was apparently a very common occurrence; Three, I now have a 6 speed manual transmission which is much more fun to shift; and Four, it has woken up the mechanic in...

nerdydaddyo

Welcome, RRich! I am also a relatively new member, and only became a Vibe owner in February of this year. My journal of owning the Vibe has been ongoing in this thread http://forums.genvibe.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=44217 and I have been keeping a list of parts I've purchased along with any how-to'...

nerdydaddyo

I examined the 1ZZ-FE and there are no bolt holes to add that bracket. So for the 5 speed manual transmission to 6 speed manual transmission conversion my advice is to get the left side CV axle for the 6 speed manual transmission but reuse the right side CV axle. I posted the information in the gara...

nerdydaddyo

If someone in here owns a 6 speed GT, can you please take a photo of the back of the motor on the right side (passenger) CV axle? I think that bracket will not attach to the non-GT engine, and if that is the case, then the right side CV axle from the 5 speed is the only option. It will have 1/4 inch...

nerdydaddyo

I'm gonna offer the answer I came up with to my own question. The answer is: you need a special spanner wrench to hold the clutch plate still. I purchased the Autocraft A/C Compressor Clutch Spanner Wrench part number AC3270. It seems to be the only surefire way to remove the screw without causing a...

nerdydaddyo

So I'm on to my next project which is replacing the AC Compressor Clutch. I have the factory AC Delco kit, but I've already run into an issue. I cannot keep the outer plate from spinning while trying to undo the T30 bolt. Any advice on how to do so? AC Clutch Compressors I have done in the past had ...

nerdydaddyo

I apologize for that! I could have sworn I filled out my location at least! I've updated my profile with more information, but let me know if I left anything out. Thanks, tpollauf! And thanks for the welcome too. Of all of the sites I've been a part of for ANYTHING (not just vehicles), this one has ...

nerdydaddyo

It arrived!

nerdydaddyo

Thanks, sideshowalan. I'll definitely look into replacing the rubber bushings first with the brass ones since it's not only a less expensive option but also much easier and quicker. I only wanted the short shifter because the reverse gear comes too close to the console (6 speed reverse is hard left ...

nerdydaddyo

I did try the industrial strength Velcro first, but I noticed no matter what I did it insisted on lifting every time. It just had a difficult time adhering to the plastic trim and so I decided that drastic measures were needed in order to succeed. Plus it's just frustrating doing the same thing over...

nerdydaddyo

My next trick was the Moto-Gate Mini Cargo Net, part number MTO-05-200. I didn't take a pic because it's not really an overwhelming mod of any kind. It's just an extremely heavy duty cargo net that works perfectly with the attachment points in the cargo area and can stop things from rolling out of t...

nerdydaddyo

Since I am partial to Kenwood head units (though I am disappointed that they are now merged with JVC), I have found some great 2 DIN decks with some bells and whistles (Bluetooth, etc.) that I will initially purchase. Looking at any DVD/GPS Navigation head unit (not just Kenwood), the price tag star...

nerdydaddyo

The shifter knob will eventually need to be replaced (for appearance only), and again, thanks to this site I have that OEM part number and know how to eventually get it. I have an OEM 6 speed GT shift knob. See pictures in this thread where I tried to sell it last year. $40 shipped. http://forums.g...

nerdydaddyo

Sideshowalan: That's the story I always hear about Redline MT-90. It's supposed to be top of the line and can work miracles which you have proven in the five speed manual transmission. It's expensive as heck, but it's a one-time deal. Trb: what brand is that radio? I was looking into the ones offere...

nerdydaddyo

You mentioned a nice double DIN unit. Do you have a link to it? Trying to see if the double DIN unit is a better deal. Thanks.

nerdydaddyo

I guess from that perspective the addition of the moon roof is definitely a bad idea then. For the tunes part, I saw some pics with what looked like tweeter speakers on the inside of the front doors opposite the side mirrors. That probably wouldn't be too difficult to add. The amp I could skip, beca...

nerdydaddyo

Jolt, I can't agree with you more. I use Redline MT-90. I've done the research and though it's astronomically expensive it's the best there is. All synthetic, long life.

nerdydaddyo

I hope to keep this Vibe long enough to pass it down to my daughter who turns 10 this year. However, I think that kids today prefer everything automatic given the Internet generation. Not to mention the fact that I may have a hard time parting with my Vibe; maybe I'll get her the AWD model which dou...

nerdydaddyo

Also working on a list of parts and how-to guides in the Garage. Thanks for the advice! It's good to have for my records too.

viewtopic.php?f=30&t=44222&p=504012#p504012

nerdydaddyo

I'm trying to keep a master list of all parts and how-to procedures that I've utilized on my 2003 Pontiac Vibe base model with six speed manual transmission coversion. I will edit as I have new updates. Hopefully this is useful to others! Parts used for my six speed manual transmission conversion: E...

nerdydaddyo

The Cargo Mat How-To is posted!

viewtopic.php?f=29&t=44221

Hopefully this helps many people out as it drove me insane for a week straight.

nerdydaddyo

One of the first interior quirks I picked up on in the short time since I've had my 2003 Vibe is the rear cargo/convenience mat. While it looks awesome, it slides around and is virtually impossible to stop no matter what you throw at it. However, I have worked on cars for decades, both body and mech...

nerdydaddyo

If your Vibe has reached 207,000 miles and is still going strong, then there is no doubt that I purchased the right vehicle! :lol:. You also taught me something new: I had no idea that the name of the color was Salsa Red. I even looked it up, and sure enough, the factory color name is...Salsa Red. T...

nerdydaddyo

I just realized that I failed to mention in my original post that I put a brand new flywheel on as well. It was a NAPA brand flywheel, ran about 80 bucks with no core. All new, not remanufactured in case anyone is interested. I try to pass on places I find parts and deals I've gotten whenever I can.

nerdydaddyo

That's a nice blue Vibe you have there! I wanted that two-tone scheme with the grey trim instead of the solid color like mine. Looks more like an Aztek with the grille and trim (I almost bought an Aztek years ago; maybe I'm living out that dream in the Vibe?). I've read in several places where the G...

nerdydaddyo

Sorry about the delay in pics. I opted for Photobucket to keep them at full resolution. It is a good mechanical project and not too bad to work on. Space in the engine compartment wasn't really an issue and everything is accessible.

nerdydaddyo

Here's a couple of pictures taken this morning:

nerdydaddyo

I totally forgot what day it was when I wrote that post yesterday! :lol: No, this was a real situation. The day the breakdown took place was March 3, 2015 which makes it almost a month ago today. The initial repair took 10 days total with locating the transmission/having it shipped and matching up t...

nerdydaddyo

I saw the MWR short shifter recommended in a thread on here before, but it looked like the reduction in stick height was not as much. The TWM short shifter claims a height reduction of 2.5 inches. That's a lot and possibly enough to make going into reverse a little less tight. I will keep the MWR ve...

nerdydaddyo

I'm new to the site so I apologize in advance if I'm repeating a similar post. I recently purchased a 2003 Pontiac Vibe base model with a five speed manual transmission. As those who are aware of the five speed transmission issues may be reading this, I'm sure you're laughing hard at the late-in-the...

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