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vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2012 4:18 pm
by vibenvy
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Build Date: 11.17.08 @ 7:18 AM PDT - 1 of 7 (0.074%) of 57,088 2009s built

Purchase Date: 04.11.09 (76 miles)

Color: Liquid Platinum Metallic (20U / WA603R)

Manufacturer Options:
• Electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission [with Driver Shift Control (DSC)] MVD
• Power sunroof [includes sunglasses holder] CF5
• Theft-deterrent alarm system [includes motion sensor, glass breakage sensor and fuel system shut-off] UA6

Accomplishments:
• 3rd place in the "Stock Class" at the 3rd annual WI GM-Tuner Gathering - 05.22.10
• GenVibe.com's April 2011 Vibe of the Month

MILEstones:
• 10,000 miles - 02.26.10
• 20,000 miles - 01.28.11
• 30,000 miles - 03.22.12
• 40,000 miles - 05.18.13
• 50,000 miles - 05.25.14
• 60,000 miles - 07.28.15
• 70,000 miles - 09.25.16
• 80,000 miles - 04.03.18
• 90,000 miles - 09.09.19
• 100,000 miles - 11.26.21

Links:
Flickr Photo Albums
MPG Tune

Modifications:

Engine:

• TRD radiator cap (#PTR04-00000-03)
• black painted exhaust manifold heat shield
• black painted engine oil dipstick handle
• Toyota engine appearance cover (#12601-0H020)
• TRD forged aluminum engine oil filler cap [with metallic silver painted insert] (#PTR35-00110)
• chrome engine appearance cover nuts
• K&N Typhoon short ram air intake [with an AEM 2.5" to 3" rubber hump coupler (#5-574)] (#69-8613TS)
• AEM Dryflow air filter (#21-203DK)
• Optima 35 series Red Top battery (#8020-164)
• air intake ducting and resonator removed
• Magnaflow performance catback exhaust system [2.25" stainless steel mandrel bent piping, 5"×8"×14" satin stainless steel oval bodied muffler and a 4" polished stainless steel round angle cut tip] (#16849)

Suspension:
• TRD front strut tower brace (#PTR02-12080)

Wheels - Summer:
• 225/45/18 Continental PureContact LS grand touring all season tires
• Toyota [McGard] chrome OEM alloy wheel-specific wheel locks (#00276-00901)
• Slime chrome valve stem caps and sleeves (#20094)

Wheels - Winter:
• 2009-2010 Vibe 2.4L Base/AWD 16" steel wheels (#19184107)
• 2009-2010 Vibe 2.4L Base/AWD 16" wheel covers (#24100434)
• 195/60/16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 studless ice and snow tires
• 2003-2010 Vibe steel wheel/wheel cover-specific lug nuts (#88972746)
• Slime black anodized valve stem caps (#20266)

Brakes:
• PowerStop Evolution genuine GeoMet coated front and rear rotors (front pair - #JBR1127EVC | rear pair - #JBR1363EVC)
• PowerStop Z17 Evolution Plus ceramic front and rear pads (front pair - #17-1211 | rear pair - #17-1212)
• Techna-Fit braided stainless steel front and rear brake line flex hoses [with a black PVC protective coating] (#TOY-2236)
• satin black powder coated front and rear calipers
• satin black powder coated front and rear caliper mounting brackets

Exterior:
• front license plate mount replaced with color matched plugs
• Vosla HIR2 +120% low beam headlight bulbs (#9012 = #9006)
• Toyota [Toshiba] HIR1 high beam headlight bulbs (#9011 = #9005) (#90981-13066)
• 50% tinted full windshield
• 2" round blind spot mirrors on the upper outer corners of the side mirrors
• WeatherTech dark tinted in-channel front and rear side window deflectors (#82481)
• 35% tinted front and rear windows
• Honda 7" antenna (#39151-STK-A01)
• metallic silver Poyota decal on the lower right corner of the hatch glass
• v-LEDs 5500k white LED reverse light bulbs (#921)
PONTIAC VIBE GT badges removed from the hatch
• GM Accessories rear bumper cover protector (#19171162) *discontinued*
• SuperBrightLEDs warm white LED rear license plate light bulb (#194)
• Illinois Route 66 specialty vanity rear license plate - VIBIN
• eBay plain black plastic rear license plate frame
• stainless steel rear license plate screws [×4; added 2 bottom screws]

Interior:
• eBay black plastic front and rear door check covers [×2 per door] (listed for 2012+ Toyota Camry)
• Kool-Vue chrome front and rear door handles (right/passenger side front and rear - #REPT462119 | left/driver's side front and rear - #REPT462120)
• Grafx Werks regular red front and rear door lock overlays
• eBay black plastic front and rear door screw covers [×3 per door] (listed for 2012+ Toyota Camry)
• eBay black plastic front and rear door striker covers (listed for 2012+ Toyota Camry)
• Auto Drive black leather steering wheel cover (#33124PW)
• GM Accessories premium all weather rubber front and rear floor mats (#19170829) *discontinued*
• SuperBrightLEDs warm white LED front overhead reading light bulbs (#194)
• 2012-2014 Toyota Yaris chrome trimmed HVAC knobs (vent control [left/driver's side] - #55901-52400 | fan control [center] - #55902-52220 | temperature control {with rear defrost} [right/passenger side] - #55903-52650)
• SuperBrightLEDs cool white LED HVAC knob light bulbs (#NEO4)
• GM Accessories chrome shift knob overlay (#19171212) *discontinued*
• 2010 Vibe metallic silver shifter bezel (#19205020)
• SuperBrightLEDs cool white LED shift indicator light bulb (#74)
• Redline Goods black leather/black stitching center console armrest cover [with 6/8" foam padding]
• SuperBrightLEDs warm white LED center and rear overhead light bulbs (#DE3175/30mm)
• GM Accessories black fabric rear cargo area security shade (#19171208) *discontinued*
• Toyota "spider-style" rear cargo area net (#PT347-12090)
• GM Accessories premium all weather rubber rear cargo area mats [×2] (#19170827)

Miscellaneous:
independent fog lights
Automatic Headlights (AHL) disabled
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) disabled
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) disabled
OnStar module removed
• WeatherTech TechShade windshield sunshade (#TS0436)
• Diode Dynamics SmartTap CF18 flasher relay [20 second departure lighting, 6-flash tap-to-pass and strobing hazard lights] (#LM449)
• K&N washable cabin air filter (#VF2000)

Future:

Miscellaneous:

• Hella Super Tones dual horns [with black painted grilles] (#003399801)
• Redline Tuning QuickLift Plus hood lift system

2009

First Day Home - 04.11.09
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First Photoshoot - 04.12.09
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Dealer License Plate Frame And Sticker Removed - 04.17.09
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WI GM-Tuners Meet - Bender Park - Oak Creek, WI - 04.18.09
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35% Tinted Front And Rear Windows - 04.24.09
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De-Badged Hatch And Metallic Silver genvibe.com Decal - 04.26.09
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05.03.09
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GM Accessories Premium All Weather Rubber Front And Rear Floor Mats And Rear Cargo Area Mat - 05.06.09
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05.17.09
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K&N Typhoon Short Ram Air Intake And AEM Brute Force Dryflow Air Filter - 07.09.09
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08.22.09
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Cruise Night - Morris, IL - 09.12.09
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Independent Fog Lights + Automatic Headlights (AHL) And Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Disabled - 09.24.09
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10.08.09
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Winter Wheels And Tires - 2009-2010 Vibe 2.4L Base/AWD 16" Steel Wheels And 205/55/16 Kelly Explorer All Season Tires - 11.07.09
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Winter Mode - 2009-2010 - 12.12.09
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12.25.09
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Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2012 4:54 pm
by vibenvy
2010

"Birth Certificate" From NUMMI - 03.26.10
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Slime Chrome Valve Stem Caps - 04.06.10
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Chicagoland GenVibe Meet - Busse Woods - Elk Grove Village, IL - 04.10.10
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Flat Tire And Majorly Damaged Wheel :cry: - 04.17.10
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Parking Like The Big Boys And Girls (Trucks And SUVs) @ JC Whitney - 05.02.10
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3rd Annual WI GM-Tuner Gathering - WI Dells - 05.22.10
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Altgeld Hall At Northern Illinois University - DeKalb, IL - 06.15.10
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Front License Plate Mount Replaced With Color Matched Plugs - 07.11.10
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2010 GenVibe Meet Weekend - Indy - 07.16.10 - 07.18.10
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08.05.10
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Chicagoland GenVibe Meet - Sandwich, IL - 10.09.10
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Winter Mode - 2010-2011 - 12.04.10
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Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2012 5:18 pm
by vibenvy
2011

Winter Wheels And Tires - 2003-2010 Vibe Steel Wheel/Wheel Cover-Specific Lug Nuts - 01.01.11
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01.15.11
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20,000 Miles! - 01.28.11
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GM Accessories Black Fabric Rear Cargo Area Security Shade - 02.11.11
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Honda 7" Antenna - 02.12.11
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Black Painted Exhaust Manifold Heat Shield - 03.29.11
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05.28.11
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07.17.11
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GM Accessories Chrome Shift Knob Overlay - 07.20.11
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GenVibe Picture Challenge - The Gemini Giant At The Launching Pad Restaurant - Wilmington, IL - 08.07.11
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GenVibe Picture Challenge - Route 34 Drive-In Theatre - Earlville, IL - 08.07.11
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2010 Vibe Metallic Silver Shifter Bezel - 08.23.11
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GenVibe Picture Challenge - Downtown Sandwich, IL - 12.07.11
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GenVibe Picture Challenge - Sandwich, IL Grain Elevator - 12.11.11
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Winter Wheels And Tires - 2009-2010 Vibe 2.4L Base/AWD 16" Wheel Covers - 12.31.11
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Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2012 5:22 pm
by vibenvy
2012

30,000 Miles! - 03.22.12
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Toyota [McGard] Chrome OEM Alloy Wheel-Specific Wheel Locks - 03.24.12
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04.20.12
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Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 4:09 am
by A Psycho Martyr
may I use this photo to make a Banner in the contest?
I actually have all 3 of my submissions made already, so I'm basically asking permission to make YOU one to submit in the contest
lemme know 8)

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Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 4:23 pm
by vibenvy
A Psycho Martyr wrote:may I use this photo to make a Banner in the contest?
I actually have all 3 of my submissions made already, so I'm basically asking permission to make YOU one to submit in the contest
lemme know 8)

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That's fine Brandon!

I am wanting to get both Vibes cleaned up and return to this location for a more proper photoshoot soon. I don't know if it will be before the banner contest ends though :|.

Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 4:57 am
by joatmon
Happy Birthday!

Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 5:56 am
by vibenvy
joatmon wrote:Happy Birthday!
Awww... thanks :D!

Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Tue May 15, 2012 4:30 pm
by vibenvy
UPDATE

2nd GM Accessories Premium All Weather Rubber Rear Cargo Area Mat [To Protect The Backs Of The Rear Seats When Folded Down] - 05.11.12
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Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 5:22 pm
by vibenvy
UPDATE

Optima 35 Series Red Top Battery - 05.19.12
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Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 2:13 pm
by vibenvy
I snapped a couple quick pictures in the rain the other day...

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Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 1:45 pm
by ramenboy...
Nice, Carrie! Your vibe is never dirty. (removed)!

Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 2:22 pm
by vibenvy
ramenboy... wrote:Nice, Carrie! Your vibe is never dirty. (removed)!
Oh trust me... it's very dirty right now! I can't remember the last time I washed it :shock:. That's just the beauty of silver, it never really looks too dirty, especially in pictures ;)!

Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 10:16 am
by vibenvy
UPDATE

WeatherTech Dark Tinted In-Channel Front And Rear Side Window Deflectors - 08.10.12
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Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 8:22 pm
by felixturcotte22
what a sweet ride !
congrats !

Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 5:19 pm
by vibenvy
felixturcotte22 wrote:what a sweet ride !
congrats !
Thanks! I really appreciate it :D!

Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 8:40 pm
by Wingnut
Very nice Carry! 8-)

Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 11:42 am
by ponta2147
So? What are your thoughts now that you have them? I never thought I'd want any but they look kinda tempting...

Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 4:46 pm
by vibenvy
Wingnut wrote:Very nice Carry! 8-)
Thanks Eric, but it's Carrie :P!
ponta2147 wrote:So? What are your thoughts now that you have them? I never thought I'd want any but they look kinda tempting...
Well, honestly... right now my opinion is that the front ones are great but the rear ones suck. The driver's side rear one fell out after only a couple days. The front ones fit nice and tight and allow the front windows to be open quite a bit without getting a ton of rain all over the interior, but the rear ones fit like c r a p and the crappy double sided tape that is supposed to attach them to the inside of the window channel does not hold worth a d a m n. I was going to return them, but before I do I am going to try some good 3M double sided tape to see if perhaps this will actually keep them in place. If it does, then I am going to keep them, but if one or both of the rears falls out again, they're going back. It did rain the other day and it was very nice to be able to have the windows down a little bit without getting rain all over, so I am really hoping some better quality double sided tape will keep the rear ones from falling out, but we shall see.

Re: J_TO_ENVY's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 4:47 pm
by vibenvy
Well, my opinion of the rear WeatherTech deflectors is much better now that I put some 3M Super Strong Molding Tape (just under $5.00 at Walmart) on them and they are staying in place very nicely. The Vibe was out in the sun all day at work today and I drove home with all the windows down and the rear ones are still firmly attached.

I would recommend anyone who is interested in the WeatherTech deflectors to remove the crappy tape they come with and put some good 3M molding tape on them before installation.

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2012 4:08 pm
by vibenvy
UPDATE

Chicagoland GenVibe Meet - Morris, IL - 09.08.12
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Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2012 5:07 pm
by vibenvy
Yesterday my Vibe turned 4 :D!

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2012 8:24 pm
by lannvouivre
vibenvy wrote:Yesterday my Vibe turned 4 :D!
Geez, your Vibe is so old now! ;)

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 4:57 pm
by vibenvy
lannvouivre wrote:Geez, your Vibe is so old now! ;)
I know right :P!

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 8:46 am
by vibenvy
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Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 6:44 am
by vibedrivermatt
The exhaust tip looks great. I've gotta get one for mine. :D

I notice its tack welded on there. Good idea.

also, really like the optima battery and other stuff. 8-)

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 12:25 pm
by trb
vibedrivermatt wrote:The exhaust tip looks great. I've gotta get one for mine. :D

I notice its tack welded on there. Good idea.
Ditto, but I will get one for my son's car. There are several of them on ebay right now for $29.99 plus $8 shipping.

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 1:59 pm
by vibenvy
vibedrivermatt wrote:The exhaust tip looks great. I've gotta get one for mine. :D

I notice its tack welded on there. Good idea.

also, really like the optima battery and other stuff. 8-)
Thanks Matt! I was getting bored with the OEM 2009-2010 Vibe GT muffler tip and thought it would be neat if I could get the 2003-2008 GM one to work. It seemed like it was going to be a major PITA at first, but it ended up being a pretty easy install for my exhaust guy and as you can see, he did a great job. He made a sleeve to go over the tailpipe (because the tailpipe is 2 1/8" and the opening on the new tip is 3"+), welded the sleeve to the tailpipe and then slid the tip on over the sleeve and used the clamp that came with the tip to keep the tip nice and tight over the sleeve and tailpipe. I love that it looks like an exhaust without actually having an exhaust :P. It looks even better than I thought it would. You have got to post pictures if you get one for yours! I'm curious to see how it would look on the Base rear end.

I scored a great deal with the Optimas that I absolutely could not pass up. Optima was offering $25.00 mail-in rebates on up to 4 of their batteries (i.e. $25.00 per battery) back in August. I figured there would be no better time to get them, so I went ahead and got them. It sure was nice to get that $50.00 rebate check in the mail :D. It's even nicer to not have to worry about the batteries leaking, dying, etc. for a long time to come. I was surprised at how much smaller the Optimas were compared to the factory batteries. I am going to have to rig something up because they tend to slide around a bit because there is quite a bit of space around the battery in the tray. They also sit quite a bit lower even though I have both spacers under them, so the battery tie downs are not quite as snug as I would like, but despite these minor issues, we have not had any issues whatsoever with the batteries themselves.
trb wrote:Ditto, but I will get one for my son's car. There are several of them on ebay right now for $29.99 plus $8 shipping.
You'll get one for your son's Vibe because your "new" tip will be arriving in the mail within the next week or so :D! $29.99 plus $8.00 shipping isn't bad at all considering the price on GMPartsCenter.net (#12497926) is $6x.xx plus $8.95 handling. I am so glad I jumped on the 2 for $17.00 each with free shipping on eBay though, especially since I ended up shelling out $53.00 for installation (parts and labor) per Vibe. Oh well, I justified it to myself because I couldn't find another tip I liked and because most aftermarket tips i.e. Magnaflow, Flowmaster, etc. are $50.00+ for just the tip. It was money well spent IMO :D.

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 3:49 pm
by vibenvy
2013

GenVibe Picture Challenge - WSPY Radio Station - Plano, IL - 01.28.13
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GenVibe Picture Challenge - Sandwich, IL East Water Tower - 01.28.13
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Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 5:05 pm
by vibenvy
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Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 7:54 pm
by A Psycho Martyr
Man, I wish I had got those years ago

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Fri May 17, 2013 5:37 pm
by vibenvy
UPDATE

TRD Forged Aluminum Engine Oil Filler Cap [With Metallic Silver Painted Insert] - 05.12.13
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TRD Front Strut Tower Brace - 05.17.13
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I am very pleased with the TRD strut tower brace! Not only does it look like a normal strut tower brace compared to the goofy looking OEM one, but it should provide much more stability than the OEM one due to it being one piece instead of three and it weighs about half as much as the OEM one. Definitely a great upgrade that I'm glad I made :D!

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 3:57 am
by MaSlade
Heyyyyyy that looks familiar! :lol:

It took me about a year and a half to scroll all the way down, but man, does that look good :) I like that it's super light and functional. Did it take you long to install? I've had lots of trouble because of existing stripped bolts/etc.

It looks great with your GT. :)

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 4:48 am
by vibenvy
MaSlade wrote:Heyyyyyy that looks familiar! :lol:

It took me about a year and a half to scroll all the way down, but man, does that look good :) I like that it's super light and functional. Did it take you long to install? I've had lots of trouble because of existing stripped bolts/etc.

It looks great with your GT. :)
:lol:

The installation went very smoothly. Much smoother and easier than I was expecting. It probably took me about an hour start to finish, including some cleaning under the cowl pieces before re-installing them and removing the TRD badge from the strut brace.

Thanks for the kind words :D!

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 7:41 am
by MaSlade
Any time! Now was the TRD badge stuck on with adhesive? I was thinking about relocating it because it's unnoticeable (unfortunately).

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 6:24 pm
by vibenvy
UPDATE

40,000 Miles! - 05.18.13
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MaSlade wrote:Any time! Now was the TRD badge stuck on with adhesive? I was thinking about relocating it because it's unnoticeable (unfortunately).
Yep. It's just held on with double sided tape. I took a blow dryer to it and used some fishing line to "saw" back and forth behind it until it popped off. Than I just used WD-40 to remove the leftover adhesive residue. It came off pretty easily.

I have a second TRD strut brace on the way for my mom's Vibe (it should arrive sometime this week) and I will be removing the badge from it as well, so if you want another one or if you don't want to mess with removing yours, let me know and I'll drop it in the mail to you (no cost!). Another member has already claimed the badge from my strut brace :P.

And on a bit of a side note, I drove my Vibe for the first time today after installing the strut brace and I can honestly say I could feel a noticeable difference in the handling over the OEM one. The body roll when turning or going through a curve is noticeably reduced over the OEM one and the Vibe just feels more "solid". I am so glad I decided to go ahead and get the TRD strut brace :D!

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 5:28 pm
by vibenvy
removed

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 10:40 am
by MaSlade
If I haven't said so already, congrats on turning over 40,000 miles :P That's quite the accomplishment!

The badge is a nice little addition to go along with the new strut brace as well :D

I've actually been looking up what I could manufacture for hood dampers. So far I've found a few DIYs, so we'll see what happens.

On a good note: spoiler has been shipped 8-)

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sat May 25, 2013 10:36 am
by vibenvy
Thanks for the congratulations! Can't wait to see the spoiler installed ;)!

I did a full exterior detail on my Vibe yesterday and today. I washed it, used Mother's Clay Bar System, washed it again, used Mother's Water Spot Remover for Glass on all the exterior windows (including the sunroof) and finally, finished up with Mother's 3 Step Ultimate Wax System. It was a long, tedious process, but well worth the time and effort as the Vibe looks absolutely amazing :cool:! Below are a couple quick driveway pictures I took...

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Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Fri May 31, 2013 6:29 am
by cmpltvertigo
Great vehicle. Really enjoyed reading your progression thread. Really like the K&N typhoon and the optional dry filter - how did you like this mod? any noticeable difference in performance or gas mileage?

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2013 4:53 am
by vibenvy
cmpltvertigo wrote:Great vehicle. Really enjoyed reading your progression thread. Really like the K&N typhoon and the optional dry filter - how did you like this mod? any noticeable difference in performance or gas mileage?
Thanks for the kind words! I really appreciate it :D!

I am very happy with the K&N CAI and AEM filter! They have both been on my Vibe for almost 4 years now and I haven't had a single issue. I have seen a consitent 1-2 MPG increase in gas mileage (once I got over the initial period of stepping on the gas all the time to hear the intake :P). The sound the intake makes is awesome, especially when accelerating :twisted:! It sounds nice and mellow until you step on the gas, then it gets noticeably louder (in a good way). I don't even have any desire to add an exhaust because of how great the intake sounds by itself. Last but not least, it looks so much better than the factory setup when you look under the hood. The AEM filter is great too. I simply pull it off, tap it on the ground a few times, than use the shop vac on it when I change the oil on the Vibe. It's very easy to clean and I don't have to worry about possibly over-oiling it. I highly reccomend this setup for every 2009-2010 2.4L Vibe owner :D!

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 5:46 am
by scvlx
Hey vibenvy, I like the mods you have done to your car. I am wanting to get the TRD strut bar for my 09 gt. I looked at the Matrix 09-13 but it didn't look like the correct one. Could you tell me witch one you ordered? Thanks scvlx

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 4:20 pm
by vibenvy
scvlx wrote:Hey vibenvy, I like the mods you have done to your car. I am wanting to get the TRD strut bar for my 09 gt. I looked at the Matrix 09-13 but it didn't look like the correct one. Could you tell me witch one you ordered? Thanks scvlx
Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it :)!

This is the strut brace you need to order for your 2009 Vibe GT. I highly recommend ordering from TRD Sparks. They have excellent prices, great customer service and really fast shipping.

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 1:32 pm
by scvlx
Hey vibenvy, thanks for the info on the strut brace. I read on here somewhere you had a cargo mat for sale. I was wondering if you still had it. Might also be interested in the floor mats. Let me know thanks scvlx.

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 4:14 pm
by vibenvy
scvlx wrote:Hey vibenvy, thanks for the info on the strut brace. I read on here somewhere you had a cargo mat for sale. I was wondering if you still had it. Might also be interested in the floor mats. Let me know thanks scvlx.
You're very welcome! I'm always more than happy to help! That's why I'm here :D!

No floor or cargo mats for sale, but I do have brand new Husky Liners floor and cargo liners for sale.

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 8:12 am
by scvlx
Ok thanks, that's what I ment. I will get back with you when I have some extra money and see if you still have them.

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 3:24 pm
by vibenvy
scvlx wrote:Ok thanks, that's what I ment. I will get back with you when I have some extra money and see if you still have them.
Just thought I'd give you a heads up that the floor liners have been sold, but I still have the cargo liner if you're interested in it ;).

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Sun Jul 14, 2013 9:59 am
by vibenvy
UPDATE

2013 GenVibe Meet Weekend - Pontiac, IL - 06.14.13 - 06.16.13

L-R: areles (Ron), vibenvy (Carrie) & KITT222 (Nick)

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MorbidAngel's (Tim's) Vibe in the background
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areles (Ron) & vibenvy (Carrie)
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This is a pin with the Pontiac Route 66 mural on it that we received in our goody bags from the Pontiac / Oakland Automotive Museum and Pontiac Tourism Board. This just seemed like a neat place to put it.
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Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 9:08 am
by navyrican
Hey thanks a lot for posting your mods and the parts numbers. I went ahead and ordered and installed the K & N cold air intake and purchased the AEM filter. I did run into a problem, most likely my fault, but the AEM filter rubber hose part seemed too large for the K & N pipe, did you use something to make it fit or did it fit fine for you?

I installed everything and took it for a test run and when i opened the hood to check it, the filter had fallen into the box. So i went to tighten the clamp on it and all but it just felt loose so i tried using the K & N filter that came with the kit and it fit just fine. I was wondering if you had that problem or not.
not when i was quite done but snapped the pic at some point.
not when i was quite done but snapped the pic at some point.
midinstall.JPG (51.72 KiB) Viewed 48510 times

Re: vibenvy's Garage - 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT

Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 4:39 pm
by vibenvy
The only "issue" I have with the AEM filter is that I have to put some force on it when re-installing it i.e. I have to push it toward the firewall with one hand while tightening it down with the other. Other than that, I've never had any issues with it fitting, falling off, etc.

As far as the hose goes, I used the factory hose in place of the one that comes with the intake. Again, it fits fine and hasn't given me any problems.

On a bit of a side note, the above goes for both our Vibes which both have the exact same intake and filter setup.