So . . . what's initiation like?

[tjac003]

I just became the proud owner of a new 2004 shadow Vibe!I've got to admit that I know more about computers than I do about cars, but all the posts here make for good reading.I don't know if I'll be able to do all the mods I see here, but I've already put in an order for a bug deflector with Autoanything, hoping it'll spare me a few chips.Any advice for a new Vibe?TJ

[joatmon]

welcome to genvibe and congrats on the new car.You don't have to do mods to enjoy it

[Ponyota]

Welcome! I agree, alot of interesting reading here. They have alot of great information on thier mods if your interesting in doing some of the easier ones Did you get the GT or the Base? I would say anything that you want to know about the Vibe is posted here and if it isn't, just ask. Seems that everyone is so helpful. Enjoy your new ride!

[AKLGT]

welcome! we love new members! tell us about your vibe and of course, post pics!

[wicked1981]

Anorher shadow Vibe... Welcome and yes pics are a must.

[Psychobroker]

Quote »Re: So . . . what's initiation like? (tjac003)Lot's and lot's of hazing and shouts of "use the search feature!!" In other words, paradise ;-)Welcome aboard!

[rasermon]

Welcome to genvibe.com and enjoy your stay.With any new vehicle I purchase, seem like I always start with installing a cold air intake (CAI).

[NSimkins]

Welcome aboard! Quote, originally posted by tjac003 »I've got to admit that I know more about computers than I do about cars, but all the posts here make for good reading.I'm somewhat the same way, but I've learned a heck of alot of car stuff here.

[millster]

Welcome! As I've said to other Shadow owners, fine color choice! Glad to see another around.

[nismo]

Welcome to Genvibe. Any questions, jus let anyone know. Any problems with an 04 you may have, I've prolly had too. I bought my 04 when they first put those on the lot.Inder Singh

[kostby]

Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Vibe!About that initiation stuff...Did anyone mention the $1,000 initiation fee? (You can send that DIRECTLY to me, of course. Small unmarked bills in a brown paper bag...) LOL

[tjac003]

$1,000 initiation fee! I was thinking something more along the lines of frat hazing . . .I bought a base model. Really please with it's quality and pickup so far.I have one issue with the doors opening to their widest point -- seems the mechanism that catches them half-swing in cars is not working so well in mine, at least. Can that be tightened?

[drunkenmaxx]

Quote, originally posted by tjac003 »I was thinking something more along the lines of frat hazing . . .yeah, we're going to cover your (removed) in mayonaise and throw hot dogs at it... welcome to genvibe. by the way, i am one of the villiage idiots

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by drunkenvibe »by the way, i am one of the villiage idiotsdrunkard, i thought you are the village idiot.

[kostby]

Quote, originally posted by tjac003 »I was thinking something more along the lines of frat hazing . . .Originally, I was going to say, "Drop for 20 (push-ups), or face a 'pledgie-wedgie'!", but I thought that was too immature, even for me, so I went for the initiation fee gag instead...Speaking of Village Idiot(s), I resemble that remark!!!

[Mr. Poopypants]

One suggestion, use plus gas. My Vibe runs better and gets better mileage on plus, the benefit outweighs the cost, I figured it out. OH and WELCOME!!!

[ZubenElGenubi]

Hey, another H-towner! Congratulations on your Vibe and welcome to GenVibe! Hope to see you if we ever get a meet in Texas (see the South Central board).A cold air intake (which is kinda oxymoronic in Houston right now) seems to provide the most bang for the buck, performance-wise. However, I suggest getting your windows tinted first; it's practical and improves the appearance of your car dramatically.Also, if you've got a base Vibe and steel wheels, I suggest changing them out for some nice aftermarket wheels. Discount Tire here has some great deals. Good idea on the bug deflector; wish I'd gotten one early on, 'cuz I've already got a couple of small chips (in 4 months).As for the door mechanism, I don't think it can be tightened, but I'll check into it.

[tjac003]

Quote, originally posted by ZubenElGenubi »As for the door mechanism, I don't think it can be tightened, but I'll check into it.awesome, thanks!

[Mr. Poopypants]

Quote, originally posted by Salsa! »This is a myth Poopypants....It is wrong to believe that using higher octane fuel is better for the engine....Your engine is designed to run on a specific fuel octane for maximum performance....a higher octane won't damage it, but it will not give you better performance....So save some cash and use regular octane fuelHow is my better mileage a myth? I didn't say "run the best fuel money can buy" I simply said that my Vibe runs better on Plus. And the mileage proves it.

[ZubenElGenubi]

I gotta agree with Mr. P. here. I've used 93 octane most of the time and, compared to those times I've used 87 octane, feel I get better performance and gas mileage. The mileage difference is small, but hard acceleration is noticably better.

[Mr. Poopypants]

Yep, for the first year I had the Vibe I ran regular, then I tried plus (not quite sure why) and I got better mileage so I kept putting it in and kept the mileage increase. OH, and by the way, MY VIBE IS 2 YEARS OLD TODAY!!! (actually, it's older, I should say, "I've had my Vibe for 2 years today"

[debi5475]

Does anyone know if the bug shield will work on the 2005 model, since they changed the front end? If so, which brand should I get? Before I get stone chips. I only have 80 miles so far. Thanks.

[tjac003]

I wanted a bug shield because I had one on my Tacoma and it seemed to help with long highway trips. I had to search for a bug shield online -- dealers and auto parts shops won't likely have them yet. The one I bought can be found here:http://www.autoanything.com/ca...ctorsI called Autoanything's 800 number to confirm that this part will work on a 2004 and got mine with free shipping (the $20 seemed abusrd), but they don't have a 2005 listing. I'd almost be willing to bet that the hood isn't changed much between the years, but I don't like guessing with mail order stuff.

[jmf2]

As a former owner of a 2003, and current owner of a 2005 I can tell you there is a big difference in the hood/front end design. Not even close. I doubt it could even be modified.

[ToolGuy]

Welcome and we must shave your head now!

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by Salsa! »This is the usual Genvibe initiation ritualI remember that one! Awesome! Mine was equally as good...