GT '03 - Simple Mod suggestions?

1.8-liter VVTL-i (2ZZ-GE) and VVT-i (1ZZ-FE) engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, and performance tuning discussions
Post Reply
simmer9000
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 8:22 am

GT '03 - Simple Mod suggestions?

Post by simmer9000 »

I have a GT '03 vibe and want so suggestions for simple, low - medium cost mods that can be made that won't kill the MPG.It's 118k with original plugs, lowered but that's about it and it's a Southern Ontario Climate.What's the best way to spend money to get a little extra out of the engine?
northvibe
Posts: 7641
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2005 2:25 pm

Post by northvibe »

get some new plugs for sure.I say intake. If you're worried about it, get the SRI (short ram intake) so you can clean it easy and not worry about getting the filter wet vs a cai. Exhaust too, but you'd pay more to get that done, ie. magnaflow.Ported exhaust headers from boosted2.0 over on newcelica. decent gains and not to expensive vs aftermarket headers.
Kamikaze
Posts: 2017
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 9:36 pm

Re: GT '03 - Simple Mod suggestions? (simmer9000)

Post by Kamikaze »

SRI /CAI (Air intakes) probably your best bang for your buck.
August 2009 VOTM Click HERE for my Garage
BlueCrush
Posts: 8272
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 9:47 am
Location: Twin Cities, MN

Re: GT '03 - Simple Mod suggestions? (simmer9000)

Post by BlueCrush »

Replace your plugs, clean your MAF sensor & PCV Valve, and get an aFe Pro Dry-S drop-in air filter!!! Then SeaFoam your engine to clean it out and also put in some Techron fuel system cleaner. Switch to synthetic oils if you haven't already.=Low costMore engine powerBetter MPGYou wanted Simple Mods - You can't get any more simpler that this.
My Fleet:
'15 Ford Fusion AWD Titanium 2.0 Tutbo
'14 Lincoln MXZ AWD 2.0 Turbo
'14 Nissan Pathfinder AWD SL
'05 Pontiac Vibe AWD
Herb
Posts: 1406
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 6:14 am

Re: GT '03 - Simple Mod suggestions? (simmer9000)

Post by Herb »

Quote, originally posted by simmer9000 »I have a GT '03 vibe and want so suggestions for simple, low - medium cost mods that can be made that won't kill the MPG.It's 118k with original plugs, lowered but that's about it and it's a Southern Ontario Climate.What's the best way to spend money to get a little extra out of the engine?In general, performance mods will affect fuel economy.However, best bang for the buck would be a CAI or SRI from Cosmo Racing.If you have alot of rain in your area then maybe the SRI would be a better choice and is easier to install.Also you can look at replacing the exhaust with a cat-back exhaust such as the one from Magnaflow. If you have access to a set of jack stands and a jack you can rent a reciprocal saw to cut the original pipe and clamp on the new one.If you want to spend more money then port and polish your exhaust manifold, add a Unichip etc.There are also other suspension upgrades such as the Hotchkis anti-sway barsAnother cheap thing to do that will help with the shifting is to replace the shifter cable bushings with bronze bushings. And if you want to get spendy then get a short shifter assembly from TWMThreads where I have some of these or other mods installed:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id ... d?id=31625
Would you agree to debris acceptance? 2003 Vibe GTMods installed GM Top and Mid-Gate Spoilers, Cosmo CAI, TWM Short Shifter with Desert Eagle weighted shift knob, TWM Bronzoil Shifter Cable Bushings, Magnaflow Cat Back Exhaust, Unichip, Injen Billet Aluminum Engine/Sparkplug covers and oil cap, Optima RedTop Battery, Lineage Ground Wire KitAwaiting install: Energy Suspension Motor Mounts, DC Sports Header
breezd
Posts: 402
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2007 5:30 am

Post by breezd »

I've been happy with my Cold Air Intake on My 03 GT. It gives a great sound and a lil bit better power, and doesn't hurt MPG (possibly makes it better).Here is the one that I got. It is good quality and looks great for an Ebay one. I know everyone here swears by the Cosmos one, but I think that this one is probably just as good. The only thing is that the filter that they provide with it is junk, so you would need to get a better one.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ZWDVW
THEN: 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT * Lowered * CAI * Sound SystemNOW: 2005 Infiniti FX35 RWD * Stock
Mavrik
Posts: 8072
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 6:41 am

Re: (breezd)

Post by Mavrik »

Cold air intake or short ram (recommend CAI)Magnaflow cat back exhaustUnichip to provide some engine management for your mods. You'll benefit more from them.Suspension mods like stiffer/lower springs, rear sway bar, front strut bar.
2007 stage 2 Satin White Pearl Subaru STi 2008 stage 2 Subaru STi hatch See my car at: Mavrik's car page
northvibe
Posts: 7641
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2005 2:25 pm

Post by northvibe »

oh yeah shifter bushings....i need to order those for my car....
Post Reply