Alloy Rims for 09 Carbon Gray Vibe

greatvibrations · Post by **greatvibrations** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 1:46 pm

Hi I'm hoping to get some good advice on which alloy rims I should be looking at for my '09 Charcoal Gray Vibe. I'm just going to keep my other rims on my winter tires and pick up something sportier for my all seasons. I have no idea which alloys looks good or where to even begin looking other than Canadian Tire. Thanks for the help.

greatvibrations · Post by **greatvibrations** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 12:36 pm

Just bumping this up- 2009 - 1.8 L Carbon gray Ok what is the basic difference between a 16" and a 17" besides 1 inch? I'm looking for some alloy rims to put on my vibe as as I'm keeping the steel rims for my winter tires.Is it a smoother ride with the 17" than the 16" or does it just mean that the 17" will be higher off the road? Can anybody with a carbon gray suggest what alloy looks best?Should I just go to the pontiac dealer and buy alloys there? Thank you for your help.

sk8r78 · Post by **sk8r78** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 2:33 pm

You will get the shock of your life, if you go to the dealership. Having the 1.8 opens up a wide range of options. There are several factory wheels from past Pontiac Vibes in both 16" and 17" also from the Matrix or Celica's, any of which you may find in the "for sale" forum here on GV . I would like to see 03-08 17's on an 09. as for aftermarket or custom wheels your options are nearly limitless, there are lots of deals on either size. Just to get an idea of whats out there search ebay motors and see what moves you. Good luck

greatvibrations · Post by **greatvibrations** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 2:15 am

Is it the price at the dealership that will kill me? I have done a bit of reading on the difference b/t the 16 and the 17. Do you know the exact size I need if I go with the 16".Is it the 5x100 bolt pattern on the 1.8 base?

sk8r78 · Post by **sk8r78** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 9:06 am

If you go with a 16 then a 6.5" wide wheel yes you need the 5x100 if you have a base with the 1.8 It is possible to get an entire set of wheels for what a dealership will ask for just one.

greatvibrations · Post by **greatvibrations** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 9:23 am

Ok Thanks, I guess hence the name stealership!!!

greatvibrations · Post by **greatvibrations** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 2:54 am

Ok I found some used 16" 5x100 bolt pattern from a 1.8 2004 Vibe. I just want to confirm that they will fit. Also what about the Tire pressure monitoring system, should I worry about it? Apparently these rims don't have it, will that matter? If I buy new rims at a tire place do they come with this TPMS that will work with the vibe?Thanks- I am in a bit of a rush for a response as I have to let the fellow know if I will take them or not. Thanks

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 3:18 am

The 09' will look better with larger wheels, so it's up to you if you want the 16's... I'd go with an 18 myself, if I owned a 09, heck, i'd like to do 18's on my 03.. I would suggest a dark color... If you go on TireRack.com you can look at the vibe (not 100% about the 09) with any of the wheels that will if they sell, ON the car.. I would suggest doing this...IIRC DiscountTireDirect.com does this as well.. among other sites... Find what you like, than try and find it on your side of the border... Or go with the factory wheels, it's totally up to you...

greatvibrations · Post by **greatvibrations** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 3:44 am

What would be the difference in going with a 17? Also what about the TPMS should I make sure the alloys have that?

kostby · Post by **kostby** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 7:29 am

I just looked at TireRack.com for non-factory wheels. They DO have '09 Vibe pictures. First, select the wheel, and size, if applicable. Then click on 'How to view on a vehicle.' Then you select the manufacturer, year, model, and engine (e.g. Pontiac, 2009, Vibe, 1.8, type of valve stems (metal or rubber) and finally color of car. There was a note about TPMS, too.Here's a quick sample screen capture of an '09 1.8 with 16" Borbet CA wheels.

sk8r78 · Post by **sk8r78** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 7:16 am

Going with a 17" wheel will just add to the appearance of the car without any real performance advantage. You will need to purchase new TPMS sending units or remove them and reuse them from your OEM rims. Purchasing "New" will add to the price of the new wheels, but it is easier than removing the other ones from the OE wheels. Which you would need to change back when you switch the wheels again in the winter

vibolista · Post by **vibolista** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 2:11 pm

The performance advantage in this case is for the eye. A 16 inch wheel on a Vibe is one size too small for this car's large wheel well. A 17 is about the smallest wheel I would put on this car. And a good size tire will help fill that wheel well, too. The only other alternative is to lower the Vibe. But some of us would be losing under body parts and pieces every time we drove on the broken and uneven roads we have to ride, if we went low around here. Personally, I think the first gen Vibe looks pretty good with a set of 225/50 17's on a decent alloy. I wonder where I've seen those wheels on that screen capture you have on you post, kostby!?

greatvibrations · Post by **greatvibrations** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 2:15 pm

Ok thanks for the info. I am finding alot of 16x 17 wide but not the 6.5 wide. Would I have to purchase the PTMS from the dealership or could I get some elsewhere?It's time I get rid of the winters.THX

sk8r78 · Post by **sk8r78** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 3:00 am

The TPMS senders should be able to be purchased at most of your Major tire sales retailers. Call your local dealership and find out what they want for them, then call around to tire shops and see what they charge. Tire Rack and other online tire sellers also sell them, so you should find a set that agrees with your wallet

Alloy Rims for 09 Carbon Gray Vibe

Alloy Rims for 09 Carbon Gray Vibe

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