Any love for the current Vibe's..??

[averagewhiteboy]

Hey guys,So, my parents bought a new Vibe GT about this time last year. It was one of the last ones sold in our area. Metallic red, basically all options. It's a great little car. I am considering taking it over in the Spring when I sell my current car (2006 Cobalt SS 2.4). I love the practicality of the car and the hatch holds an insane amount of stuff. The car looks good and runs good as-is, however I know there's always room for improvement.The idea of taking over the car got me thinking of what is available for it. I know the Vibe market isn't very large, as was the Cobalt market until the turbo came out. After messing with my Cobalt so much, and taking so much to bring it back to reliable, stock-ish condition, I don't want to go crazy. I like the cars cosmetic appearance in stock form. But I still think it needs a little drop to eliminate it's large wheel-gap. But from doing sportlines on my Cobalt, I know that Sportlines on stock struts starts to really suck after a year. So I'd rather a full conversion. Either struts AND springs, or some type of coilovers. My Cobalt came with the FE3, as does the Vibe GT, so I'd assume it is similar. I'm tured of the whole loud exhaust thing, however I'd be willing to consider it if there was something OEM but a tiny bit louder. I'm also very into intakes. I'd assume SOMEONE makes one for these..In other words, are there any go-to companies who make stuff for these Vibes? I don't plan on doing alot to it (like some turbo conversion) or anything, but I'd like to personalize it a tad. Or any place I should look into for info? In other words, for a potential new owner, exactly where should I start?? And how popular are these overall? You don't see many, but that's perfectly fine with me. How well do they take to mods?Thanks guys!!

[ponta2147]

There's lots of the '09-'10 vibes on these forums, and mostly GT owners (I am not one, but I do have all the available upgrades on my base). There are very little in the way of cosmetic mods for these cars, but in terms of functional mods you'll have to ask them. Just wanted to let you know that there is a lot of new vibe love here!

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by averagewhiteboy »Hey guys,So, my parents bought a new Vibe GT about this time last year. It was one of the last ones sold in our area. Metallic red, basically all options. It's a great little car. I am considering taking it over in the Spring when I sell my current car (2006 Cobalt SS 2.4). I love the practicality of the car and the hatch holds an insane amount of stuff. The car looks good and runs good as-is, however I know there's always room for improvement.The idea of taking over the car got me thinking of what is available for it. I know the Vibe market isn't very large, as was the Cobalt market until the turbo came out. After messing with my Cobalt so much, and taking so much to bring it back to reliable, stock-ish condition, I don't want to go crazy. I like the cars cosmetic appearance in stock form. But I still think it needs a little drop to eliminate it's large wheel-gap. But from doing sportlines on my Cobalt, I know that Sportlines on stock struts starts to really suck after a year. So I'd rather a full conversion. Either struts AND springs, or some type of coilovers. My Cobalt came with the FE3, as does the Vibe GT, so I'd assume it is similar. I'm tured of the whole loud exhaust thing, however I'd be willing to consider it if there was something OEM but a tiny bit louder. I'm also very into intakes. I'd assume SOMEONE makes one for these..In other words, are there any go-to companies who make stuff for these Vibes? I don't plan on doing alot to it (like some turbo conversion) or anything, but I'd like to personalize it a tad. Or any place I should look into for info? In other words, for a potential new owner, exactly where should I start?? And how popular are these overall? You don't see many, but that's perfectly fine with me. How well do they take to mods?Thanks guys!!Welcome to GenVibe!As someone who used to drive slightly modified Sunfires, I totally get where you're coming from about wanting to personalize your Vibe, however, unfortunately there isn't much in the way of aftermarket support for the 2009 - 2010 Vibes, especially the GTs. As far as cosmetic modifications, I got my windows tinted 35% all around, de-badged the hatch (except for the arrowhead because it has holes under it) and switched out the stock amber bulbs in the front and rear turn signals for chrome amber bulbs from Stealth Auto (I prefer the clean look of the chrome bulbs in the headlight and taillight housings). As ponta said, there is really nothing available as far as cosmetic modifications are concerned.As far as lowering it is concerned, there are no springs that will work on the GT because it has IRS (Independent Rear Suspension). There are quite a few types of springs that will work on the Base models, but nothing that will work on the GT, so you're pretty much out of luck on that front.As far as intakes are concerned, many '09-'10 owners here have the K&N Typhoon intake. There are one or two more intakes out there that will work as well, but this is the one that literally almost everyone here with an '09 or '10 has. Mine has been installed over a year now without any issues. It fits great, gives the engine a nice growl during acceleration and, in my case anyway, has given me an extra 1-2 mpg on average. I am using an AEM Dry Flow air filter with mine because I have heard horror stories about people over-oiling the K&N filters and damaging their engines. Some on here will disagree with me on this, but it really all comes down to personal preference. Overall, this intake is the best modification you can do to any 2.4L '09-'10 Vibe. That's about all the advice/information I can think of now. If you want/need more ideas or anything, please check out my Car Domain page and let me know if you have any more questions .

[averagewhiteboy]

J To Envy, I believe I have seen yours on CarDomain off of a Google image search? Yours and there was a steel blue one that was your Moms too or something? Very clean!Yes, I definitely wanted to do tint. I wasn't super worried about the drop, but it'd be nice if so.. I like the vehicle cosmetically inside and out, so body kits or anything aren't necessary..But essentially, you have to go back to being creative. haha Making stuff work for you..I saw on here, upon lightly browsing, that someone was using a Scion TC header. Is this 2.4 motor the same one out of the Scion TC? Any other makes? Because the motor looks similar to many other Toyota fours.. And I'm pretty sure the newer Camry, etc used this motor as well.. If this is the case, do any other performance motor-related goodies work? I don't plan on fully-building this car, but just for reference..And no complete cat-backs or anything? Basically just make up a custom set-up if you want one?Lastly, I agree with the Dry-Flow. I had a K&N on my Injen with my Cobalt for awhile and I switched to a Dry-Flow after reading that the K&N filtration is like 95% and the Dry-Flow is 99%..

[leemur]

I intend to fill those huge wheel wells with 215/60/16 tires. Not sure how 5th gear will like it but that emptiness has to go.Mine a base 2.4.If you take your tire size to a 60 aspect ratio it would make the difference I think. Assuming yout at 55 now...not 50.

[star_deceiver]

Welcome to GenVibe!!! Post some pics! Let's have a look at your new ride!!!

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by averagewhiteboy »J To Envy, I believe I have seen yours on CarDomain off of a Google image search? Yours and there was a steel blue one that was your Moms too or something? Very clean!Yes, I definitely wanted to do tint. I wasn't super worried about the drop, but it'd be nice if so.. I like the vehicle cosmetically inside and out, so body kits or anything aren't necessary..But essentially, you have to go back to being creative. haha Making stuff work for you..I saw on here, upon lightly browsing, that someone was using a Scion TC header. Is this 2.4 motor the same one out of the Scion TC? Any other makes? Because the motor looks similar to many other Toyota fours.. And I'm pretty sure the newer Camry, etc used this motor as well.. If this is the case, do any other performance motor-related goodies work? I don't plan on fully-building this car, but just for reference..And no complete cat-backs or anything? Basically just make up a custom set-up if you want one?Lastly, I agree with the Dry-Flow. I had a K&N on my Injen with my Cobalt for awhile and I switched to a Dry-Flow after reading that the K&N filtration is like 95% and the Dry-Flow is 99%..Thanks! Yep, the Steel Blue Metallic one is my mom's. It has everything mine has, minus the tinted windows.Beyond the intake, I'm not sure on any other engine mods and exactly which models share the same 2.4L. I would suggest checking out Matrix Owners, as they do and have much more information on engine modifications over there than we do around here for the '09-'10 Vibes/Matrices. Magnaflow has a cat back exhaust that can be found on eBay. I personally like the sound with just the intake. It gives it a nice sound without being too loud or droning.Yeah, I will never use anything but an AEM Dry Flow air filter. It's nice not having to worry about re-oiling or anything. Just tap out the dust once in a while and when it gets really bad, spray it down with AEM's special cleaner and you're done. No possible risk of over-oiling and causing damage .Quote, originally posted by leemur »I intend to fill those huge wheel wells with 215/60/16 tires. Not sure how 5th gear will like it but that emptiness has to go.Mine a base 2.4.If you take your tire size to a 60 aspect ratio it would make the difference I think. Assuming yout at 55 now...not 50.He's talking about a Vibe GT which has 215/45/18 tires .Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »Post some pics! Let's have a look at your new ride!!!I agree! We pictures !

[areles]

Pix! Yes!

[Kincaid]

Quote, originally posted by leemur »I intend to fill those huge wheel wells with 215/60/16 tires. Not sure how 5th gear will like it but that emptiness has to go.Mine a base 2.4.If you take your tire size to a 60 aspect ratio it would make the difference I think. Assuming yout at 55 now...not 50.Someday, I'll do something similar. Because I have the base Vibe I am going to use 1st gen Eibach Pro-Kit springs and go up 5% on the aspect ratio maybe. This will also help get my speedometer to read right!On my Civic I recently went from 205/50/15 (1% smaller than stock) to 195/60/15 (3.2% larger than stock). Although the tire is only 3.2% larger in overall diameter, the visual difference is surprisingly noticeable.

[DressedInBlack]

because today is Opposite Day, i can proudly say, "I hate my Vibe!"

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by DressedInBlack »because today is Opposite Day, i can proudly say, "I hate my Vibe!"Don't you mean: "You hate your Matrix???"

[averagewhiteboy]

Well, in the morning we're going to the Subaru dealer to see what's up. If my parents can work out a deal, my Cobalt will be getting replaced by the Vibe. So, update then..But, until then, here's a few more questions..1) What are the OEM plugs in the 2.4? Iridum, platinum, etc..2) With 87 being regular, will I notice anything running mid? I know I'll see no gain with premium.. Obviously I won't gain 50hp, but will it improve anything?3) Since this is a 2AZ-FE motor, the same as the previous gen Scion TC, do any mods work? Anything. Header, catback, internals, etc. I looked under a TC and the exhaust seemed almost identical from what I could tell..4) With it being a Toyota motor in general, are there any TRD mods that can be done? Or anything even worth being done? I saw stuff like TRD oil caps, oil filters, and air filters on the Matrix build and price..5) Any turbo or supercharger options for the Vibe specific 2.4 or is everything super DIY?6) Are there any other of those plastic valve cover-covers that attach to the top of the motor that fit this one? Since there's other cars that use this same engine, I'd assume they would. Mine has the black with silver lettering. I've noticed some with red lettering, etc.7) What are some sites to look into for Vibe / 2.4 mods?8) Is there any site or anything to do a VIN look-up? I'd bet mine is pretty close to the end of production because it was one of the Vibe's sold in my area..Thanks guys!Also, for pic refences, look at any OEM red GT.. haha But really, I love pics, so if I get this car, you'll get them..

[averagewhiteboy]

Oh, and what's the bolt pattern? So I know what to look for with a winter tire set.. I know Toyota stuff works, but I like patterns.. lol

[ponta2147]

Quote, originally posted by averagewhiteboy »Well, in the morning we're going to the Subaru dealer to see what's up. If my parents can work out a deal, my Cobalt will be getting replaced by the Vibe. So, update then..6) Are there any other of those plastic valve cover-covers that attach to the top of the motor that fit this one? Since there's other cars that use this same engine, I'd assume they would. Mine has the black with silver lettering. I've noticed some with red lettering, etc.Those were either custom painted (like mine), or they ordered the overlays from GrafXWorks. You can get pretty much whatever color you want.

[tpollauf]

Quote, originally posted by averagewhiteboy »Oh, and what's the bolt pattern? So I know what to look for with a winter tire set.. I know Toyota stuff works, but I like patterns.. lolWelcome D.D. As mentioned by many of us fellow Vibers here, there is not much currently available for aftermarket mods. The nice thing that you'll find ONLY ON THIS SITE, are the many highly skilled & qualified Vibe owners who have successfully performed multiple surgical procedures to their rides OK so maybe that statement is a bit overrated Anyways the BEST mods are almost always the ones that are created out of some guys basement or garage. I'm proof of that. I'll add you to my list of possible candidates for the future LED mods that I'll be fabricating. Visit my cardomain site http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3827164/2 for proof!I too am currently in the market for winter tires & rims so I can spare the destruction to the factory 18's. Let me/us Vibers know what you end up with! Enjoy the ride

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by averagewhiteboy »Well, in the morning we're going to the Subaru dealer to see what's up. If my parents can work out a deal, my Cobalt will be getting replaced by the Vibe. So, update then..But, until then, here's a few more questions..1) What are the OEM plugs in the 2.4? Iridum, platinum, etc..2) With 87 being regular, will I notice anything running mid? I know I'll see no gain with premium.. Obviously I won't gain 50hp, but will it improve anything?3) Since this is a 2AZ-FE motor, the same as the previous gen Scion TC, do any mods work? Anything. Header, catback, internals, etc. I looked under a TC and the exhaust seemed almost identical from what I could tell..4) With it being a Toyota motor in general, are there any TRD mods that can be done? Or anything even worth being done? I saw stuff like TRD oil caps, oil filters, and air filters on the Matrix build and price..5) Any turbo or supercharger options for the Vibe specific 2.4 or is everything super DIY?6) Are there any other of those plastic valve cover-covers that attach to the top of the motor that fit this one? Since there's other cars that use this same engine, I'd assume they would. Mine has the black with silver lettering. I've noticed some with red lettering, etc.7) What are some sites to look into for Vibe / 2.4 mods?8) Is there any site or anything to do a VIN look-up? I'd bet mine is pretty close to the end of production because it was one of the Vibe's sold in my area..Thanks guys!Also, for pic refences, look at any OEM red GT.. haha But really, I love pics, so if I get this car, you'll get them..1. According to the Owner's Manual, the spark plugs in the 2.4L are iridium tipped and that is the only kind that's supposed to be used. The Owner's Manual does list a part number for NGK spark plugs for the 2.4L.2. You won't notice any difference using mid grade gas. 3. None of the '09-'10 owners that post here on a regular basis have done any engine modifications other than the K&N intake and/or Magnaflow exhaust so I can't really tell you for sure one way or another if any of the tC modifications will work or not.4. The only year/model specific TRD thing you could get for an '09-'10 Vibe GT would be the TRD front strut brace (you would replace the factory strut tower brace with it). There are also two TRD oil caps that would fit: oil filler cap - screw on / forged aluminum oil cap. Anything else like lowering springs, wheels, rear anit-sway bar, etc. cannot be used on an '09-'10 Vibe GT because of the IRS (Independent Rear Suspension).5. To my knowledge if you want to turbo or supercharge it, you will have to go custom.6. As ponta2147 said, check out Grafx Werks for overlays for the silver "VVT-i 16V" on the engine cover. They have a wide variety of colors available. As ponta2147 also said, you could always just paint the engine cover as her and a couple more '09-'10 owners have done.7. Matrix Owners8. You could try the VIN / RPO decoder. Also, look at the sticker on the driver's side door jamb, it will tell you the month and year the Vibe was built.Quote, originally posted by averagewhiteboy »Oh, and what's the bolt pattern? So I know what to look for with a winter tire set.. I know Toyota stuff works, but I like patterns.. lolThe bolt pattern for '09-'10 Vibe GTs is 5 x 114.3.

[TONY TAT2]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBs5FuCN8nEHi !

[averagewhiteboy]

Thanks a whole lot for the help and answers so far guys!So far, still no Vibe. But it's looking like Saturday we'll know for sure. They're going to look at another car. But even if that doesn't pan out, we still may simply trade vehicles within the family.. So long as I get the Vibe, it'll be all good..Sorry, but a few more questions.. lol1) Any videos of a 2.4 Vibe with said Magnaflow exhaust or Magnaflow and K&N intake? If I don't like it, I may just go with a custom Dynomax set-up. I've always had luck on my previous cars with those..2) What's up with the factory front-upper strut tower bar? It's got that black thingy in the middle of the bar and stuff.. It's different looking than most strut bars that are totally solid.. Any particular reason they're like that? Is it as effective as a standard strut bar?3) Where can you get the Pontiac arrowhead decal overlays that go inside the emblem? Looking for black.. Is there one for the steering wheel one too?4) Dumb question, but any idea what size the center cap is on the GT 18's? If it's the same size as the other current GM wheels, I want to put the Autobot caps on from the Transformers edition Camaro..5) Does Weathertech make the in-window vent shades for these cars? Not the ones that stick to the outside of the window track, but the ones that fit inside it between the track and the window..6) Do the form-fitting rubber mats from the Matrix fit the Vibe floor-well, or does Weathertech make them? I hate universal rubber mats, so if I can't find OEM Vibe ones, just curious..Thanks alot guys!!

[averagewhiteboy]

While on CED I found these. Will they fit the 09/10 do you think?http://www.crateenginedepot.co....aspx

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by averagewhiteboy »While on CED I found these. Will they fit the 09/10 do you think?E-mail them and find out!!!And check this out!!! http://www.grafxwerks.com/prod...VIBA3

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by averagewhiteboy »Thanks a whole lot for the help and answers so far guys!So far, still no Vibe. But it's looking like Saturday we'll know for sure. They're going to look at another car. But even if that doesn't pan out, we still may simply trade vehicles within the family.. So long as I get the Vibe, it'll be all good..Sorry, but a few more questions.. lol1) Any videos of a 2.4 Vibe with said Magnaflow exhaust or Magnaflow and K&N intake? If I don't like it, I may just go with a custom Dynomax set-up. I've always had luck on my previous cars with those..2) What's up with the factory front-upper strut tower bar? It's got that black thingy in the middle of the bar and stuff.. It's different looking than most strut bars that are totally solid.. Any particular reason they're like that? Is it as effective as a standard strut bar?3) Where can you get the Pontiac arrowhead decal overlays that go inside the emblem? Looking for black.. Is there one for the steering wheel one too?4) Dumb question, but any idea what size the center cap is on the GT 18's? If it's the same size as the other current GM wheels, I want to put the Autobot caps on from the Transformers edition Camaro..5) Does Weathertech make the in-window vent shades for these cars? Not the ones that stick to the outside of the window track, but the ones that fit inside it between the track and the window..6) Do the form-fitting rubber mats from the Matrix fit the Vibe floor-well, or does Weathertech make them? I hate universal rubber mats, so if I can't find OEM Vibe ones, just curious..Thanks alot guys!!1. I thought there was a thread on here that had a sound clip of an '09 with the K&N Typhoon intake and Magnaflow exhaust, but of course I can't find it now .2. It compresses and de-compresses like a regular strut. It's debateable whether it is better or worse than a solid strut bar.3. Like vibedrivermatt said, check out Grafx Werks for arrowhead overlays. They have them for the front and rear arrowhead badges, but they don't show anything for the arrowhead on the steering wheel.4. I have no idea what size the center cap is.5. Yes, WeatherTech does make side window deflectors for the Vibe that are the "in channel" type, which means they don't use any exterior double sided tape.6. Yes, the Matrix floor mats will work in the Vibe, just remember they may say Matrix on them . WeatherTech makes all weather floor mats for the Vibe and they also make floor liners as well.Supposedly the GM floor mats have been discontinued, but if you want to try and get a set, the part number is: #19170829 .

[averagewhiteboy]

Thanks for the great info as always!I should know within the week if I'm getting this thing or not..

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by averagewhiteboy »Thanks for the great info as always!I should know within the week if I'm getting this thing or not..No problem . That's what we're here for.Definitely keep us updated on whether you get it or not, and, if you do, be sure to post pictures.

[averagewhiteboy]

ONE last question.. lolUpon looking stuff over online, I found this turbo kit. I was always weary of universal kits, but it's "for" the 2AZFE.. Also says "fits Vibe".. Does anyone have any knowledge of this said kit and if it's a huge headache, or a solid deal?http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...t_892Also, we're going back to the dealer this evening. If we do this, I could have the car as early as tomorrow, or just next week sometime..Thanks again!

[DressedInBlack]

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »Don't you mean: "You hate your Matrix???" ZING! hahahaha that's what i get for being a smartass!

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by averagewhiteboy »ONE last question.. lolUpon looking stuff over online, I found this turbo kit. I was always weary of universal kits, but it's "for" the 2AZFE.. Also says "fits Vibe".. Does anyone have any knowledge of this said kit and if it's a huge headache, or a solid deal?http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...t_892Also, we're going back to the dealer this evening. If we do this, I could have the car as early as tomorrow, or just next week sometime..Thanks again!Eh... personally I would stay away from that turbo kit . Ultimately it's up to you though. Again, questions like this would probably be better answered over at Matrix Owners. Us '09-'10 Vibe owners just haven't done much in the way of engine modifications beyond the K&N Typhoon intake.

[averagewhiteboy]

Well, unfortunately it just didn't work out with the car..But thanks for all the help guys!!

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by averagewhiteboy »Well, unfortunately it just didn't work out with the car..But thanks for all the help guys!!Sorry to hear it didn't work out .You're welcome !