NO MAYBE'S!!! If the Supercharger is $2500-$3000, Who will get one?

[cohocarl]

Lets say the blower comes out and it's around $2500/$3000 (US), who actually is going to buy one? I think if it would have been available when I ordered mine, I may have tacked in into the total cost and have it financed, but my finances have changed some since then (bought a new home...have 2 right now ) and coughing up $3K to make the Vibe somewhat quicker is now in question. I do get GM discounts on parts (including GM Perf.), but it isn't that much of a better deal than some dealers will sell parts for. I do have a project car (85 Vette) that I could spend the $3K on instead and have one hell of a quick car. At first when I read that a blower was coming out for the Vibe I was already thinking of where I'd put the boost gauge...., but now I'm questioning if I'll get one or not. It would be fun wouldn't it....Who's thinking of getting one?

[Black4drGT]

Me I will buy one, but first I need to buy a Vibe

[ragingfish]

As much as I want one, I just don't have thousands to spend on a super charger...

[KSNeptune]

I will. Got the money sitting in a CD just waiting.KSNeptune

[ragingfish]

quote:I will. Got the money sitting in a CD just waiting.KSNeptuneSmart man. Unfortunately, I'm a broke college student, so I have no money to even put IN a CD!

[NovaResource]

3K or under = yes.

[Sub-Vibe-R]

3k us = $4500 cdn.... little expensive, but I'll see the canadian price before taking a decision.

[satur9]

yes.... the only problem is when will i get it

[MadBill]

The jury's still out for me. For a gain of 35-45 HP, that's close to $CAN 100 per hp! A killer roller cam kit for my Big Block Camaro would run closer to $10/HP...

[cohocarl]

quote: A killer roller cam kit for my Big Block Camaro would run closer to $10/HP... I was thinking of a roller cam & lifters, AFR or TrickFlow heads, and a set of 3.54 rear end gears. (2.73's in it now ) I'd still have close to a grand left for the tires I'd need..... But then again, I drive the Vibe every day. I only drive the Vette about 500 miles a year. I bought the Vibe because of it's very efficient use of interior space, decent fuel mileage, and it was rather inexpensive. I didn't buy it because I thought it would make a good race car. Can you tell this blower thing is really bugging me. I WANT one, but.......

[ShotInTheDark]

mmm.....3500 dollars, I can buy enough stickers with that much money to add at least 65 hp!

[teammonkeys]

I went to the local Pontiac dealer and they no nothing about the supercharger. Across the street is a Toyota dealer and I asked them about the Matrix's supercharger. They said that it'll be out within 60 days (the supercharger for the Matrix) and it would cost $2995 for the TRD supercharger. The guy wasn't sure how much the labor would cost. He said it would take about 5 to 8 working hours to install it, at a rate of $125 per hour. So, roughly all together it would cost $4000 (includes tax, unit and labor).

[AKLGT]

If and when they come out with one for the GT, i will most definitely buy one. By then, I'll have saved up enough money. We'll have to see....

[Big_Red]

Although it would be a nice thing to have....I can think of a few things that I could do with $3000 US....go on vacation with my wife. We haven't gone anywhere on vacation since...uhm....January 2001.

[MonotoneSatellite]

If the final price (before install) is less than $3000, I will buy one. I figure it will take me a year to save the green at which point I will run to my Pontiac dealer. I plan on having them do the install as I am just getting into fixing/tuning cars. The only other experience I have is with a 65 Mustang Coupe w/ a 293 and 4 on the floor. A sweet car to be sure, but the Vibe is quite a bit different under the hood.

[Faultline]

well...for me its not about $3000.oo ..the reason that I wont buy the SC that is....anyone want to guess why I wont buy the SC???LOL....

[satur9]

you could go twincharged.

[joatmon]

I'll pass $3K, plus premium gas and reduced mpgs. wish I could stop being so practical and just get one, but since it's no maybes, then I'm a no.

[Lancer]

If I had a manual transmission I would be all over that turbo. But I got a auto and I've decided to go for the supercharger instead. If I need more power I can always add a 45 shot of NO2.Now to come up with the cash. Anyone know the going rate for a kidney?

[robdog]

Although I have a GT, even if i did have a base engine 35-45 Hp for 3 g's and up is outrageous. I would invest in a turbo or something that will give you alot more power.

[Hot Vibe]

Not going to buy one even if the price was under $1000. I wanted a car that was good on gas. I bought the car because of it's low maintenence cost of the lifespan of the vehicle. Maybe a CAI though. A bit on the pricy side and easy to install. I will flip a coin to decide that one.

[NovaResource]

quote:Although I have a GT, even if i did have a base engine 35-45 Hp for 3 g's and up is outrageous.Think of it this way, a Grand Prix GT has 200 Hp and has an MSRP of about 25,800 (edmunds.com) while the GTP has 240 Hp and an MSRP of about 28,900. Granted, the GTP includes a few other items than a GT but that's still 40-hp for $3K. Same for a Vibe vs a GT. A GT MSRPs about $3K more than a base for that 50-hp. Yes, you also get rear discs and an extra gear but only 5-lb/ft of torque while a S/C will provide about 40 more lb/ft of torque.Plus, the supercharger is rumored to be $2K for a self install and $3K for a dealer install with a 3 year warranty (only 1 year for a self install). It's not really that bad. Faultline paid about $3.5K installed for his turbo with only a 1 year warranty.Bottom line: if I can get it installed for $3K, I'll probably do it. If it's more, I won't.

[goodvibe]

Price dif. to a GT is $2600, the disc brakes are anti-lock, add aluminum wheels, leather wheel and shifter, fogs to your list and I think the shocks are firmer. Thats well over a grand worth of desireable upgrades. It's less than $1500 for the drivetrain if you like the other goodies and who doesn't want antilock and cool wheels. That said, the SC torque is great for an auto if thats what you need to drive.

[NovaResource]

quote:Price dif. to a GT is $2600, the disc brakes are anti-lock, add aluminum wheels . . . It's less than $1500 for the drivetrainBetter go back and check your info. According to the Pontiac website a GT with a 6-speed, 16" aluminum wheels and ABS (no other options) has an MSRP of 19,995. A base Vibe with a 5-speed, 16" aluminum wheels and ABS (no other options) has an MSRP of 17,985. That's exactly $2,010 for the GT engine, the extra gear and the rear discs. Personally, the $990 extra for the torque of the S/C is well worth it. And the look of a GT owners face when he gets spanked by am automatic base Vibe is priceless.quote:fogs to your list and I think the shocks are firmerThe base comes with fog lights. Also, the shocks and springs are the same for both the base and GT.quote:and who doesn't want antilock and cool wheelsI don't want ABS. Also, I'd rather have cooler aftermarket wheels so my Vibe doens't look like every other Vibe.quote:That said, the SC torque is great for an auto if thats what you need to driveNeed to drive, no. That's what my wife needs to drive.

[goodvibe]

It wasn't inteded to be a mine is bigger than yours post. Why woudn't anyone want antilock brakes. It's cheap if it stops you from hitting something in bad weather or if you space (it happens). Not to mention peace of mind. It's a more important upgrade than any other. The rear discs due feel better and have a more sophisticated antilock system than the optional base system to boot but I only figured in standard antilock. Your right about the fogs, but I like the leather wheel and shifter. As for wheels, you still have to buy some. I stated I wasn't sure about the shocks and I'm still not but I heard they have different part #s. I do know the rest is the same. You do need an auto due to your wife. If you didn't, why would you buy one. Just prefering it counts here too. It's not a slam. I didn't buy a Gt to drag though it's always fun to run it through the gears. The lightflywheel 2zz revs up and down faster than the M3 I drove the other day making it great to shift quickly and match RPms when downshifting. Our shifters feel better too but the clutch is a different story. If you pass this Gt owner you'll only see a smile on my face because anything good for Vibes is good by me. It doesn't make my GT any worse as a Gt doesn't diminish a base's goodness. I just wanted to correct your figures and I'm still looking pretty good after your addenum. I didn't mention the great sounding exaust because like automatics, it's personal choice. Some like it louder, some may want less growl. I can't wait to here how much you like the SC and will be genuinely happy for you when get it.

[NovaResource]

quote:Why woudn't anyone want antilock brakes. It's cheap if it stops you from hitting something in bad weather or if you space (it happens). Not to mention peace of mind. It's a more important upgrade than any other.In your opinion. I've had issues with ABS especially on roads with gravel, sand or loose dirt. The best way to stop in those situations is to lock the wheels and have them dig in. I have family that has a long gravel driveway that is steep. Once in my wifes old Cavalier I almost wrecked the car going down the driveway. When I pressed the brake to slow the wheels would lock on the loose gravel and the ABS released the wheels. Lets just say I went down that driveway much faster than I wanted too with only the handbrake to slow me.quote:The rear discs due feel better and have a more sophisticated antilock system than the optional base system to bootNot true. Anti-lock is anti-lock. It doesn't matter what type of brakes are being applied. If they lock, the ABS unlocks. The proportioning is different between disc/drum and 4-wheel discs but that is independent of the ABS.The shifter and steering wheel are two items I forgot but that is a matter of personal preference. Personally, I don't like leather interiors because I find them more slippery. Again, that just my personal preference.quote:If you pass this Gt owner you'll only see a smile on my face because anything good for Vibes is good by me.That we agree on. The Vibe isn't my racecar but I do like performance even in my daily driver. I'm not looking to take on Z28's and Mustangs but I like being faster than the majority of the cars out there. My only beef with the Vibe is the lack of torque. Knowing the S/C was coming out and that it was only for the base made my choice obvious. Again, no slam on GT owners, it's just that a base with an auto and a S/C more closely fit my needs and wants. However, if the S/C doesn't come out soon and/or is priced higher than what was claimed back when I purchased my Vibe I may look to trade in my Vibe for something with a little more umph. And that might not be a GM product. Are you listening Pontiac?

[goodvibe]

Gravel driveways and loose(unpacked) snow are known to be better without antilock because you can build a mound in front of the tires to help you stop. Any other road conditions greatly favor antilock ice, wet, debrie or like when your actually going fast enough to get killed easily which I hope your not doing on loose snow or gravel. If I got spooked I may feel as you do but there is a reason insurance companies give breaks for antilock. They pay out less to drivers that have it. I said the rear discs feel better and they do unrelated to the antilock. The diagonal antilock system does work better than the base (front/back)especialy when the 2 sides have different amounts of traction like when in a turn or one side is leaving the pavement or in gravel.

[NovaResource]

quote:but there is a reason insurance companies give breaks for antilock.Yes and the reason is because the majority of drivers don't drive well so they need things like ABS to keep themselves from crashing.ABS doesn't change the laws of physics and doesn't stop you in a shorter distance. What stops the vehicle the the friction between the tires and the ground and the friction between the brake pads/shoes and the rotors/drums. ABS does not increase that friction in any way. ABS only prevents the wheels from locking up when an unskilled driver just slams on the brake in a panic. A locked tire in a skid on most surfaces isn't as great which creates a longer stopping distance. A skilled driver can keep the wheels from locking without help from a computer. Granted, when the wheels do lock, the computer can pump the brakes faster than a human.

[joatmon]

I had heard, and won't testify, that ABS provided better capability to continue steering while in a panic skid. I know I'm not adequate enough of a driver to be able to simulate ABS manually well, but so far I've only triggered my ABS last winter, on purpose while playing in the snow.My vibe is a convenient utility car, I agree that it's not a race car or high performance model. I really like power, but my vibe is my daily driver commuter car, bought for space and MPG. I would love to have the SC, but won't for the same reason I didn't buy a GT: $ Being practical is not very fun most of the time.I hope they sell a lot of superchargers though, and won't mind when SC or GT blows my doors off. ( I stay out of the racing forum) Even if mine doesn't have the SC, it makes the Vibe model cooler, and if they do sell a bunch, then maybe they'll be motivated to develop other neat things.

[NovaResource]

quote:I had heard, and won't testify, that ABS provided better capability to continue steering while in a panic skid.Almost correct. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under hard braking to allow the driver to steer the car and avoid an accident. It doesn't actually make the steering better just that you are able to steer. When the wheels lock you can't steer. Turn the wheel as much as you like but if the front wheels are locked you will just slide in the direction of your momentum.ABS does very little to stop you in a shorter distance. The only difference in distance is due to ABS detecting the lockup sooner and pumping the brakes quicker than a human could.ABS Safer? Not according to this study:http://www.iihs.org/news_releases/1996/pr121096.htm

[goodvibe]

You're a better driver than me and I'm sure you'll never have an accident. Formula one drivers go faster with help especially in the wet. Every test driver stops quicker and avoids cones better when testing with antilock activated. I"ve driven with some guys that know what they're doing and it's a humbling experience. When it's wet and greasey they wouldn't be without it. Your physics doesn't take into account reaction time, brake modulation speed, differing traction at various wheels and the limited driver input from the brake system. Theoretical vs practictical. But you're right and don't let the facts get in the way.

[NovaResource]

quote:Formula one drivers go faster with help especially in the wet. Every test driver stops quicker and avoids cones better when testing with antilock activated. I"ve driven with some guys that know what they're doing and it's a humbling experience. When it's wet and greasey they wouldn't be without it.We're talking about street cars not F1 race cars. On the street a good driver doesn't outdrive his abilities, the cars capabilities or the conditions on the road.

[cohocarl]

quote:Yes and the reason is because the majority of drivers don't drive well so they need things like ABS to keep themselves from crashing. ABS doesn't change the laws of physics and doesn't stop you in a shorter distance.Couldn't have said it better. Many drivers have a false sense of security because they have these wonderful anti-lock brakes. I wonder how many accidents have occurred because they had ABS. HEY...back to the topic...... Any latest info on release date for the blowers?

[goodvibe]

So they're good for people that don't know how to drive and for people that really know how to drive but the rest of us don't need them because we're careful. My car has side airbags that I also hope I never need. It's called insurance. I give up. As for the SC. More power to you guys and I hope that everyone who wants one finds a way to get it regardless of price. May the forced be with you!

[Strobo43]

Will it make my Base Auto A LOT faster?How about WEAR on the tranny?Oh well, YEAH I WILL!! Got a bonus paycheck coming soon... its only money!!!Will I need to use Premium fuel????

[Faultline]

quote:Yes, you will have to use premium fuel and it might be harder on the transmission. And btw regular and premium, are both over 2.oo here in CA!

[Larry]

quote:Yes, you will have to use premium fuel and it might be harder on the transmission. Yes and no. The more hp and torque you get through FI, the more stress it puts on the entire drivetrain. The TRD unit cuts boost during the 1st to 2nd shift though which greatly reduces the amount of extra wear put on it.