GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I just wanted to let everyone know that. Installation was fairly simple (I had to redo the back shocks because I kinda forgot to do something) and the only problem I have experienced so far is the stock anti-sway bar makes a rather annoying rattle due to tension loss. Anyone have any ideas on how to solve that? As opposed to what some folks have said, I do not notice any more bouncing than stock, I haven't heard any squeaking, or noticed any probs other that that darned sway bar!!! I have about a .5 inch gap between the stock 16" tire and the wheel well in back and about a 1 inch in front (new 18"'s still haven't arrived ).

We want pics!!!!!

I plan on taking some, but without a digital camera or a place on the web to host them it might be a while on the pics. On a side note, something I forgot to add earlier, I think the car rides better now (smother) than it did with the stock set up. New Mexico has some of the ****tiest roads in the world to boot!!!Anyone have any idears on the anti-sway bar issue?? I was thinking of getting some rubber insulation to place between the bar and the frame until I can get a shorter tie bar or something.....

quote:Anyone have any idears on the anti-sway bar issue?? I was thinking of getting some rubber insulation to place between the bar and the frame until I can get a shorter tie bar or something.....I know www.hotchkistuning.com makes aftermarket sway bars. Whether they will take up the slack, I don't know. I would e-mail Ground Control and see what they have to say.

quote:I would e-mail Ground Control and see what they have to say.Wouldn't hurt to contact Major Tom too. sorry

I swear I posted this, but it disappeared.....Will wonders never cease? A Bowie reference! Well, I should get some pics taken and hopefully have them up on Monday. I have a few idears for the sway bar, but it will have to wait until I put the new rims on it. GC says they didn't have any problems on the test vehicle, but it might have been an XR. Don't know is it has the bar....

Well I don't have pics, because I was waiting for the rims to arrive to burn the rest of the roll. They should be here today, God willing and hopefully I will have pics up by Turkey day. On a side note, I fixed the obscure rattle caused by the sway bar. Just a helpful hint for those undertaking any suspention work with the GT / XRS, lift both front wheels off of the ground from start to finish, this is the only way you can loosen, remove, retighten fully the tie bar attaching the sway bar to the strut. You all probably knew that already but, for poor idiots like myself, it might come in handy!!!!!

Ok, here are the pics. Enjoy! The car with the rims somehow became slightly squeezed height wise when I scanned it.

quote:Ok, here are the pics. Enjoy! Damn, nice looking wheels.

What am I missing? I see no link or pix, just a forbidding-looking notice about 50 megs and remote linking...

Stupid web hostin' rootin' tootin' schmadin,,, OH! It should be fixed now! Sorry 'bout that!

Looking good!

SWEET!!!!! Like the rims. Whats your next mod

I am thinking about a few things, ram air hood, exhaust, lightened flywheel/ceramic clutch, or pullies. It all depends on what I can sell the wife on!

I know how selling the wife on a mod can be. do you know of a CAt Back exhaust for the Vibe? I have been searching the web, but haven't found any. Thanks

Use the website search. There are some axle back systems availble. No true cat back exhaust because the Vibe & Matrix use welded in CAT units. You could all ways have a custom cat back exhaust made at a exhaust shop for $300 or under. This way you'd also be able to use whatever muffler you prefer.

Very nice looking job! I have been wanting to do a mod like yours all summer. Might I ask where you ordered the Ground Contol coil-overs from and how much they were? I've never done any work on shocks before, is this a relativly easy mod to do or should I get a mechanic to do it for me?

The coil overs, were purchased from Ground Control directly for $410. As far as installation difficulty, depends on how mechanically inclined you are. I am not too M I but I have no fear of tearing things upart. All in all, looking back on it, even with my mistakes (listed above), it wasn't too difficult. The only special tool needed was a spring compressor ($20). Just make sure you have metric Alan Wrenches and sockets.Oh yea! According to the folks at GC, tokico is making shocks for the vibe and matrix! Due out in spring.
[Modified by pissedoffgokart, 4:07 PM 12/2/2002]

how is the ride??? any noise?

The ride, in my opinion, is just as good if not better than stock. You can really tell the difference at high speeds on big bumps (ouch!). I haven't noticed any unusual noises (after I fixed above ooops's). I like them over-all, I think the ride is just as good as lowering springs, and you can adjust 'em!

Nice Job and sweet looking rims. WARNING : KEEP THE CHROME AWAY FROM THE CURBS WHEN YOU PARK.I have a few dings on mine that really hurt me inside,you know what I mean?Thanks to the wife of course, oh well, as long as she and my son are safe in the Vibe.

Yeah, usually the first thing I do when I get some new rims is curb 'em a few times to break 'em in and give them that not so new look. I have manages to avoid that this time thank God! I never hit curbs or ANYTHING until I get new wheels, then it is like a magnet!!!

quote:Yeah, usually the first thing I do when I get some new rims is curb 'em a few times to break 'em in and give them that not so new look. Oh Boy do I have that same look.LOL

Maybe we could start a trend?

_________________________________________________________quote:Maybe we could start a trend?_________________________________________________________What would we call ourselves.............?????