Newbie says hello!

[stahl]

Figured I'd sign up and say hello! Seems like this place is a really nice, little community of people that know a lot more about cars than me.I had just purchased a new 05 Vibe early in January, but left for Germany a week later. I've been here ever since and can't wait to get back to actually drive it.The purchase was a pretty good deal, but I was mainly looking for a good price at the time. So I just got the base model, manual transmission, no sun-roof, etc. Anyway, I googled the net for "Pontiac Vibe Mods" -- just for kicks. I didn't actually think I'd get any good results, but this place looks pretty awesome.And after looking at some of the beauties in the registry here, I'm even more determined to upgrade my vehicle.My biggest problem, however, is that I don't have a clue when it comes to cars. So my feeling is that if I were to go to some shop to get work done I'd probably get ripped off with the price, or buy low quality parts or whatever other ways there are to get screwed.So, basically this is a call for help to see if anyone has good suggestions as to what kind of upgrades I should look into. I'd want to upgrade both the looks and of course performance.I'd appreciate if you guys could throw some suggestions my way. To give you an idea about my situation, here's a few pointers:Here's a little summary:The car is an 2005 Vibe, base model, manual transmission, moonstone color.I'm interested in replacing the stereo with a retractable dvd player (if possible region free), and putting additional screens in the headrests. A friend of mine has a system from Alpine that seems to be pretty good, but it's not region free.Tinted windows would be nice. I don't wanna find my car stolen or broken into. Then again, if it looks fancy on the outside, it might be incentive enough for someone to steal it. Also, I'm in Ohio, but will make trips to Indiana and North Carolina. I've tried to figure out what's legal where, and what the chances are of getting caught. I think I heard 30% is legal in Ohio, but on the other hand I see plenty of SUVs with windows that don't seem to let *any* light go through. Everywhere I go I only seem to be able to find those glued on laminate kinds. Don't they actually just replace the windows with darker ones or some that have sort sort of reflective surface on the outside, so people can look out, but noone can look inside?I've got an addiction of wanting to rip labels off of everything. Don't know that goes against some kind of community etiquette or whatever. I just like a clean, sleek look. For example, I was looking at the PROFORM shift-light. It's probably totally useless to me since I don't *need* it (i don't race). But hey, it's a gadget, it's fancy looking, and once I ripped the PROFORM label off of it, it'll seem even more mysterious.Engine, suspension, etc: I have no idea. i don't know what fits, I don't know what any of the specs mean. I now know what it must feel like for some people when they're buying a computer and all they see is these technical terms and it doesn't mean anything to them.Alright, now that I've proven how clueless I am, it's time to stop writing.

[kostby]

Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Vibe!A number of forum members have added a Cold Air Intake (such as Injen) and a catalytic-converter-back performance exhaust (such as Magnaflow) for a few more horsepower.Tinting and custom wheels are popular mods too.There are LOTS of threads and several resident experts on sound and video, so I'll defer to them for recommendations.Personally, I love my car ('03 Salsa 2-tone, Base, automatic, moon & tunes) pretty much the way it is, so I don't have enough mods to mention!

[stahl]

Thanks for the start. Throwing keywords at me works (Injen, Magnaflow) . I'll search the forums, and google for it and see if I can't find out a bit more about that stuff.My car is great the way it is too, I think. I haven't really had much time to drive it yet, but that'll all change May 3rd. I just really need a hobby where I dabble with something other than computers for once.

[tnpartsguy]

Hello...........NEWBIE.......lolYou're right in the heart of Vibe Country. There is an Ohio meet scheduled for this spring. Welcome to Genvibe....enjoy your stay!!

[joatmon]

hi and welcome to genvibehow long are you going to be in Gerrmany?There is a "mods" section on this site, but it is an advertising place. People do many more mods that aren't listed there. I am not into racing my base 5 speed, so I don't see the utility of a shift light, it's easy enough to figure out when to shift. I don't think there are any window tinting options other than the glued on laminate. Actually replacing the glass would be way too expensive anyway. Pontiac should offer tinted windows as a factory option, but they don't I don't know about tinting laws, but it seems to me that since different states have different laws, you might only have to comply with the laws of the state that the vehicle is registered in, but I don't know for sure. Check out the links in these threads for state by state tint laws:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id ... ad?id=2842

[jwalcik]

welcome to the site. i'm a relatively new owner myself, but i've already found lots of useful info here. before i bought my last vehicle, i was terrified of doing anything to a car myself beyond changing the oil or rotating the tires. it was thanks to a site much like this that i was able to get the info (and confidence) i needed to go at it myself.

[Thewhite]

welcome here!!I tell you, before I get here, I knew **** about car either, nver even change the oil. but just by reading all the stuff you can have here, you can see that it's really easy.For mods, I will always suggest to start with wheels and tires. The wheels give to your car a personnality, making it unique. The tires are the only thing between the road and you, so for better handling and safety, it's always good to put performance tire. and a 50$ performance tire is not...For mods on the engine, a lot of information is available, the first step is usually a Cold Air Intake (as mentioned bellow), it gives a better sound and better performance to your car. after that, the Cat-Back...When you are looking for prices, just ask, and a lot of options will appear from all the poeple that bought it. eBay is a good place.see you in the Forum!

[stahl]

> how long are you going to be in Gerrmany?May 2nd or so.> I don't see the utility of a shift lightIt's not a utility is a visual enhancement, lol. I guess I'm a gadget guy. If it looks neat, sleek or fancy, I want it. I haven't gotten it yet. Heck, 8 days ago I didn't even know what it was for.The first three minor mods to my car will be:1) Hardwiring my Valentine 1.2) Somehow figuring out how to hardwire my bluetooth GPS3) Installing a cradle to hold my Pocket PC.I'm sure I'll go through a handful of fuses doing that, too.

[Thewhite]

Quote, originally posted by stahl »The first three minor mods to my car will be:1) Hardwiring my Valentine 1.I don't know why you want do. from what I know, a lot of cops are using now laser, and it's not a continue signal like radars. they press the button, the laser read your speed. so when you ear you detector beeping loudly, it onlky means that you just get cought!!!

[AKLGT]

welcome to gvc. always nice to see new members posting.

[stahl]

Quote, originally posted by Thewhite »I don't know why you want do. from what I know, a lot of cops are using now laser, and it's not a continue signal like radars. they press the button, the laser read your speed. so when you ear you detector beeping loudly, it onlky means that you just get cought!!!Same reason I'd put a shift light in for: It's a gadget. I hardly ever speed (and I know when to shift). Although it's going to take some getting used to after having driven on the autobahn in Germany for last few months.

[Jahntassa]

1. Wiring in the radar detector is easy. I'd reccomend powering it off the rear defrost switch so it'll turn on and off with the ignition. My Escort is suction cupped just below the rearview mirror, which gives it better visibility, and it's also slightly less obvious (the wire goes up into the headliner and down the a-pillar). Also, Lidar isn't as 'instant catch' as people like to think.2. Good luck finding an in-dash that's region free. Most major manufacturers don't do that. You'd have to find someone that modified one, or see if one not from the states does it. 3. Window tinting: States will honor other states legal codes. Go with whatever's legal in your state. Other states have to go with that. As long as you don't move...if you're currently registered in Ohio, and it's 30%, go for it. Also, most rear windows aren't that big a deal, but windshields and driver windows are a little more noticable.4. If you have an '05, find out if you have a cable-driven throttlebody, or drive-by-wire. If it's DBW, your engine mods are currently somewhat limited.5. Back to the indash screen. Unless you need a single-din flip out unit. Maybe you should get a double-din unit that just has the full screen showing, Kenwood and Pioneer make units like that. Pioneer's unit, the AVIC-D2 is also a nav system, and I think is about $2k. Most in-dash screens that have in-dash dvd players will have an output for rear screens.Also, Alpine is not all it's cracked up to be. If you want a system where you can play video while driving (which IS illegal.), don't get an Alpine. Or the Pioneer AVIC series. Alpines are a pain because it requires you to do a sequence of brake and handbrake presses to get the video running, and the newer AVICs use the built-in gyroscope to disable video while moving. Rear seat video, however, will continue running.

[Mr. Poopypants]

Mr. Poopypants says HELLO and welcome to GenVibe!!

[stahl]

Hey thanks!I just searched the web, and I can find plenty of "region-free" players, and plenty of "car" or "in-dash" players but, as you pointed out, the two seem to be mutually exclusive. I guess I'll have no choice other than making copies of my DVDs with DVD Shrink to remove the region code (I have both region 1 and 2 DVDs).I was looking at the Alpine IVA-D901. Any recommendations? Waste of money? This review sounded pretty good.Regarding the cable-driven throttlebody vs DBW, how do I figure that out? Can I just check the manual? Do I pop the hood and take a look, and if so, what am I looking for?

[stahl]

I love that body kit on the street-graffiti web site. I have no idea whether it would work with my moonstone colored vehicle, though.I'm a fan of black cars, even though you see every bit of dirt on 'em, and they get hot as hell in the summer. I'd get a paint job, but as I've heard, it'll never be as good as the original paint. And it's probably not cheap either.I did a quick mock-up (file is attached), i.e. I took the street-graffiti image and changed the color. It's not the best, but it was only a five minute kinda deal. Doesn't look half bad, though.How hard is that body kit to install? I'd imagine it's not for someone without a clue. i.e. me.

Attached files

[Ponyota]

Hey! Welcome to Genvibe! Enjoy your stay! You'll find almost everything you need to know about your Vibe here. If not, ask and I'm sure someone can tell you. If you travel to Indiana alot, I believe that the law states 35% tint. I have 20% and no problems yet.

[stahl]

I checked up on that again and was wrong. Windshield 70%, Front sides 50%, the other windows anything I want. So i'll probably stay legal and do 70, 50, and 20 for the rest. I dunno -- maybe if I did 5 in the back it would compensate for the windshield being tinted so lightly. I just hope it won't look stupid. Then again, if I back out of somewhere, I'd like to actually see what I'm about to hit. On the other hand, if I put screens in the headrests I'll want to hide them. If for nothing else, just so that it won't distract other drivers behind or next to me.

[ToolGuy]

Welcome! Used to live in Solon, parents still do...