GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I know that GM doesn't offer the 17" rims with the M&T package, and supposedly that has to do with stresses that could cause the moonroof to crack with the larger rims. With that in mind, does anyone have experience with using aftermarket rims (17" or larger), with the moonroof? I'm hoping I'm not stuck with my factory 16's...

I haven't yet heard about this, but am very interested because I have been looking around to find some nice 17" wheels for my Vibe.

If I remember correctly the Matrix doesn't allow 17" rims with the sunroof either. That didn't stop the local dealer from puting on aftermarket 17" though. I would think it is ok to put them on. The sunroof doesn't add that much weight to the car.

Put 17" wheel on a Vibe with moon could cause some trouble.Take a look at this previous forum. According to Moreorles, his windshield cracked but itself.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1678

I have 18 in wheels on mine with the moons and tunes. I have a little over 10,000 miles and have had no problems so far.

I don't know if you would notice any problems, I believe it is a safety issue and also an issue with stabilty in cornering etc.

If you put 17" or bigger rims, it does not means your windshield will automaticly crack. Your windshield COULD crack, cause the car is less resistant to tortion with a moon-roof and low prifile tire absorb less hit. Those 2 facts togethe could cause a crak in the windshied.

Sub-Vibe-R the Physicist has come correct MAkes sense

The GM rep told me that they didn't put the 17" wheels with the M&T because the ride height was slightly higher causing the vehicle to have a center of gravity and possible higher roll-over rate. He also said the same thing about the stress to the vehicle and the moonroof. I have seen Vibe's and even a Matrix with 17"wheels or bigger. They haven't had any complaints as of yet. I guess you could put bigger rims on it and just keep your stock wheels in reserve in case the moonroof cracks. that way you can put the factory wheels back on before going to get the warranty work done on your Vibe(as far as your moonroof)

quote:I guess you could put bigger rims on it and just keep your stock wheels in reserve in case the moonroof cracks. that way you can put the factory wheels back on before going to get the warranty work done on your Vibe(as far as your moonroof)I might try this, when I'm ready to get new wheels. I purposely bought just the standard 16" steel wheels (at least the covers are tolerable), figuring I could spend the money later, and get exactly what I wanted. I'd rather get 17's or 18's (I like the look of yank dini's; I'll have to check 'em out when you put them back on in the spring), but if I need to stick to 16's, I won't be too disappointed.Thanks to all for your replies.
[Modified by Vibe-rate, 9:39 PM 12/5/2002]

Course if you slam it a couple of inches, it will be lower with 17" or 18" than a stocker with 16" and should be less prone to rollover...

...yes but you still have the torsion/rigidity problem. I wonder if adding a good quality strut tower bar would stiffen up the body enough that it would reduce the torsional flex of the body in hard turns so that there would be less risk of busting glass?Andrew, anyone else---thoughts/comments?

I have a 2004 Vibe with the factory 17" rims and the Moon and Tunes package......I don't think its all that rare with the 2004s....

I think that it is OK if you use a All season tire and not a sticky performance tire. I beleive that you can buy a car this way with the moon/ tune package.

Currently, I am shopping for a Vibe and I do see Moon&Tunes package with 17" rims from factory . I guess Pontiac (or Toyota) fixed whatever problem they had. Maybe that explains why the price of Moon&Tunes went from $850 to $1150 in 2004 models ($300 discount still applies).Moon & Tunes were a great bargain for 2003 at $550 ($850-$300 discount), but is not so for 2004 at $850 ($1150-$500).

I was looking about for a set fo 17" for my car, and was told to look into the insurance aspects. I was told that if I had any problems with the car that both GM or my insurance company would be able to wave the warranty or in the case of the insurance a claim. This is because there is a notification from Gm that the moons and tunes package is not to be used with 17" wheels and tires. Can't say that the source of this info would be right or not. Any comments because i would really like to go up in size in the spring.

I am not sure that GM or insurance can waive the coverage, unless there is written proof, such as specifically calling it out on the manual or something. Even then, it seems unlikely.

That is what I am thinking. I can't see that they can do anything like that considering the number of other mods that can be done to cars.

I've had no problems with my sunroof or windshield and I've been running 18's for over 10,000 miles.ND

That's so strange...when i was shopping for my Vibe I came across two Vibes in dealer inventory with M&T and 17" rims. I was only able to find one of the stickers in case you wanted to check it out.Frosty Vibe with 17" rims and M&T:http://gmbuypower.com/nvlWindo...0Base I also know someone who got 17" rims with their Vibe. Too bad, I wish I got 17" rims...they look nice.

they changed the tires on the '04 models to an all season tire and not the performance dunlops. that's why you can now have 17"s with M&T package. i have an '03 w/ 17's and wish i had a moonroof!