GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I'm just starting to get into the whole modding scene, so please go easy on me... I don't know much about cars, but I'm learning what I can.Right now, I have a stock 2003 AWD (no GT, sadly) with a pitiful 130hp. What would be some of the most cost effective ways of increaseing the performance of the car, without sacrificing too much of the gas mileage? I know a CAI would help, and it's the top on my list, but I don't know which one to get. One of my friends is pushing me to get a $25 jobber on ebay, but I keep thinking it's one of those "you get what you pay for) items, so I'd rather fork out $200 and get a true, honest-to-god, big, brand-name CAI, like Injen or AEM (speaking of which, I didn't find any for the Vibe on their website... which model would I need?). Ideally, I'd like to get the HP's up as high as I can, without losing much, if any, mpg.

most products u can vind under the matrix as well. they are the same engine, and interior. so if it fits the matrix, in most cases match up your year and model and it will fit

You sound like you have some good ideas, and YES, get a brand name intake, I have an Injen (and love it) there have been mixed reviews on the ebay CAIs but I have not heard one bad thing about the Injen CAI. You could also go with an aftermarket exhaust, Borla or Magnaflow seem to be the most popular, however, after that you are looking at more expensive mods that will also decrease your MPG. I have yet to get an exhaust but you can feel a little more get-up-and-go when you install the CAI, plus the sound is great. Since you are not too far away, you should check out the Columbus meet coming up in 2 weeks!

I'm making a list of the things I want, and categorizing them so when I get that feeling that tells me to mod something, I can go to the list and get something from the category I feel I'm lacking in. What about one of the cheap computer chips from ebay, like this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...=WDVW ? Are they cheap imitationgs of Unichip, I assume, that won't really do anything?

Stay away from those cheap Ebay mods, they don't do much if anything. I bought a Cosmo Racing CAI for $105.00 and I am totally satisfied with the quality and performance. You can't go wrong with a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust. Performance Peddler has a good price and offers a discount to Genvibe members also try http://neverenuf.com/index.cfm...id=74 Put on a set of Tein S-Tech springs and a Progress rear sway bar.All this and 225/50/16 tires, you'll be having fun!

Quote, originally posted by Mr. Poopypants »You sound like you have some good ideas, and YES, get a brand name intake, I have an Injen (and love it) there have been mixed reviews on the ebay CAIs but I have not heard one bad thing about the Injen CAI. You could also go with an aftermarket exhaust, Borla or Magnaflow seem to be the most popular, however, after that you are looking at more expensive mods that will also decrease your MPG. I have yet to get an exhaust but you can feel a little more get-up-and-go when you install the CAI, plus the sound is great. Since you are not too far away, you should check out the Columbus meet coming up in 2 weeks!I totaly agree.. I bought a Cosmo Intake from Ebay.. and it sucked.. did not fit etc...etc. etc.. I got a Injen now and love it.. I also have a Magnaflow Cat-Back ... and its great also... have fun and good luck...

Sell your used AWD and buy a used GT. Before doing that though check with your insurance agent to see if there will be an increase in premiums. Your fuel bill will increase also, since you will need premium instead of 87 octane. All in all I think this way would give you the biggest gains for the buck, while still driving a Vibe. Then you could look into a turbcharger...

I have a better idea, sell everything and buy a Corvette. Or a Cadillac CTS-V if you like room with your rocket!

Sadly, I can't get a used GT because it's not AWD. That's the singular reason I bought a Vibe to begin with. It was cheap, got good gas mileage, and was AWD. Driving 35 miles to and from work every day, often in 3-6 inches of snow in the winter necessitates an AWD vehicle. If I could afford a bigger, more powerful SUV, I'd have one... until then, I'm stuck (for lack of a better word) with the Vibe. That's why I'm trying to make the best of it by modding it as much as I can.

Quote, originally posted by omat5e1 »Sadly, I can't get a used GT because it's not AWD. That's the singular reason I bought a Vibe to begin with. It was cheap, got good gas mileage, and was AWD. Driving 35 miles to and from work every day, often in 3-6 inches of snow in the winter necessitates an AWD vehicle. If I could afford a bigger, more powerful SUV, I'd have one... until then, I'm stuck (for lack of a better word) with the Vibe. That's why I'm trying to make the best of it by modding it as much as I can. Sounds like a turbo charger would be your best bet then, if you are looking to get any noticable hp gains. You would still get your mpg if you kept your foot out of it.

as a fellow AWDer i can give you some valid advice:sadly, us AWDs only start out w/123HP due to restrictive exhaust.the CAI is the cheapest thing you can do to gain any real horsepower and also retain regular (87 octane ) gas use.the rear sway bar wont fit on your car, due to the different suspension.the supercharger will work on your car, and should cause no probs. however, it is very pricey, and you have to use expensive gas.a turbocharger is (in most opinions) a bad idea for the AWD. not many have done it, but it has been said by most that it kills the tranny in the AWD.exhaust will have to be custom due to the fact our routing is different and noone has a bolt on available for the AWD.hope that helps!

Way to crap on his parade drunken!

Quote, originally posted by Mr. Poopypants »Way to crap on his parade drunken! the truth is painful...

Quote, originally posted by Mr. Poopypants »Way to crap on his parade drunken! Hey man he is keeping it real

Quote, originally posted by ArcsVibe »Hey man he is keeping it real I know, I was just giving him crap.