GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hi everyoneI just accuired an 03 AWD Vibe, its perfect for the family, and for my climate, however it is not perfect for my right foot. I NEED more power, but I needed AWD more. I think I got this Toyota/Pontiac thing figured but just to be sure.1) I have a Injen CAI on the way. Could I have bought the matrix version and still have been ok... it shows a different part # for the XR compaired to the Vibe? Also is that CAI compatible with the supercharger or do I have to mod it to work?2) Can I use the TRD supercharger (i would perfer) rather then the Gm performance Kit? Or are there wiring or hose connection issues that make me have to go with the GM version?3) I want to lower it. I want to get the Tein S springs. Same set-up right? Again only listed for Matrix but I can use them right?Can the stock struts handle the drop for the time being or should I get some KYB now too?Like I said I think I got this down but I'm a little paranoid about shipping wrong parts and screwing myself later. Thanks,CAN-AWD-VIBE

Welcome to Genvibe! 1a) Not sure, but I guess it really doesn't matter now that you have one on the way. 1b) You might have to cut an inch or so off to get it to work with the S/C. However, I would not recommend using the anything other than the stock intake with the S/C since you will then need to also install a W/I system to keep your temps down to prevent detonation. Also, yyou could end up having tranny issues if you push the S/C beyond what is recommended. If you do go with the S/C you should also get a tranny cooler for safety reasons.2a) Yes the GM & TRD are the exact same units. 2b) No.3a) The only lowering springs that are good for the AWD are the Hotchkis. There are none made specifically for the AWD models. But the Hotchkis is the only one that can be use on the AWD without the back end being lower than the front. This is due to our independent rear suspension. The Hotchkis states 1.25" front and 1.125" rear drops, but will actually end up being 2" front and 2" rear after they have settled. You will also need to get an alignment after about a week or two to correct the camber. You do not need a camber kit though, an alignment will take car of it just fine. I would only recommend Hotchkis for the AWD. 3b) the stock struts will be able to handle 2-3 years of being lowered before they start wearing down. If you can afford it I would get the KYB's now and install the Hotchkis springs on them.

Thank you for the welcome and quick reply with great answers to the questions... a couple more.Excuse the ignorance but why does it matter if the back end is lower then the front. Does this matter for AWD or are we just concerned about bottoming out the rear diff? Or is there more to it then that? I have heard that the best overall look and ride is best with Tein, and that Hotchkis were harsh.Also the Tein spec says 2.3" front and 2.1" in rear. Is this not so?I have read a lot of your posts BlueCrush and value you opinion. But if anyone else has opinions on this they are welcome to chime in.

Thank you for the kind words.Using something other than Hotchkis your back end will be about 1" lower than the front. You will hate the look and the ride will suck. the reason the Hotchkis springs work for use is that they have a higher rear spring rate than all the others that are available to us. This will enable the rear end to have a more even drop with the front.Tein has one of the best looks and rides for a 2WD Vibe not for an AWD Vibe. Others will be able to attest to the Hotchkis looks and ride as being very good also. You can try the Teins if you want to but I can pretty much guarantee that you will be switching to Hotchkis in the long run.Spring rates:Tein-S: 154lbs.(front) & 190lbs.(rear)Hotchkis: 180lbs.(front) & 350lbs.(rear)

Thanks for the expanded info... I think I will try out the Hotchkis and go from there...this place is a wealth of information CAN-AWD-VIBE

If Im not mistaken BC has an AWD Vibe Plus he is one of the most knowledgable here and he is an overall great guy to talk to.

I've noticed... thank you