GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I am going to go one of two performance routes with my Vibe. Here are the two options:1) GM Performance Parts Supercharger (TRD rebadge) - for $1800+/- (I would dump my Unichip and run it stock with the TRD ECU)-Gains approx. 40-50hp -I would be 2nd S/C AWD currently running2) Build up the top end of my engine: Celica GT Cylinder head w/port-n-polish, custom exhaust header, Leo from Weapon-R is making a custom Intake manifold for the 1ZZ-FE, I am in the process of buying a set of custom grind Crower Cams that are a cross between Stage 1 (for normal idle) and Stage 2 - 3/4 Race, I would send my TB off to Maxbore for boring, I can change the ECU crystals to increase the rev limiter to take advantage of the Cams, Everything would then be tuned with my Unichip. Cost $1800+/- Gains approx. 30-40hp - N/A respect & personal reward of doing it myself.Poll is finished:Supercharger = 17Performance N/A = 5Funny enough I am ending up going with the performance N/A route and not by choice. It was decided for me by an Aztek Transmission. lol.

that's a tough choice

I don't know which to recommend, but also consider the exhaust manifold. I think it was greenfire who said he had impressive gains from a mod to the exhaust manifold, which is more restrictive on the AWD than the base. I also suggest lookking at greenfire's setup (before the engine blew) for any lessons there

you know where I'm going. S/C all the way

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »I don't know which to recommend, but also consider the exhaust manifold. I think it was greenfire who said he had impressive gains from a mod to the exhaust manifold, which is more restrictive on the AWD than the base. I also suggest lookking at greenfire's setup (before the engine blew) for any lessons thereThe header mod the Greenfire did was hollowing out the pre-cat that is located inside the header. I did that last year, but the AWD header flow is still crappy. I would have a new one custom made.

turbo charge it

It all depends on your bottom end.How many k's on your engine.I would go the top end route.It would be a bulletproof setup and while your pullin your head off you can have a gander at the pistons and such.I'm from the old school,build from the bottom up.

Thanks for the input guys! I'm going for the GM Supercharger. It comes down to less money, for more torque and hp and less work to get it done. Cheap, fast & easy. I put my $400 deposit down on the S/C. and have 90 days to pay the balance to spread out the cost.I will be selling a few items to help pay for the S/C - Such as Unichip( I will use the TRD piggyback), pulleys, belt, etc. So, keep an eye out for another sale thread from me soon!If you want the same deal on a S/C and have the $400 deposit amount ready, IM me and I will give you the info. The GM distributor I have been talking to has 2 more auto and 1 manual S/C.

good luck to you. keep us informed and take lotsa pics on what you do with the car!

good luck man, in my opinion and for my own personal vehicle..i would just stick to N/A..only cuz it's my daily driver and i dont care about hp at all..it's all about fuel efficiancy now adays

Does that kit come complete or is it just the s/c blower for $1800? I can't really afford it today but that is a good price on the whole kit and perhaps I could be swayed. I really did want the TRD badged one though. And I don't really want the ecu anyway, I want to run with a tuned Unichip. Why are you going back to all stock before boost again... worried about the tranny, motor or drivetrain?I like your choice and can't wait to see it come together. Good-luck.

Thanks, It is actually $1630/shipped. $400 deposit, 2 payments of $400 and last payment of $430 (all paid in fill 90days after the deposit is made). It is a complete kit. I am going to run with the S/C ECU because most people who have tried to push the S/C for more power have had tranny problems. Just ask Lancer. There are a few people on MO that have done the same and had to replace/repair their trannys. I also have a tranny cooler already installed for more safety. The motor and AWD drivetrain shoud be fine since I won't be pushing 10+psi. I also already have a oil catch can installed to prevent any oil from entering the TB. I am wanting to boost safely and be able to have it for a long. long time. This is the safest route.If anyone would like a similar deal on a S/C, IM me. They have 2 A/T and 1 M/T S/C's left. The S/C has been discontinued so you will have a hard time finding a new one anywhere soon.

Quote, originally posted by RedFire2K »good luck man, in my opinion and for my own personal vehicle..i would just stick to N/A..only cuz it's my daily driver and i dont care about hp at all..it's all about fuel efficiancy now adaysWith the S/C you can get 30+/-mpg if you stay out of boost with daily driving. Some have even had an increase in mpg while out of boost. It is perfect for daily driving. You will have boost when ever you feel like it at the tap of your foot.

wow, great to hear you're going for this BC Good luck and I hope it all goes well

hey, if i could get 24 mpg in my car, i'd be happy! LOL. winter means less mpg. i'm about 15 right now.

SC all the way! The second choice really is a lot of work with some gain but I think the SC would be best.

When I read that you were NOT going to use the Unichip with the s/c I wondered why. Makes more sense now. I keep forgetting your's is awd. I would hang on to it until after your boosted. You'll understand why. I took it esy for a week (I know, hard to believe!) Just to see what my mpg were. I was averaging almost 40mpg on the highway (per scanguage II) but only 26 mpg in the city. It was interesting, but I gotta have my fun.

Well, My Supercharger project has been cancelled due to my wifes Aztek needing tranny work done asap. It is out of warranty and it is going to cost $1500-2000 to repair. Dammit!!! I had a feeling something was going to put the brakes on the S/C. Looks like I will just slowly work on the N/A for now and see where that takes me.

hey BC sry to hear about the troubled aztek and delay on the S/C13vibe03, the turbo kit for the vibe cost 2x as much as the S/C however it does give 2x the power gainshttp://www.turbokits.com/matrix_turbo_kits.html

that really sucks BC! while you're working on N/A build up the internals then later you can boost til your hearts content

not tryin to cause an argument, just clear things upi was refering toQuote, originally posted by 13Vibe03 »I don't think a turbo would be that much more difficult or expensive and you'll get even better gas mileage than the S/C.and in my post i stated that the vibe tubo kit cost twice as much as the vibe S/C kiti didnt bring up your escort

Quote, originally posted by 13Vibe03 »Sorry to hear your S/C plans are delayed.Once I get the brake hoses and parking brake cables replaced on my turbocharged Escort GT, I'll let you drive it.I don't think a turbo would be that much more difficult or expensive and you'll get even better gas mileage than the S/C.If I ever upgrade the Vibe, it will be with a cheap T3 turbo, JGS manifold, and something like the MegaSquirt 'N Spark running larger injectors.BTW, do you know of any tracks in the twin cities area? I'd love to see what the Escort GT runs in the 1/4 mile now that it is tuned better. Back in Ohio it hit 97 mph with the exhaust flex pipe closed down to nearly 1" due to running lean and melting the inner braided section! ...should easily break 100 mph now.JessNo tracks in the TC Metro. Everyone here goes to Rock Falls in Wisconsin. I don't do M/T , but you can take me for a ride.