GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

J_TO_ENVY's 2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GTBuild Date: November 17, 2008 @ 7:18 am PDTPurchase Date: April 11, 2009 (76 miles)Current Mileage: 30,408 miles (as of: 04.10.12)Accomplishments:• 3rd place in the "Stock Class" at the 3rd Annual Wisconsin GM-Tuner Gathering (05.22.10)• April 2011 Vibe of the Month• Turned over 10,000 miles (02.26.10)• Turned over 20,000 miles (01.28.11)• Turned over 30,000 miles (03.22.12)Manufacturer Options:• 5-Speed Shiftable Automatic Transmission (MVD)• Power Sunroof (CF5)• Theft-Deterrent Alarm System (UA6)Modifications:Engine:• exhaust manifold heat shield painted black• Grafx Werks metallic silver "VVT-i 16V" engine cover overlay• K&N Typhoon metallic silver powder coated cold air intake (#69-8613TS)• AEM Brute Force Dryflow air filter (#21-203BF)• AEM Dryflow air filter wrap (#1-4000)• Optima 35 series Red Top battery (#8020-164)Wheels:• summer: Toyota alloy wheel-specific chrome wheel locks (#00276-00901) • chrome valve caps• winter: 2009-2010 Vibe 2.4L Base/AWD 16" steel wheels (#19184107)• 2009-2010 Vibe 2.4L Base/AWD 16" wheel covers (#24100434)• 205/55/16 Kelly Explorer tires• 2003-2010 Vibe steel wheel/wheel cover-specific lug nuts (#88972746)• Toyota steel wheel-specific wheel locks (#00276-00940)Brakes:• calipers painted black• centers of rotors painted blackExterior:• Sylvania SilverStar bulbs (9145) in the fog lights• front license plate replaced with color matched plugs• Sylvania SilverStar zXe bulbs (9006) in the low beam headlights• Sylvania SilverStar zXe bulbs (9005) in the high beam headlights• Stealth Auto chrome amber bulbs (3457) in the front marker lights• 35% tinted front and rear windows• Honda 7" antenna (#39151-STK-A01)• Grafx Werks metallic silver "genvibe.com" decal on the lower right corner of the hatch glass• Stealth Auto chrome amber bulbs (7440) in the rear marker lights• Sylvania SilverStar bulbs (921) in the reverse lights• "PONTIAC VIBE GT" badges removed from the hatch• Sylvania SilverStar bulb (168) in the license markerInterior:• GM Accessories chrome shift knob overlay (#19171212)• 2010 Vibe metallic silver shift indicator bezel (#19205020)• GM Accessories premium all weather front and rear floor mats (#19170829) [discontinued]• GM Accessories rear cargo security shade (#19171208)• 2 GM Accessories premium all weather cargo mats (#19170827)Miscellaneous:• independent fog lights• AHLs disabled• DRLs disabledFirst Day Home - 04.11.09First Photoshoot - 04.12.09Dealer License Plate Frame & Sticker Removed - 04.17.0935% Tinted Front And Rear Windows - 04.24.09De-Badged Hatch & Metallic Silver GenVibe Decal - 04.26.09GM Accessories Premium All Weather Floor & Cargo Mats - 05.06.09Sylvania SilverStar Bulbs In The Fog Lights & SilverStar Ultra Bulbs In The Headlights - 05.11.09K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake & AEM Brute Force Dryflow Air Filter - 07.09.09AHLs & DRLs Disabled + Independent Fog Lights - 09.24.09Winter Wheels & Tires - 11.07.09Winter Mode - 12.12.09Stealth Auto Chrome Amber Bulbs In The Front & Rear Marker Lights And Sylvania SilverStar Bulbs In The Reverse Lights - 02.20.10Calipers Painted Black - 04.02.10Chrome Valve Caps - 04.06.10Thanks for looking!Many more pictures and information can be found on my Car Domain page.Also, track my gas mileage on MPG Tune.

Just sayin.....I think I foresee next month's VOTM! Garage Thread nicely done!

Thanks! It didn't take me long since I already have everything on my Car Domain page. The only thing that took some work was getting the dates down that I did everything (not that dates really matter, but still) .

They matter to you...as mine do to me...so I get it

True! Very true !

Nice timeline Carrie.You bought your Vibe one month after I bought mine. (2009-03-13, it was a Friday...)

Thanks Patrick! I can't believe it has been over a year now. What a great year it has been with the Vibe !

carrie the vibe rocks! glad i got to see it in person. nice tint job too. it really looks good on the silver vibes!

Thanks Jerry ! I couldn't agree more with the tint on the silver !

You should have included what you traded in for your Vibe.The more I look at your Vibe's back, the more I want to debadge mine. When I get the time...

I will add the links for the Car Domain pages of my old Sunfires when I get them finished. I am currently in the process of re-doing them so they're not quite ready to be viewed by the public yet. I am very (removed) when it comes to my Car Domain pages, they have to be just right .I think the de-badged hatch looks great! It looks so clean and it makes washing and waxing easier too ! Plus it keeps people guessing as to what kind of vehicle it actually is. I think you also need a metallic silver GenVibe sticker on the lower passenger side of your hatch glass .

I *may* get the genvibe sticker. I want to get some arrowhead overlays also. Just don't know what color yet.

Quote, originally posted by J_TO_ENVY »I think you also need a metallic silver GenVibe sticker on the lower passenger side of your hatch glass .All the cool kids are doing it!

Quote, originally posted by ponta2147 »All the cool kids are doing it!So I'm not cool yet I guess...

You're cool, but you'll be even cooler with a GenVibe sticker on your hatch glass !

Looks Good, Carrie! The Tint definitely helps. I'm kinda diggin' winter mode too.

Thanks ! I kind of like the winter mode too. I obviously prefer the 18s, but I think the steelies actually go well with the tinted windows .

Looking good, I'm liking the winter mode too =] Was the ride smoother with the smaller rims on?

Yes, the ride was noticeably smoother with the 16s. However, I actually prefer the ride with the 18s. I like that it's kind of stiff and sporty. I paid a lot of money for aftermarket parts to make my Sunfires ride like the Vibe does stock .

I too have 16'' black steelies and Bridgestone winter tires for the winter months. The ride is smoother than with my stock 17'' for sure, but it's still a bit stiff.

*UPDATES*Front License Plate Replaced With Color Matched Plugs - 07.01.102" Blind Spot Mirrors - 09.26.10Sylvania SilverStar Bulb In The License Marker - 10.24.10

*UPDATES*2003-2010 Vibe Steel Wheel/Wheel Cover-Specific Lug Nuts - 01.01.11GM Accessories Rear Cargo Security Shade - 02.11.11Honda 7" Antenna - 02.12.11

sweeeeet additions! how is that antenna working?

Lookin Good! I really like those first few pics in the woods.Pat

Looking clean as always! Are those the "new small mods" you said would be ready in time for the auto show?

Quote, originally posted by DressedInBlack »sweeeeet additions! how is that antenna working?Thanks Geoff ! I never listen to regular radio stations, only XM, but it's a factory antenna from quite a few different Honda models so I really don't think the reception would be effected at all. It looks so much better compared to the 16" long Vibe antenna.Quote, originally posted by DiveNut »Lookin Good! I really like those first few pics in the woods.Thanks Pat ! How have you been? Are you gonna be up for another Chicagoland meet in the next couple months?Quote, originally posted by ponta2147 »Looking clean as always! Are those the "new small mods" you said would be ready in time for the auto show? Thanks Michelle ! Yes ma'am . Nothing major, but they still make a difference in the overall appearance.

Quote, originally posted by J_TO_ENVY »Thanks Pat ! How have you been? Are you gonna be up for another Chicagoland meet in the next couple months?Hi Michelle, I've been well. Absolutely up for the annual meet. Will keep an eye out for the dates.

Quote, originally posted by DiveNut »Hi Carrie, I've been well. Absolutely up for the annual meet. Will keep an eye out for the dates.Fixed

Good deal And thanks for correcting me in my post, i.e responding to Carrie...Michelle...Doh! It sucks to get old

Quote, originally posted by DiveNut »Good deal And thanks for correcting me in my post, i.e responding to Carrie...Michelle...Doh! It sucks to get old Don't worry about it Steven, it happens to all of us!

*UPDATE*Flat Tire & Majorly Damaged Wheel - 04.17.10

How do you like that K&N CAI? Does sucking in the hot air from the engine increase MPG?

Quote, originally posted by GMRedline »How do you like that K&N CAI? Does sucking in the hot air from the engine increase MPG?Works great for most of us. Would probably be even better with a custom ram-air hood, but who has the money for that? Plus obviously it is still connected to the factory air intake at the ground level... so it's not *just* engine air...

Quote, originally posted by GMRedline »How do you like that K&N CAI? Does sucking in the hot air from the engine increase MPG?I love the K&N CAI, as do many other '09-'10 2.4L owners around here! The filter has a heat shield around it so the air that's getting pushed into the filter is not nearly as hot as you'd think. K&N considers it a CAI because there is a factory tube that runs up from behind the lower driver's side of the front bumper cover and into the factory airbox (into the heat shield on the K&N) pushing cooler air into the filter. I have seen a steady 1-2 mpg increase. Before the CAI, I was averaging 26-27 mpg with 50/50 driving. With the CAI, I am averaging 28-29 mpg with 50/50 driving. I have gotten as high as 33.9 mpg on a 100% highway trip.

What the heck did you hit to make a hole like that in you wheel and tire???

Quote, originally posted by Gekko »What the heck did you hit to make a hole like that in you wheel and tire???Good question. I don't have the slightest idea . My dad and I suspect it was a road spike that surveyors use that wasn't removed like it should have been, but I can't be sure as neither I nor my mom saw anything in the road.

*UPDATE*Exhaust Manifold Heat Shield Painted Black - 03.29.11

Ooooh classy, what paint did you use? I'd like to do something like that... and actually probably NOT red, I'd probably do black to complement the black squares on my engine cover ((removed) am I saying????)

Quote, originally posted by ponta2147 »Ooooh classy, what paint did you use? I'd like to do something like that... and actually probably NOT red, I'd probably do black to complement the black squares on my engine cover ((removed) am I saying????) Thanks Michelle!I used Duplicolor Engine Enamel Gray Primer and GM/Chrysler Low Gloss Black Paint.

Looking great as always, Carrie!

nice! lemme know how the new paint holds up...i did mine with high heat primer and high heat red stuff (forget teh brand). the primer is peeling which is taking the paint for a ride.i have the cans at home so i can avoid that brand for the next attempt.

Looks good Carrie !Keep us posted on how the primer/paint will hold up.

Thanks for the kind words everyone .I am thinking about just getting the heat shield powder coated for added durability. I already scratched it with my nail while re-installing it . It's holding up fine to the heat so far. It smells terrible (hot paint smell) after the engine gets to normal operating temperature though . I'm sure the smell will go away eventually. I pretty much painted it just to get an idea of how it would look if I got it powder coated. I am going to go check on powder coating prices tomorrow after work. I'm hoping it shouldn't be too much to do a basic matte black.

Quote, originally posted by J_TO_ENVY »Thanks for the kind words everyone .I am thinking about just getting the heat shield powder coated for added durability. I already scratched it with my nail while re-installing it . It's holding up fine to the heat so far. It smells terrible (hot paint smell) after the engine gets to normal operating temperature though . I'm sure the smell will go away eventually. Hi Carrie,Yeah, that smell does FINALLY go away. I painted mine flat aluminum about four months ago. I wanted to basically keep the silver color, but cover up some stain sort of things on the metal itself. It worked out fine, has held up OK, plus sort of looks like a poor man's powder coating.

Quote, originally posted by enfield577 »Hi Carrie,Yeah, that smell does FINALLY go away. I painted mine flat aluminum about four months ago. I wanted to basically keep the silver color, but cover up some stain sort of things on the metal itself. It worked out fine, has held up OK, plus sort of looks like a poor man's powder coating. Hey Geoff! Yeah, the smell seems to be gone now that it's been a couple weeks .I went to a local powder coating place a couple weeks ago to see about getting an estimate to have the heat shield powder coated. I was surprised when the guy saw it and told me if they powder coated it matte black, it would look exactly how it already does. He said I did an awesome job painting it and shouldn't waste my money on powder coating because that heat shield gets so hot there's a chance the powder coating may just flake off and it looks good already. He must have said about five times how good of a job I did painting it . He was also checking the Vibe out and saying how nice looking it was (despite the fact it was filthy) . I have to pick up another can of paint so I can do my mom's heat shield this weekend.

n-n-n-n-n-nice 3rd brake light!!!does this mean the latest batch is finished...???

Quote, originally posted by DressedInBlack »n-n-n-n-n-nice 3rd brake light!!!does this mean the latest batch is finished...???Thanks Geoff ! I love it! It's a great little touch and man is it bright, even during the day !If I remember correctly, Tim did have a few extras laying around. PM or email him and ask him .I added a few more pictures of the 3rd brake light to my previous post ^.

Quote, originally posted by DressedInBlack »does this mean the latest batch is finished...???Almost finished I started with EIGHT, screwed one up by pouring a thinner "more viscous" epoxy on the back side of the LED's, which bled through to the front and ruined it 66 LED's and the bracket destroyed Oh well, that's how Einstein & Edison learned You gotta screw up every now & then to get it right Anyways of the seven that are good, two went to Carrie (VIBE GT) one went to ponta (PONTIAC),and now one will be going to my son (VIBE GT) which will leave me with three. Two PONTIAC, and one VIBE GT. They are up for grabs if anybody is interested.Those turned out great Carrie. Hope my instructions were clear & simple enough

Quote, originally posted by tpollauf »Those turned out great Carrie. Hope my instructions were clear & simple enough Your instructions were great Tim ! I had both of them installed in about 5 minutes each. The hardest part was getting the plastic trim piece off .

Quote, originally posted by J_TO_ENVY » The hardest part was getting the plastic trim piece off .Somehow I just KNEW that this would have been the hardest part Now I'm counting on you to get Michelle's installed in the next few weeks. Let us know when it takes place. Off to bed so I can drive the "Neptune" home in the morning