GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

So I am looking to put in a cold air intake system in my 06 Vibe. I was wondering because I have heard before that there are alot of parts that can fit the vibe from the matrix. This got me thinking, do the cold air intakes for the Matrix fit the vibes?

Yes, but make sure you match up model years. For example 03-05 vs 06-08 will have a slightly different intake, the latter using a breather hose that may not be present on earlier year intakes. They can be made to work, like anything.

Make sure the diameter isn't over 2.5"-2.75" at the MAF. A lot of guys have run into this issue with 3" intakes. Another thing to remember is that a CAI is a much bigger pain to install and Maintain also need to worry about Hydrolock. The SRI is so much simpler. Don't expect 5HP gains with any intake, it just doesn't happen. Sure it makes the intake louder but no real power increase.

Install Tip: Remove both side of the battery cables first thing and hook them up last. Many have fried the MAF shorting out their metal intake and that's $100 repair.

I would super recommend the Short Ram Intake for the Vibe from Cosmo Racing, I've had mine in for close to two years now and have no issues with it. Saves me a little bit of gas, sounds good when you want to hear it and isn't obnoxiously loud when you don't.

Cosmos good quality less than 1/2 the price.

yep, cosmo here too

Thanks guys, I'm more likely to do short ram. The tips are helpful!

Don't understand the question.

The intake is pretty plug and play. They don't really make a heat shroud for it and I don't think many of us weld...so I haven't heard of anyone fabricating anything like that.

I am also curious, because I have gotten multiple different responses, do throttle body spacers actually work?

I made a heat shield out of plastic for mine, 2 yrs and still there.

TraumaForYou wrote:I am also curious, because I have gotten multiple different responses, do throttle body spacers actually work?

NO! TOTALLY USELESS! Make a bit more noise but that's it. Even a SRI/CAI nets very little power gain 2-3 HP maybe. Also another USELESS piece of c r a p is a "chip". They don't work on these cars.

Stick with IHE for more power on these cars. If you want more go FI.

Salsa Guy wrote:

TraumaForYou wrote:I am also curious, because I have gotten multiple different responses, do throttle body spacers actually work?

NO! TOTALLY USELESS! Make a bit more noise but that's it. Even a SRI/CAI nets very little power gain 2-3 HP maybe. Also another USELESS piece of c r a p is a "chip". They don't work on these cars.

Stick with IHE for more power on these cars. If you want more go FI.

Don't forget the Power FC. Expensive but very useful for getting everything out of the above mentioned mods.

Know of a good place to get a affordable one?

TraumaForYou wrote:Know of a good place to get a affordable one?

Sadly, I don't think "PowerFC" and "affordable" will ever be uttered together except within this context. I guess it's truly a matter of perspective, though. It's just not 'affordable' to me since it's only for, technically, my daily driver. I'd still love to find one myself. Wish my buddy still had his but I didn't get the Vibe until he got rid of his Celica. Dammit, me!

Any "GOOD" piggyback will run $500+ with harness. Then there's dyno/tuner time. If you are not going to boost your car then a piggyback really doesn't help a great deal.

The PowerFC is NOT a piggyback and it will have a great affect on the tune of the car for a n/a. I know this from experience.

Ok the Power FC is a standalone. I'd love to see the Dyno sheets and list of mods on these cars.

I am probably going to just build a SRI myself. I did it with my last car and that seemed to be successful. I can get an adapter for my MAF sensor but am concerned that there may be a hose to worry about.

TraumaForYou wrote:I am probably going to just build a SRI myself. I did it with my last car and that seemed to be successful. I can get an adapter for my MAF sensor but am concerned that there may be a hose to worry about.

Just by a cosmoracing SRI for your engine $100. It will include everything you need.

Or I could spend less and make one.

TraumaForYou wrote:Or I could spend less and make one.

There is some on Ebay for $40. But if you want to take on the hassle of doing it Good Luck then.

won't be too much of a hassle and it gives me something to do outside of class.

Either you must be good at mandrel bends and welding or just going to do the 2.5" dryer hose and jb weld.

If I get it done right, I wont need to weld at all.

It'll just be about getting the right tubing and pieces.

just make sure to get right diameter MAF mount and make a spot for the breather hose. Comparing aftermarket intakes, Cosmo really is best bang for buck. Injen, K&N, AEM are more money. I am also a bit biased because Cosmo is from Montreal and has cheap shipping, for Canada at least.

Doug14 wrote:just make sure to get right diameter MAF mount and make a spot for the breather hose. Comparing aftermarket intakes, Cosmo really is best bang for buck. Injen, K&N, AEM are more money. I am also a bit biased because Cosmo is from Montreal and has cheap shipping, for Canada at least.

Off the top of your head, do you know the diameter of the breather hose? Im thinking I can drill a hole that the breather hose can fit into but dont want to drill the wrong size when I start the project.

TraumaForYou wrote:Off the top of your head, do you know the diameter of the breather hose? Im thinking I can drill a hole that the breather hose can fit into but dont want to drill the wrong size when I start the project.

Any amount of leakage will cause a lean code. If you pull the hose off the valve cover, the nipple on the valve cover is the correct diameter and you can buy a hose that will fit that and the intake.

Cool, thanks!

i just measured the old intake tube, the breather hose inlet has an ID of 0.895" and an OD of 0.995". I am not sure on the aftermarket size, its about -35 C with the wind today, too cold to measure!

Thanks, I decided in the end to buy one to save me from the trouble.

Fair enough, some cars its easier/cheaper to DIY. Which brand you looking at?

Got some cheap one off eBay. I'll try to post a pic when I get it.

TraumaForYou wrote:Thanks, I decided in the end to buy one to save me from the trouble.

You just saved yourself a massive headache. Wonder who suggested it to you a few days ago. LOL