Picked up a clean 03' GT last summer! Finally introducing myself.

[YotaGT]

HI! I'm finally running into some DIY work that merits me getting active on here, but so far everything has worked out well. I love this car, my first car was a SE-R Spec V, (the one true rival), and honestly I really appreciate the all around package this car offers. The edge that Sentra had was tiresome daily driving, there was no cargo room, and it was thirstier. These Vibe GT's went completely under my radar until now, I had no idea until I saw the HP rating when car hunting.

The deal I scored on mine, compared to used Matrix XRS' and Celica GTS' (non-existant in good condition), is absolutely flooring! My last car was 90's.. having something that steers and handles like this was not what I expected to say the least.

I'll throw in some specs, and get on to posting on the forum...
03' Black on Black Bumpers, Fully loaded -Moonroof.
125-140k now, Engine runs like a champ, tested with a mechanic's diagnostics computer reader showing it was running extremely well.
Basic maintenance, most importantly I have done two oil changes since, flushing out it's life of dino-sludge to Full Synthetic. I'm amazed it't not recommended, let alone required, from the factory.

I have a clutch and brakes to do, hope you all have some stories to tell!
-Sam

[vibrologist]

Welcome YotaGT!

[ImUrOBGYN]

Welcome. Get some pics up of the little beastie.

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! Sounds like you're really enjoying your "new" Vibe! Post some pictures of it when you get a chance !

[trb]

Welcome again! Hope my PM back to you helps you out. I did a bit more searching after I replied and found a thread on a Lotus board where they used the same flywheel bolts that I used, with pics and such. I updated my clutch thread with the link.

Good luck with your new Vibe and certainly come here or to the Facebook page for info!

[YotaGT]

Yeah, thanks again Thomas!
I noticed your vehicle tags, what happened to your previous Vibe?


Been meaning to take some pictures, finally am getting around to it this weekend.

Any recommendations on brake pads?
How about brake kits themselves, OEM swaps available?

-Sam
Struts are next, after that I'm good for cruising!

[tpollauf]

Welcome to GenVibe ... from another GT owner Looking forward to pics of your Vibe soon.

[trb]

Yeah, thanks again Thomas!
I noticed your vehicle tags, what happened to your previous Vibe?


Been meaning to take some pictures, finally am getting around to it this weekend.

Any recommendations on brake pads?
How about brake kits themselves, OEM swaps available?

-Sam
Struts are next, after that I'm good for cruising!

I replied to your PM, hope it gives you some info.

As for brakes, I'm planning to swap them out this summer with a kit from http://www.brakeoverstock.com/products/ ... /VIBE/6576 Full kit with pads and rotors is $115-160. Don't know how their quality is compared to OEM and the good aftermarket, but for a commuter car like mine, they should be good.

[YotaGT]

Got your pm,
Sounds like you've had your fair share of cars. I do not deny this Vibe is awesome Daily, and with my driving style, it's about time I invested in some decent shoes.

I would be weary of such a cheap kit, just MHO, I've heard that the cheaper the rotors, the cheaper the material, more prone to warpage under hard braking especially with those holes they've drilled!
Rockauto $247.79 for a full set http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php ... 57&jsn=406
I'm not sure of their quality either, so I've ordered some performance Raysbestos Element3 EHT pads ~$65, and am looking to buy those same rotors down the line for an extra $140.

-Sam

Found good reviews of the Ray EHT pads, from a different forum:
"I work on cars for a living
Centric=good product, but I feel like they have regressed a little bit
Thermo quiet= We call them "thermo noisy" in our field, hopes that answers your question, and they will tear up your rotors
Akebono= Better than OEM
Raybestos eht element 3 brake pads = Hybrid material, better than ceramic, quick bite, no noise, less dust. 2 years warranty very very good product"
The hybrid composition is what had me interested, while I like the quiet of the ceramic pads, I haven't had the best of luck in performance in the past.

[ImUrOBGYN]

Got your pm,
Sounds like you've had your fair share of cars. I do not deny this Vibe is awesome Daily, and with my driving style, it's about time I invested in some decent shoes.

I would be weary of such a cheap kit, just MHO, I've heard that the cheaper the rotors, the cheaper the material, more prone to warpage under hard braking especially with those holes they've drilled!
Rockauto $247.79 for a full set http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php ... 57&jsn=406
I'm not sure of their quality either, so I've ordered some performance Raysbestos Element3 EHT pads ~$65, and am looking to buy those same rotors down the line for an extra $140.

-Sam

Found good reviews of the Ray EHT pads, from a different forum:
"I work on cars for a living
Centric=good product, but I feel like they have regressed a little bit
Thermo quiet= We call them "thermo noisy" in our field, hopes that answers your question, and they will tear up your rotors
Akebono= Better than OEM
Raybestos eht element 3 brake pads = Hybrid material, better than ceramic, quick bite, no noise, less dust. 2 years warranty very very good product"
The hybrid composition is what had me interested, while I like the quiet of the ceramic pads, I haven't had the best of luck in performance in the past.

For the record, Akebono developed the brakes for the XRS and GT if I remember correctly. They're also the same company McLaren utilizes or at least used to. Therefore, the Vibe brakes like a McLaren.

[thebarber]

i like hawk HPS pads

do a lightweight flywheel while you're replacing the clutch

welcome to the boards

[YotaGT]

i like hawk HPS pads

do a lightweight flywheel while you're replacing the clutch

welcome to the boards

If only I had the cash at the time!! I think that's the most important upgrade to do for this car , ah well, popped on my last motor mount yesterday and have broken in the clutch. Tire screech in third gear on an overtake hahah! Love this hatchback

[YotaGT]

For the record, Akebono developed the brakes for the XRS and GT if I remember correctly. They're also the same company McLaren utilizes or at least used to. Therefore, the Vibe brakes like a McLaren.

Craziest thing, so last week I saw a 360 Modena drive by my house. I do see a ferrari a handful of times a year in our area, still a rare sight. To see it it in this part of town was interesting.
...but then a McClaren SLR came roaring by, utterly s*at on the 360 sighting.
'm reaaaly ticked my car was up on blocks at the time, as it did come back through a little while later. I have never seen one of those in person, and would have been awesome to have dragged at the next light (from the way he was driving, it was most definitely a missed opportunity).