Pontiac G8 WOW!!!
02-09-2011, 10:03 PM
#21
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FYI for the SS sisters: Impala owners should be able to pick up '09+ Impala VCIMs to add factory Bluetooth. Should be a direct swap. The same VCIM might work for the Monte Carlo since the two cars are so similar.
GXPs should in theory (I have to recheck the schematics) be able to pick up '09+ TrailBlazer VCIMs or ever '09+ Corvette VCIMs.
For those uninterested in OnStar, you can replace it with a complete Bluetooth solution (plug and play) which works [somewhat] like stock: http://www.costartech.com/pb/products/bluestar.html
As for the brackets, I haven't had a chance to mess with them other than bolt one to the projector to see if it fits. It does but it looks like it touches one corner if ever so slightly (nothing the dremel couldn't handle).
02-09-2011, 10:12 PM
#22
I'm not implying anything or saying these features aren't available on other cars, I was just stating the facts about the G8. The 2009.5 G8's have bluetooth from the factory, and there's a guy that offers reprogrammed bluetooth modules for the G8's that don't have bluetooth.
02-09-2011, 10:30 PM
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You can also check some things like transmission temp, battery charge level, oil life remaining and some other neat stuff by going into engineering mode. To do that push & hold the left scroll button on the steering wheel while you start the car. Once the motor starts release the scroll wheel and use it to scroll up & down through the various stats. To exit engineering mode push the button next to it or just shut off the motor.
02-09-2011, 10:36 PM
#24
A friend of mine installed the hacked atari gauges and broke some plastic clips removing the dash trim, so be careful when you do it. I made a custom trim plate to go over the atari gauges in my car and it looks good, so I'm just leaving them as is.
02-10-2011, 10:36 AM
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Lol, we have all of that, plus the G-meter.
We also have the ability to subscribe to OnStar's turn-by-turn; pretty much all GM vehicles with a DIC can.
The factory NAV is a better option because there's no subscription and the NAV discs are always updated.
Another neat thing is that we can pick up a few things that are made for the Corvette since we share NAVs, HUDs, and Class 2: GM PAL and the DashTronix radar detector (screenshot).
We also have the ability to subscribe to OnStar's turn-by-turn; pretty much all GM vehicles with a DIC can.
The factory NAV is a better option because there's no subscription and the NAV discs are always updated.
Another neat thing is that we can pick up a few things that are made for the Corvette since we share NAVs, HUDs, and Class 2: GM PAL and the DashTronix radar detector (screenshot).
02-10-2011, 10:50 PM
#32
As for the stick shift, I don't feel it's necessary with the 6-speed auto with full manual mode, specially after the trans is tuned. I had 3 Camaros that were stick shift and I don't miss it at all.
02-10-2011, 11:41 PM
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After I test drove a G8 I just had to have one. I really liked my 04 CompG but the G8 was even better.
As for the stick shift, I don't feel it's necessary with the 6-speed auto with full manual mode, specially after the trans is tuned. I had 3 Camaros that were stick shift and I don't miss it at all.
As for the stick shift, I don't feel it's necessary with the 6-speed auto with full manual mode, specially after the trans is tuned. I had 3 Camaros that were stick shift and I don't miss it at all.
02-10-2011, 11:56 PM
#34
The only problem I had after 38,000 miles is the front lower control arms had to be replaced under warranty. Some other common problems are a vibration at highway speeds, but that's usually tire related. Some have had a leaking rear main engine seal and some a 2-3 shift flare, but those are also covered under warranty.
There's a few minor issues like a CEL from a bad gas cap, the battery not holding the charge if the car sits for a while, and some have had the power steering pump fail. The drivetrain is bullet proof with bolt-on mods, since it's basically the same as the 6.0 GTO and the 6.0 Corvettes.
There's a few minor issues like a CEL from a bad gas cap, the battery not holding the charge if the car sits for a while, and some have had the power steering pump fail. The drivetrain is bullet proof with bolt-on mods, since it's basically the same as the 6.0 GTO and the 6.0 Corvettes.
02-11-2011, 03:04 PM
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The only problem I had after 38,000 miles is the front lower control arms had to be replaced under warranty. Some other common problems are a vibration at highway speeds, but that's usually tire related. Some have had a leaking rear main engine seal and some a 2-3 shift flare, but those are also covered under warranty.
There's a few minor issues like a CEL from a bad gas cap, the battery not holding the charge if the car sits for a while, and some have had the power steering pump fail. The drivetrain is bullet proof with bolt-on mods, since it's basically the same as the 6.0 GTO and the 6.0 Corvettes.
There's a few minor issues like a CEL from a bad gas cap, the battery not holding the charge if the car sits for a while, and some have had the power steering pump fail. The drivetrain is bullet proof with bolt-on mods, since it's basically the same as the 6.0 GTO and the 6.0 Corvettes.