Author Topic: Thanks for the great site! (Read 9889 times)

Ames Performance Tuning · « **on:** March 29, 2009, 04:33:11 PM »

I am considering buying a new 08 aggressive GXP that is left over from last year at a dealer for 25,600.
It is an Automatic which makes my wife happy although I would rather have a 5 speed.
Would I be better off paying more for an '09 or are they identical?

Will I be giving up alot of performance potential with a auto? I mainly enjoy straightline accelaration versus a track car.

After looking through the information it looks like the GMPP tune with Westers tune on top with CAI and magnaflow exhaust is the ticket? Pun intended.

Will Bolt-on and tunes as described above get me in the low 13's in a 1/4 mile without sacrificing drivability and reliability?

Thanks for any feedback as I am sure these are questions heard before,

BrentnKC

Sol Asylum · « **Reply #1 on:** March 29, 2009, 04:46:45 PM »

Welcome to the Forum

If going fast from a stop in a straight line is your thing then the auto trans is for you, I believe that it is just slightly faster then the manual trans version.

I can't say what is different between the '08 and the '09, they are probably pretty similar.

Surf through the threads here and you will probably find the answers to most of your questions about which mods will give you what kinds of results.

I highly recommend the Aggressive color but then I am slightly biased.

Ames Performance Tuning · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2009, 04:58:27 PM »

LOL - Red is hard to beat - Thanks for the reply!

Sly Bob · « **Reply #3 on:** March 29, 2009, 05:05:38 PM »

Quote from: BrentnKC on March 29, 2009, 04:33:11 PM

It is an Automatic which makes my wife happy although I would rather have a 5 speed.
Would I be better off paying more for an '09 or are they identical?

Hi Brent, welcome! When I ordered my GXP a year ago I wanted a manual but my wife wanted the auto. I love my auto and my wife still loves me.

That says it all.

The auto is faster when you consider 0-60 times. That may well change though with the GMPP tune that is now available as the manual can now be run with no lift shifts.

2008 to 2009? No discernible difference. The 2009 has Bluetooth and different wheels.

For the money I would go with the 2008. If the car was blue it would be faster yet.

Sol Asylum · « **Reply #4 on:** March 29, 2009, 05:18:17 PM »

Sly Bob is just teasing about the blue car being faster

the Aggressive is faster from the factory thats why all the blue ones tend to get mod ed.

Ames Performance Tuning · « **Reply #5 on:** March 29, 2009, 05:27:06 PM »

LOL - I wonder of the police think red is faster.

Sly Bob thanks for the response. It is always nice to keep wife happy. Now I can mod without hearing complaints!

snaponbob · « **Reply #6 on:** March 29, 2009, 05:42:35 PM »

Brent, for an 08 that may be too much. To give you an idea how slow things are in the KC area, the three Saturn stores sold about 5 new cars EACH in February, and March isn't too much better. Don't assume the Pontiac dealers are doing too much better. Some people are buying 09s at the price you posted. This is a buyers market in a huge way.

Ames Performance Tuning · « **Reply #7 on:** March 29, 2009, 06:12:50 PM »

Thanks Bob,

I appreciate the response! Let's hope for a better economy for all! Didn't really enjoy the snow yesterday after we finally got the streets clean. You ever go to the cruise night's at Johnny Ray's on third weekend of month? I am ready to do some cruisin'

Brent

Brent

GXPinKC · « **Reply #8 on:** March 29, 2009, 06:17:08 PM »

Welcome to the forum BrentnKC. I would go for the 2009 unless the 2008 knocks your socks off. Personally, all of my sports cars and other new vehicles have been red.

But, if you go for a 2009 you can probably take your choice of colors and you won't loose so much down the line. As for timing could not be better. As for the Auto or 5-speed, a no brainer for me, have never owned an automatic sports car and never will! Driving a shift one is a lot more fun, especially in the twisties. Notice you are in the Kansas City area. We have a good group of owners here and we have Meets from time to time. After you get your Kappa we should welcome you with a local Meet in your honor. Welcome to the fun!
Most Sincerely,
GXPinKC
Ron

GXPsy Rose · « **Reply #9 on:** March 29, 2009, 07:12:32 PM »

I've had manual, I've had auto, Yes, manuals are more fun.

Also take into consideration is it going to be:
daily driver in alot of stop & go traffic
date car/fun car only
Is the wife going to want to drive the car too? & does she perfer auto to manual?

Being the saying "If MOMMA ain't happy, NO body's happy"
Do what you think is best for you regarding manual vs auto

As for 2008 vs 2009
2008 has 1 passenger side cupholder & 2 cupholder in waterfall (3 cup holders)
2008 has the GM GXP GMPP upgrade tune (& maintains GM warrenty, if that's an issue)
2008 does not have bluetooth capability

2009 has on 1 passenger side cupholder ONLY ( 1 cup holder ONLY)
2009 GM GXP GMPP upgrade tune is not yet available
2009 has bluetooth capabilities
2009 has different wheels from 07 & 08

At this time that these are the only major differences I can recall between 08 & 09
This does not include the color choices

Hope this helps and wish you the best

Oh yes, WELCOME to the forum

Here's a thought.......
BUY her, her own solstice w/ an auto (we ladies love our cars too)

& you get your's w/ a manual

Sly Bob · « **Reply #10 on:** March 29, 2009, 07:56:50 PM »

Quote from: GXPsy Rose on March 29, 2009, 07:12:32 PM

"If MOMMA ain't happy, NO body's happy"

You said it GXPsy Rose. That is sooooo true!

snaponbob · « **Reply #11 on:** March 29, 2009, 08:01:31 PM »

Quote from: BrentnKC on March 29, 2009, 06:12:50 PM

Thanks Bob,

I appreciate the response! Let's hope for a better economy for all! Didn't really enjoy the snow yesterday after we finally got the streets clean. You ever go to the cruise night's at Johnny Ray's on third weekend of month? I am ready to do some cruisin'

Brent

Brent

Are you talking about the burger joint on 50 in L.S.? If so, I set up once, and have stopped by a few times. Send me a PM.

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #12 on:** March 29, 2009, 08:04:46 PM »

Welcome to the forum. You've done your research about tunes and mods, great job

. I'd get the 08, great price... An Auto can be just as much fun in the twisties when you put the stick in "I". Happy modding and post some pics of your ride once you get her. Remember, if it doesn't have 500 miles, go easy on it, read the owners manual in the glove box about break-in.

chuckdoc · « **Reply #13 on:** March 29, 2009, 08:33:40 PM »

I have the 2007 with the automatic, GM tune, Westers tune waiting to install next weekend, Hiflow cat, solo exhaust and mine is really quick but Joe's manual is faster. With the no lift shift, I do not think I can keep up with him in the 1/4 but we will not know until we give it a try. The auto loses HP to the wheels due to the torque converter but the auto shifts faster until you add no lift shift. So if the 1/4 times are what you are interested in I would get the manual 2008. But if you would be happy just to feel pull that puts you back into the seat, you can get that with the automatic. We are only talking about a couple tenths and that is theoretical based on dynos not the only true comparison, actually running the 1/4. Joe and I will do this as soon as he gets his GM tune.

I hope this helps.

lil goat · « **Reply #14 on:** March 30, 2009, 07:22:55 AM »

Everyone said it all before me except DON"T GET THE MAGNAFLOW! Get a Solo Performance to start, saves you having to change it later. You don't want a Camaro muffler on your car do you.

HAMMER DOWN · « **Reply #15 on:** March 30, 2009, 04:39:03 PM »

Welcome
Here's to many rides with the top down, wind in your hair & the hammer down.

G8TR · « **Reply #16 on:** March 30, 2009, 06:15:36 PM »

Welcome, Just found this site myself and sure is better then the others, at least from what I've seen so far.

Ames Performance Tuning · « **Reply #17 on:** April 02, 2009, 10:57:13 PM »

Hi All,

Thanks for all the great input and great welcome! I have been travelling to get the car. I did go ahead and get the Auto GXP - my wife loves it and drives more aggressively than I do.

Now trying to get a GM tune and figure out some mods.

G8TR · « **Reply #18 on:** April 03, 2009, 09:38:46 AM »

Quote from: BrentnKC on April 02, 2009, 10:57:13 PM

Hi All,

Thanks for all the great input and great welcome! I have been travelling to get the car. I did go ahead and get the Auto GXP - my wife loves it and drives more aggressively than I do.

Now trying to get a GM tune and figure out some mods.

By the time you get done you'll have to buy your own. She's going to keep driving it and you'll have to fight to get behind the wheel.

Ames Performance Tuning · « **Reply #19 on:** April 03, 2009, 10:06:08 AM »

LOL - I think you are right!

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #20 on:** April 03, 2009, 08:32:16 PM »

Congrats on your new purchase. You'll both love it. Read about the break-in mileage section of the owners manual.

idkfa · « **Reply #21 on:** April 03, 2009, 08:40:04 PM »

Thanks. i really don't think i can make it there on the stock tune without going reeeaaal lean

Hopefully I can find someone in this area - there are a few local 'tuner' boards that i haven't tried.

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Author Topic: Thanks for the great site! (Read 9889 times)

lil goat