Steve
08-09-2009, 02:19 PM
This time in the Owner’s Spotlight is our very own Forum Moderator Tom aka ‘WreckWriter’ with what is probably the fastest 1/4 mile G8 in Florida!
http://grrrr8.net/home/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/dsc_0013-300x199.jpg (http://grrrr8.net/home/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/dsc_0013.jpg)
Purchasing the G8
Why were you looking for a new car?
My old car, a 2001 Hyundai Tiburon, had served me well but she was pretty much worn out and starting to show the issues that worn out cars have. What other cars where you looking at when you purchased your G8?
My first thought was the Dodge Charger. I was looking at the RT because I felt the SRT8 was priced a bit too high. I had never even heard of the G8 until I happened upon it on a Google search for “modern muscle cars”. Once I saw it I was hooked and knew within a few minutes that it was the car I was buying.
What made you decide on the G8 in general?
American branded V8 muscle in a rear-wheel drive package. Combined with interior room and a decent sized trunk it was an easy sell for a guy with a wife, 3 kids and a need for speed.
Why did you pick the color & options you did?
My last car was red and my wife is a firm believer that red cars generate more tickets so red was out. Black was out due to the local weather. Gray was the best although I might have gone blue if one were available locally.
Looking back would you have picked differently?
Yes, I would have skipped the 19 inch wheels. I hadn’t planned on racing the car so I didn’t do proper research on tire availability.
Dealership & Service
What dealership did you purchase your Pontiac G8 from?
Coral Springs Pontiac, Buick, GMC.
How was your dealership experience?
As good as any. I chose them strictly because they had my preferred color and option package. They’re about an hour away so wouldn’t have been my choice otherwise. They treated me well.
Where do you service your G8 and how is that experience?
Warranty type service, for what little warranty I have left, is handled by William Lehman Pontiac in North Miami. They treat me well. Most service, from parts installs to oil changes, is handled by Performance Tech in Hollywood, FL., they are nothing short of fantastic.
Modifications
Have you done anything to modify the car looks wise?
Safety and Detail Mods: BDS Performance powder-coated coils, Hawk HPS brake pads, Russell SS brake lines, Metco drive shaft loop, Jett Silicone radiator hoses, Votion silicone vacuum lines, Sirius Sportster 5, MSD Dashhawk. Billet Prototypes strut top covers, Graco Nautilus baby seat, GXP diffuser, eBay short antenna, CG-Lock seat belt tensioner, painted calipers (red G2).
Have you done anything to modify the car performance wise?
Performance mods: ATI ProCharger D-1SC, 3.27 differential, Kenne Bell BAP, Jeremy Formato Tune, Ported Intake andTB, Aeromotive Fuel Rails, FAST 65lb injectors, Full Kooks 1 7/8 system, Yank 2800 Converter, Pedders X-Member, Diff, & steering bushings, BMR Sub-frame Connectors, Tunnel Brace and Trailing Arms, M/T ET Street radials, MSD 8.5 mm wires, B&M trans cooler, AutoMeter boost and fuel pressure gauges, Elite catch can, SJM line lock, GRRRR8 Mods.
What are you planning next for the car as far as mods go?
Next up is finishing the wiring for my line-lock; eventually probably a cam and DOD delete. Possibly meth injection or a baby shot of nitrous. I would love to add a trans brake but they aren’t available yet.
Milestones
11.98 quarter mile, shot for feature in Pontiac Performance magazine, won runner-up trophy in GM Challenge race at PBIR. Currently believed to be the fastest 1/4 mile G8 in Florida.
Closing Thoughts
Any dislikes about your car?
Paint quality could be better. Missing a few items that should have been standard such as an auto-dim mirror, satellite radio, and, most importantly, a goddamn dipstick in the transmission.
Favorite features about the Pontiac G8?
When I drive it I feel like I’m back in high school driving the baddest car around.
What would you tell anyone who might be considering buying a G8 ?
I would say that it’s the finest car available today in anything close to it’s price range.
Images
http://grrrr8.net/home/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/img_2328-150x150.jpg (http://grrrr8.net/home/?attachment_id=134) http://grrrr8.net/home/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/dsc_0013-150x150.jpg (http://grrrr8.net/home/?attachment_id=135)
More... (http://grrrr8.net/home/?p=133)
http://grrrr8.net/home/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/dsc_0013-300x199.jpg (http://grrrr8.net/home/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/dsc_0013.jpg)
Purchasing the G8
Why were you looking for a new car?
My old car, a 2001 Hyundai Tiburon, had served me well but she was pretty much worn out and starting to show the issues that worn out cars have. What other cars where you looking at when you purchased your G8?
My first thought was the Dodge Charger. I was looking at the RT because I felt the SRT8 was priced a bit too high. I had never even heard of the G8 until I happened upon it on a Google search for “modern muscle cars”. Once I saw it I was hooked and knew within a few minutes that it was the car I was buying.
What made you decide on the G8 in general?
American branded V8 muscle in a rear-wheel drive package. Combined with interior room and a decent sized trunk it was an easy sell for a guy with a wife, 3 kids and a need for speed.
Why did you pick the color & options you did?
My last car was red and my wife is a firm believer that red cars generate more tickets so red was out. Black was out due to the local weather. Gray was the best although I might have gone blue if one were available locally.
Looking back would you have picked differently?
Yes, I would have skipped the 19 inch wheels. I hadn’t planned on racing the car so I didn’t do proper research on tire availability.
Dealership & Service
What dealership did you purchase your Pontiac G8 from?
Coral Springs Pontiac, Buick, GMC.
How was your dealership experience?
As good as any. I chose them strictly because they had my preferred color and option package. They’re about an hour away so wouldn’t have been my choice otherwise. They treated me well.
Where do you service your G8 and how is that experience?
Warranty type service, for what little warranty I have left, is handled by William Lehman Pontiac in North Miami. They treat me well. Most service, from parts installs to oil changes, is handled by Performance Tech in Hollywood, FL., they are nothing short of fantastic.
Modifications
Have you done anything to modify the car looks wise?
Safety and Detail Mods: BDS Performance powder-coated coils, Hawk HPS brake pads, Russell SS brake lines, Metco drive shaft loop, Jett Silicone radiator hoses, Votion silicone vacuum lines, Sirius Sportster 5, MSD Dashhawk. Billet Prototypes strut top covers, Graco Nautilus baby seat, GXP diffuser, eBay short antenna, CG-Lock seat belt tensioner, painted calipers (red G2).
Have you done anything to modify the car performance wise?
Performance mods: ATI ProCharger D-1SC, 3.27 differential, Kenne Bell BAP, Jeremy Formato Tune, Ported Intake andTB, Aeromotive Fuel Rails, FAST 65lb injectors, Full Kooks 1 7/8 system, Yank 2800 Converter, Pedders X-Member, Diff, & steering bushings, BMR Sub-frame Connectors, Tunnel Brace and Trailing Arms, M/T ET Street radials, MSD 8.5 mm wires, B&M trans cooler, AutoMeter boost and fuel pressure gauges, Elite catch can, SJM line lock, GRRRR8 Mods.
What are you planning next for the car as far as mods go?
Next up is finishing the wiring for my line-lock; eventually probably a cam and DOD delete. Possibly meth injection or a baby shot of nitrous. I would love to add a trans brake but they aren’t available yet.
Milestones
11.98 quarter mile, shot for feature in Pontiac Performance magazine, won runner-up trophy in GM Challenge race at PBIR. Currently believed to be the fastest 1/4 mile G8 in Florida.
Closing Thoughts
Any dislikes about your car?
Paint quality could be better. Missing a few items that should have been standard such as an auto-dim mirror, satellite radio, and, most importantly, a goddamn dipstick in the transmission.
Favorite features about the Pontiac G8?
When I drive it I feel like I’m back in high school driving the baddest car around.
What would you tell anyone who might be considering buying a G8 ?
I would say that it’s the finest car available today in anything close to it’s price range.
Images
http://grrrr8.net/home/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/img_2328-150x150.jpg (http://grrrr8.net/home/?attachment_id=134) http://grrrr8.net/home/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/dsc_0013-150x150.jpg (http://grrrr8.net/home/?attachment_id=135)
More... (http://grrrr8.net/home/?p=133)