Owner Spotlight: Jay (ManOfSteel69)
Today we’re talking to Jay, owner of the infamous ‘Tigger’!
Purchasing the G8
Why were you looking for a new car?
I decided it was time to own a muscle car again. We were down to just one kid left in the house, and an injury keeps me from enjoying my Harley the way I like to, so I needed a new habit/hobby.
What other cars where you looking at when you purchased your G8?
The Camaro RS/SS, Pontiac G8 GXP, Dodge Challenger SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Shelby GT500 KR Mustang
What made you decide on the G8 in general?
A couple different factors actually. First, I have a 12 yr old that tends to go with us places a lot, and with the other cars I would have to deal with a small, some very small, back seats. The other factor, and probably most important was the cost of the G8 GT compared to the others. I knew I would be able to mod away and come out further ahead. At the time, the Camaro was still up in the air as well, and there was no definite plans for the G8 GXP.
Why did you pick the color & options you did?
My wife and I actually tracked down all the colors, (except the Stealth, looks cool, but flip-flop paint is a pain to match if something happens to it), to see them in person, as internet pictures and brochures give them no justice. As soon as we saw the Ignition Orange Metallic in person we were sold. It was a 888 now owned by NWO08, lol! He beat me to it. But that’s all good, because the only main sticking point for my wife on a car is it has to have a sunroof.
Looking back would you have picked differently?
After driving the Camaro RS/SS 6SPD M, I can definitely say I should have waited for the Camaro. Don’t get me wrong, I love my G8, but the Camaro is awesome.
DealerShip & Service
What dealership did you purchase your Pontiac G8 from?
Patsy Lou Pontiac in Mt. Morris, Mi.
How was your dealership experience?
Quick and painless. I called the Sales Manager and told them the price the dealer in Greenwood, In was willing to sell it to me for, and she agreed to match the price. So I told her to prep the car, gave her the bank check info, and went up with a buddy to grab the car. After an hour and a half drive, thirty minutes of paperwork I was on my way home with my new toy.
Where do you service your G8 and how is that experience?
I service/warranty work the G8 at Yark Chevorlet/Pontiac/GMC in Whitehouse, Oh. Even though their Sales Manager dropped the ball on the car I went up to Michigan to pick up, I knew several guys in the Service Dept., (we ride Harleys together), and I know it’s a great shop. They have been aware of every change to the car so far, and agree to honor the warranty as long as the mods don’t appear to have caused the issue.
Modifications
Have you done anything to modify the car looks wise?
Lol! What haven’t I done to change the appearance? Well, one of the biggest bummers I have had with this color, a rare one, (second rarest for 08 after the Stealth Blue), was to find three more within a 30 mile radius. So, never being one to blend in with the crowd I changed the wheels, tinted the windows, and debadged the car (all within the first week, lol). That was quickly followed by tinting markers, taillights, headlight covers (Editor’s Note: Geeh wonder where he came up with that idea), custom painting interior trim, wheel inserts, and a custom painted intake, and intake cover. As well as the addition of a G8 GXP rear diffuser. I have also badged the car as a Holden SS-V
Have you done anything to modify the car performance wise?
- A New Era Performance OTR intake
- Powerbond Harmonic Balancer 25% Underdrive Crank Pulley
- SLP 160 Degree Thermostat
- American Racing Header System
- Kooks Gen II Mufflers
- A New Era Performance Custom Ground 228/240 Cam
- Ported and Polished Throttle Body (New Era Performance)
- Tuned by Dan Millen, Livernois Motorsports
What are you planning next for the car as far as mods go?
Well, the car goes in on the 20th of July to get some custom paint work. I’m doing the Firehawk hood paint scheme, as well as having the lower rockers, bumper, and rear spoiler painted. The G8 GXP diffuser will be painted to match the car.
I’m also looking into either a custom front end, or the Holden SS-V front end.
Perfomance planned mods are a Yank converter, a 1900 Maggie, and some Pedders suspension upgrades.
Closing Thoughts
Any dislikes about your car?
Over all, I have no real complaints about my car. A couple minor things like a lot of wind noise from the sunroof, and the helicopter thumping if the rear windows are down. The flimsy, cheap glovebox. Last but not least is I have never had a car that just attracts dirt and grime on the rear end like the G8, lol!
Favorite features about the Pontiac G8?
The unassuming look of the G8GT. It’s the ultimate “Sleeper”; you don’t expect it to be anything but a 4dr sedan. Come pulling in with the lobe of an old school big block, and it’s an instant hit where ever it goes. There’s nothing better than having people scratch their heads and ask others around them…. “What was that?!”
What would you tell anyone who might be considering buying a G8 ?
It is by far, the most bang for buck, comfortable, powerful 4dr sedan on the market!
Do you have a nickname for your G8?
I believe all good cars need a nickname, lol, so when they misbehave, or need praise you have something to call them. The TIGGER nickname just sort of happened. My wife and I were trying to come up with a nickname, and having decided on an orange and black theme, we knew had to go along the lines of a tiger nickname. There are not a lot of options in that dept., lol! I liked the idea of TIGGER, because it’s unassuming, playful and non-threatening. It’s also fun to see little kids at car shows notice the TIGGER name, and take an instant liking to the car.
Respect and Homage
All the things I’ve done to TIGGER couldn’t have been possible without a lot of help and input from a lot of resources.
My wife, Christina, who I’m sure I financially drive up a wall with my constant need for looks and performance. But she indulges and puts up with me. Love ya Babydoll!
Mike Frumusa and the guys at New Era Performance in Rochester, NY., who have made TIGGER into the beast he is.
Ray Moore and his apprentice Johnny at Dave Geist Body Shop, Whitehouse, Oh for giving TIGGER his good looks.
Dan Millen, Andy, and Rick at Livernois Motorsports for taking my calls and helping with future plans for TIGGER and a spot on, awesome tune.
Ziebart, Toledo, Oh
Belle Tire, Perrysburg, Oh
American Racing Headers
Kooks
Crazy Paul
Maryland Speed
Last and not least…. All the forums out there with a lot of super great members. From ours to the Aussie sites. Without most of you, these cars wouldn’t have become the force to be reckoned with that they have. I have become good friends with several of you out there, and enjoy every time I meet another member.
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Reply With Quote
I owe you a couple beers. Kooks Gen II are on, no more stealth! See you soon.
2008 G8GT #110 of #888 Ignition Orange, 20 Inch Savini SV8 Wheels, Maggie 1900, VMS DOD Delete Stock Converter Cam, Pedders XA Street Plus, Kook's 1 3/4 LT's, Rotofab CAI, VMS Tune, Mustang Dyno 522 RWHP/489.3 TQ
