Name: Jarrod (Jay) W.
Location: Whitehouse, OH
Favorite G8 Web sites: G8Nation.com, G8GTtech.com, G8GT.com,G8board.com
Board handles / nickname: MANOFSTEEL69
I was really torn between 4 different cars; the Pontiac G8 GT, the G8 GXP, the Dodge Challenger, and a SRT-8 Dodge Charger. After months of researching and reading about the G8 GT and some soft prodding by my wife (Christina), I decided on the Pontiac G8. The main reason being the cost to performance ratio that far outclassed the other three of my choices. The GXP’s production is still up in the air, the Challenger over priced, and the Charger to big and clunky for my taste. For my wife, it was the tasteful, unassuming look of the G8GT. It’s the ultimate “Sleeper”; you don’t expect it to be anything but a 4dr sedan.
Year: 2008
Model: G8 GT
Color: Ignition Orange Metallic (77U)
G8 Nickname: Tigger
Options (installed by factory or dealer before you took delivery): None
What dealership did you purchase your Pontiac G8 from?
Patsy Lou Pontiac, Mt. Morris, MI
How was your dealership experience?
I ended up dealing directly with Patsy Lou Pontiac after a botched deal between my local dealer (Yark Chevorlet/GMC/Pontiac Waterville, OH), and Patsy Lou. I went into my local dealer expecting to pick up my car, only to find they never actually secured it. So I went home, called their Sales Manager Beth Middleton and purchased the car directly from them.
Current Pontiac G8 Aftermarket Mods:
The first thing I had done to the car was a 20% Tint and the Diamond Paint and Underbody Protection through Ziebart, Toledo, OH.
Next I had Zinik Z27 Sofins w/my factory summer performance tires purchased and installed at BelleTire, Perryburg OH. Then I debadged the G8, except for the front Pontiac Emblem.
After some time spent on the phone with some various shops in the country I decided to go with New Era Performance in Rochester, NY. Mike Frumusa the shop owner and fellow G8 GT owner spent a lot of time with me on the phone about what he had done to his car. So with his input and that of the owner of American Racing Headers (Nick), I headed out on the 377 mile trip to get my work done. I had New Era install a Powerbond Harmonic Balancer 25% Underdrive Crank Pulley, a SLP 160 Degree Thermostat, a New Era Induction System along with having my throttle body ported and polished, an American Racing Header System, and a custom HP Tuner tune.
I have also done a few mods tried and tested by Charlie Van Wormer (Known as GRRRR8 on many G8 forums) who owns a very fast liquid red Pontiac G8 GT, and runs a Midas Muffler Shop in Sugarland, TX. This would include removing the intake manifold cover and a CAI air flow mod.
My engine cover has also been custom painted to match the car by my local body shop (Dave Geist Body Shop, Whitehouse, OH., now ran by and operated by Ray Moore) Also the addition of a Sirius Sportster 5 radio.
Future Pontiac G8 Aftermarket mods:
Future mods include painting the brake calipers to match the car, Corsa mufflers, a Vector Motorsports GM Heat soak Reduction Kit, a Magnacharger MP1900 Supercharger, a custom ground cam (through New Era Performance), and a complete Pedders Suspension System.
Favorite feature about the Pontiac G8:
The ability to carry 5 adults, with luggage and still haul ass!
Biggest complaint about the Pontiac G8:
Probably the wind noise through the sunroof closed, and mirror vibration with it open. The Atari style gauges on the center console, and the Euro-style seat adjustment knobs would also fit in this category.
0-60: 5.2 seconds
¼ mile: 13.47@105.6MPH
Track: Milan Dragway, Milan, MI
Other Performance Info: 347 RWHP, 360′Torque (assumed to be more than this, due to temperature conditions at time of testing)
What car was replaced by the Pontiac G8?
2003 ZX5 SVT Focus
Other cars in your garage?
- 2005 ZX3 Ford Focus
- 2003 ZX5 SVT Ford Focus
- 2007 Harley Davidson Street Glide
The G8GT is by far the most fun of any car I have ever owned. I could run down a list from a “69″ Z28 Camaro to a 300 series BMW, and a majority of them have all been fast performance oriented cars. I enjoy the comfort inside the car….Longest trip so far was 740 miles down to Columbia, SC and was done in one sitting. I could have turned around and came right back, no problem…actually I did about 10hrs later, lol. At the car shows I go to, the G8GT is an instant hit….It’s a what? It has how much horse power? It’s rear wheel drive? The list goes on and on. As does the list of why I love this car…..For those of us that own G8 GT’s we know the whys, and for those that don’t……Head down to your nearest Pontiac dealer and get a taste of the Australian built, but purely American Muscle Car……Before they become extinct.
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Not sure if you can tell or not but Brutus is covered in undercoating! Lol! He went from the back of the car all the way to the front and was covered! That was fun to wash out!
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Updated 1/4 mile time: 13.3979@105.93 MPH
August 1st, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Vector Motorsports HSRK installed. Kooks Mufflers from Maryland Speed on order!
August 28th, 2008 at 7:51 am
New Era Performance 228/240 Cam installed. New 1/4 mile time of 12.8481 @ 115.95mph