About to purchase 2008 Redline

fr0stb1t3 · 07-03-2008, 09:56 PM

Hi, I'm about to purchase a new 2008 Redline and had a few questions for those of you who already own one.

I'm coming from a 2000 (C5) Corvette and this car is going to be a bit different for me. I've never had a car sub V8 and while my vette got great gas mileage, I have put 30k miles on it in a year and a half. The car was starting to have small problems crop up, and while I enjoy improving cars, I get sick and tired of fixing them

So after seeing the deals that GM was offering (72 months 0% interest !?) I couldn't resist. Before the purchase their are a couple of things I'd like to know though:

Is their any issues affecting the '08 models I should check for before leaving the show room with it?

How is the aftermarket for these cars, I'm coming from the LSx world where there was 10 vendors for any one product, I understand I can't expect that much support but are vendors beginning to produce products for the ecotec and RL in general?

The power of the car felt good, but not great; what is my quickest, safest, and most economical route to say 300-320 rwhp?

Thanks in advance for all the help, and I hope to be a much more active member of your boards in the coming future

cerberus · 07-04-2008, 11:35 AM

Welcome to the forum!!

I'll defer to the RL owners here, but our aftermarket support is small but coming along quite well for our small numbers, IMO.

fr0stb1t3 · 07-04-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cerberus

Welcome to the forum!!

I'll defer to the RL owners here, but our aftermarket support is small but coming along quite well for our small numbers, IMO.

Thanks!

I've done lots of reading and catching up and seems GM locked our car down pretty well. Hopefully HP Tuners can break the ECM so I can have some fun with this thing.

I'm starting to think it'll be tough to get what I want out of it and maintain a (relatively) linear power curve. I enjoy boosted cars as much as the next guy but I want the motor to have some grunt of it's own

Bogie · 07-06-2008, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fr0stb1t3

Is their any issues affecting the '08 models I should check for before leaving the show room with it?

The brakes. Search the boards.

fr0stb1t3 · 07-07-2008, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bogie

The brakes. Search the boards.

I've done my reading on it. If there is any issues I think I'm going to refuse the vehicle unless they install the vacuum booster retrofit.

Darkwing · 07-07-2008, 12:43 AM

As a former Vette (and several Camaros) owner a V8 powered car isn't the same as a turbo 4. That isn't necessarily a bad thing ..my Sky is as much or more fun than anything I've owned. Welcome to the 21st century where displacement and lower gas mileage doesn't necessarily equate to less desirable performance anymore.
This car is fun it just isn't the same kind of fun.

You'll love the car.

Friz · 07-07-2008, 12:47 AM

I've read a lot here about the brakes, but my '08 has never had the first problem. I can't for the life of me imagine needing brakes within 20 seconds of starting the car. I always set the parking brake and let the oil circulate at idle for a minute or so before doing anything else.
As far as aftermarket stuff goes, I've referred to the vendors that are posted here.
My Batmobile has not given me any trouble at all so far, never been to the shop except for routine maintenance items and I have put about 8000 miles on it in 7 months.

I don't think that you will be disappointed.

fr0stb1t3 · 07-07-2008, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkwing

As a former Vette (and several Camaros) owner a V8 powered car isn't the same as a turbo 4. That isn't necessarily a bad thing ..my Sky is as much or more fun than anything I've owned. Welcome to the 21st century where displacement and lower gas mileage doesn't necessarily equate to less desirable performance anymore.
This car is fun it just isn't the same kind of fun.

You'll love the car.

Actually the gas mileage is almost exactly the same. I love my vette, and this change is purely financial. I got the Vette before I was 18 and had no credit so it was on my parents (not so great) credit with a very high interest rate. I got in to the 72 month 0% and will be making double payments which makes it cheaper than my vette. Also I had 80k miles on it and while I love IMPROVING cars I hate FIXING them which I was doing constantly.

Now i have a warranty and my first new, new car. Time to start the mods:

I'm thinking BSR tune, Hahn IC, new IC piping, an exhaust (I actually prefer the stock one if it's not restrictive though), and maybe a ported TB. From other people's numbers that should get me into the upper 200's to the wheels which would be competitive with my base model C5 that I'm selling. I also figure none of these mods should void any warranty other than the BSR (which I'd take off if I had a problem) since they all should improve the cars reliability (cooler air, less engine wear, less air restriction).

Black, black & red, with a black top delivered Tuesday or Wednesday!

xmicro_Redline · 07-07-2008, 01:26 AM

The best bet if you are going for Max Power, is to get the 2.4 Liter and add a Hahn Stage 3 or 4 Turbo Kit. This will give you the most power, but of course will void your warrantee for sure. However, if you get the RL, GM is releasing a Tune that will give you 290 HP with no other mods. Get a less restrictive exhaust (like RPI or Magnaflow) and achieve about 300. This will NOT void the 10 Year Drive Train Warrantee

. Or go for the Mallett V8 Conversion kit starting at around $20K and get sick HP and get a Mallett Warrantee!

fr0stb1t3 · 07-07-2008, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xmicro_Redline

The best bet if you are going for Max Power, is to get the 2.4 Liter and add a Hahn Stage 3 or 4 Turbo Kit. This will give you the most power, but of course will void your warrantee for sure. However, if you get the RL, GM is releasing a Tune that will give you 290 HP with no other mods. Get a less restrictive exhaust (like RPI or Magnaflow) and achieve about 300. This will NOT void the 10 Year Drive Train Warrantee

. Or go for the Mallett V8 Conversion kit starting at around $20K and get sick HP and get a Mallett Warrantee!

Has anyone performed the LS1/2/3/6/7 conversion on their own? If so does anyone know how to get in contact with that person. I'd be comfortable doing it on my own and the mallet seems far overpriced considering how cheap 90% of those parts are going to be pulled off a vette

I just want to be a comfortable ~290-320 to the wheels. I really don't care for most aftermarket exhausts on 4 bangers, they sound "rice" which I'd like to avoid.

xmicro_Redline · 07-07-2008, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fr0stb1t3

Has anyone performed the LS1/2/3/6/7 conversion on their own? If so does anyone know how to get in contact with that person. I'd be comfortable doing it on my own and the mallet seems far overpriced considering how cheap 90% of those parts are going to be pulled off a vette

I just want to be a comfortable ~290-320 to the wheels. I really don't care for most aftermarket exhausts on 4 bangers, they sound "rice" which I'd like to avoid.

No, I have not heard of anyone doing there own V8 Conversion, but check the Solstice Forum, they are more mod serious than us SKY people.

And NO the Exhaust offerings for the SKY DO NOT sound Rice AT ALL. Matter of Fact the RPI Sounds like a Porche and The Magnaflow sounds like a Camaro. Go to some local SKY/Sol meets and hear them for yourself.......Not RICE, trust me, most of us are older guys, I am 38 and one of the younger owners. I would say 65% of the Redline owners changed out the exhaust and we all love the sound!

The are a Few Mallet Owners RedManSky is one....Do a search for Mallet and you will find who owns.

xmicro_Redline · 07-07-2008, 01:46 AM

If you buy the 2.4, Hahn is having a great sale right now...and there support is awesome from what I hear!

Summer TurboSystem Blowout for Forum Members!

Where are you from??

fr0stb1t3 · 07-07-2008, 01:53 AM

East of Dallas during the summer, SMU in Dallas during the school year (located in highland park in north dallas). I received a full ride next year which gave me the opportunity to get the Sky

Darkwing · 07-07-2008, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fr0stb1t3

Actually the gas mileage is almost exactly the same. I love my vette, and this change is purely financial. I got the Vette before I was 18 and had no credit so it was on my parents (not so great) credit with a very high interest rate. I got in to the 72 month 0% and will be making double payments which makes it cheaper than my vette. Also I had 80k miles on it and while I love IMPROVING cars I hate FIXING them which I was doing constantly.

Now i have a warranty and my first new, new car. Time to start the mods:

I'm thinking BSR tune, Hahn IC, new IC piping, an exhaust (I actually prefer the stock one if it's not restrictive though), and maybe a ported TB. From other people's numbers that should get me into the upper 200's to the wheels which would be competitive with my base model C5 that I'm selling. I also figure none of these mods should void any warranty other than the BSR (which I'd take off if I had a problem) since they all should improve the cars reliability (cooler air, less engine wear, less air restriction).

Black, black & red, with a black top delivered Tuesday or Wednesday!

If I could have gotten an average of 28 MPG off any of my V8 cars, I would never have sold them.

fr0stb1t3 · 07-07-2008, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkwing

If I could have gotten an average of 28 MPG off any of my V8 cars, I would never have sold them.

I got low 30's on road trips and 24 mixed driving.

**Celt03** · 07-07-2008, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fr0stb1t3

... I really don't care for most aftermarket exhausts on 4 bangers, they sound "rice" which I'd like to avoid.

- no "rice" sound with a Magnaflow.
They have a nice throaty sound that is very reminiscent of the 60's & 70's muscle car.
That is why I picked it.
And anyone who knows me will tell you that I won't have anything to do with a "ricer"
OR
own a vehicle that sounds like a wind-up car on steroids.
I agree that you should listen to a few Kappa's that have switched to the various after-market exhausts.
I think you might just be pleasantly surprised.

fr0stb1t3 · 07-07-2008, 02:53 AM

How much does the wind restrictor help with cabin noise?

**Celt03** · 07-07-2008, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fr0stb1t3

How much does the wind restrictor help with cabin noise?

It helps quite a bit around town - it really cuts down on the wind flow in the cabin.
I can drive 40mph & hear the car phone and not have my hair beating my face.
But when I head out on the freeway - I put my hair in a ponytail and wear a cap & sunglasses and ignore the car phone.

Friz · 07-07-2008, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xmicro_Redline

However, if you get the RL, GM is releasing a Tune that will give you 290 HP with no other mods. This will NOT void the 10 Year Drive Train Warrantee

.

Any more info on this?
This is the first that I've heard of it.

fr0stb1t3 · 07-07-2008, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Friz

Any more info on this?
This is the first that I've heard of it.

The development of the GM tune has been indefinately suspended until further notice. The Bosch worker working on it no longer works there and GM has no plans to finish it.

07-03-2008, 09:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
fr0stb1t3 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Highland Park, Texas Posts: 349 My Photos: (0)	About to purchase 2008 Redline Hi, I'm about to purchase a new 2008 Redline and had a few questions for those of you who already own one. I'm coming from a 2000 (C5) Corvette and this car is going to be a bit different for me. I've never had a car sub V8 and while my vette got great gas mileage, I have put 30k miles on it in a year and a half. The car was starting to have small problems crop up, and while I enjoy improving cars, I get sick and tired of fixing them So after seeing the deals that GM was offering (72 months 0% interest !?) I couldn't resist. Before the purchase their are a couple of things I'd like to know though: Is their any issues affecting the '08 models I should check for before leaving the show room with it? How is the aftermarket for these cars, I'm coming from the LSx world where there was 10 vendors for any one product, I understand I can't expect that much support but are vendors beginning to produce products for the ecotec and RL in general? The power of the car felt good, but not great; what is my quickest, safest, and most economical route to say 300-320 rwhp? Thanks in advance for all the help, and I hope to be a much more active member of your boards in the coming future

07-04-2008, 11:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
cerberus Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2,395 My Photos: (19)	Welcome to the forum!! I'll defer to the RL owners here, but our aftermarket support is small but coming along quite well for our small numbers, IMO. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pontiac builds excitement... Saturn has rethought it's image... The time has come for the enthusiasts... NASSOA Officially Recognized by GM More Info ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

07-07-2008, 12:43 AM	#6 (permalink)
Darkwing Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 542 My Photos: (0)	As a former Vette (and several Camaros) owner a V8 powered car isn't the same as a turbo 4. That isn't necessarily a bad thing ..my Sky is as much or more fun than anything I've owned. Welcome to the 21st century where displacement and lower gas mileage doesn't necessarily equate to less desirable performance anymore. This car is fun it just isn't the same kind of fun. You'll love the car. __________________ Got it: 2008 Sky Redline Black Onyx Red/Black Leather Single Disc Monsoon Spoiler Chrome Wheels 3 Pedals Picked up 9/04/07

07-07-2008, 12:47 AM	#7 (permalink)
Friz Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Milton, Florida Posts: 147 My Photos: (0)	I've read a lot here about the brakes, but my '08 has never had the first problem. I can't for the life of me imagine needing brakes within 20 seconds of starting the car. I always set the parking brake and let the oil circulate at idle for a minute or so before doing anything else. As far as aftermarket stuff goes, I've referred to the vendors that are posted here. My Batmobile has not given me any trouble at all so far, never been to the shop except for routine maintenance items and I have put about 8000 miles on it in 7 months. I don't think that you will be disappointed. __________________ 2008 Sky RL

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07-07-2008, 01:26 AM	#9 (permalink)
xmicro_Redline Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,493 My Photos: (1)	The best bet if you are going for Max Power, is to get the 2.4 Liter and add a Hahn Stage 3 or 4 Turbo Kit. This will give you the most power, but of course will void your warrantee for sure. However, if you get the RL, GM is releasing a Tune that will give you 290 HP with no other mods. Get a less restrictive exhaust (like RPI or Magnaflow) and achieve about 300. This will NOT void the 10 Year Drive Train Warrantee . Or go for the Mallett V8 Conversion kit starting at around $20K and get sick HP and get a Mallett Warrantee!

07-07-2008, 01:46 AM	#12 (permalink)
xmicro_Redline Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,493 My Photos: (1)	If you buy the 2.4, Hahn is having a great sale right now...and there support is awesome from what I hear! Summer TurboSystem Blowout for Forum Members! Where are you from??

07-07-2008, 01:53 AM	#13 (permalink)
fr0stb1t3 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Highland Park, Texas Posts: 349 My Photos: (0)	East of Dallas during the summer, SMU in Dallas during the school year (located in highland park in north dallas). I received a full ride next year which gave me the opportunity to get the Sky

07-07-2008, 02:53 AM	#17 (permalink)
fr0stb1t3 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Highland Park, Texas Posts: 349 My Photos: (0)	How much does the wind restrictor help with cabin noise?