caddycruiser

7) Other stuff… …there’s been so much and I still have so much in boxes, or at least little things, I often lose track. AMEX likes me, I can say that, hah. Tune, cold air intake, removed & changed some emblems (no more GM chicklets->Holden VE 6.0Litre fender badges, no more “Pontiac” on trunk & GT<->G8 swapped order), all existing Pontiac arrowheads are now silver vs. red…lots of little things. Coming up I’ll say more to the suspension as noted above, in some form, I have new Holden 2-piece engine covers still to install (vs. the big stock 1-piece thing I put in a closet), a Corsa exhaust, etc., etc. Should still keep me going for some years, hah, and without any problems to worry about it’s easier to keep it out of the dealer’s hands…imagine that, after my 2 consecutive “WTH is going?” on rides :AH-HA_wink: Oh, and I still need to get a new sig that's not just a fuzzy resized picture...something Pacific Slate color themed and with a G8 in some form...have to hit up DodgeFan or otherwise, at some point. We'll see.

6) Still outside…now the nose. I like to say this one was because I scraped the original fascia underneath ever so lightly on a curb post lowering, but really I just liked the look of the GXP fascia a lot more once I saw a few AND as it became known, the parts were both not expensive and even cheaper than the other fascia. Knowing how GM was very quickly trying to dump parts stocks and the car was at the end, I bought as soon as I could and then just had to arrange the install and such. So, now, it has an entirely new GXP fascia. Love it. I dropped it at the body shop the day it came in, they painted it and let it sit in storage for a month or so, and then the install. As I had a full clear bra installed on the car (funny, that cost more than all of the parts in making this swap themselves…) I had to have that re-done and since the original still could go to so much use, I sold it to another Pacific Slate G8 owner in VA looking to get rid of his ugly front plate bracket and have a spare fascia. Perfect. Before: After:

5) Onto the outside…rear first. This car is gorgeous, if not thought by me, but evidenced by the attention, questions and “can I see” “what is that?” every single day. That said, there’s always room to improve :AH-HA_wink: This time the inception of the GXP brought some nice pieces to the party, at least front & rear. At the back, the base and GT models have a “smooth” rear diffuser with a honeycomb grille of sorts on top to match the fronts. Looks nice, fits the car, etc. but the honeycomb with a black back gets annoying with dirt collection and the GXP got a new design that was both all smooth, ridged, and looked meaner without being gaudy. For not much, I had to have one. Before: After:

4) I always have all season mats in every one of my cars, because I loathe the look or feeling of constantly stepping with dirty shoes onto just another piece of carpet. No molded Weathertech or other mats for this car as others I’ve had, so I kept looking and found the perfect match—stock Holden accessory rubber floor mats, Holden lion logo and all for the VE cars. Didn’t cost anymore to get these DHL’d over from Oz in 2 days than any others I’d buy, and they’re an OEM part. Great.

3) Another, around the time of the GPS, was a change to the center console armrest. Especially after my Malibu and the Fleetwood before that, I just could not stand the plasticy, rubbery, eww of a rubber console lid under my elbow. The fact that it felt cheap and rickety and wobbled all over the place didn’t help matters. So in came again another Holden piece, this time the thicker, padded, and upholstered center console lid used on stock Calais, Caprice, etc. models. Feels more solid, is much nicer to my elbow and is taller AND like the Malibu and others now, it slides forward to completely cover the cupholders or back, depending on what I want at anytime. So much nicer.

2) From there, the interior is great and I still love how insanely huge it is inside and with MUCH better seats than my previous vehicles--especially the Malibu that gave me neck & shoulder aches at more than 15 minutes--and how solid, quiet, etc. it is. There are some hard plastic sections that seem out of place with the rest with the rest of the dash and the soft, stitched door panels, all mainly around the center stack--but it didn't bother me much. I was, however, always looking at that dead spot cubby on the top of the center stack where a set of gauges used to be in '08 models, and it never did anything but collect dust. Always had or wanted a Nav beyond Onstar or just stuck to the window and though other G8'ers were coming up with ways to mount them in front of the shifter, on that top hole, etc., I can't stand "tacked on" even if it's well done. In came a kit made of parts from the bread & butter Holden Commodore Omega model and its different but still the same underneath center stack. It uses a different center strip, radio surround and a top pod with a 4.3"ish screen for the clock & radio readout. One of the suppliers of Holden & other parts for these cars worked on making a kit that took all of the same parts and then had a custom bracket in place of the stock screen to that fit a 4.3" GPS perfectly and...wa-la. Stock looking Nav, different vents, different center stack trim, and no more dusty black hole. Everyone thinks it's stock and anyone who was in the car before is baffled how I did it...love it, even though I now realized I don't use the Nav much at all except for another gadget to look at. Before: After:

I'm all over the place anymore, and don't post an excessive amount, but having met up with Roger to check out his Fleetwood a few weeks back he did encourage (or just remind... :AH-HA_wink: ) me to get some updates of my G8 posted, because there have been quite a few changes. All in all, as I also intended coming from my leased G6 and then Malibu, both with problems but alas, was something I could play with as much as I saw fit (i.e. own this time) to keep myself interested--the G8 has done that and more for me. About 500 miles short of 10k and 7 months in, still has never been in for anything beyond an initial alignment & XM reflash, an oil change and the recent recall reflash for something lights/TPS related. The exception to this would be the suspension which I knew going in, was a splendid performer but sadly like the GTO, comes off the boat with some not so nice issues. Front strut mounts that are excessively worn & sloppy from some weak spots in the design and then exacerbated by the strapped down boat ride, being the main one. 1) Had that fixed with Pedders parts and while in there, of course, got the inkling to do more while it was apart, so in came a few more upgraded bushings front & rear (the single biggest change, period, without much $$ or parts...still, wow) and then completely new struts, shocks and sport coils with a slight drop. This car naturally sits high, especially in the rear, and bringing that down just a bit (to the extent without telling anyone, no one could point out the car was lowered after) even without a sway bar upgrade or otherwise really changes the handling. But, still, I've found I'm a 7/10ths driver except for the occasional acceleration burst and miss the stock "hovercraft" ride it used to have, plus ended up scraping the bumper on a curb after the drop, among other things...so more in store here, soon. The current stance, for the time being at least...then we'll see:

I've thought about it, a little, alongside my "move north" semi plans. I started thinking about the ole G8 and worse roads, an actual winter, etc. and had scary thoughts, just because it barely gets dusty let alone sees a bump in the road down here in beach land. Without any other plans figure out yet, however, the farthest I've gone with my thoughts is some kind of basic FWD mid-size sedan, dime a dozen but not necessarily crap on a beige boat, but who knows. Now, back to those plans in the first place...

It was for 2011, not 2010--just a few more typical model year updates this go around, then a newer car. Well, if it doesn't get pushed off further, as the Fiat guys were not impressed with the 2011 300/Charger Chrylser had done and wanted something more different...so...we'll see. As for the lack of 2010 GM's...yeah...cars and crossovers have been pumping, but selling decently enough, and there's still no 2010 full size truck or SUV production going, so there's a big spot of empty on all the lots.

Still one of my favorites, owned by a friend who moved from VA Beach to Chicago (and was also the one who bought my Fleetwood for a new DD)...if anything, it's allowed him to get some of his best shots ever, full of skyline.

Sounds great...and I'll put the eyes out for a Roadmaster CC unit, for cheap, too. It takes a little customizing of brackets, but otherwise is easy. We'll chat :AH-HA_wink:

No problem... Heck, I've had my G8 with the 19" summer Bridgestones out in snow, slush, and solid ice for a few days this past March...no problem. I wouldn't recommend snowy mountain driving with my configuration, but flat & straight around here I was fine, especially with ESP and near 50/50 weight distribution. Like with my Fleetwood, as well, before, I'll take a RWD car that by nature handles 10x better than a front heavy FWD'r that can "dig" through better any day in the elements. As much better as it handles on a sunny day and is easier to control, the same holds true in snow/ice aside from basic traction to get going at times.

Yes...absolutely. One of the first mods I did and the biggest and best change, period, for the 2.5 years I had mine. Otherwise, Roger, sounds like quite a bit of developments though mostly good (or great, really) aside from the windows. Not sure what's going on with me yet, but we'll get in touch.

This new Inferno Orange 2SS Camaro at my car's 2nd home, Rocksand Racing in Bethlehem, PA: Had essentially no miles but was just tagged & they trailered it over to the shop from Jersey for a list of things...cam, new coil-over suspension, etc... I like orange and this is a hot car, but the orange+black+stock 21's just are a little too much for my tastes. But still.

Exactly. And even more exactly the reason my father and I first searched, searched, and searched some more for a triple black one like this back in 2003 but ended up with a white/red Brougham in better shape than any we had seen. Still, condition aside, the coloring is a big reason why I don't think it's ever been special to him...it just sits there. Another reason why I haven't shown him Roger's new ride OR the price he paid, especially given what he just dropped on the back yard's new project, a 1968 Dodge Coronet...cool, I guess, but a full on project, not a driver. As even he'd say..."but black just MAKES this car..." Black on black on black Fleetwood, south Jersey, etc...Roger...your cool factor just called, it has a new agent :AH-HA_wink: Hope I can still help out with this in time to come, albeit my extremely limited schedule more and more...professional mechanic check--good, tires we'll figure out, some of the little odds & ends I have, a proper cleaning & detail--this beast will be stunning, etc.

Sounds good Roger. I've been tied up with other things all week, but we'll chat.

Ah, yes, Hankooks. Not a bad choice, but given your review of them on the Aura, probably not the best either. I'm still checking around to see what I can find myself, in addition to whatever you might be able to find with tire stores up there once you have the car for a little while. As for the '93...not an LT1 car...but looks very nice nonetheless. Nothing says Fleetwood like black on black, however

Awesome! What a good feeling, finally. I hope I can have a similar turn around before long, and "get outta Dodge" soon. Hope this goes very well for you!

All black and rated to tow 7k pounds...I swear, if he ever has second thoughts, I'll be at his door like... :AH-HA_wink: Get prepared southern Jersey: that 3-note train horn you hear is just a warning...there's a big black locomotive with an LT1 underhood and Roger at the helm coming through

Got to check out a new red '10 Lacrosse CXL at "my" dealer in Jersey yesterday, after I stopped on my way back from Roger's to have 2 recall reflashes done on 'ole G8. I pulled in and saw it on the corner...had to see more. They happily threw me the key and said "have at it". Gorgeous car and, of the "new" GM, just stunning in detail and quality. The fact that I had the new flipkey (that all will now have in GM, as models are renewed) in my hand and curiously touched the colored spot on the door handle and it unlocked says a lot about how different this car (and other new releases) is. Not a crooked piece, weird gap, bad material, anything in site, and it just oozes premium and luxury. The center console when sitting up front does seem overpowering and high at first, because it's so different than most cars, but you get used to it and it definitely is a big part of the style inside. Buttery leather, glossy real'ish wood placed appropriately, chrome, soft touch everything, fully upholstered and stitched dash and doors, etc., etc. and lovely swooping lines outside. I wanted it. I'll have to post a more detailed review and more pictures elsewhere, sometime.

Edit to part of this...I kept saying the wrong gear ratio, because I got it confused with a '93 tow package car. This LT1 iteration with the 7k rated tow package has 3:42's. Still, compared to other models, that makes for a big difference. Cuts fuel mileage a hair, but gets the car out of the gate easier and more sprightly all around, so regardless.

Having finally seen, checked out, and taken a ride in this car yesterday with Roger and the owner...what a beast;-) Nothing 13 years old is perfect and neither is this car, but I know them inside and out and it's about as solid and well maintained as any you could find today, especially for the price. Few little odds & ends (literally, like a vent knob, a window roller, etc.) that will be needed, but thanks to my many years with these cars, I have most for him. It will be a change going from a new Aura to a Fleetwood, for sure, but it should give many continued years of comfortable and enjoyable driving...and showing off

Looks good Roger :AH-HA_wink: My G8 is exactly the same with only the rear windows done, and I believe with 20%--they're "black" and I'm so glad I had the Jersey dealer get it done for me. Same laws in DE as NJ. Though it looks perfect from the outside, in the light on mine I'm not pleased with the scratches and marks on the inside tint of both back doors, but alas--I'll get it re-done someday, somewhere. Good move. Keeps the car cooler (definitely), looks much better, and even with the fronts still clear, keeps some light and heat out of the front as well. On my car with the black interior, that plus the rear tint fools you into thinking the fronts are also done, which I quite like. Now, as for the black/black/black Caddy...I recommend the same at some point

When it comes to cars like this, the calculator sites are out of skew because the cars are too few, the condition varies too much, and it's largely an enthusiast market. I can tell you, having had 2 and knowing them inside and out for years, this car is about as close to the holy grail of Fleetwood as you'll get at this point. 1) 1996...the last year, most updates, lowest production. 2) Black/black/black...need I say more. Presidential, anyone? 3) Brougham package...common, but a must have with better seats, etc. 4) V4P trailering package...rare as rare gets on these LT1 models, turns an otherwise comfy/quick car into a firmer, quicker beast, AND has a 7k tow rating specific to the Fleetwood that no other factory B/D body could match. 3:42 rear gears, thank you, and FE2 suspension, plus heavier cooling and such. All with the LT1/4L60E underhood. 5) Lower miles, fine condition inside and out and well maintained. There's so few of these cars, at least the more desirable later years in decent colors, anymore, finding a good example elevates it that much more. 6) No sunroof or factory chrome wheels, but alas, it's a beast and loaded otherwise. I miss my '95 after selling it last year, and can say I would buy this car myself if in the position to do so and it wasn't for Roger. Tentatively planning for a trip up on Saturday to give the car my expert, non emotional (hah, Roger :AH-HA_wink: ) review and we'll see from there.

Taking the spotlight off Roger for a bit...me. Hmm. G8 GT now and it will stay regardless, and for some time. That said, next up may be the addition of some kind of SUV, small or medium, think Equinox'ish. At least that's my latest thought, though last time it was Corvette. And after that, Tahoe. Both of which would be used, if the pick. But probably something more practical with some height and also a 4-cyl/6-speed or efficient V6, of some sort. No rush. Just a friend to the G8, eventually. Oooh. Or a Solstice coupe, too. I'd do that before a Corvette, for sure, and keep with my Pontiac lineage. Wow, all GM's. A lot of outside possibilities too...but just too many to go through.