R.I.P. 2000 SSEi

[Bob N]

Not sure if this is the place to talk about this, if not excuse me.
Well, I Had to let the Black SSEi go. Too many issues to deal with on a regular basis, ie. trans,
computer, sensors, etc. Not easy to do, but it was time.
Left it in trade at the Jaguar Dealer for a 2009 G8 Gt. Black w/tinted windows, 19" Bridgestone
Pontenza's, Custom Stainless Steel Exhaust from an Australian company, Varex X-Force. Highly polished with a remote control that opens baffles in the mufflers, very trick. Strong runner and handles great.
I'm in love again! Will post some pics in a few days. Hope I can still be a member of this club, it's the best.

[J Wikoff]

I want video of the X-Force.

[00Beast]

I want pics. I would trade my SSEi for a G8 GT/GXP in a heartbeat if I had the $$$. Better budget some $$$ for winter tires too.

[Bob N]

Here is the link to the Varex X-Force web site with video of how the system works.
http://xforce.com.au/cars/view_car/38

Winter tires are on the top of my list. So far everywhere I look, the price of 19" winter tires is outrageous. "I'm on a mission from God".

Bob N

[J Wikoff]

It might be cheaper to get some 17"'s and winter tires to match. That's what I did.

[Bob N]

Have the 17"'s affected the speedo, or anything else?

[J Wikoff]

Not as long as you get tires that have the same/close outer diameter as the stock tires. I got a set of 17" wheels with mounted and balanced winter tires from TireRack, with TPMS, for a really good price compared to 19" winter tires alone. And I can easily swap at home.

[Bob N]

Thanks for the info, I'll look into it.

[Bob N]

I came across a set of NEW Bridgestone Blizzaks I can pick-up for $544.00. They are
265x35x19", (current 245x40x19") This makes them about 1" wider and only -1.5% smaller diameter. I've looked everywhere to see if they'll fit on the G8 without issues, but can't find any info. Anybody know where I can find out?

[J Wikoff]

Those are likely to rub in the rear. I don't know about the front. And normally, you want to go narrower than stock with winter tires.

[00Beast]

I agree. You'd be better off going 225 or 235's. The G8 really has that little room in the rear? That's unfortunate....

[J Wikoff]

Spacers and fender rolling are popular fixes. I've got 225 width winter tires.

[Bob N]

I took some measurements and the fronts are almost touching now. Called the "Tire Rack" help line, they said the backs might work, but the fronts wouldn't. I'm trying not to spend
too much more dough right now. Keep the wife reasonably happy?

[CMNTMXR57]

Fronts aren't much better space'wise on the GMX281 or GMX282 platform. I'd bet it's the infamous strut rub issue they have from being cranked down on the boat, collapsing part of the rubber components on the top of the strut.

[Bob N]

Just an update to my tire situation.
Found the previous owners name, phone number and address on the GPS he had installed in the center of the upper dash on the G8. Called him and it turns out he's a doctor and he had bought wheels and winter tires for the G8. I went to meet him to pick-up the original mats and a spare remote for the exhaust baffles. We got to talking and he said he wasn't going to need the Michelin winter tires and the 5 spoke wheels for his all wheel drive Volvo wagon he bought. Anyway, he said he had $1,200 into them and asked if I would be interested. Of course I said, "How much do you want", he said, "is $400 ok"? I don't have to tell you the rest!!!

[J Wikoff]

Sweet deal. GPS/trim mod, Varex, I wonder what else is done to it.

[00Beast]

[Bob N]

The pics are coming soon. Been real busy lately, but I'm work'n on it. Honest!
Glad to see there's interest.

[00Beast]

Sounds good. I'm just a Pontiac-aholic.

[Bob N]

OK Gentlemen, here are the pics, or at least I hope so? Let me know what you think, I'm sure you will anyway. Hope they come out. I see a reflection of myself in a couple shots, and my wife and daughter in one.