2008 Malibu LTZ - Any performance upgrades out there??

[sammajidi]

Hi,

I have been driving my new 2008 Malibu LTZ for about a month now...

I must say, this is an awesome car!

imo, reasonable price for 3.6 DOHC VVT... two-tone leather seats... the 'paddle-shifting' is really cool when you are in the mood for it.
*Fantastic ride!*

negatives (in my opinion):
- Could be a nicer sound system.
- No navigation. Turn-by-turn IS NOT the same as a screen. An actual map with your location is MUCH more effective when navigating foreign streets.
- No Bluetooth support.
(These are features most imports offer at such prices... )

I would love to add a nice intake and/or exhaust system. Perhaps lower the car a tad with some nice springs.

I have not seen anything in the market yet. I know the car is still a new design, but something sure would be nice.

I see AC-Delco Performance rotors that should work for the car.
18A1788 (FL)
18A1789 (FR)
they are 11-21/32" Dia. Drilled & Slotted.

in the rear they list:
18A1790 (RL)
18A1791 (RR)
(Drilled & Slotted as well)

I would love to make the car sound better while improving performace (speed). The rotors would be for show more then anything else... I do not think they will yield much of a gain in performance.

Any thoughts on using an aftermarket, universal muffler? I generally do not like that option, but it may be the only one I have.

Thanks,


Sam

[chakis24]

you could go to a shop and they could custom bend one for you. just buy the muffler you want, and theyll do all the bending for you.

[PA Dweller]

Welcome to GMI. You should also check out: http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/index.php

This website specializes in the Malibu, especially the new model. This site has some people that are looking to do performance mods to their Malibu. The Malibu is a good choice, like you I am upset that the Malibu doesn't offer the optional in dash navigation system. Like you I feel it's superior to the turn by turn thing. However, I have learned here that the wiring in the Malibu's current platform doesn't support it. However, the 2009 Malibu will offer Bluetooth. Anyway enjoy your new car, you made a good choice.

[1999 White C5 Coupe]

Originally Posted by sammajidi

Hi,

I have been driving my new 2008 Malibu LTZ for about a month now...

I must say, this is an awesome car!

imo, reasonable price for 3.6 DOHC VVT... two-tone leather seats... the 'paddle-shifting' is really cool when you are in the mood for it.
*Fantastic ride!*

negatives (in my opinion):
- Could be a nicer sound system.
- No navigation. Turn-by-turn IS NOT the same as a screen. An actual map with your location is MUCH more effective when navigating foreign streets.
- No Bluetooth support.
(These are features most imports offer at such prices... )

I would love to add a nice intake and/or exhaust system. Perhaps lower the car a tad with some nice springs.

I have not seen anything in the market yet. I know the car is still a new design, but something sure would be nice.

I see AC-Delco Performance rotors that should work for the car.
18A1788 (FL)
18A1789 (FR)
they are 11-21/32" Dia. Drilled & Slotted.

in the rear they list:
18A1790 (RL)
18A1791 (RR)
(Drilled & Slotted as well)

I would love to make the car sound better while improving performace (speed). The rotors would be for show more then anything else... I do not think they will yield much of a gain in performance.

Any thoughts on using an aftermarket, universal muffler? I generally do not like that option, but it may be the only one I have.

Thanks,


Sam

You bought a 4-door sedan, not a speed-performance car. Why didn't you buy what you wanted? Perhaps a coffee-can style muffler will give you the performance you are looking for.

[eurohazard]

Originally Posted by 1999 White C5 Coupe

You bought a 4-door sedan, not a speed-performance car. Why didn't you buy what you wanted? Perhaps a coffee-can style muffler will give you the performance you are looking for.

[ptviperz]

Originally Posted by 1999 White C5 Coupe

You bought a 4-door sedan, not a speed-performance car.

Better tell that to BMW, Infiniti, M-B

[1999 White C5 Coupe]

Originally Posted by ptviperz

Better tell that to BMW, Infiniti, M-B

The Malibu LTZ is not marketed or manufactured a speed-performance sedan.

[eurohazard]

Originally Posted by 1999 White C5 Coupe

The Malibu LTZ is not marketed or manufactured a speed-performance sedan.

While it's not designed to compete against BMW....agreed, this is a "sporty" family sedan. It's certainly mre sporty than the standard Malibu.

TAPshift Manual Shift Controls:
Located on the steering wheel, TAPshift allows the driver to manually select the desired gear for performance-like driving or to address specific road conditions. It's included with the six-speed automatic transmission, which is standard on LTZ and available on 2LT (requires Engine Package).

The OP was looking for help, but instead got insulted by being compared to the kids who put gigantic mufflers on their Hondas. To the OP: It will probably be a while for these things to come.

[zinner]

Nitrous is a truly universal performance upgrade. Zex makes a good kit and it's easy to install.

The 3.6 has been out in a few forms on the caddies for a while and I haven't seen any performance upgrades for those platforms either.

HPtuners does support the 08 malibu with the 3.6 so you could probably do some tweaking with that to get some extra HP. Tuning the timing for 93 octane ect.

Nothing really bolt on and I wouldn't hold my breath. BTW those are sharp looking cars.

The lack of bluetooth I think is GM's way of forcing you into the Onstar/Verizon Cell phone contract.

I have 2 cars:
Cobalt with Avic D3 and Bluetooth
SRX with Onstar and vzw calling plan

I would take my Avic D3 with bluetooth any time. Having another number for your car is stupid which is what onstar requires you to do if you want a handfree phone in the car.

Unfortunately the radio's are pretty complicated in these vehicles, do lots of research before you upgrade the radio, but it's worth it in the long run to have bluetooth and NAV in-dash. Directions and connections with onstar is a huge disappointment.