So, I finally got it completed. The exterior is unremarkable compared to the black gen 1 VUE:
http://admin.dealermaid.com/admin_inventory/inventory_pictures/e6007ff6a94c59910155d74240c539ddb614554c.jpg

except it will have the wheels off the gen 2 Redline model: http://www.carforums.net/reviews/makes/pictures/saturn09.jpg

General mods include the balance shaft delete and swap to the non-ABS brake system. Because the non-ABS system was coming from a 2002 model we had to swap out all of the hydraulic lines and the rear drums because the non-ABS fittings had conical flared fittings as opposed to inverse flare with o-ring. Balance shaft delete was lots of fun because one of the teeth on the cam bearing installer my dad was using fell off and into the oil pan, so we had to drop it. I also installed the chain guide upside down and ended up snapping one of the special screws off. I had to find another screw with the same thread, cut it down to proper size, and use a piece of rubber tubing to get the size right, since the guide rides on a flat, wide shoulder of the screw. GM, for some unknown reason, thought it would be funny to have different body wiring harnesses between the 4-cylinder and 6 cylinder models, so that also had to be changed... Fun for the whole family!

But it got done, and I now have the rare 2.2L 4-cylinder and standard 5-speed tranmission combo. It's got lots of pickup for such a small engine moving a 3500 pound vehicle. Shifting is really smooth with the Saab F23 transmission, although the throw is quite long. It's got a smooth clutch, but that's probably a given due to the slave and throwout bearing being the same part (which has been common for the past 10, 20 years in American trannies), so you don't have a wierd lever arm making a rough clutch travel like in my Fiero.

Throttle response is absolutely horrible. It's a drive-by-wire system and it can take about half a second for it to start revving from no thottle to full. Handling is great, but I need stiffer tires to see real potential. Drop springs and better shocks are also under consideration.

I was actually tempted to leave off the exhaust pipe after the cat. It wasn't absurdly loud at all and sounded quite nice. I've been quite partial to the Flowtech Warlocks.

Pics to come later I guess.

God, thats ugly.

Oh god, you've gone and bought a Saturn Noise Factory.

Get that shit outta here!

Wait..what the fuck did you just do?

God, thats ugly.
Sorry AP, gotta agree with Ouster on this one. It's worse than an Escalade.

Argon, mate...

I'd rather walk.

i like it

I didn't get it for looks. :p

I got it because it's more comfortable and hauls more stuff than my Fiero and gets better gas milage at the same time. It also drives alot smoother than my Fiero and since this is the rainy season here most of my driving is on the highway.

But, mostly I got it because the old V6 that used to be in it was salvaged to replace another that came in with a busted timing bent that belt every single valve. The donor VUE had the 2.2/F23 that no one else wanted, so it was perfect. Besides, we are running out of room to store all of them, what with 7 other VUEs my family owns along with a bus, Chevy P20 delivery truck, C-10, Camaro, Fiero, Reattas, Bonnie, and a few more antiques in the shed including an exceptionally rare Luxus. :D

No infractions? Whoa.

No infractions? Whoa.

Now, now, I like to conduct myself as a belevolent dictator. Besides, I can't be a hypocrite if I want to keep criticising Meta. ;)

Heads up.

You should have gotten a Cressida.

Heads up.

You should have gotten a Cressida.

lol, at first I had wrote "belt that belt". Evidently I editted the wrong one. :D

Now, now, I like to conduct myself as a belevolent dictator. Besides, I can't be a hypocrite if I want to keep criticising Meta. ;)

lol :D

Quit school, spend money on a car! I see how you operate, lad.

btw: You should use some peanut butter and shine that trim up :)

*doesn't see any trim on that model of vehicle*

The bumper is nearly a trim piece all in its self. Regardless, peanut butter and that kind of plastic work well together. It'll restore shine like no other.

The bumper is nearly a trim piece all in its self. Regardless, peanut butter and that kind of plastic work well together. It'll restore shine like no other.

Really, the grey plastic isn't supposed to be shiny. In fact, none of the VUEs I've ever seen had shiny plastic. (It's on the nose and below the rear hatch) Besides, that's not even mine. It was just a pic I pulled off the net for show. I still haven't gotten around to taking pics because it's been rainy and I've been busy. I still gotta drop off my tire tomorrow to get it plugged and go by the dealership Friday to get the SES reset.