General Cobalt General Cobalt, Pursuit, and Ion talk. Post specific discussions in the forums below

Cobalt (engine Options) 300 Hp

Old 07-16-2006, 03:59 AM
  #1  
New Member
Thread Starter
 
Enuffboost's Avatar
 
Join Date: 07-13-06
Location: Toronto
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Cobalt (engine Options) 300 Hp

Flashback.

Year: 1990
Car: Cavalier 4 Dr
Engine: 4 cyl
****OPTION: 3.1L V6 MultiPortFI
****HP: 140

So this engine was an option at the time. I remember it cost my bro $2,000 but he was happy to pay given the increase in power over the 4 banger!


So I ask - WTF is wrong with all these car makers???? You want to sell a SS S/C for another 3-4K over the base and SS cobalt - fine. But why can't they offer us more options on engines once we choose the S/C?!?!? They used to!

For instance, the stage 1/2 kits. Why have a stupid kit. Build a 2.4L S/C version of the 2.0L that's in there now and charge for it. I would have GLADLY paid an option price of 3K on top of what I did for the SS S/C with an engine with 300 HP plus. After all, when people buy a affordable performance car it's 90% engine/power...imo

Wouldn't it be nice to add an option for an engine that is say a 2.4L S/C even if it cost like 3K!!! Even if people didn't turn out in droves - I am sure there is no shortage of people looking for a lot of power and don't care for what they buy to get it so long as it's affordable to begin with- Isn't that's why the Mustang is doing so well now??? Cheap power!!! Besides, a Cobalt with 300-350 HP plus??? Talk about a sleeper car!

[Today] speed is a question of money...How fast do you want to go? (Mad Max).

I paid 26K Canadian $ for my cobalt. If I could have tacked on another 3-4K for a 275-325HP engine vs. the 205 now.....I would have GLADLY paid....


I mentioned to the dealer (last week when picking up my new Cobalt) that I was going to have the Stage 2 kit in to boost the HP almost right away.
He looked at me in disbelief and said..."But it already has 205HP?!? It's comes with more than enought power now!"
My reply was..."If every 50HP cost me 1K (as it does with the kit), I would have ordered the car with 450HP! THE MORE POWER THE BETTER!!"

I'll admit working on the engine/performance aspects of the engine can be fun. But I suspect people are spending so much more money to generate more power from the stock engine than they would had the auto maker just given us the option of paying for an engine that is larger, more powerful and to some extent benefits from the economies of scale only realized when building 1000s of engines/parts.


So here's to GM following Fords lead and dropping a S/C in a 2.4L so that they have an affordable car that will smoke a mustang not to mention all the other Civics out there!
Old 07-16-2006, 09:51 AM
  #2  
New Member
 
Zivnuska's Avatar
 
Join Date: 07-04-06
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm just glad we have factory kits that have been tested by GM, give substantial additional horsepower, are low cost, and don't void the warranty.

I suspect that it is much easier to offer performance kits than it is to certify different engines for production. Don't forget the EPA, CAFE standards etc.
Old 07-16-2006, 09:53 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Mercury's Avatar
 
Join Date: 06-28-05
Location: Wilmington, DE
Posts: 4,194
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There is an option. It is called the Stage kits from GM.
Old 07-16-2006, 10:00 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
ajent's Avatar
 
Join Date: 05-31-05
Location: daytona beach (ormond)
Posts: 935
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Enuffboost
I mentioned to the dealer (last week when picking up my new Cobalt) that I was going to have the Stage 2 kit in to boost the HP almost right away.
....
Old 07-16-2006, 10:21 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
roccobladr's Avatar
 
Join Date: 06-23-06
Location: Broomall, PA
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i dont see what other options they offered your brother. seems like they gave him the choice of different engine....pretty much exactly what you are saying they do now.
Old 07-16-2006, 02:46 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
RaineMan's Avatar
 
Join Date: 09-02-05
Location: Salt Lake, UT
Posts: 5,446
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you've seen any dyno sheets of these cars... they're not 205HP... they're more in the neighborhood of 220 to the wheels. If you want more power.... get the stage kits.
Old 07-16-2006, 02:55 PM
  #7  
tio
Junior Member
 
tio's Avatar
 
Join Date: 02-02-05
Location: Burlington,Ontario
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A 300Hp Cobalt with factory warranty would cost more than a few thousand dollars.
The biggest problem with our cars is getting the power we do have to the ground.
The stage kits and other bolt on items will get you enough power. It also seems that a selected few on the board are having a hard time keeping their clutches in the current stock set up. A 300hp Cobalt would be a GM warranty nightmare.

Just my .02 .
Old 07-16-2006, 03:55 PM
  #8  
New Member
Thread Starter
 
Enuffboost's Avatar
 
Join Date: 07-13-06
Location: Toronto
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yeah - I guess the clutch thing is a problem...
I am freaked out now because I keeping seeing posts about clutch slipping etc..

On that note, I have the limited slip differential. I learned on the demo/floor model (also equipped with the l/s diff that it is pretty much useless when it comes to hooking up. I managed to spin one of the wheels while driving forward in a straight line rather easily and for quite some time!!!!!
Old 07-16-2006, 04:38 PM
  #9  
Banned
 
codyss's Avatar
 
Join Date: 05-12-05
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 2,698
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Limited Slip is pretty much a worthless option for the SS/SC unless you want the Recaros.

The non-LSD cars take off just as good and both will spinn one tire in tight turns since the front suspension unloads.

As for more engine choices why? If you want a 2.2 get a LS or LT, if you want a 2.4 VVT get a SS and if you want a 2.0 S/C buy the SS/SC.
Old 07-16-2006, 04:44 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
HackAbuse's Avatar
 
Join Date: 11-16-05
Location: Central NY
Posts: 11,137
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Things that would need to be changed:

Bigger Engine, or Bigger Super Charger
Better Axles
Better Motor Mounts
Better Tranmission Mounts
Better Transmission
Better Clutch
Better Rods, Pistons and Crankshaft

The price adds up big time after a while, and just because you want it, doesnt mean there wll be much of a demand for a car like this. Also, this car would no longer be affordable and/or reasonable. Not many people are going to buy a FWD car that is that light and powerful. Also, insurance would go thru the roof.
Old 07-16-2006, 06:21 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
IMADreamer's Avatar
 
Join Date: 06-28-06
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,755
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The problem with your theory is that aren't going to get 300hp with only 3k dollars. At 300hp this car is going to need a lot of work as some have already stated. The clutch, fuel system, axels, and all of that will be at it's limits at 300hp.

Chevy did the SS/SC right. Use the smaller, cheaper, tuner friendly, time tested engine for the performance version. The 2.0 SC is exactly what fits the tuner market. I have no doubts the 2.4 is capable of making big numbers but the 2.0 is more of a proven performer at this point.

As for the LSD, I felt it was kind of a waste. I can launch mine pretty good without it. It takes a little more finess as a driver but it's not a kiss of death for the car. LSD or not a FWD car with any real hp is going to be a tough launch. A good driver without an LSD will beat an ok driver with an LSD everytime.
Old 07-16-2006, 06:42 PM
  #12  
Banned
 
codyss's Avatar
 
Join Date: 05-12-05
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 2,698
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
LSD no matter the driver will have no effect on straight line performance.

The tolerance in HP differences will have more of an effect than the LSD.

The same situations where the Non-LSD SS/SC will spin one tire will have the same outcome the in the LSD equipped SS/SC. For the same reasons I listed in my previous post.

In a RWD application the differences in much more obvious LSD vs Open Diff.
Old 07-16-2006, 07:33 PM
  #13  
LSX RWD S/C conversion
iTrader: (2)
 
victory_red_SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: 03-25-05
Location: Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
Posts: 10,434
Received 265 Likes on 182 Posts
Originally Posted by codyss
LSD no matter the driver will have no effect on straight line performance.

The tolerance in HP differences will have more of an effect than the LSD.

The same situations where the Non-LSD SS/SC will spin one tire will have the same outcome the in the LSD equipped SS/SC. For the same reasons I listed in my previous post.

In a RWD application the differences in much more obvious LSD vs Open Diff.
I am going to disagree with what you say and ask where you get your expert info from. Have you driven a Quaife LSD eqipped car?
I include both a web link and the actual write up on that page that states the opposite of your opinion.
http://www.quaifeamerica.com/
Originally Posted by Quaife
The Quaife torque biasing differential enables your car to accelerate quicker and corner faster. How?

By getting the power to the ground!

The Quaife Differential powers both drive wheels under nearly all conditions, instead of just one. With an ordinary open differential, standard on most cars, a lot of precious power is wasted during wheelspin under acceleration. This happens because the open differential shifts power to the wheel with less grip (along the path of least resistance). The Quaife, however, does just the opposite. It senses which wheel has the better grip, and biases the power to that wheel. It does this smoothly and constantly, and without ever completely removing power from the other wheel.

In drag-race style, straight-line acceleration runs, this results in a close to ideal 50/50 power split to both drive wheels, resulting in essentially twice the grip of an ordinary differential (they don't call open diffs "peglegs" for nothing).
In cornering, while accelerating out of a turn, the Quaife biases power to the outside wheel, reducing inside-wheel spin. This allows the driver to begin accelerating earlier, exiting the corner at a higher speed.

The Quaife also controls loss of traction when the front wheels are on slippery surfaces such as ice and snow or mud, providing the appropriate biased traction needed to overcome these adverse conditions. The Quaife Differential provides constant and infinitely variable drive. Power is transferred automatically without the use of normal friction pads or plates seen in other limited-slip designs.

The Quaife's unique design offers maximum traction, improves handling and steering, and puts the power where it is needed most. A definite advantage whether on the track or on the street.

The Quaife is extremely strong and durable and since the Quaife is gear operated, it has no plates or clutches that can wear out and need costly replacement.

The Quaife is great for street driving or racing. Racers don't have to put up with locking mechanisms or spools that created unwanted understeer under power, or in the case of front-drive cars, even tear the steering wheel out of their hands when cornering. Because it behaves like an open differential during ordinary driving, street drivers will have trouble telling it's there until pushing the car's limits.

The Quaife has been proven in everything from SCCA Rally to Formula 1. It provides autocrossers with such an advantage, it has become "required" equipment for a winning effort.

More and more auto manufacturers are specifying the Quaife ATB Differential as original equipment in their high performance models - for good reason - it works!

The Quaife ATB Differential comes with something else other's don't have:
a Limited Lifetime Warranty. This warranty applies even when raced ! >details
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
The Rookie24
War Stories
14
09-14-2015 07:03 PM
Highgross89
08-10 SS Turbocharged General Discussion
20
09-11-2015 03:24 PM
ROADKONE
Parts
1
09-09-2015 02:32 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Cobalt (engine Options) 300 Hp



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:58 PM.