View Full Version : Staged for early 2006


zinner
08-30-2005, 01:14 PM
<img src="http://cobaltss.net/articles/stage.jpg" align="left" border="0" hspace="5" vspace="2">Autoweek has just released an article with some actual numbers on the GM staged Upgrades for the SS/SC and the IRL. We are going to be looking at 225 HP for Stage 1 and 245 HP for a Stage 2. GM is saying they upgrades should be avalible in Early 2006. Almost in time for the holidays. I have included the article text and a link below.

Super Boosted Chevys: Supercharger kits push Cobalt to next stage

We’ll admit to a growing fondness for Chevrolet’s Cobalt small car, especially the one that debuted this year as the 2006 Cobalt SS Supercharged coupe.

With performance suspension and 205 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque on tap from a lightweight aluminum overhead-cam 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the supercharged model is good. But if you really want something to get charged up about, stand by for Stage 1 and Stage 2 upgrades for the SS Supercharged (and Saturn Ion Red Line) due in early 2006.

Stage 1 adds revised fuel injectors and new engine calibration to pick up another 20 hp; Stage 2 increases boost via a smaller supercharger pulley (along with another engine recalibration job) to amp up the torque by about 20 lb-ft. The packages can be readily installed by the owner. Pricing will be announced in November at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.

We’ve driven the base supercharged cars, along with the Stage 1 and 2 upgrades, and while the Stage 1 noticeably increases power, the added torque in the Stage 2 package is worth the extra cost and effort. The added boost provides a substantial increase in power, especially at the low- and mid-rpm range where base and Stage 1 models need a downshift to prevent running short of breath.

Need more incentive? GM Performance hoss John Heinricy says he expects a 20 percent power boost from the Stage 2 kit “when all is said and done.” That’s about 246 hp and 240 lb-ft, if you’re keeping score.

Article Source (http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103095)
BOB GRITZINGER
Posted Date: 8/30/05

Also, see this thread:
http://www.cobaltss.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5137

brifriinc
08-30-2005, 01:17 PM
repost? you even posted in the original thread... whyd you decide to repost it?

zinner
08-30-2005, 01:22 PM
repost? you even posted in the original thread... whyd you decide to repost it?
So it could be on the front page.

brifriinc
08-30-2005, 01:28 PM
:cssNET: Gotcha :D

OneLunG
08-30-2005, 01:36 PM
That dissapoints me actually. I was hoping the upgrades would be more worth it. We can already get Stage 2 numbers by buying psifi's kit...

memphisr24
08-30-2005, 01:37 PM
What happened to the 280hp stage 2!?!?!? I have the freakin 6 year extended warranty and the best they have is 245? WTF. I'm so pissed off right now. Would the stage 2 be still under warranty? If not thats BS. I'd be better off getting the PSI-FI kit and voiding my warranty.

zinner
08-30-2005, 01:38 PM
That dissapoints me actually. I was hoping the upgrades would be more worth it. We can already get Stage 2 numbers by buying psifi's kit...

Warrenty, and of course you don't have to put up with CEL and Limp mode from a piggy back type of solution. I think Psi-Fi has that pretty much taken care of but people are still reporting it, like if you put on a K&N intake with PSI-FI it was putting out codes.

brifriinc
08-30-2005, 01:39 PM
That dissapoints me actually. I was hoping the upgrades would be more worth it. We can already get Stage 2 numbers by buying psifi's kit...

how can you say that there not worth it, when they haven't even released prices....

memphisr24
08-30-2005, 01:41 PM
Everyone was talking about the 280 and I was so excited. AHHH lol this sux :( I'm hoping that the 245 was like their 205 how mostly everyone is getting more than 205 to the wheels, then that twould be pretty cool.

brifriinc
08-30-2005, 01:45 PM
yea think about it... if they say 20 percent gain, and people are dynoing at 215- 220 then that would be right around the 260 mark. ththats not bad at all... throw on I/E and you got that 280... but then again, im still waitin for the prices...

MarcS
08-30-2005, 01:46 PM
Everyone was talking about the 280 and I was so excited. AHHH lol this sux :( I'm hoping that the 245 was like their 205 how mostly everyone is getting more than 205 to the wheels, then that twould be pretty cool.
If they are basing the gains from the origional 205 then add about 10hp to the staged numbers.

Stage 2 projected at 245hp would then be 255.

+ intake (8-10hp)
+ header (~10hp)
+ exhaust (~10-12hp)

My estimates could be off but that puts us at around ~280hp all things considered.

memphisr24
08-30-2005, 01:48 PM
From the parts that they replace I would think around the PSI-FI kit and probably even more....Fuel injectors alone are pretty expensive.

love my SS
08-30-2005, 02:01 PM
sounds like we might be closing in on 300 hp.... anybody got any idea what 0-60 times migh be with the new stage upgrades, also 1/4 mile times?

MarcS
08-30-2005, 02:06 PM
My guess would be mid 5 seconds 0-60, and possibly 13.7-13.8 1/4.

You will probably need to upgrade the clutch with that much torque, especially if you plan on drag racing.

p7x
08-30-2005, 02:10 PM
I have to say im really dissappointed if those are actaully the numbers they're putting out. My plans were for stage 2 (280 hp) add on exhaust, intake and headers (20-30 hp) For a 300+ hp SS. If stage 2 is only 245 hp it better be cheap. If not THIS F**KING BLOWS. But no matter what I wont rest until I destroy ever one!

LoozCannon
08-30-2005, 03:39 PM
All I have to say is:

:thumb:

Now.. if only I can talk the wife into it....

Looz

05BurntOGSL
08-30-2005, 04:29 PM
If they are basing the gains from the origional 205 then add about 10hp to the staged numbers.

Stage 2 projected at 245hp would then be 255.

+ intake (8-10hp)
+ header (~10hp)
+ exhaust (~10-12hp)

My estimates could be off but that puts us at around ~280hp all things considered.


Intake on a S/C car? :confused: :eek: :wtf:

MarcS
08-30-2005, 04:37 PM
Intake on a S/C car? :confused: :eek: :wtf:
:confused:

raff
08-30-2005, 04:45 PM
Maybe it's just me.. but I'm pretty excited about those upgrades.. I'm not one for tweaking everything on my car.. so these upgrades look pretty good to me. As someone has already posted.. a few other minor upgrades, and we're looking at 280HP.. holy shite!!

Nice job GM.. keep it up IMO

brianfcp
08-30-2005, 05:11 PM
intake/header/exhaust only wont make 75 hp upgrade. i see around 20 more HP. (realistically)

Maverick
08-30-2005, 06:10 PM
All though this is in some way disappointing, there maybe a bright side. The stuff should be cheaper. I have read before that stage 2 was going to include a clutch, now that doesn't seem to be the case. This alone should make the price pretty reasonable.

My guesses:

Stage 1: $350
Stage 2: $700

Although the psi-fi kti will land you around 235-240hp and close to 250 lb/ft of torque. Those are pretty much Stage two numbers right there. That kit costs $725 installed. But, if I had a choice (and we all do) I'd choose a recalibration over a piggy-back everytime.

GM this all rides on price.

I'd say anything over $800 installed would be too much for Stage 2.

SilverSS/SC
08-30-2005, 07:01 PM
....if a 20% gain holds up with stg. 2 , thats a nice little gain given the SS's actual hp ratings . On a SS that currently dynoed at 215 wp , thats 258 whp with stg. 2 . How much power does a FWD car lose thru the drivetrain ? Typically with a RWD its 15% . IF that were true with a FWD car , 240ish at the wheels would be around 280 at the crank .

memphisr24
08-30-2005, 07:04 PM
I think it's closer to 8 - 10% loss for FWD cars.

RedCobaltSS06
08-30-2005, 07:22 PM
Probably off topic, but i just boought a 2.4L SS. Any news on performance upgrades for the 171 ho 2.4L? I know i haven't heard anything... But the stage two kit for the sc version seems like it will be a worthwhile ad-on as long as GM keeps it affordable.

memphisr24
08-30-2005, 07:37 PM
I haven't heard of upgrades for the 2.4 SS, however, the aftermarket will be all over it since it's naturally aspirated. But then there goes your warranty

Co27SSKid
08-30-2005, 08:08 PM
well, i was also hoping for more of an srt-gain with each stage, but i guess that just leaves me to wish for a stage 3 - 4 :cssNET:

Co27SSKid
08-30-2005, 08:09 PM
I haven't heard of upgrades for the 2.4 SS, however, the aftermarket will be all over it since it's naturally aspirated. But then there goes your warranty



memphisr24 just wondering what dealership u bought from. I live over in Ridgefield, and will be gettting mine in another month or 2....

MarcS
08-30-2005, 08:10 PM
well, i was also hoping for more of an srt-gain with each stage, but i guess that just leaves me to wish for a stage 3 - 4 :cssNET:
It is slightly behind the srt4 kits. However, the stage 2 kits sets you up nicely to acheive ~280hp without getting into the engine with I/H/E.

phxSS
08-30-2005, 08:27 PM
I bet it'll be $500 for stage 1, and $800 for stage 2 (not including install).

MacG321
08-30-2005, 10:13 PM
hey at least GM finally put a set date out....right?? ;)

OneLunG
08-30-2005, 10:39 PM
The thing you all fail to realize is that GM likes to price out parts pretty high. I know, I work at a GM dealership....I expect it to be an arm and a leg for what were buying....but hey, who knows I may be wrong...

stic5
08-30-2005, 11:04 PM
....if a 20% gain holds up with stg. 2 , thats a nice little gain given the SS's actual hp ratings . On a SS that currently dynoed at 215 wp , thats 258 whp with stg. 2 . How much power does a FWD car lose thru the drivetrain ? Typically with a RWD its 15% . IF that were true with a FWD car , 240ish at the wheels would be around 280 at the crank .

Silver SS/SC is right. A 20% percent gain over our current power would be very good upgrade. Here are my calculations using VERY conservative numbers just to make sure I'm not overestimating.

Our current HP:
210 at wheels + 10% to make up for powertrain loss = 231 HP at the crank

Stage 2 HP:
231 HP at crank + 20% = 277 HP

In other words, we ARE going to get about 280 HP with the stage 2 upgrade people!

avro206
08-31-2005, 12:11 AM
stage 1 sounds a bit lame. Stage two--much better. Plus you won't void the warranty.

I bet the 9.5 to 1 cr is limiting the amount of power that can be safely made. The SRT-4 has 8.5:1, I think.

avro206
08-31-2005, 12:13 AM
Probably off topic, but i just boought a 2.4L SS. Any news on performance upgrades for the 171 ho 2.4L? I know i haven't heard anything... But the stage two kit for the sc version seems like it will be a worthwhile ad-on as long as GM keeps it affordable.

I heard GM will make a CAI (or something like that) for the Solstice.

Hopefully they will do something for us 2.4L SS owners.

I'd like to see:

CAI
header
exhaust
cam
ECM recalbration---get the CVT to kick in higher.

25hp is all I am asking for!

theBLUEone
08-31-2005, 12:50 AM
I can't WAIT!!! I will purchase soon as the kits are released!!!! I think the stage 2 kit will be worth the extra $$$!!!!!!! :cssNET:

Vendian
08-31-2005, 12:57 AM
If the stage two upgrade is close to $800 for that much HP I'd be psyched. I was dreading it to be closer to $1500 + install charges. That would suck, so I don't want to wish on $800 just yet.

RedCobaltSS06
08-31-2005, 01:02 AM
There is some serious potential in the 2.4L... I mean, it could kill any srt4 given the right GM upgrades, but if it was quality aftermarket stuff... i would at least consider it. My dad works at a dealership so i get discounted labor even if i do void my warranty... I just hope GM takes advantage of this motor...

PaulSS
08-31-2005, 01:28 AM
Anyone think someone from Chevy is German?

zinner
08-31-2005, 02:05 AM
I heard GM will make a CAI (or something like that) for the Solstice.

Hopefully they will do something for us 2.4L SS owners.

I'd like to see:

CAI
header
exhaust
cam
ECM recalbration---get the CVT to kick in higher.

25hp is all I am asking for!


Well the LSJ has been out for over a year now (in the 2004 Ion Redline) and chevy still doesn't have any upgrades yet, so I am sure you have a bit of a wait on your hands.

QuikFKR
08-31-2005, 11:15 AM
Silver SS/SC is right. A 20% percent gain over our current power would be very good upgrade. Here are my calculations using VERY conservative numbers just to make sure I'm not overestimating.

Our current HP:
210 at wheels + 10% to make up for powertrain loss = 231 HP at the crank

Stage 2 HP:
231 HP at crank + 20% = 277 HP

In other words, we ARE going to get about 280 HP with the stage 2 upgrade people!



I'm sure it changes depending on who you talk to but I have always heard drivetrain loss on a standard tranny to be 17%, and between 20% to 25% with an auto.

I know it sounds excessive compared to what you guys are saying, but I've heard this from at least 3 different dyno guys.

memphisr24
08-31-2005, 01:45 PM
memphisr24 just wondering what dealership u bought from. I live over in Ridgefield, and will be gettting mine in another month or 2....

I was going to go to Paramus Chevy but they didn't have one so I bought my SS/SC at Hawthorne Chevy. :cssNET:

They also give me a free tank of gas if I bring in the survey to fill out with them that GM sent me :) I should be doing that tomorrow on the 1st.

jzchev28
08-31-2005, 02:00 PM
sounds great to me! :bow: more HP is never a bad thing :bow:

05RedSS
09-01-2005, 01:18 AM
YAY! This is basically the same stuff that was listed for our cars in the Eco Tec build book. All I have to say is I will get all the stage 2 kit parts for only 10% above cost. Always helps when your brother is a parts manager at a Chevy dealer! :lol: He's got a 2004 Redline so I bet he'll get this as well. I wonder who's car's faster now lol? :cool:

Tom

nathanstl
09-02-2005, 12:13 AM
Hey this is great news for you guys. I think you guys are a little off on the prices though. I bet they will be more $$$ than you guys are expecting, especially if they cover them under your warranty. Also how do you guys know that GM is going to cover them under warranty. That article said something about the owners installing them and I have my doubts that something user installed will be covered under a warranty. If it is I will be jealous ;-). And for everyone that's disappointed that these aren't SRT stage numbers, lets compare:

SRT-4
Stock 230HP 250TQ
Stage 1 240HP 260TQ (+10HP/10TQ) $399
Stage 2 265HP 280TQ (+35HP/30TQ) $999
Stage 2 280HP 300TQ (+50HP/50TQ) $1599 w/toys and High Octane Gas
Stage 3 310HP 325TQ (+80HP/75TQ) $3499
Stage 3 355HP 365TQ (+125HP/115TQ) $4199 w/toys and High Octane Gas

Cobalt SS/SC
Stock 205HP 200TQ
Stage 1 225HP (+20HP)
Stage 2 245HP 240TQ (+40HP/40TQ)

Looks to me like you guys are getting a little better upgrades then the same stage srt kits(pump gas) so be happy and beg for Stage 3. Can't wait to meet some of you on the streets after I get my Stage 3 with toys installed unless of course it is codyss, because I know he would own me :rolleyes: .

stic5
09-03-2005, 12:53 AM
I'm sure it changes depending on who you talk to but I have always heard drivetrain loss on a standard tranny to be 17%, and between 20% to 25% with an auto.

I know it sounds excessive compared to what you guys are saying, but I've heard this from at least 3 different dyno guys.


You are correct. I only used 10% because I wanted my numbers to undershoot our true horsepower instead of overshoot it. Therefore, the 277 HP I caluclated for stage 2 should be a little low. 285 might be more like it, or possibly more.

Drenz
09-03-2005, 09:20 PM
In the article it keeps refering to "with a pully and engine recalibration job" ... is this calibration job a tune or a computer chip mod?

SuperchargedSS
09-07-2005, 01:51 PM
Were the numbers they posted true dyno numbers or numbers they received from Chevy marketing? BIG difference there. Until I see what these are putting down on the dyno, and know what kind of money were talking about here, I am going to stay very optimistic. Just be happy you can grab all this in a TESTED kit. Awesome deal and one of the reasons I really went for the cobalt. 245-260 wHp is wayyyyy enough for this kids daily driving. If I were to turn this into a dragster, well then the sky would be the limit. Start playing around the 300whp mark and parts start becoming an issue. That is, if you punch it.

97cavie24ls
09-07-2005, 06:07 PM
gm doesnt , and hasnt used chips since they went to the OBD2 standards

the program will be a reflash with the new tune up

mycavisux97
10-25-2005, 07:04 PM
intake/header/exhaust only wont make 75 hp upgrade. i see around 20 more HP. (realistically)

those mods will make more than 20.. not 70hp more like 35. the cobalts are allready at 215. remember GMs underrating the engine.

PyroSS
10-25-2005, 11:29 PM
yeah but one thing is. anything past a stage two in an srt-4 isn't street legal. in cali anyways. cause of the smog. so most people get a stage one and thats all. we'll be able to go with a stage two in our cobalts and still be street legal in cali anyways. so yeah. who knows maybe the psifi twin charge kit will be pretty promising. just wait i guess