what should i get gm stage 1 or the stage 2


do you really notice the extra 15 hp from stage one to stage 2?

just debating if the stage 2 is worth the extra money


anyone suggestions would help alot

 

i think its more of the torque you get from the stage 2 due to the more boost from the blower

 

so its better to go with the stage 2?

 

I want stage 2.... but you must consider all the other mods you will have to do to handle the extra power. Most everyone I have spoken to has they're clutch worn out shortly after stage 2 install(is this correct?). what does the clutch w/ install cost that can handle stage 2?
I would also assume you'll need the poly trans and motor mounts?

I am actually considering to just go stage 1..... can anyone address how the SC's clutch handles stage 1?
and the trans and motor mounts? short term and long term

You have to consider if you can afford everything that needs to be done to have stage 2... upgrade wise and maintainence wise

I drive kinda hard, so i know stage 2 would end up costing big $$$$ in the long run!!! clutch, mounts, tires... anything else that I overlooked?

OK stage guys... tell us the cold hard facts!

 

Have a look at the dynos for both, stage 2 is WAAAY better. In stage one, you have to rev up high to get the power, In Stage 2, the HP and TQ come really early on and stay throughout the whole RPM range.

STG2!!!!!!

 

i agree i want facts on how stage 2 runs and stage 1 cuz im leaving Wednesday to go tot he states and i have to order either stage one or stage 2 tonight so it can get shipped to my hotel ..

 

Stage 2 is far better then stage one. Just skip stage 1 because you are not getting much out of it.

As for the clutch, there are plenty of people on the stock clutch and stage 2 with no problems.

 

You should spend the extra money for the extra torque and H P !!

 

either way, clutch problems can occur. its mostly how you drive the car.

BTW just go all aftermarket. The stage kits are a waste of $$$ in my opinion. The dealership will always try to find a way to not do warranty work to your car anyway.

 

yeah GM stage kits are a joke. I made my own GM stage 2 kit with a tune installed it myself and spent a total of 250 dollars. If i went to gm the kit alone is 650 bucks, plus 200 dollars install, depending on dealer, could be as high as 400. Then when it comes time for warranty work if i ever needed it, they would find a reason to void my warranty. Be it abuse, another aftermkarket mod, or just the GM stage kit alone.

 

that would be my suggestion, go all aftermarket parts, It might come out cheaper to get a 2.8 pulley or smaller, 60lb injectors, and the stage 2 belt from an aftermarket dealer like zzp, and you'll probably get better performance than the gmpp stage 2.

 

If you really want to use the GM stuff, get the Stage 1 package then add your own 3" pulley, or go straight to a 2.8-2.9 pulley. I ended up using stage 1 because I already had the 3" installed, then I bought the Stage 2 belt when I put on my 2.8. Works perfectly.

 

2.8 MPS = 100$
S2 belt = 40$
60lb injectors w/ harness = 250$ (at most)


Stage 2 = 550$
Install = 200$

you can get it installed and tuned for less that 360$ and have a much better running car.

 

what about the tune were did u get that done?

 

I know a lot of people vote to go with other aftermarket options but I suggest stage 1, stage 2 belt and an after market pulley to save you a bit of cash. I went with the GM stage tune because personally I feel it is very reliable. I'm sure there are plenty of shops and people with HPT that could give you a good reliable tune, but you can be sure that a lot of R&D went into the GM tune. I like the idea of having a safe tune with a good boost in power and most likely not have warranty problems with just the pulley not being from GM (depends on the dealership really).

 

Its the GM tune, the one that comes with the stage 1 kit. I was working at Chevy at the time, got it installed for $40, paid cost for the kit, not too bad, free pulley, $30 belt. Like $350 total.

 

so its the stage 1 tune not the stage 2 tune?

 

The stage 1 kit seems like a better bang for the buck...

 

Same tune, Stage 2 just adds the 3" pulley and a shorter belt. Buy the belt separate and get your own pully, and you save like $200.

 

thanks for all the help guys

 

until you look at the dyno sheets

 

the only people with worn out clutches are the people who wore out their clutches.


A bad carpenter blames his tools.

 

Amen brother.

 

, you have 5,000 posts and your asking this question

 

that is a very good way to put it

If I understand what you are saying, is that if driven correctly, there are NO upgrades necessary to handle the increased power and torque. As I said, I do some track events and drive kinda hard... that is where my fear of additional expense comes in to play.
I have been to Skip Barber... so my technique is pretty darn good!