The 2006 Cobalt SS/SC Experience
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The 2006 Cobalt SS/SC Experience
<img src="https://www.cobaltss.net/articles/css1.jpg" align="left" border="0" hspace="5" vspace="5">As most of you know already I recently purchased a 2006 black cobalt SS/SC, and absolutely have been blown away by it. I have had it for almost 2 weeks now and thought I would weigh in with my experience thus far. I decided on the Cobalt after going through a very intense test driving session, and research phase, involving many cars. I test drove quite a few vehicles before settling on the SS, and to be brutally honest I was biased against domestic 4cyls to begin with. I own a Mazda 3 GT, and have always had an import in the garage. Until now. FYI - I am still keeping the 3, its an awesome car too.
My first week with the car, I really did baby it for the most part, with just a couple minor exceptions. Very minor. I have not launched or brought the car above 5 RPM. However being this conservative I have still managed to change some smirks into smiles from unsuspecting challengers. This car turns some heads, and gets thumbs almost daily. It is also LOUD for a factory car. I love the sound of the exhaust on this vehicle. It seems to run a lot louder, and better with Ultra 94.
The only fall backs of this car (if you can call them that) are related to the
performance set up. For me I find the clutch to be very nice and tight, for some people it's a nightmare I understand. I have been away from 5 speed for a few years now and I got back into the saddle with ease on this car. Still, most shortfalls I hear are in regards to how powerful the drive train is as well as the stiff ride.
Well, I didn’t buy this car thinking it had the ride of a Lincoln...
Overall I cannot believe how much power this car packs. There is no way this engine is 205.... I have to get mine dynoed. It’s unreal. I will second all those dynoss out there showing the SS/SC being under rated. It's WAYYYY under rated. I have had a few ricers etc who don’t know how to pick thier battles try to pull me, and without even coming close to WOT, I pull ahead. A lot of people do not know about the ss/sc.... and I love it.
Also the handling of this car is remarkable. I experience a tiny bit of under-steer but it’s very manageable. I think I am going to hold off on mods for about a year with the exception of Intake/Exhaust. Its powerful enough to get you into a lot of trouble as it is. The only crappy thing is driving a car like this with some dough head going 10 Km/h under the speed limit in front of you. Argghhh traffic sux.
For daily road driving, I would much rather have a supercharger than a turb'. Even though I love the BoV sound , I just find the instant "BAM" of the supercharger to be just what I need. I recommend really taking a supercharger out before deciding on a turbo.
Every time I get out of this car, I count the minutes before I get back in
Good work GM, better late than never.
My first week with the car, I really did baby it for the most part, with just a couple minor exceptions. Very minor. I have not launched or brought the car above 5 RPM. However being this conservative I have still managed to change some smirks into smiles from unsuspecting challengers. This car turns some heads, and gets thumbs almost daily. It is also LOUD for a factory car. I love the sound of the exhaust on this vehicle. It seems to run a lot louder, and better with Ultra 94.
The only fall backs of this car (if you can call them that) are related to the
performance set up. For me I find the clutch to be very nice and tight, for some people it's a nightmare I understand. I have been away from 5 speed for a few years now and I got back into the saddle with ease on this car. Still, most shortfalls I hear are in regards to how powerful the drive train is as well as the stiff ride.
Well, I didn’t buy this car thinking it had the ride of a Lincoln...
Overall I cannot believe how much power this car packs. There is no way this engine is 205.... I have to get mine dynoed. It’s unreal. I will second all those dynoss out there showing the SS/SC being under rated. It's WAYYYY under rated. I have had a few ricers etc who don’t know how to pick thier battles try to pull me, and without even coming close to WOT, I pull ahead. A lot of people do not know about the ss/sc.... and I love it.
Also the handling of this car is remarkable. I experience a tiny bit of under-steer but it’s very manageable. I think I am going to hold off on mods for about a year with the exception of Intake/Exhaust. Its powerful enough to get you into a lot of trouble as it is. The only crappy thing is driving a car like this with some dough head going 10 Km/h under the speed limit in front of you. Argghhh traffic sux.
For daily road driving, I would much rather have a supercharger than a turb'. Even though I love the BoV sound , I just find the instant "BAM" of the supercharger to be just what I need. I recommend really taking a supercharger out before deciding on a turbo.
Every time I get out of this car, I count the minutes before I get back in
Good work GM, better late than never.
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Yes, I hear ya. Despite what I say, the easter bunny may drop me an egg full of stage 2 parts this spring...... . Intake and exhaust are a given, but I need to see more dynos to choose which solution is best. I am not liking what I see as far as intake design is concerned either, but that will soon change in due time. I will mod the car slightly, its just a matter of when thats all. I punched it late last night in 2nd and I literally felt my eyes suck back into thier sockets...
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Looking forward nearly the exact same car when mine gets here (Black SS-SC). Is the ride really bad, because I heard it is not punishing, while still offering impressive levels of grip and stability. Mine also has the G85 performance package, did you get that?
I totally agree about the supercharger. I'd take a 205HP (Ok, it's actually much more) supercharged 2.0L over a 230HP turbo anyday of the week! Supercharger sounds sweet, plus it has not lag because it's belt driven!
Congrats!
I totally agree about the supercharger. I'd take a 205HP (Ok, it's actually much more) supercharged 2.0L over a 230HP turbo anyday of the week! Supercharger sounds sweet, plus it has not lag because it's belt driven!
Congrats!
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Oh man, your in for a real surprise. COngrats you have made an awesome choice....
Is the ride really bad? Not at all. It can be though, if you have a fat clutch foot. Same in any high hp car.
You can get the 1st gear chug a lug pretty easy if your not ready for this clutch. I find the clutch pedal has a lot of spring in it. At first I thought this was a compromise until I figured out that its going to help you .... well..... your about to fine out
Cant wait, this car looks MEAN in black.....
btw:
I originally had the g85 on order, but it got cancleed and instead of waiting an unkinown amount of time, I took a non G85 with red accents. Looks really nice. I will miss the LSD a bit, but the service rep at GM said he can get ame a good deal on the quaiffe. I may toss one on in the spring.
Is the ride really bad? Not at all. It can be though, if you have a fat clutch foot. Same in any high hp car.
You can get the 1st gear chug a lug pretty easy if your not ready for this clutch. I find the clutch pedal has a lot of spring in it. At first I thought this was a compromise until I figured out that its going to help you .... well..... your about to fine out
Cant wait, this car looks MEAN in black.....
btw:
I originally had the g85 on order, but it got cancleed and instead of waiting an unkinown amount of time, I took a non G85 with red accents. Looks really nice. I will miss the LSD a bit, but the service rep at GM said he can get ame a good deal on the quaiffe. I may toss one on in the spring.
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Originally Posted by SuperchargedSS
btw:
I originally had the g85 on order, but it got cancleed and instead of waiting an unkinown amount of time, I took a non G85 with red accents. Looks really nice. I will miss the LSD a bit, but the service rep at GM said he can get ame a good deal on the quaiffe. I may toss one on in the spring.
I originally had the g85 on order, but it got cancleed and instead of waiting an unkinown amount of time, I took a non G85 with red accents. Looks really nice. I will miss the LSD a bit, but the service rep at GM said he can get ame a good deal on the quaiffe. I may toss one on in the spring.
Other than that glad to hear you're happy with the car and excellent write up...I've got the same problem of counting minutes with my LS...come 4:30 at work I'm chomping at the bit to get in it and drive!
Permafried-
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Oh yeah, I know installing an LSD is a demanding job on this SS, but it can be done quite easily if performed by someone who knows what they are doing. Note: This means I will not be doing this myself The SS is extremely tear down friendly from what I have been hearing, and seeing. As for price I will take a slight bit of a hit, but don't worry it wouldnt be much at all.
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Originally Posted by SuperchargedSS
Every time I get out of this car, I count the minutes before I get back in
#12
I have a 06 SS/SC in arival blue and i love it to death! at school i always park far far away from neone...im still deciding on black rims or stock, and a CF hood...when i get the dounut money for it 1st
#14
Well I guess it's my turn to join in and tell everyone about me getting a black s/c. From what you said about the ss I can't wait til it comes in. They told me 4-6 weeks, that was 3 weeks ago. So hopfully it will be here in 2 more weeks.
#15
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I love the instant boost from the supercharger as well! Also the whine of the charger when you are on the gas is way more satisfying than a BOV.
Coming from a great handling car (99 cougar w/ race suspension) I do have to say that the cobalt ss's handling isn't something to brag about although it does grip pretty well.
Coming from a great handling car (99 cougar w/ race suspension) I do have to say that the cobalt ss's handling isn't something to brag about although it does grip pretty well.
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While we are all happy about our descisions buying this car and owning them, lets not forget that as easy as it is to speed off into the distance, it's just as easy to get pulled over. I say this all the time and go against it on more than one occasion but in all reality we want our cars to be great driving experiences for us without having to pay for tickets. In no way is this saying don't have fun but remember our cars look awesome on the road and pimpin it down the street representing the cobalt line at the posted speed gets just as many looks if not more than some hot shot showing off only to find out noone can tell what they are driving. Keep it safe keep insurance down
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Cops love this car. I had one in it the other day, music blaring, supercharger charging... He took it for a good drive.From what I hear, I need to drag the flat top Interceptor... LOL (joke)
Hopefully that doesnt scare too many people here, but I do have blue in my family. I still like to have fun, and so do they.
Be safe. Always. It goes without saying. Use your head and you will be fine. If you are speeding in residential areas, near bus stops , schools, or places where there are kids and get nailed for speeding, you have no one but to blame but yourself. Street racing in urban areas is russian roulette. The best driver in the world can't re write the laws of physics....
Hopefully that doesnt scare too many people here, but I do have blue in my family. I still like to have fun, and so do they.
Be safe. Always. It goes without saying. Use your head and you will be fine. If you are speeding in residential areas, near bus stops , schools, or places where there are kids and get nailed for speeding, you have no one but to blame but yourself. Street racing in urban areas is russian roulette. The best driver in the world can't re write the laws of physics....
#19
The car is amazing, mine's the 2,.4 so its not supercharged and it really gets up and goes, i can only imagine the feeling you guys get. great story, and yes GM finally got it right.
#21
Im am buying a 2006 black SS SC around the end of october, with the performance package(lsd, recardo seats) and the side curtain airbags "to save on insurance" Yea i'm paying for it myself to, im 17 years old, my dad will be cosigning for it and he wanted to see my report car first. But as being a senior and have work release, i only have 3 classes! soo I just need to wait for that report card to come out and i will be one happy son of a b!^$h!!!!
#23
Originally Posted by mi6_
Looking forward nearly the exact same car when mine gets here (Black SS-SC). Is the ride really bad, because I heard it is not punishing, while still offering impressive levels of grip and stability. Mine also has the G85 performance package, did you get that?
I totally agree about the supercharger. I'd take a 205HP (Ok, it's actually much more) supercharged 2.0L over a 230HP turbo anyday of the week! Supercharger sounds sweet, plus it has not lag because it's belt driven!
Congrats!
I totally agree about the supercharger. I'd take a 205HP (Ok, it's actually much more) supercharged 2.0L over a 230HP turbo anyday of the week! Supercharger sounds sweet, plus it has not lag because it's belt driven!
Congrats!
It does look mea in black, that's what color mine is. I seem to turn more heads now that I tinted the windows and shaved the emblems
#24
i have an 05 ss/sc black on black. dealerships still werent selling them here so i special-ordered mine in may and got it in june. the factory sent me a lemon, but the dealership has been pretty good about making sure everything works/looks as designed. despite the many problems i've had with it already, i still love this car. i'm used to muscle cars, so this is a totally different experience for me. i love the way it handles on windy roads and how it really sucks you into your seat. booya!
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I've had mine for 2 days and I absolutely love this car. The GM of the dealership didn't even know it was on the lot. They have 3 others, 2 black and 1 orange with the SC option. They must have 20 SS without the charger. I took some friends out and I was cruisin at 110 in 4th at around 4500 rpm...I got a HUGE smile out of them as they held on for dear life......I have the rally yellow SS/SC