I've had my Cobalt SS TC for about 3 months maybe now, and I dont know why, but the butt dyno is telling me my car isnt as fast as it was, so I'm looking for some new parts with the tax return. If I go from straight stock to Catted DP, K&N SRI, and GMS1, would that be enough of a power boost to keep me from getting bored for atleast another 3 months?

Im one of the guys afraid to kill his warrenty with anything but the GMS1 tune.

Oh, and if I drove it the same, would I see a huge drop in MPGs too, or about the same?

Oh and would I be safe to assume that it would be ~300hp?

Oh, and Im out of last minute questions...

 

sometimes those dynos are never calibrated right.

 

Yeah, butt dynos are notoriously deceptive

GMS1 is 280hp and 320tq if Im not mistaking. I also believe that MPG is actually better on GMS1. It is a nice boost in power that you will notice and keep you happy for some time. Those are all nice aftermarket parts. Just make sure you install them AFTER the dealer installs the GMS1 kit. And if you have to ever take it back for service, put all the stock parts back on so they cant BS you and blame aftermarket parts as the cause.

 

Yea, I was aware of the power from GMS1 and def will keep the parts to swap. The intake should put it near the 290/340 that the Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice get from the GMS1 right? I read it was only the stock airbox that holds the the cobalt at the 280/320. Just thinking outloud on the forums here

 

Yeah, Ive heard of that. It may net you some more power as the GMS2 kit that never came out was supossed to be the addition of an intake. I think you will make more power under the curve but not more peak. It def makes a difference though and you will be happy with that extra TQ

 

IMO try this. Get the GM stage 1. See how you like it. Its a big boost over stock butt dyno feeling wise. Then see how you like it. Then do a no cat or high flow cat downpipe and consider a hpt or trifecta tune later. After that do the standard mods of intake, charge pipes, forge bpv etc.

 

That was my original plan for the spring when I bought the car, but then I thought itd be much more fun to go from stock to all 3 right away, and then afterwards go for the IC and charge piping and BPV. I just like the idea of one big jump.

Also, cubaniche, I think id prefer just more AOC power, the peak power is only nice for when your swinging your d*ck around

 

if you do all of that you might as well tune it, just keep stock parts and if anything happens tow it to your house and install the stock parts and tune before taking it in to a dealer if your that worryed about warranty

 

Well there you go then! My thoughts exactly on the power.

 

Now since Northvibe mentioned it, should I just get the pieces one by one, and just wait until the new parts seem old before I buy more new ones, or just do it all at once? The all at once seems like it would be a pretty awesome feeling

 

well I mentioned my way above thinking you could not dump a ton of money right away. Depends on your finances.

Here is my mod list and when:
buy car
buy injen charge pipe on sale
Buy TWM shifter bushings on sale
Buy hahn catted downpipe on sale
Gm stage 1 was purchased the day it was announced, but didnt get it installed until last summer as the car was stored in the winter.
K&n intake on sale from first batch made

So I wait for parts to go on sale and that is usually the day of announcement or a few months after they are out to get another push of product out. I dont like to buy stuff all at once so I can get things on sale, piece them together and save money for other things. I still need to buy tires etc. I have slowly purchased a few mods over the winter (while car is stored), twm shifter linkage upgrade, forge bpv, hpt tuning software. So its all up to you, if you can afford it buy them all at once, but if you want "Deals" get them when they go on sale and slowly piece together your car. I like working on my car so doing 1 mod at a time is more fun imo.

 

You won't get much extra power from the intake and/or downpipe without being tuned specifically for those mods. If you are just limiting yourself to the GM stage 1, then you might be disappointed. The tune is the biggest bang for the buck.

 

I know the tune will make the most difference. The down pipe I hear is just a few hp and helps the turbo spool up quicker. The intake would prolly add a bit more midrange but nothing at the peak is my guess. Just thinking to go all at once for all 3 while I have the cash.

 

dooo eeeet!!! GMS1 will put a smile on your face all over again

 

Thats what I said lol The extra TQ that the GMS1 puts down is quite a bit more than stock
Those mods will make the car more responsive to throttle input and make it all around more fun to drive day to day.

If youve got the cash burning a hole in your pocket then get all the parts that you want. The order I did mine was kinda like northvibe as well as shopping for really good deals. Its all up to you and how you like to mod man.

 

i did a dyno comparison using a local dyno. after the tune i made 39 more WHP and 72 more WTQ with just GMS1 tune and no other mods.

 

Awesome man. The proof is right there for the OP then.
That extra TQ really livens up the car does it not?
I have GMS1 as my daily tune and love it.

 

yep it's a noticeable difference... doesn't hit ya like a freight train like the customs tunes do but it will definately command more respect from the driver and put a huge smile on your face... for me it was like when i went from my hyundai accent to the SS and put the pedal to the floor for the first time all over again.

 

ya gm stage 1 isnt as bad as people say. Its a great tune for keeping "stock" and warranty and adding some pep. IMO should of came stock. But no doubt a custom tune will rock your world.