Hello everyone.
I have an 09 cobalt ss sedan with 100k on it. It pulls great and doesn't seem to have any issues. I have all the bolt on and have her tuned at 20 psi via hptuner. I was wondering how much more life I can get out of the engine if I slap a zfr on it. Of course I will be changing the clutch. My goal is to reach 400/400. I'm currently at 310/340 on 93 pump gas.


I would appreciate any advise and or experiences you guys have. Thanks

 

I wouldnt be as worried about the engine as with the trans. That being said, has the timing been replaced yet? Just get a good tune. Also consider cams and a ported head. would make it easier to get there.

 

400/400 might be a little hard on just 93. Just give it conservative boost ramp and as gov said I would do the CED timing chain kit and you'll be all set.

 

Also, with ZFR dont slam the gas while low in third gear. you will blow up that F35

 

So should I swap transmission? What about zzp?

 

I mean you could try and get a 4.45 gear set or 4.05 but if you just drive it safe you should be ok. Just have the tuner keep the boost lower down low.

 

thanks, now the trick will be finding a tuner down here in Houston.

 

i would do it why not? lol just dont beat the $h!t outta the car and you should be fine

 

Do a compression ancient leak down test and you will get your answer

 

I've wondered myself how the bottom ends of the LNF motors wear being they have a full life in Mobil 1. I've heard synthetic oiled cars can have near zero bearing and ring wear but that was in a Super Chevy article a long time ago, and could have been biased, who knows. Anyone who has tore down a higher mileage wish to share they're findings?

The one thing that would concern me besides the fore-mentioned timing chain is the cylinder head gunk. Might be a good time to give that a good cleaning before the big turbo goes on. Mine is at 97,000 miles, but I dont beat it often, no NLS, and always over 3500 when I hop on it, 24PSI boost. No trans problems after 10K on the ZFR, but that being said I am putting in a 4.45 trans come spring just to be safe. Im past due for my timing chain, going to have Omnitek build me a head and do both at same time.

 

Thanks for the input bud. I don't nls either. So how are your dyno numbers ? what clutch are you running?

 

IMO if you are gonna put a zfr on it do a trans also so you can at least beat on it and have some fun.I Dont see a point in shelling out the money to make 400whp to turn the power down, baby it and not race it.

 

[QUOTE=Highgross89;7262243]Thanks for the input bud. I don't nls either. So how are your dyno numbers ? what clutch are you running?[

I'm actually running the stock clutch and somehow it held until recently it started slipping a small amount. I have a GMPP clutch ready to go in when I do the gear/trans swap. I'm using a progressive meth setup, no E85 stations for 50 miles where I live. John ( 09CobaltSS1 ) did all my tuning and did an awesome job. He just tuned a similar setup to mine and it was right at 420WHP when dynoed, so I would be happy with 400-420. Might be able to squeeze out more with the meth, but I'll set my sights low so I'm not too disappointed. I better wait till I get my gears/clutch in till I do dyno time, this spring for sure. I do hop on it, just not all the time. I was able to do a 4.09 60 to 100 on my HP tuners log, those gears should help....come on 3's! Lol. My car still runs smooth, no weird noises, still 5 quarts of oil in the pan at every oil change at 97k.

 

I'm in Houston, and have hp tuners. I'm in the same boat, i just blew 3rd gear on a pull with my e47 tune on the stock k04. I'm tying to install an lsj 4.05 lsd tranny right now by myself in my one car garage lol. I'm going with the pwerks wr3 turbo just for all out power potential, no need for a bov, bolt on, and later spool to help the tranny ( Dave said 3200-3500rpms) which is about perfect. $250 more than a zfr it'll be so I'm happy.

 

I've had my trans out twice by myself first time went together super easy second a little harder but still quick

 

Its mostly just getting everything out of the way thats pissing me off. I moved from Ohio, so its got some salt corrosion on some of the bolts and my huge breaker bar is not loosening them. Did you have to drop the subframe completely down or just lower it a bit? I have everything ready to drop now and have a jack with a 2x4 under the oil pan, should that work?

Sorry for the threadjack OP, but if you need help tuning, let me know.

And after all I found out that I'm getting a good deal on a ZFR that i can't pass on so i'll end up tuning mine anyways.

 

Subframe needs to be totally our for a trans to come out

 

Update for OP. ZFR has been on for a few weeks now, my car has 109k on it, running great, tune is spot on and that definitely makes a world of difference. Running a boost ramp, 25psi and 23 deg timing on E47. I'm very happy with the car, feels completely different than before.

 

4.05 holding up well?

 

Yes, so far so good. Boost comes on to about 22 psi until 4500 rpms then ramps up to 25-26 psi by 4800 rpms and pulls until 6500 rpms, 22-23 deg timing up top, .89 lambda. Car is very fast on the e47 and alky/water injection, and the KY stage 3 is holding all the power.


And boy am i glad i did the increased clearance zzp intercooler. I would've already ruined the standard one on the inclined driveways here in Houston.

 

Hope to see it and meet you at the Lone Star Bash on May 10th, sounds like its running great!

 

kinda late on this butttttt, i have 98k on my 09 LNF and i think i may have just popped it. tuned on 93 by matt at zzp and im losing coolant.......either the turbo blew a seal (12k on that) or cracked a coolant passage. just a FYI. ill post the results once i narrow it down for sure.

 

how long you been tuned?

 

what boost pressure, i'm curious, and whats your driving style.

 

HG maybe? Prolly to late to be a pourus block issue. Now sell me your 4.45 LOL.