Minor mods - best bang for the buck
Minor mods - best bang for the buck
First, I don't have a SS/TC yet, but in one more month and I'll have my 2004 GTO paid off. My wife and I have decided on the 09 SS/TC. We don't need max performance, I have an 11.88 second GTO and I'm building a big block 68 Camaro. So, the Cobalt will be a daily driver, but we want to be able to put the local ricers in their place if the opportunity arises.
Need some discussion on best bang for the buck performance mods. The GM stage kit is appealing since you retain full warranty (hopefully it'll be released within a couple of months). Maybe add a catted downpipe that will be available soon (Hahn or Clear Image) and decent charge piping since the stock plastic pipes are pure crap.
Not willing to spend big bucks on an intercooler or catback exhaust. I'm old and don't want the car to be noisy. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the stock catback is mandrel bent 2.5" tubing, right? At most, I might eventually replace the stock muffler with a Magnaflow for better flow.
Any flaws in my plan? GM stage kit takes care of the intake and tuning. The real bottleneck of the exhaust system is the downpipe and two stock cats, so replacing that with a good DP should solve that issue. Add charge piping more for reliability, but if it adds a bit more performance, great.
On other forums, I've seen turbo Solstice and HHR using the GM stage kits making 285-300 peak HP and 340-350 peak TQ at the wheels. I'd be very happy with numbers in the ballpark.
Need some discussion on best bang for the buck performance mods. The GM stage kit is appealing since you retain full warranty (hopefully it'll be released within a couple of months). Maybe add a catted downpipe that will be available soon (Hahn or Clear Image) and decent charge piping since the stock plastic pipes are pure crap.
Not willing to spend big bucks on an intercooler or catback exhaust. I'm old and don't want the car to be noisy. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the stock catback is mandrel bent 2.5" tubing, right? At most, I might eventually replace the stock muffler with a Magnaflow for better flow.
Any flaws in my plan? GM stage kit takes care of the intake and tuning. The real bottleneck of the exhaust system is the downpipe and two stock cats, so replacing that with a good DP should solve that issue. Add charge piping more for reliability, but if it adds a bit more performance, great.
On other forums, I've seen turbo Solstice and HHR using the GM stage kits making 285-300 peak HP and 340-350 peak TQ at the wheels. I'd be very happy with numbers in the ballpark.
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From: San Jose, California
First, I don't have a SS/TC yet, but in one more month and I'll have my 2004 GTO paid off. My wife and I have decided on the 09 SS/TC. We don't need max performance, I have an 11.88 second GTO and I'm building a big block 68 Camaro. So, the Cobalt will be a daily driver, but we want to be able to put the local ricers in their place if the opportunity arises.
Need some discussion on best bang for the buck performance mods. The GM stage kit is appealing since you retain full warranty (hopefully it'll be released within a couple of months). Maybe add a catted downpipe that will be available soon (Hahn or Clear Image) and decent charge piping since the stock plastic pipes are pure crap.
Not willing to spend big bucks on an intercooler or catback exhaust. I'm old and don't want the car to be noisy. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the stock catback is mandrel bent 2.5" tubing, right? At most, I might eventually replace the stock muffler with a Magnaflow for better flow.
Any flaws in my plan? GM stage kit takes care of the intake and tuning. The real bottleneck of the exhaust system is the downpipe and two stock cats, so replacing that with a good DP should solve that issue. Add charge piping more for reliability, but if it adds a bit more performance, great.
On other forums, I've seen turbo Solstice and HHR using the GM stage kits making 285-300 peak HP and 340-350 peak TQ at the wheels. I'd be very happy with numbers in the ballpark.
Need some discussion on best bang for the buck performance mods. The GM stage kit is appealing since you retain full warranty (hopefully it'll be released within a couple of months). Maybe add a catted downpipe that will be available soon (Hahn or Clear Image) and decent charge piping since the stock plastic pipes are pure crap.
Not willing to spend big bucks on an intercooler or catback exhaust. I'm old and don't want the car to be noisy. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the stock catback is mandrel bent 2.5" tubing, right? At most, I might eventually replace the stock muffler with a Magnaflow for better flow.
Any flaws in my plan? GM stage kit takes care of the intake and tuning. The real bottleneck of the exhaust system is the downpipe and two stock cats, so replacing that with a good DP should solve that issue. Add charge piping more for reliability, but if it adds a bit more performance, great.
On other forums, I've seen turbo Solstice and HHR using the GM stage kits making 285-300 peak HP and 340-350 peak TQ at the wheels. I'd be very happy with numbers in the ballpark.
^^^^that is all the stuff that is out for the cobalt right now. It also includes prices and websites. The car is fairly new so that list is eventually going to get bigger. Ohh and for your first recommendation get the Hahn Intake, it rocks!
full hahn bolt-ons made 322WHP and 362 WTQ. I'll bet when the stage kit comes out for our car it those numbers will be alot higher Ohh and if you want a badddasss tuner message Pyskostevo
I have a catless downpipe and the noise level of my exhaust went up a decent amount. Nothing even close to unbearable though. No idea if a high flow cat would muffle it down a bit though
First, I don't have a SS/TC yet, but in one more month and I'll have my 2004 GTO paid off. My wife and I have decided on the 09 SS/TC. We don't need max performance, I have an 11.88 second GTO and I'm building a big block 68 Camaro. So, the Cobalt will be a daily driver, but we want to be able to put the local ricers in their place if the opportunity arises.
Need some discussion on best bang for the buck performance mods. The GM stage kit is appealing since you retain full warranty (hopefully it'll be released within a couple of months). Maybe add a catted downpipe that will be available soon (Hahn or Clear Image) and decent charge piping since the stock plastic pipes are pure crap.
Not willing to spend big bucks on an intercooler or catback exhaust. I'm old and don't want the car to be noisy. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the stock catback is mandrel bent 2.5" tubing, right? At most, I might eventually replace the stock muffler with a Magnaflow for better flow.
Any flaws in my plan? GM stage kit takes care of the intake and tuning. The real bottleneck of the exhaust system is the downpipe and two stock cats, so replacing that with a good DP should solve that issue. Add charge piping more for reliability, but if it adds a bit more performance, great.
On other forums, I've seen turbo Solstice and HHR using the GM stage kits making 285-300 peak HP and 340-350 peak TQ at the wheels. I'd be very happy with numbers in the ballpark.
Need some discussion on best bang for the buck performance mods. The GM stage kit is appealing since you retain full warranty (hopefully it'll be released within a couple of months). Maybe add a catted downpipe that will be available soon (Hahn or Clear Image) and decent charge piping since the stock plastic pipes are pure crap.
Not willing to spend big bucks on an intercooler or catback exhaust. I'm old and don't want the car to be noisy. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the stock catback is mandrel bent 2.5" tubing, right? At most, I might eventually replace the stock muffler with a Magnaflow for better flow.
Any flaws in my plan? GM stage kit takes care of the intake and tuning. The real bottleneck of the exhaust system is the downpipe and two stock cats, so replacing that with a good DP should solve that issue. Add charge piping more for reliability, but if it adds a bit more performance, great.
On other forums, I've seen turbo Solstice and HHR using the GM stage kits making 285-300 peak HP and 340-350 peak TQ at the wheels. I'd be very happy with numbers in the ballpark.
first one is there is no gm stage kit for the cobalt. just hhr and solstice.
hasn't been released for lnf's yet
should come sometime this year
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They are easy to get power from..but expensive.
Look at Hahns TC with 322whp (Dynojet, CF STD) though it's over $3400 in parts. Thats without options for T-bolt clamps, powercoating, and shipping.
IMO best "bang for the buck" would be: Buy a used 06-07 SS/SC and put the Hahn kit on (have heard of people getting it for 4K). The end result would cost less than a new SS/TC, and have a decent amount more power than a stock SS/TC or one with an aditional ~$3700 in mods.
Look at Hahns TC with 322whp (Dynojet, CF STD) though it's over $3400 in parts. Thats without options for T-bolt clamps, powercoating, and shipping.
IMO best "bang for the buck" would be: Buy a used 06-07 SS/SC and put the Hahn kit on (have heard of people getting it for 4K). The end result would cost less than a new SS/TC, and have a decent amount more power than a stock SS/TC or one with an aditional ~$3700 in mods.
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From: Gainesville FL.
a little over 3 grand for almost 380 hp at the crank and still gettting 30mpg in a 2900 lb front driver you can drive all year round.
sounds like a hell of a deal to me
I am getting the ic/piping/dp/catback, and i already have the ppc
and I will rap up(with all the gp's and specials) about 3k WITH shipping(including the ppc).
the best part being with the ppc, I can take the tune back to stock at ANY time I want, and with all the parts mentioned above being true bolt ons, I can also take the car completely back to stock at any time also,
except for maybe the catback as I may have to cut the stocker to get it off, but no big deal there
sounds like a hell of a deal to me
I am getting the ic/piping/dp/catback, and i already have the ppc
and I will rap up(with all the gp's and specials) about 3k WITH shipping(including the ppc).
the best part being with the ppc, I can take the tune back to stock at ANY time I want, and with all the parts mentioned above being true bolt ons, I can also take the car completely back to stock at any time also,
except for maybe the catback as I may have to cut the stocker to get it off, but no big deal there
wow..........
you go around telling people your crank hp?......
a little over 3 grand for almost 380 hp at the crank and still gettting 30mpg in a 2900 lb front driver you can drive all year round.
sounds like a hell of a deal to me
I am getting the ic/piping/dp/catback, and i already have the ppc
and I will rap up(with all the gp's and specials) about 3k WITH shipping.
sounds like a hell of a deal to me
I am getting the ic/piping/dp/catback, and i already have the ppc
and I will rap up(with all the gp's and specials) about 3k WITH shipping.
Last edited by burnrubr88; Jan 10, 2009 at 12:03 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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What? The GM stage kit is a tune. You can't add it on top of Hahns tuner.
Last edited by Perfect.disguise; Jan 10, 2009 at 12:08 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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your not going to be at 350wheel hp with the stock turbo, will be WAY overspinning that thing to get hp levels that high. just cause the gm tune allows for more boost does not mean the stock turbo can use it efficiently
far to inefficient, but thats for another discussion
far to inefficient, but thats for another discussion
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your not going to be at 350wheel hp with the stock turbo, will be WAY overspinning that thing to get hp levels that high. just cause the gm tune allows for more boost does not mean the stock turbo can use it efficiently
far to inefficient, but thats for another discussion
far to inefficient, but thats for another discussion
For as much as all the Hahn stuff cost a SRT-4 could go stage 3, or a SS/SC can go turbo and make more power....IMO that equals a "better bang for the buck"
And again, you cant use the GM stage tune and Hahns tuner.
Last edited by Perfect.disguise; Jan 10, 2009 at 12:14 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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From: Belleville, IL
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/2-0l-lnf-performance-tech-153/stage-tuning-coming-148678/
There are the number. 332 whp and 395 wtq with just a few bolt ons and tuning after the stage kit.
and the stage 3 for the srt-4 only makes 310 hp which is < 322 hp
and the sad part is that is with a new turbo. so no that is not the best bang for the buck. the best bang for the buck is getting the BTF stage kit with the GT30 turbo for under $3000 and you would smoke any stage 3 srt-4
and i said nothing about the hahn tuner. You can fine tune it with a HP tuner
There are the number. 332 whp and 395 wtq with just a few bolt ons and tuning after the stage kit.
and the stage 3 for the srt-4 only makes 310 hp which is < 322 hp
and the sad part is that is with a new turbo. so no that is not the best bang for the buck. the best bang for the buck is getting the BTF stage kit with the GT30 turbo for under $3000 and you would smoke any stage 3 srt-4
and i said nothing about the hahn tuner. You can fine tune it with a HP tuner
Last edited by kling1022; Jan 10, 2009 at 12:21 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Dang, this thread got way off topic in a hurry.
I don't need nor want max performance, thought I mentioned that in the first post. Maybe looking at a $1500 budget, that's what my tax refund will probably be.
Thanks Bootymac for the parts thread, I bookmarked it.
I've heard good things about Psykosteve, but he's too far away.
I know the GM stage kit is not available for the Cobalt yet, supposedly it will be by the end of the first quarter 2009 which will be right about when I get my SS/TC if I have to order it.
Again, I don't need anything over 300 HP and I don't want to spend big bucks. Thanks.
I don't need nor want max performance, thought I mentioned that in the first post. Maybe looking at a $1500 budget, that's what my tax refund will probably be.
Thanks Bootymac for the parts thread, I bookmarked it.
I've heard good things about Psykosteve, but he's too far away.
I know the GM stage kit is not available for the Cobalt yet, supposedly it will be by the end of the first quarter 2009 which will be right about when I get my SS/TC if I have to order it.
Again, I don't need anything over 300 HP and I don't want to spend big bucks. Thanks.
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very true. but still not the best bang for the buck. If you have to buy more stuff for it to go faster then it's not the best bang for the buck
sweet you bookmarked my thread. I am trying to get it stickied. Anyway yeah a gm stage kit and a downpipe would do ya. the downpipe is the most restrictive part of the exhaust
sweet you bookmarked my thread. I am trying to get it stickied. Anyway yeah a gm stage kit and a downpipe would do ya. the downpipe is the most restrictive part of the exhaust
Last edited by kling1022; Jan 10, 2009 at 12:27 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
TR224 cam/LS6 heads/Patriot dual springs/Crane roller rockers/LPE CAI/ported TB/FAST 78/modded IAT
Performabuilt level 2 transmission/2800 stall converter/Gforce1320 axles/SSR black wheels/MT drag radials
Kooks headers/Magnaflow exhaust/Keith McCord tune/suspension mods/brake mods/stereo mods
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/2...ion_171051.htm
Performabuilt level 2 transmission/2800 stall converter/Gforce1320 axles/SSR black wheels/MT drag radials
Kooks headers/Magnaflow exhaust/Keith McCord tune/suspension mods/brake mods/stereo mods
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/2...ion_171051.htm
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From: Belleville, IL
if you can wait for clear image then yes i believe they will be cheaper. I would really prefer to get hahns downpipe but if i had to guess i would say his is going to be around the $500 mark and i absolutely refuse to pay $500 for a piece of pipe
I've already been scoping out Clear Image, they look promising. No problem with me waiting a bit, it'll be at least Feb. 15 before I can buy or order the Cobalt SS anyway.
