Hi all new balt owner here and I have a question for those in the know.

I am considering the investment into the stage 1 or 2 upgrade package and am wondering if it is worth it to do so, also which stage is the better buy?

Couple quick things I got a price quate from my local dealer and was wondering if this is what you have all seen.

Stage 1 he calls it is $425 plus 2 hrs labor at $110 per hr! Kit is just injectors I believe!

Stage 2 as he calls it is $637.50 plus the $220 labor cost, and that adds the belt and pulley I believe.

So can anyone give me so real world/ seat of your pants opinion's on their Stage 1 or 2 setup and are the prices fair?

Also are the upgrade kits troublesome like a few folks have mentioned or is this the exception not the norm?

Thanks..

 

Get Stage 2 and have the dealer install it. From what i've heard everyone loves it.

As far as stage 1 goes its new injectors plus a pcm reflash

Stage 2 nets you a smaller pulley, new injectors, new belt, reflash.

If you get a stage kit, get stage 2, pays off in the long run if you get stage 1 and upgrade later you'll pay a little bit more.

Just my 2 cents

 

i agree i went stage 2 right from the start and had no problems, and its fast

 

Stage 1 is $500, Stage 2 is $750. If you get stage 2 you are paying $250 for a belt and pully. You should go stage one, then get the 2.8 and a tensioner (less than $250). Just my $0.02.

 

id say not worth it. i got stage2 but it needs fine tuning. with that said it's better if you buy your choice of pulley $150, a set of 60# $229, and custom tune $100(rob: hoosier performance).

 

In my opinion, Stage 2 is impressive. Totally different car. And no warranty questions.
A pulley change after is easy, remove 4 bolts.
Unless you are going after every last hp, the Stage 2 is the way to go.
Seat of the pants, it's no question.

Others here will say different. I say buy it, have it installed and be happy.

Mine was 895 out the door.

And I never had to turn a wrench....not my style at all, but this is my first new car (at 51 Y/O) and the last thing I need is a warranty hassle if something goes wrong.

Ron

 

if i go with stage 2...are there any negative at all..besides paying for it..like..is it gonna burn gas or shorten the overall life of my car? jw?

 

i would say stage 2 is ok but you'll end up wanting more. I wish i had bought 60# right away. If youre going to get a custom tune there's no point in getting stage 2. just my .02

 

wow thats a lto fo two cents...almost 28 cents altogether..and no ones answered my questjon lol

 

Its cheaper to get eveything seperate by itself then pay for the labor...

 

Shorten life...no. (unless you abuse)

Gas Mileage, down slightly

 

Thanks folks, I would love to see this car be alittle more of a sleeper than is already is!

Now my next question is what can this car play with, with the Stage 2 on it? I am coming out os an 06 Mustang GT and an 04 Cobra!!!!

Also I can hardly keep the fronts from going nuts stock what the hell is it like with another 40 horses under the hood!!

Thanks again.

 

Get Stage 1 abd some decent pulleys in 2 or 3 different sizes, Stage 2 is a waste of money cause as soon as you drive the car you're gonna want more than 3.15 pulley (Stage 2 pulley size).

 

all depends on warranty

As stated above stage 1 + aftermarket pully/belt would be cheaper....but its not warrantied

In fact going complete aftermarket would be cheapest, but the reason you pay more for stage 2 is because if you have a problem....they are GM kits, installed by GM.......

and thats pure sex.

 

That's why you get a 3.1 pulley to mimic the stock stage 2 pulley size for warranty and a few other sizes to play with

 

where would you get the reflash?

how would you explain your car boosting to 15psi?


In the end if you want to go aftermarket, do it.

If you want warranty. just buy stage 2


the two are mutually exclusive.

 

This has been covered many times, install the injectors and pulley yourself and go to the dealer for the reflash (mandatory). Stage 2 refalsh is the same as stage 1 so adding your own pulley of identical size can theoretically void your warranty but I can't think of one that would. My dealer services my car with the 2.7 in there no questions asked so it all comes down to the dealer and how well you know them.

 

I decided to go with the Stage 2 - I got a discount from the dealer for fitting ($80/hour) and they said it takes four hours. I figured that 245 is better than 230 bhp........A buddy said it would be noticeable........!!!
Hey Ron - we must be having a mid-life crisis.......

 

Hey Red!
How's it going?
I like my Cobalt. Chevy man through and through.
I'm not ready for the mid life crisis just yet. And I can't afford a Corvette...or the gold chains.
The Nova satisfies my need for speed, but I just couldn't leave the Cobalt alone.
Got my appreciation for FWD cars from my Calais 442. The Cobalt SS seemed to be a natural evolution. My first ever new car BTW.
I don't like the wing.......I don't consider it fast.
But the stage 2 impresses me.

For you young guys, enjoy the car. Tweak away! I got my start with a $600 66 Chevelle, and it's just never stopped. Hooked for life.

Good to know I'm not the only old guy here......but still young at heart.

Ron

 

Dealer cost of stage 1 is-$325 or $350. Dealer cost of stage 2 is $525 or $550. So there is a bargaining chip.

I got stage 1 for $370,(discount) install time is 2.0 to 2.5hrs. I believe that in the labor book that they pay 2.0hrs for the injectors, and .5 for the reflash. I paid $80w/ tax for the install and reflash. (This is with my discounted labor rate)

I had INTENSE install a MPS on the car, and run a 2.9" with my stage 1 kit. I also have INTENSE's belt tensioner on there.

If you want full warranty coverage, then as others have stated, get Stage 2. If you can get away with just getting stage 1, and then going with an aftermarket MPS, do that. If you know a mechanic at your local dealer, or someone, usually a dealer doesn't give a ****.

Stage 1, has been more than reliable for me. I drive the car daily, I still get my 24+mpg city, and 27+highway. The car has a decent power, and is pretty fast. I'd go with either stage kit depending on your situation.

Don't forget one step colder injectors as well.....

 

Thanks everyone for the reply I will be waiting till spring but do plan to go to the next level..

Still can anyone give me an idea of what these cars should be able to run with, with the STAGE 2 in place?

 

I've heard alot of good things about stage 2 and a 2.e pulley.

 

If you have a good dealership, then go with stage 2 just for all the damn warranty issues with it. however if your dealership is inept they will void your warranty regardless if you are going GMPP Intense or anyone else for that matter. I love my stage 2, got lucky with a good dealership and thats the end of that. also did the airbox mod to hear that bitch scream on cold days! Surprisingly im getting better gas mileage than i was before the upgrade ryte now (22/34)...and i do like to get on her a lil more than usual!

 

High to mid 13s, possibly lower, depending on your driving skill level.....

 

Ordered last week, the kit's in and the dealer called to make an appointment. Gotta wait until Nov 6. But after then................