Now that I have a sport bike in my possession, I have expendable cash for my car again.
My goal is 260hp. I'm hoping maybe to emulate GM Stage 2 with ZZP's Stage 2 kit, downpipe, intake, and tune. Would that possibly net me around 260hp?

Question is, would you guys even do this with my kind of mileage?
I'm not pushing for any high numbers, but my car's been around the block and she shows her age.

Otherwise, I'm content with how the car sits, since she gives me 27-28mpg when I stay out of boost.

 

as long as you stay up with ur maintance 100% and have no oil leaks etc. you should be fine man. just make sure you get her properly tuned for the upcoming mods. HP tuned, a wide band and a interceptor gauge

 

That's what I love about this thing, it does not leak any oil at all. Everything is very clean.

Is a wideband absolutely required for tuning? Same thing with the interceptor.
This would require me to get a 3 pod a pillar and downpipe with wideband bung in it, correct?

 

its actually one of the most important things to start with when it comes to moding any car. that way you keep an eye on ur afrs and its great when tunnning. same thing goes for your interceptor gauge which tells you if you have knock, you iats etc. and yea that would required a tripple gauge pod since you also have your boost gauge.

 

Thanks for the info.
I feel like I should grab these parts first before even getting into the stage Kit.
Wideband requires a downpipe with the extra bung hole, right? So it's wideband, front o2, and rear o2?

 

Compression test first

 

Interceptor and Wideband are both VERY helpful.

 

Yes they are

 

So I should include those in my budget along with a 3 pod pillar.
How much does a compression test cost?

 

Compression check first. Need even numbers above 150 or your too far gone to add even more boost.

Go to an auto part store and rent one or a buy a cheap compression check tool for like $30.

 

The tool is cheap.

Unplug injector harness, unplug coils, put compression tester into spark plug hole, turn car over.

 

Like some of the other guys said, as long as you maintain your car well and tune it properly, you'll be just fine.

As far as gauges, I HEAVILY recommend getting a wideband (it's basically required for tuning) and also an Interceptor gauge, they're a great combo.

I also recommend getting a heat exchanger. It's not totally required for your mods, but it'll help keep your IAT2's lower and the car safer overall.

ZZPerformance - ZZP LSJ S3 Cobalt Heat Exchanger #ZZ-S3HE-COBALT

 

Thanks for the input, guys.
I'll be looking into getting a compression test done along with a down pipe with wide band bung, 3 pod pillar, and those two gauges.

 

you forgot pull fuse pump fuse and run car until it dies then do the above.


OP a compression test is as easy as changing plugs and starting the car. You could be low on compression and not even know it.

 

Injectors wont fire if you unplug the harness

 

Lol

 

In the process of gathering everything still. Shopping around the classifieds and what not.

?

 

just a tip, when you get ur injectors make sure you get them with there harness together. that way you dont have to go through the hassle of finding out what harness fits what injectors etc. then get the pulley and then get either the belt or over sized tentioner. which ever you find, both are fine. then find a good tuner

 

Do not run the car until it dies, I simply pull the FP test port cover off(little black cap that un screws), wrap a rag around a common screw driver and bleed the fuel pressure off at the schrader valve. Much safer then running your car until it is so lean it dies. But as far as modding the engine with that kind of mileage i agree, as long as maintance has been kept up and you have a wideband at minimum id say go for it! Also assuming the fuel filter has been serviced regularly too?

 

Having it idle and it dying isnt going to hurt it

 

Maintenance has been up kept by me since I've had it.
Second owner.
All tune up parts were changed when I got the car, ie fuel filter, plugs, belt, etc.

 

You'll be just fine. Go for it!

 

Just telling you the RIGHT way to do it, im sure it will not harm anything but why even subject the engine to a condition that lean? Just my .02 do as you please.

 

x2

 

Get the intercepter gauge and there wideband hook up and you can do it all on one gauge if needed. I have and works great. I do have one of the two gauge pods that arent sold anymore but you can do with one gauge if you have the intercepter