I did a quick search and didnt find exactly what I was looking for so here we go. I was looking at the stage 2 kit but then got an Idea. I can get stage one plus the GMPP performance cat back installed for about the same price as the stage 2 kit installed. My first intentions were to get the stage 2, GMPP cat back, and a CAI. After looking at the numbers I could go with stage one plus the catback and see the same results as stage 2 alone, and spend the same if not a few $$ less. (Correct me if I am wrong). The final goal with this car is to see high 13's. Is that out of the question with Stage one, GMPP catback, CAI, and a few suspension mods to help with wheel hop?


Mike

 

go stg2, get tuned and tract mods. If your in IL go see Sp00ner, he can tune you. Best thing I ever did to my car. Tell him I said hello.

 

i think stage one and a catback would be your best bet, but you will not get the torque that stage 2 provides... that brings me to my next point, you should put a smaller pulley on the stage one when your money allows and you would have the same thing as stage two or better depending on the pulley size you choose.

 

Any idea about where he is located in IL??

Mike

See I was thinking the same thing, but is the GM stage one tune capable of dealing with a smaller pulley? If I dont have anyone to tune for me (tweek the GM tune) am I SOL if I want to drop pulleys? If I were to go back in and say I want the stage 2 tune after I get the stage one, I would end up paying more $$ than if I had just went with stage 2.

Mike

 

yes the gm stage tunes are the same for both stages... i have stage 1 and a 2.9 and it works great!

 

Now that is what I like to hear! So the only thing different about stage one and two is the addition of a smaller pulley? I am not doubting you but can anyone else varify that stage one and two tunes are the same?

Mike

 

do a search... the only other difference is the smaller belt that you will also have to buy... its only like 35 bucks though.

 

If I get stage one, then buy the pulley and new SC belt, dont I need a new hub for the SC?? If so, can I buy that by alone?

Mike

 

If you are getting custom tune you may as well just buy parts and screw the stage kit.

Pulley
belt
injectors - the expensive part but not bad at all.
tune

 

I doubt I will get a custom tune. Probally just stick with the GM one.

Mike

 

Do you want warranty or not.

thats the important question.

 

Considering my car has 700 miles on it, YES I want the warrenty .


Mike

 

Do what I did, get the stage 1, then buy your own belt and smaller pulley, 2.8-2.9 or so. Much cheaper than the stage 2 kit and you get the exact same thing. The tunes are identical.

 

be aware that if you truely want no hassles with warranty, buying stage 1 and then going the cheaper route and pully'ing it yourself isnt the way to go.

Not that i dont think its a good way to do it....but if you truely want to keep your warranty...you should stick to GM parts, installed by GM.

this is all dependant on what your dealership is like....and a ton of other things.....
some people can get away with alot more aftermarket than others....

but stage 2 installed by GM is the warranty safe route.

 

Thanks guys! Is there any way to get just the stage 2 hub from GM? Or can I only get it by purchasing the stage 2 kit? Keeping my warrenty is a must and I will only use GM parts.

Mike

 

stage 1 and 2.9in pulley!!!

 

GM hub only comes in Stage 2 kit. Aftermarket pulleys may come with their own hub......may not.

 

You have to have a GM tech install everything so that it is properly documented in their system. I say go with stage 2.

 

Well thanks everyone for the opinoins! I think I may just go with stage 2 so that I have an easier time with warrenty work if I need it. It will be worth spending the few extra dollars.

Mike

 

Yea my plan is stage 2 than gm catback. I might buy dampner and springs 1st, just depends on the money situation tho.

 

I can recommend the stage 2 kit.

 

Stage 1 is a waste, stage 2 is definately worth it.