Ok, I'm going to get the GM stg II. Now is it possible to get that installed by GM, and then go somewhere else to ge it tuned? Because from the sound of it, the GM reflash doesnt seem to tap the full potential of the kit. I make that assumption because there are other kits out there i.e. the intense kits, which offer the same sort of setup, just more power. Also, is there anyone in the NO. Virginia area that knows of a good shop to get tuned/get work done?

 

Just throw up the Doc signal, he'll help you tune your Balt.

 

You are just wasting money in my eyes. if you are wanting to get it tuned and get a lot more power, i would suggest buying your own parts and getting it tuned. either way you are voiding your warranty.

 

ok well heres my next question then...i want to run 250-260 whp and about the same torque...whats the best way to get to that point or is it possible with gm parts?

 

Get a 2.7" pulley, 60lb injectors, and get a hp tune.

 

So you can spend a good 8 hours driving from one end of nova to tennessee down 81.

Which leads me to, where in VA are you from.

 

If you get an outside source(non-GM) tune, your warranty will be voided. But if you did get a non-GM tune, you would be less likely to run into problems, and more likely to get extra power.

Right now I am having problems with my stage 2, and I believe that it is the result of the sloppy tune that came with the stage 2. I am having GM write a custom tune to my car with information that my dealership gave them in hopes to have a more specific tune that will solve my problems.

So in the end, the crappy GM stage tune will keep the warranty, but an outside tune will be so much better all around(assuming it is a reputable tuner).

 

where in Va are you..??

Yes, it'll be tough to get there with the stage 2 + stage 3, extruded manifold and GMPP cat-back that GM offers. Those are 'warranty' items (minus the stage 3). Those items will cost you $2k+ without install.
just to reiterate

 

i live in centreville...fairfax county area.... and i really need to keep the gm warranty b/c the balt is my daily driver and if anything should happen to it i'd need to have it under warranty....but once my three years are up i'm most likely going to go outside of gmpp to mod it from there. I just want to know what would give me the best power and not waste too much money right now....

 

well, with the 'warranty' in mind..
go with the GMPP honed/extruded manifold, GMPP cat-back and stage 2...if you get an itch to go higher, go with the stage 3 and install the parts (dual pass end plate and stage 3 pulley). You can either sell the stage 3 pcm or use it on days you wanna have fun (it takes about 10 minutes to take the stock pcm out and install the stage 3 pcm). Also, buy a K&N filter and replace your existing one. Honestly, don't bother with a cold air intake.
Those things will run you ~$1800 (roughly)

 

i've got a cai...from injen, and how much is the stg3? its not on the gmpp performance is it? and as far as removing the stg3 pcm....i dont have to do i...honestly i want to add some zing to the balt and i'm not that well-versed in auto lingo / tuning.... if the stg3 isnt that much more than the stg2 then i'll consider it. I was already going to go for the gmpp exhaust, do i really need the new manifold? i know it will increase air flow etc. but is it necesary?

 

I'm a firm believer in making your own "stage kits". Just buy the pulley, injectors, belt, and get a good HPTune. You'll make more power than going with GM and you'll spend less money most likely. To reach 260 whp, I think a 2.7" with 60lb. injectors, smaller belt, custom tune, and exhaust will get you there. I made 271 whp and 260 wtq with a 2.6" pulley and everything else above, plus a CAI and full exhaust (header back).