08baltls

iTrader: (3)

Ok so as the title and forum would suggest, I'm looking for the best way to build a little more power with doing a turbo/sc buuld up. I was thinking about a full header back exhaust, a 2.4 intake mani and tb, cams, and a tune. I don't really know of any other ways to make more power so I'm coming to y'all for help.

What would y'all suggest?

07MetallicSC

iTrader: (16)

soo many things here.

questions like... how much power are you looking for?

what are your goals with the car?

what kind of driving style or events do you plan on using?

best bang for the buck forced induction is going to net you more hp per dollar than NA. its perfectly sfe too.
assuming you have an LS by your screename, get a supercharged setup off of someone in the classifieds section. Ive seen full sets of everything you need go for 700-1000 all the time. Its completely bolt on, just a reflash at a local dealer, and for 1,500 total you could have a safe supercharged build and be alot happier than the cam/tb manifold swap you listed above.

just my .02 tho

08baltls

iTrader: (3)

Yes it is an ls model. I don't ever really plan to race so I don't need a lot of horsepower just enough go to match the show of my car. I really hadn't wanted to replace the front bumper to accommodate an intercooler or anything cause I do kinda like the nonthreatening appearance of the stock bumper. I could handle a s/c install but I'm not 100%sold on going that route just yet. With my heavy foot and the idiots in the small area I'm from I think it could be a recipe for trouble.

outtamymind

basically your gonna wanna do all the bolts on you can, but regardless if you do all the bolt on's you listed your still not gonna make alot of power. getting a good solid tune and making it as aggressive as possible will net you the best results.

also don't forget that just because you add power to the car doesn't mean you'll be able to use it. keep in mind that you'll need to upgrade suspension parts as well to accomodate for the added power

SneakyMilo

Given the cost and reliability, I don't understand why you wouldn't want to do a take-off s/c setup. This would be my vote.

BLKLS

N2o.....

outtamymind

because some people like to do things a little differently like myself lol

08baltls

iTrader: (3)

Well realistically I think somewhere in the neighborhood of 175 to 185 horsepower is a reasonable goal for an n/a L61. And I don't really need more then that. I mean I do have a 6 year old son in my car on most occassions. Excessive power is not needed for my daily driving car.

outtamymind

even with full bolt ons and a tune you'll still probably only be pushing that maybe a little more at the crank, it won't be to the wheels

CobaltMagic77

I will tell you as an owner of an LS as well, the power that you will be making with bolt ons will not be anything amazing, especially if you have an auto like I do. Don't get me wrong, I like my car it is reliable and I have not had one issue with it. I have intake, 2.4 intake manifold, a header back exhaust, and a tune. The car is much more fun to drive with these mods, but you won't be winning too many races with them. I do take make car autocrossing when time and work allow. I would also tell you to upgrade the suspension and you will like that car ALOT more!! Good luck and enjoy!

08baltls

iTrader: (3)

The car is sitting about 140 now. I know I cant be that close to maxing it out without forced induction. There's no way to squeeze another 30 or so horses out of it? That just don't seem right. I would think 30 extra would be easy to pull.

outtamymind

getting power out of an N/A 4 banger is extremely hard, usually the most you'll see from bolt ons and a tune is around 30 - 40 at the crank, i wouldn't get your hopes up to be over 200hp at the crank. but the beauty about N/A is we don't have to worry about any lag or any of the like because our power is there when we want it.

overboostedss

basicly ur gonna wanna make power just like the v8's. get more air and fuel into the engine. Intake, Intake Manifold, Port and Polish Head, Cams, Bigger Valves and Springs, Bigger Injectors, Full Header back Exhaust. Also you can squeeze more power out of it with a bore and stroke kit and bump up the compression. also a good tune. if you want it to still be your dd u dont wanna get to agressive or youll start breaking parts. also with this kinda build you gotta do some suspension work and get a clutch.

07cobalt_LT

automatic or manual?

being auto is robbing you of alot of power

but realistically the most you will see is up to 160 possibly at the wheels before you start spending big dollars

2.4 intake manifold
air intake
header
high flow downpipe
higher flowing exhaust
tune
cams
and if you have big bucks your next getting into rebuilding the head/port/polish/valves/valve train

then you get into, higher compression pistons, stronger rods, upto even thinking about boring out and running larger displacement

its expensive

tylerjclance

iTrader: (7)

Increasing fuel = more power


Building up the internals

08baltls

iTrader: (3)

Oh I don't think I'll be making 200 or better without forced induction or nos at least. I really don't wanna go that far and I don't wanna completely build the motor either. With 60k on the odometer as it is I'm worried about throwing a supercharger on it and expecting it to last too long. Really I want the added horsepower that I can get without dropping $20k into a n/a motor.

What I'm thinking of is a good tune, cams probably stage 2, bigger intake mani and tb maybe 2.4 maybe custom,new header and exhaust probably 2.5", lighter flywheel, new clutch. Idk about bigger injectors or increased spark yet but it may be a possibility. What do y'all think with that setup? I mean most of thia stuff I can do on my own.

tylerjclance

iTrader: (7)

bigger injectors are easy to install

08baltls

iTrader: (3)

Well I figure bigger injectors will require a bigger fuel pump, a spliced harness, and a new fuel rail at least for the install roght?

tylerjclance

iTrader: (7)

I'm not sure about your car
but for the LSJ they were basically plug and play. Took off the fuel rail, removed the smaller injectors, put in the bigger ones with the new harness, installed the tune.. Started right up.

nhanson

iTrader: (1)

why are injectors being recommended when they are not needed for bolt ons?

My mod list in my sig nets me only about 50% injector duty. I doubt cams would increase it that much.

You will be somewhat quick with the 5 speed. (high 14 sec)

08baltls

iTrader: (3)

Well right now the main thing in the bay is the cai I have. So I'm assuming the only tb option I have really is the 2.4? What about manifolds? TTR? Ecotec HO? 2.4? I know headers all give about the same in respect to hp but what about diameter for an.n/a build? 2.25? 2.5? I'm pretty sure a 3" exhaust would actually hurt performance without boost. Deleted cat or keep it? What do y'all suggest. I'm sure most of y'all have more ecotec experience then me.

07MetallicSC

iTrader: (16)

With a blower its right there as well.

nhanson

iTrader: (1)

you can get the LSJ TB but you have to get tuned for it. i recommend getting it

Get the 2.4 intake manifold

2.5 in. downpipe and i would do 2.25" or the 2 3/8". i have 2.5" and i think its a bit big (lost about 10 mph on my top speed)

get a high flow cat converter otherwise exhaust will be raspy.

lilredg588

iTrader: (3)

Hey you might be interested in the set up I'm using till I go FI. I'm using 2.5" catless with Megan racing cat back, TTR intake manifold with P&P tb an a shortened 2.2 CAI. I should have my tune updated today cuz it's way too lean right now. Hopefully ill find out how much of a difference the intake mani makes today

nhanson

iTrader: (1)

2.4 manifold is more than enough unless he goes turbo