Big question on my mind is what type of tuning if any has GM done for the ECO version and can it be reproduced on the base model.

Found a 2011 with 800 miles on it for 16k already. Bye bye resale.

 

That's a good question. Tuning is likely part of it, but there are some mechanical differences, also. The ECO uses low rolling resistance tires, different aerodynamic body panels, and a shutter system in front of the intercooler to reduce drag under certain conditions.

The ECO model also has a special manual transmission, although the 6sp auto is an option for it.

 

According to my brochure (unless I read it wrong), the manual transmission is only available on the 1.8L non turbo version, and the ECO version.

I would personally prefer to have a manual transmission but I need at least one 6sp auto in the family to tinker with

 

Has anyone found a picture of the shutter? i would like to see how it works.

NM, http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/...o-reach-40-mpg

Half a mile per gallon in combined driving. Blah, no thanks.

 

Update:

I was at the dyno again on Friday, but I didn't get a chance to put the car on the dyno due to needing to sort out some torque management issues. Those issues have been sorted out, the car is running nicely at 15psi (about 3psi over stock). I hit 18psi when I was still working on the torque management issues and popped a boost sensor out of range code, so I'll be looking at the diagnostics for the boost sensor next.

These new ECMs have a very accurate torque calculation system in them. According to it, the torque has increased about 15 lb-ft by nudging the boost up. It's a start!

 

Sub'd! Not expecting any kind of huge numbers, but should be a cool little toy!

 

sounds like it's only a 2 bar map sensor.. maybe picking up an sstc stock sensor would be in order to work with it

 

It's a 2.76bar sensor like the LNF, and interestingly enough the MAP is the 3bar sensor used from the GMS1/LNF kit, but they never expected the absolute pressure levels to exceed 210kPa or so, so it's tripping the diagnostic and limping out. Haha

 

Agreed. With E85 or water/methanol injection we might be able to go further with it, but if we reach 170whp I'll consider that a decent gain.

 

Gotta find and remove the overboost. The stock OS may not have the maps scaled to run 3 bar pressure even if the sensors are the 3 bar bosch sensors. Might need to adjust the map scaling so you can run above 210 kPa

 

Yea definitely! If nothing else, just because GMs tune isnt even close to performance-minded. I really like thr Cruze, cant wait for a SS version to come out. Then the fun can really begin!

 

subd

 

Yeah, I am pretty sure once we fix this issue, we'll run into something else. In software engineering, this is called "peeling the onion". Haha.

 

MAP voltage output vs absolute pressure probably needs to be rescaled, or even better the operating range needs to be extended if 210 kPa is not a hardcoded ECM limit.

 

It's just a trade-off. Even if the Cruze is better in many ways, the Cobalt easily out-performs it dollar for dollar. SS/Ts give you a turbo, direct injection, variable valve timing, and great handling all in a car that can be found new for under $20k. I would hardly consider that getting raped.

 

Totally agreed.

On a personal level I really like the car, and I like it tons more than the 2010 Buick LaCrosse I had for business use before the Cruze, but for performance, it's not even close to what the LNF can do. And to be fair it wasn't designed to.

However, the LaCrosse, Cruze and the Regal are ushering in a new era of ECUs for GM vehicles which we are interested in. That, and the rumor is that the upcoming (if it goes to production) Aveo RS is going to use this 1.4L turbo engine.

 

I hear that the turbo Regal ECMs are pretty complex. I bet you are looking forward to sorting all of that out!

What's the story with the Buick Verano? Is it going to use the same drivetrain as the Cruze?

 

HMMM, If they gave it the same HP and you could tune it, that would be a fun little 145-150whp go cart. That would spank a lot of the base cobalts on here.

 

That's exactly why I bought the LaCrosse back in May. It was one of the first vehicles to use one of the new controllers.

All of the new vehicles are using a new set of "turbo aware" controllers from Delphi (the E69 is finished, other than use in the 3.6L LLT engine in the new Camaro, Buick LaCrosse and a few others). The Regal is getting the E39 which is SIDI capable, and the Cruze gets the E78 which is designed for non SIDI applications.

We're ready to go on both of these, and everything we learn about tuning the Cruze will apply to tuning the Regal as well.

Not sure on the Verano. Wiki says it will use the Delta II chassis but doesnt give any more information about the powertrain.

 

Last I heard, the Verano will use the 1.4 turbo, and possibly a 1.6 turbo.

 

I want a aveo turbo!!!!! lol

 

Yup...this will only make it worse though.

 

cruze reminds me of the 1.8t vw gti and jetta. seems like gm with all this ecu nonsense is trying really hard to keep tuners out of the ecu hehehehe.

 

E85 has a higher octane rating than 93, so you can run more timing. More timing = more torque = more power