You're not talking about the Hondata KPro are you? It's actually not a piggy back. It's *reprogrammed* ECU. A new program is reflashed onto the EPROM. Well, technically the 02-03 had EPROM, 04 and 05 have flash memory but the 05 has a different processor.

For the pure reflash, nothing physical is added on. The difference with the KPro is that a little board with a USB adapter that allows you to reprogram the ECU is added on allowing the owner to tune it himself rather than at a Hondata dealer. Nowhere does an external device sit between the ECU and the rest of the car.

But hey, you sound like you know more about the RSX than I know about the Cobalt. I don't even know what you could do with your ECU or engine. But that's why I'm here.


I've got some stuff to add to ryantempone's post... I don't know if there are aftermarket parts for your engine yet but different better cams and pistons. You may be able to increase your compression a bit. Port and polish?

This part isn't increasing your hp but it'll help you launch. I don't know if anyone has experienced wheel hop in a Cobalt yet but if you have, stiffer motor mounts. Better tires.

 

www.scdyne.com

They make a header for the Redline. With only this header the LSJ dyno'd 231hp to the wheels. If these staged upgrades are true, it will be even easier.

 

230 HP to the wheels? I don't recall how much % of HP is lost from engine to wheels... but it was around 40% maybe... hell, I could be wrong; maybe I am thinking of a rear-wheel drive vehicle...

-Josh

 

I think 15-20% for an automatic and 10-15% for a manual transmission is more on target, plus the accessories (not including the blower) on the engine.

Commonly when the manufactures dyno an engine is at the crank on an engine dyno so I think that would the stated HP on the LSJ is the motor/blower/waterpump taken into account, the alternator, AC and transmission aren't factored in.

 

That was how engines in the 60s were measured, Now a days they are done WITH all the accesories on the enigne. Thus cars back then that were rated at 400-500HP were really only abuot 350-400HP. Dynos are done on engine dynos with the engine as it is before its dropped into the car.

Drivetrain loss is more prominent in RWD vehicles, and 13-17% is a good range with 15 being average. On FWD vehices it will be more towards 13% as there isn't a long driveshaft to turn as well as a rear differential.

 

I've been in the same boat. SO tempted to pick up an SRT-4 vs. waiting for the Cobalt. But as they say, good things come to those who wait. I've driven an SRT-4 (2003)..and I wasn't that impressed. The seats weren't comfortable. Overall, I'd say it was quick..but my Probe felt like it had more pep. I know it'd be a different story in a 2004, but either way. Aside from the power..the quality of the car, inside and out, wasn't that impressive either. The interior was bland and boring. Functional, sure..but, eh.

The pictures I've seen of the Cobalt's interior are amazing. More like my friends Audi A4. Couple that quality with the amazing ecotec platform (which has won awards and proven itself time and time again in the pro FWD NHRA competitions), it's definitely WORTH the wait. There's no point in me saying Chevy > Dodge, or an SRT-4 = Neon..because it's all a matter of opinion. An SRT-4 is an AMAZING buy for the potential, too. But compared to the Cobalt, I feel the SS S/C has a leg up on it. That's MY opinion..and I'd encourage you to at least give the Cobalt a chance. Wait for it to come out and take the time to check it over in person, and give it a test drive. THEN decide. You wouldn't want to regret spending 21k+ on something that was only second best (to you).

That's my long winded 2 cents.

 

Well said...! Very intellectual post. In my opinion as well, the Cobalt SS/SC (though rated at lesser HP/Torque than the SRT-4, yet priced more) is still a more worthy buy. I mean let's think about it, they REALLY could have gone and done something more in terms of making the engine stronger stock, but hey - as someone on these boards said before, "Keep it low for the insurance companies (cheaper in that sense) and the parents who don't want their teens to be able to easilly access such massive amount of HP/Tq." My Ł.02 as well.

Saki

 

Yours is worth more than mine.

 

Better get a SRT4, cause they will become a collectors item next year. I talked to a dealer and they said they are suppose to look like a version of Ponitacs Vibe next year. Just get a Cobalt, I've had nothing but problems with Dodges.

 

I believe next year will be the last for the Neon (and SRT-4, of course) and the replacement will be the Dodge Caliber.