Those gauges are SS/NA gauges, wasnt a big fan of the white on my car so I swapped for the LSJ 160mph pod. Looks like you bought a SS/NA front bumper too, i dont see the slits for the lip in that one. Looks like my front bumper.

 

Yup it was either the SS/NA or the LT with sport package (TV5) package. I think I'll run just the bumper without the lip for a while, I feel like the lip is a little too aggressive for my little ole base model.

 

it's warm out. is the manifold on yet?

 

I had the day off, there was a little sun out today, I washed the cobalt, and felt it was time for the LNF front grill to go on. I was going to wait until I put the SS bumper on as well, but I wanted something quick to work on. IT LOOKS SO MUCH BETTER. It'll look so great with the new bumper with the LNF lower grill as well.

Before: Notice the upper grill has the slat style.


After: LNF grill has the nice criss cross pattern, which will eventually be in the lower portion of my new SS bumper




It looks a little goofy with the base model lower portion, but hey I still think it's an improvement!

 

Warm? I guess 25 is warm haha. I debated putting on the manifold today, but I want to give it a good cleaning before hand and the sun is already going down. I.E. I'm lazy haha

 

ss bumper will look great

 

Love the progress with this base model.

 

I put my manifold and downpipe on when it was about 10 out in a parking lot covered in snow

or are we talking about a 2.4 intake mani that i missed? lol

 

2.4 intake mani

 

2.4 Intake manifold. I'm just lazy. I'll probably end up putting it on on Sunday as long as it's not snowing/raining. Or I may be driving somewhere to pick up an SS rear bumper.

 

Sooo....it's broken. I've never had a problem starting the car since I've got it. Was driving fine all day yesterday. Came out of the driving range last night and it wouldn't start. At first the car would start and then about a second later instantly die, like it was out of gas. Then after a while of trying to start it it will no longer start, just keeps trying and trying to turn over. Checked all appropriate fuses while it was still light out, and then sat and waited for the tow truck. I'm convinced it's probably the fuel pump, but could be wrong. I'm going to pull a plug today and try and turn it over to see if it's getting any gas. I hope to god it is and it's something spark related.

 

Its the pump most likely. Coil on plug and I doubt all four died at the same time. Do let your tank get low? It is really important to keep gas in the tank especially in the winter time.

 

Yeah I'm almost certain it's the pump. I would let it get low, but no lower than fuel light comes on I immediately fill up. What's weird is I filled up around 11 in the morning and turned on and off the car all day and it was fine until 7pm.

 

Andd...it's fixed. Thank god I had wednesday off and had a chance/warmth to get under and look at it. The fuel pump was fine, however the wire running from the fuel pump to the fuse block under the hood was corroded and split in half. Thanks GM! Either way, decent quick fix and we're back running again!

 

2.4 manifold time

 

Last picture with the snow tires/steelies on. Sun's out, guns out. Err wait...haha



Picked up a used Badmab header from Justin when he was in town.



LSJ downpipe is en route to the house. Warmth is here!!!!!

 

2.4 manifold and the new header/downpipe combo will go on Sunday, unless I'm driving to Chicago to get an SS rear bumper haha.

 

 

 

Alright guys, I need some help. Developed an exhaust leak after installing the header/dp. I replaced the downpipe to cat back gasket and header to downpipe gasket because I thought it may be that. Header and downpipe were apparently leak free before I purchased them, but I have a feeling it may be the flex joint. I know a video won't do much good, however I wanted to take one anyway. Sounds much worse at start up.


It sounds very ticky, but there was no such noise before I replaced them 2 hours prior, so I'm confident its nothing engine wise.

 

I got first view . You gotta poke around in the engine bay to find out where its coming from can't really tell depth of sound in video. I'd imagine pre cat though

 

I figured it was a long shot unless someone had a very similar experience. Ive tried to listen within the bay and feel around for leaks and can't seem to pinpoint it. Is it recommend to replace the exhaust manifold gasket when replacing the header? Mine appeared to be in good condition so I didn't bother.

 

Its recommended but i never do because I'm lazy haha. for the header make sure everything is cold and you can stick your head back there and check out the surfaces to see if anything is gettinb black on it at all. if your head doesn't fit then just take pictures with your phone and look at those. if its not there you can start it cold and while its cold quickly look at the connections to see if you can see any exhaust coming out. Also while it is cold for a few seconds you can pretty much touch the connections and see if you feel anything. Just make sure you don't do that one for too long hahaha

 

I'm the same way, very lazy. The header to downpipe gasket did seem to fix the leak a bit, but my guess now is the exhaust manifold gasket. I guess I'll order one and swap it on whenever I feel like bruising up my arm again. I wish the header was in front like my old Saturn's. So much easier to work on.

Either way, sounds pretty good besides the leak right? Considering my full exhaust set up cost only $300. I've loved this eBay catback since I got it.

 

Narrowed the leak down to the flexpipe on the LSJ downpipe. Instead of taking it off and fixing it, I just went and bought a ZZP 2.5" instead. Bonus money burning a hole through my pocket haha. That shall go on in the morning!