[Autoweek News] Cobalt SS/ION RL get Superchager "Stage" Kits

[DuSpinnst]

Source: http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103095

Super Boosted Chevys: Supercharger kits push Cobalt to next stage

BOB GRITZINGER
Posted Date: 8/30/05

We’ll admit to a growing fondness for Chevrolet’s Cobalt small car, especially the one that debuted this year as the 2006 Cobalt SS Supercharged coupe.

With performance suspension and 205 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque on tap from a lightweight aluminum overhead-cam 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the supercharged model is good. But if you really want something to get charged up about, stand by for Stage 1 and Stage 2 upgrades for the SS Supercharged (and Saturn Ion Red Line) due in early 2006.

Stage 1 adds revised fuel injectors and new engine calibration to pick up another 20 hp; Stage 2 increases boost via a smaller supercharger pulley (along with another engine recalibration job) to amp up the torque by about 20 lb-ft. The packages can be readily installed by the owner. Pricing will be announced in November at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.

We’ve driven the base supercharged cars, along with the Stage 1 and 2 upgrades, and while the Stage 1 noticeably increases power, the added torque in the Stage 2 package is worth the extra cost and effort. The added boost provides a substantial increase in power, especially at the low- and mid-rpm range where base and Stage 1 models need a downshift to prevent running short of breath.

Need more incentive? GM Performance hoss John Heinricy says he expects a 20 percent power boost from the Stage 2 kit “when all is said and done.” That’s about 246 hp and 240 lb-ft, if you’re keeping score.

[DuSpinnst]

Hopefully the Sol/SKY will get some Turbo Stage kits when they are released. 300 HP SKY.... on the 4 cyl. I can only hope....

[brentil]

Very awesome. Looks like GM finally realized they need upgrade packages like MOPAR does for the SRT-4 to keep people interested and to get new people interested in their Supercharged ECOTEC platform.

I'm going to edit the topic title to remove the [GM News] that's a tag I reserve for GM official news from media.gm.com.

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by brentil

Very awesome. Looks like GM finally realized they need upgrade packages like MOPAR does for the SRT-4 to keep people interested and to get new people interested in their Supercharged ECOTEC platform.

I'm going to edit the topic title to remove the [GM News] that's a tag I reserve for GM official news from media.gm.com.

Oh, OK thanks!

[Delnari]

I be curious to see how well the stock clutch holds up to stage 2 kit. When I added 40% power to my Honda Del Sol the clutch was fried after 4 days of driving.

Will be sure to check out the booth at SEMA when I go in November.