We have found that some factory intake systems actually work better than aftermarket systems. Go figure right? We have taken the time to look at a few intakes that give you good power gains and also are made with top quality and fitment in mind. Since many of you have been asking questions about the intake on the “Stage 2” upgrade for the LNF from our blog post here - LNF Upgrade Kit Update – Part 2. Are You Ready?! - we decided to give you some inside info that will help you in your quest to not only match the power of the LSJ stage upgrades, but to potentially surpass them as well.
This is not an easy task and while the factory does a great job at delivering the best of all worlds, some aftermarket tuners think that they can do better than the General and we’re going to list your options with those companies here for you. If you have an intake from one of these companies, throw a comment down below and help your brothers decide which cup of Kool-Aid they should drink from.
In case you are a little green behind the ears with modifying your car yourself, the boys over at AEM have created a PDF that shows step-by-step how to install thier intake in your Cobalt SS Turbo. You can download this sweet little manual here.
AEM
First off is AEM. Advanced Engine Management has been around since 1987 and is a true leader in developing aftermarket intakes that are engineered, designed and tested to deliver a product that is close in design to factory while increasing airflow as much as possible. Their offering to the Cobalt SS Turbo is an intake system that will deliver 17.3 hp and 14.7 lb.-ft of torque.
Injen
Injen has been serving the automotive aftermarket quality intakes since 1998. Injen also has many unique processes it uses while developing an intake system that separates itself from the competition. In the Cobalt SS Turbo intake system, Injen utilizes its patented “MR Technology Step Down” process. This design is meant to keep factory air/fuel ratios in tact to offer a near-factory like driving experience while also getting 15 hp and 14 lb.-ft or torque out of the 2.0L ECOtec (dyno above).
Hahn Racecraft
Last but certainly not least are the folks over at Hahn Racecraft. Turbos are these guys’s middle name and they know them well. In business for over 20 years, there is a reason they are still around today while others are dropping out around them. They offer an intake with the highest advertised gains for the LNF at 29 hp (dyno above). No torque numbers are given but we’re betting that they are close to the hp figure. If any of you have this intake or have numbers on torque, please post them up and we will make it known.
No one wants to see you guys make more power out of your LNF setup than us here at GMTS. We are excited about the Stage Upgrade for the LNF and feel that a review on a couple of intakes will help in taking the dive. Post your comments and questions. As you can see, we are listening and are here to help.
