Bill covered over 600 miles and burnt through three tanks of gas feeding up to 23 psi of boost into the Stage 1-upgraded Cobalt SS Turbo's engine along his journey to give enthusiasts a feel for the upcoming kit. A total of ten people came out in the various cities Bill drove around to in order to test the Stage 1 kit out for themselves. All drivers were allowed to slam the pedal to the floor and pull off as many no-lift shifts as they wanted as well as take pictures and video and pick Bill's brain about the kit. After each drive was over, the participants did what any respecting member of the Cobalt community would do and went online to tell everyone about their individual thoughts about the kit, good or bad.
We picked a few of our favorite comments that we found over on CobaltSS.net that pretty much sums up how the day went for these lucky enthusiasts:
“We had 4 people in the car and the car pulled way harder then my stock ss/tc would ever pull. The only way to change peoples minds is for them to drive it with the stage kit its self.”
- KillerBee
“…In terms if power however I noticed a big diifference in power in second and third gear. I was prepared for the extra torque steer with two hand on the wheel and I would agree due to the extra power, it has more torque steer.”
- bri2203
“Holy heck! The stage kit is totally worth it!”
- CobaltSScrazy
“To be general this car pulls through the entire gear. Coming from a 2006 cobalt SS driver with GM stage 2 this is to be expected, however I rode in my friends 2009 SS with HP tuners tune and I would REALLY like to see a race with these two. The car never falls flat on its face and just keeps going.”
- ssyellow
“During stop and go and normal driving, the car seemed to drive the same as my '09 SS/TC. I cruised in 2nd for a moment at about 20mph then mashed it. The car started to pull and soon the tires were spinning! This was not a No Lift Shift...I was already in 2nd and had traction...the additional power was able to break the tires loose...This isn't something I've encountered in my '09.”
- Koz
“…For the realibility and warrenty of the kit, I would favor the Stage 1 over my aftermarket any day of the week. Peace of mind is worth something to me. Both tunes are a drastic improvement of stock but the Stage 1 kit doesnt throw you in the seat like my aftermarket car. With that said, count me in for possibly a Stage 1 kit in the future.”
- TMRRedline
We here at GMTS can only clamor on about how much of a home run this kit is for the Cobalt SS Turbo. But after taking this kit to the streets to see what YOU, the Cobalt SS owner and fan, think about this upgrade from GM HPVO the decision seems clear – this kit is a drastic improvement and a must have for all Cobalt SS turbo owners. We would like to send Bill Duncan a special thank you for all his hard work in developing this kit and for taking his time all weekend to drive around and let others get a first hand impression. Bill is a first class guy and a major help to the GM Sport Compact community. To all you owners out there, we are getting closer to launch date. Until then, hope you enjoyed hearing first hand impressions of the new Stage 1 kit.
Cobalt SS Stage 1 Drive & Ride Day Gallery
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
