hey everyone, due to the amazing black friday sale i was one of the lucky ones to get a great deal on the ZZP lnf turbo kit with the s256 turbo. all i have on my car is stage 1 so this is going to be a hell of an upgrade build list goes as follows (keep in mind im looking for a safe 400whp not looking for 500-600):

Engine Modifications:
Borg Warner S256 Extended Tip Turbo w/ .55 A/R
ZZP Turbo Manifold
TiAL 38mm Recirculated Wastegate dump
ZZP Catless Big Turbo Downpipe
ZZP Upper and Lower Intercooler Piping
ZZP 50mm Blow Off Valve
ZZP Big Turbo Intake w/ Big K&N Filter
ZZP dyno tune
ZZP 82lb Valve Springs (only reving her to 7k nothing passed that)

Still Need:
ZZP stage 4 clutch
ZZP IC

my biggest question is concerning ZZP 4340 Connecting Rods. ive seen on the forum a lot of mixed opinions on if its necessary for a build. seems like the majority say that its necessary if youre going for 450whp and up. im not going with forged pistons either because like i said my goals arent that high. ZZP, scythe snake, cmiller and a few others have the beasts of the cobalt world. im content with around 400ish. What do you guys think? any input would be appreciated. thanks guys

 

props brother!!!!great score

 

thanks! i couldnt be happier cant wait to have it all installed. just need to wait for it to get shipped to me and then figure out a time to go to zzp for the install and dyno tune. im finishing my double major in a year so i figured i would treat myself to something since i havent bought anything fun in years (except the balt ofcourse).

 

any input of the connecting rods???

 

rods are not needed at 400-450hp. you do need to get an intercooler though

 

I agree with this post, but I would add that if you go over 450hp, like I've read on your first post, I wouldn't be concerned about rods only, but also about pistons.

Ops sorry, I've mistakenly read your post. If you intend to stay in the low 400s hp, yes the pistons are not needed, and really not even the rods. The only thing I would add on your list is definately the tranny mounts.

 

zzp just redesigned their lnf intercoolers so they have more clearance under the car and not get damaged when bottoming out, i'd look in to it

 

Thanks for all the input everyone! It's greatly appreciated yea an intercooler will happen for sure just have to wait a little. Looks like no rods then. Thanks everyone

 

I would also recommend just letting them hold onto the stuff since you're going there to get it installed and tuned. No need to pay for or risk shipping. Or did I misread your post?

I'll also agree, def get an intercooler. I'm sure the stock one's end tanks aren't gonna like the new toys.

 

Yep. According to your goal, I would get all the mods at once (if you can) so you only need to tune it once and you save a lot of money by not having to tune it everytime you replace a part

 

As everyone else has said, new rods are not needed for a 400whp goal. Looking at your list of parts you already have, all you need now is a good intercooler and a strong clutch. Now get to work!

 

dont think i could sit with the turbo kit in my room for a year lol but thats just me haha

 

I would also add the rotated tranny mounts

 

i wouldnt the tc ones work just fine

 

I guess each car is different, but mine is better with them

 

thanks for the comments! yeah its going to be hard holding on to the kit that long and not having it on the car lol. i emailed ZZP a couple days ago with some other questions just waiting for a reply to make everything spot on. the reason im having everything sent to my house was because i havent had the chance to talk to them yet cuz of how busy they are. i also got the refundable core charge 250$ just incase too. black friday was NUTS for them and i didnt want to be just another guy asking more crap you know. want to see if they can just wave that or just have me hold onto it til i get everything installed. then have them refund me later. we'll see. everyone has talked so much about ZZP in a good way that im excited about everything lol. been following there products for years. first i was going to get a gtp but then when they started with the lnf's couldnt say no. it feels great to own a car they support. coming from a crossfire the cobalt was definitely the best purchase i've ever made haha. looks like i'll be getting the intercooler, clutch, and valvesprings w/ retainers soon then cant wait!

 

hey everyone i just had 1 more quick question..what do you guys think about a new exhaust. ive heard mix things about this as well. many say catbacks are minimal and just tell me the 3in downpipe will do and just to get a new muffler as well. what do you guys think?

 

Oh I was thinking it was in the list. When I've got my turbo kit I was recommended to get a 3 inch catback. I ended up getting a custom exhaust built by BYT (he told me it is a 4 inch, better for the bigger flow) with a HKS muffler with a nice 5 inch tip. I can't tell you about the difference because it was installed together with the kit, but it was suggested for it. Hope somebody with a better info chimes in.
Christian

 

thats what i heard but then i keep hearing as long as i get the downpipe and muffler id be fine. idk anyone else have any input?

 

I know that it is true when you are only tuned and with bolts on, I don't think it is the same with a bigger turbo. I would ask Matt, Ryan or Tim about it.

 

UPDATE!! made my appointment with ZZP for March 2012 cant wait

 

That's awesome, man! I am so envious.

 

UPDATE!!! UPS came and dropped off my kit. The quality is top notch and I'm very impressed. Thanks again to ZZP for the great customer service and helping me with all my questions. I'll take some pics and post them up if I can figure out how to lol

 

Just go sign up at photobucket.com and post away.

 

Little update. I'll have my intercooler and clutch ordered very soon! about a month away from install and 420ish whp so pumped!