Okay I have a 2.2 LAP 2009 cobalt LT coupe that only has 54,XXX miles on it.

I have a couple of aftermarket parts.

lowering springs
exhaust
intake
exhaust
rims

I want more power but the engine this car has cant give me what I want.

I dont have the money to buy a different car, and I have a hard time saving money when it comes to car stuff.

Here is my question, is there a turbo kit for the LAP? If so a ball park price, how much would it cost for everything I need to forge this engine to try to get it up too 260+ hp?

Or should I just not do anything to it anymore? If everyone feels like I do, its hard not to spend anything on your car..

 

Did you try zzp for the turbo kit

 

Just so you know you listed exhaust twice. As for the turbo kit, zzp sells one and it's gonna cost you around 3 grand for that, 200 at least for a tune, 300 or so on the gauges and pods you will need, 1k minimum for the engine build and could go up depending on what you do, then if you are a manual you will need a new clutch and that will cost at least 300 and probably over 400 for one to fit your needs. Then you have to think about the expense of install if you aren't doing it yourself. A clutch job can cost anywhere from 600-1k, engine build would probably cost at least 1k, and for reference zzp charges 1k to install their turbo kit. Costs add up quick

 

Sounds like I would be in better shape to buy a used modded SS.

 

ZZPerformance - 2.2/2.4L Turbo Kit #ZZ-2224TK

 

It's all in what you are willing to do. A used modded SS runs more risk of having been beat on by the previous owner, whereas you know how yours has been treated. Plus by buying an SS you have to make more in payments and insurance. Neither way is cheap really, it's just all in how you want to do it. And by building what you have, you can make way more power than an SS on its stock turbo. Not saying you'd have to keep the SS on stock turbo but if you upgraded that, it would be just another big expense on top of already paying for the car

 

if you plan on being remotely competitive with a fully bolted/tuned stock turbo SS your going to need a full internal build and head work.. and even if you do beat one in a straight line, you still have the crummy suspension/brakes/interior/appearance/reliability/etc. from the base model. and just because its an SS doesnt mean its beat. Mine was in immaculate shape when I bought it, just do your research


I'm not trying to hate BUT I was in the same boat as the OP, didnt know whether to build or buy.. ended up buying and couldnt be more happy

for the money you just cant beat just buying into an SS. I had a fully bolted and tuned 2007 LT. I was limited to 230ish whp before I knew a build was needed.. I wanted much more than that.. parted out the LT and for $8k on top of my selling price I bought my SS/TC where I'm at 230ish whp (my old upper limit on the LT) STOCK with room to build on stock internals to my 300+whp goal. Insurance costs me $30/mo more on the SS, and gas costs cant really be compared as the power levels are different. a built LT would be the same I'd imagine.

if i were to have dumped the same $8k into my LT I dont think I'd have the same reliability/warranty/appearance/LSD/interior/handling/suspension/lower mileage that my SS has. All I'm trying to get at is for the dollar the SS is the better option than building up if you want power/performance

that said, I still show respect to those base model guys that build up.

in the end it comes down to what your goals are, lots a variables in there though..

IMO:
<250whp better off building
>250whp better off buying

 

very true padlock

 

Iwas thinking of parting out and seeking my car to get an ss but then thought i can just save money and turbo or SC my g5 and it be more unique than the ss cobalt since g5 doesn't have forced induction. But that's just me lol

 

Everything Padlock said is accurate. And all of it really depends on what you want. Do you want JUST the power and don't care appearance/suspension wise? Or would you wan that too? Would you rather have the satisfaction of building up the 2.2 on your own, or do you not have the patience/skill/time? TONS of factors to look into. But as Padlock said, USUALLY best bang for the buck is just buying a used SS, BUT doing research on it making sure the previous owner knew what they were doing and were'nt beating the **** out of it. I've seen a bunch of nice LNFs on this site that were around 13-15 grand some nearly bone stock and the near-stock used ones are the ones you want because you can do what you want to them and they still ahve the warranty most likely.

 

Take a look at my mod list in my sig. This is a stock engine. Ive had 0 issues with my set up.

Im estimating im a high 13 sec car at 100+ mph. Will find out this weekend.

Add boost now and build later on.

 

I see the way padlock does. It's how I feel. But I don't want to believe it. Just attached to my car. But the SS comes with a lot. Better body kit and a sun roof. Much more. For the base model people who built everything I envy them. They are talented people. Just I don't have the money to build. I guess I made my decision. Sell my cobalt and save to buy a SS/TC or a used wrx. Thanks for the help. I rather have a car with a nice amount of power which I can upgrade more to.

 

Get an evo. spank um all XD well not all... gota watch out for them STI's and what not.

 

Of course a EVO, they have always been my favorite. I never was into STI's. Just EVO's keep their value for a long time. I dont have 30k. I can get a wrx for cheap, even though Im a EVO love, it hurts to think about getting it lol.

 

Turbo..supercharge..or get a faster car..only way lol