Did I just buy a Terd?
05-24-2007 | 10:36 PM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: 05-08-07
Posts: 2,039
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From: Lakeland, Florida
Hey everyone. Virgin poster here. Just purchased a new SS 2.4 coupe 5 spd. Being shipped from another dealer so I have to wait for delivery..sigh.. There are no 5 spd's within distance to test drive so I settled for a run in a 4 door auto SS. To be honest it felt like accelerating in a Taurus SE. Granted the dealer had the A/C blowin which I didn't object to since my pits were already sweatin...but I was still a little dissapointed. Obviously I don't expect a 12 sec. car but do the 5 spd's have a noticeable zip factor over the autos stock? The grip was excellent by the way. To the auto guys. My track time experience has shown that a properly modded auto will CONSISTENTLY outrun a manual anyday (duh). So Im not flaming bashing or any of that crap. Just lookin for a ohh...im going 40 and a civic pulled up next to me.. and downshift...blam..feel that rush..yay i won. BTW heres my other cars in order.
95 Wrangler S 5spd (reliable but scary slow)
92 Mustang Gt 5 spd (heavy mods including Zex nitrous / Vortech S-trim)
98 Cavalier 5spd (good car just kinda boring)
92 Mustang lx 5.0 5 spd (medium bolt ons)
87 Mustang Gt 5 spd (minor bolt ons)
91 Camaro z28 Conv. auto (stock)
78 caprice classic auto (big red)
95 Wrangler S 5spd (reliable but scary slow)
92 Mustang Gt 5 spd (heavy mods including Zex nitrous / Vortech S-trim)
98 Cavalier 5spd (good car just kinda boring)
92 Mustang lx 5.0 5 spd (medium bolt ons)
87 Mustang Gt 5 spd (minor bolt ons)
91 Camaro z28 Conv. auto (stock)
78 caprice classic auto (big red)
oh cars pretty cool though....
just the other night i was ridin down a main road in my town and pulled beside some truck/jeep and he got on it so naturally so did i, then i pulled on him got in front of him and we got caught at a red light and her said "what the **** you got in that thing, i got a v8 and you were pullin on me the whole time." so im guessin the car is decently quick for the car it is.
05-24-2007 | 10:36 PM
#28
New Member
Joined: 11-09-06
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
The Taurus SE has a good sized V6, so that's a compliment, actually. I drive a 4-door auto, and it's no dog, just a bit slower off the line than the 5-speed. Also, they probably had regular gas it it. Mine is noticeably more sluggish with regular, since the computer compensates for the lack of octane by backing off timing. Also, the auto feels much better if driven in the "I" position rather than "D".
Anyway, enjoy your 5-speed when it arrives. The FE3 suspension is a great compromise, the Cobalt is noticably quieter inside than much of the competition, and I love the steering feel in spite of all the mags bashing the electric power steering. If you evern want more handling, springs are like $225 and make a big difference, plus there are numerous sway bars available.
Anyway, enjoy your 5-speed when it arrives. The FE3 suspension is a great compromise, the Cobalt is noticably quieter inside than much of the competition, and I love the steering feel in spite of all the mags bashing the electric power steering. If you evern want more handling, springs are like $225 and make a big difference, plus there are numerous sway bars available.
05-25-2007 | 09:59 AM
#29
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: 05-16-07
Posts: 440
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From: Blandon, PA
Got my Cobalt yesterday. What a blast to drive! 
The owners manual says no no to going over 5k rpms -until 500 mile break in, but I let one slip. And wouldn't you know it..the lil monster took off. Now I know why I thought the sedan/auto was slow. I really didn't get on it hard enough (dealer being with me and all). Im so used to those torque v8's that I ignored the happy revving 4's rule of thumb. Hopefully my sportlines will be here by this weekend. I'll do the before and after pic thing for you guys.
The owners manual says no no to going over 5k rpms -until 500 mile break in, but I let one slip. And wouldn't you know it..the lil monster took off. Now I know why I thought the sedan/auto was slow. I really didn't get on it hard enough (dealer being with me and all). Im so used to those torque v8's that I ignored the happy revving 4's rule of thumb. Hopefully my sportlines will be here by this weekend. I'll do the before and after pic thing for you guys.
05-25-2007 | 12:15 PM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: 04-17-04
Posts: 2,994
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta Canada
Got my Cobalt yesterday. What a blast to drive! The owners manual says no no to going over 5k rpms -until 500 mile break in, but I let one slip. And wouldn't you know it..the lil monster took off. Now I know why I thought the sedan/auto was slow. I really didn't get on it hard enough (dealer being with me and all). Im so used to those torque v8's that I ignored the happy revving 4's rule of thumb. Hopefully my sportlines will be here by this weekend. I'll do the before and after pic thing for you guys.
The owners manual says no no to going over 5k rpms -until 500 mile break in, but I let one slip. And wouldn't you know it..the lil monster took off. Now I know why I thought the sedan/auto was slow. I really didn't get on it hard enough (dealer being with me and all). Im so used to those torque v8's that I ignored the happy revving 4's rule of thumb. Hopefully my sportlines will be here by this weekend. I'll do the before and after pic thing for you guys.
05-25-2007 | 12:59 PM
#31
Not a Sebring
Joined: 02-22-07
Posts: 12,863
Likes: 2
From: Northern VA
The Taurus SE has a good sized V6, so that's a compliment, actually. I drive a 4-door auto, and it's no dog, just a bit slower off the line than the 5-speed. Also, they probably had regular gas it it. Mine is noticeably more sluggish with regular, since the computer compensates for the lack of octane by backing off timing. Also, the auto feels much better if driven in the "I" position rather than "D".
Anyway, enjoy your 5-speed when it arrives. The FE3 suspension is a great compromise, the Cobalt is noticably quieter inside than much of the competition, and I love the steering feel in spite of all the mags bashing the electric power steering. If you evern want more handling, springs are like $225 and make a big difference, plus there are numerous sway bars available.
Anyway, enjoy your 5-speed when it arrives. The FE3 suspension is a great compromise, the Cobalt is noticably quieter inside than much of the competition, and I love the steering feel in spite of all the mags bashing the electric power steering. If you evern want more handling, springs are like $225 and make a big difference, plus there are numerous sway bars available.
On the contrary, a 5-speed coupe version of the 2.4SS is a tad bit quicker, as its slightly lighter, and as with any auto, you lose some extra poines through the transmission. But in any case, I would never call the 2.4SS a "turd", as its the 2nd fastest car under 20k as someone already pointed out.
and just for the record, Taurus's are horrible, ugly rental cars that Ford should have never brought back. The only way i'd ever drive a Taurus is if it was one of the ones used in Robo Cop. Then i'd roll around pulling people over and proceeding to act like a robot.
05-25-2007 | 01:13 PM
#32
Senior Member
Joined: 09-30-05
Posts: 1,351
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From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
This is the reply I was waiting for .. Ya you'll find its got power just a matter of finding it and def over 3000rpm.. It took me awhile to find that torque etc myself but once I did I found your impressed. REMEMBER people, these are sport compacts! Not sport cars etc etc.. How many of us are trying to run 12's and stuff when the majority of the time we drive like regular folks just trying to get to point A and then B. I don't know what this obsession is with running this many seconds?? Anyways SSBalt enjoy
.. Ya you'll find its got power just a matter of finding it and def over 3000rpm.. It took me awhile to find that torque etc myself but once I did I found your impressed. REMEMBER people, these are sport compacts! Not sport cars etc etc.. How many of us are trying to run 12's and stuff when the majority of the time we drive like regular folks just trying to get to point A and then B. I don't know what this obsession is with running this many seconds?? Anyways SSBalt enjoy Got my Cobalt yesterday. What a blast to drive! The owners manual says no no to going over 5k rpms -until 500 mile break in, but I let one slip. And wouldn't you know it..the lil monster took off. Now I know why I thought the sedan/auto was slow. I really didn't get on it hard enough (dealer being with me and all). Im so used to those torque v8's that I ignored the happy revving 4's rule of thumb. Hopefully my sportlines will be here by this weekend. I'll do the before and after pic thing for you guys.
The owners manual says no no to going over 5k rpms -until 500 mile break in, but I let one slip. And wouldn't you know it..the lil monster took off. Now I know why I thought the sedan/auto was slow. I really didn't get on it hard enough (dealer being with me and all). Im so used to those torque v8's that I ignored the happy revving 4's rule of thumb. Hopefully my sportlines will be here by this weekend. I'll do the before and after pic thing for you guys.
05-25-2007 | 06:02 PM
#33
Senior Member
Joined: 04-08-07
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, NC
Got my Cobalt yesterday. What a blast to drive! The owners manual says no no to going over 5k rpms -until 500 mile break in, but I let one slip. And wouldn't you know it..the lil monster took off. Now I know why I thought the sedan/auto was slow. I really didn't get on it hard enough (dealer being with me and all). Im so used to those torque v8's that I ignored the happy revving 4's rule of thumb. Hopefully my sportlines will be here by this weekend. I'll do the before and after pic thing for you guys.
The owners manual says no no to going over 5k rpms -until 500 mile break in, but I let one slip. And wouldn't you know it..the lil monster took off. Now I know why I thought the sedan/auto was slow. I really didn't get on it hard enough (dealer being with me and all). Im so used to those torque v8's that I ignored the happy revving 4's rule of thumb. Hopefully my sportlines will be here by this weekend. I'll do the before and after pic thing for you guys.
lol, well enjoy your new car!
05-26-2007 | 12:26 AM
#34
Banned
Joined: 01-12-07
Posts: 987
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From: Elyria/Ohio
well for insurance i pay for just by itself for my car starting a new plan would be 191 per month. its 2.4 manual coupe ss. but i have 2 cars so i get multi car discount so that goes down to 188permonth i also have 2 reckless opps in one year so thats gonna be over 200 lol.
ryan.
ryan.
05-26-2007 | 01:01 AM
#36
Senior Member
Joined: 05-17-06
Posts: 872
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From: Denver Metro
It stands for "intense" and is a different shift program built right in. It will shift at higher RPM and shift harder (not higher at WOT, since it shifts at redline anyway, but at part throttle). It also doesn't go into overdrive (top gear). One thing I like about it here in the Colorado mountains is it will hold a gear like a manual as you get on and off the throttle on twisty roads, not shifting up until 4K, and then shifting back down almost like a manual at 2K. It never jumps into hi, and lets you compression brake as you back off for corners.
05-26-2007 | 08:12 AM
#38
New Member
Joined: 11-09-06
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
It stands for "intense" and is a different shift program built right in. It will shift at higher RPM and shift harder (not higher at WOT, since it shifts at redline anyway, but at part throttle). It also doesn't go into overdrive (top gear). One thing I like about it here in the Colorado mountains is it will hold a gear like a manual as you get on and off the throttle on twisty roads, not shifting up until 4K, and then shifting back down almost like a manual at 2K. It never jumps into hi, and lets you compression brake as you back off for corners.
05-26-2007 | 10:41 PM
#39
Senior Member
Joined: 09-11-06
Posts: 705
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From: Virginia Beach, Va
Hehe, well it depends... If you are a honda guy, then yeah, the cobalt is a joke and a turd. If you're a cobalt owner, then you know they eat hondas with little to no modification. Granted a tiny hatchback with a big motor swap will put you in your place, there are plenty of cars you can go head to head with. I took on an 07 Mustang GT, easily kill Tiburon GT V6's, and outrun TC's, most hondas, and even catch SS/SC's off the line, but of course once they hit 3rd, its over for me... 
Thats why Im looking into the rear mount STS turbosystem. They did it for the 2.2L with great success so i figured, why not.
As for being a turd. Some things need work, but overall, they are good cars based on a killer engine platform. Hope you are enjoying!
Thats why Im looking into the rear mount STS turbosystem. They did it for the 2.2L with great success so i figured, why not. As for being a turd. Some things need work, but overall, they are good cars based on a killer engine platform. Hope you are enjoying!
05-27-2007 | 02:04 PM
#40
Senior Member
Joined: 05-09-06
Posts: 2,173
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From: .
Here's the deal. Stock 2.4SS dynoed whp at 150 for me. The magazines tell you its 173 but thats flywheel. For the supercharged they more or less took the whp dyno and put that in the specs instead of the flywheel. Most supercharged Cobalts are at about 200whp and that calculates to being at about 250 flywheel horsepower. I know this because my original intentions were buying the 2.4 SS and modding it to be as fast as a supercharged and I'm having a SUPER hard time. So far spent about $1000 including intake, catback, and tune and I went from about 150 to 165whp. To sum it up there is about a 70ish horsepower difference between the two.
for the topic starter, if you are looking for ss/sc performance in the cobalt, the cheapest way to do it is to just buy an ss/sc...a 2.4 won't do it without f/i, nitrous, or possibly head/cam work. If you are really tight for money and want this kind of performance in a four door though, i hate to say it, but look at the srt-4's...You can get used ones in great condition for under 15-16k
Hehe, well it depends... If you are a honda guy, then yeah, the cobalt is a joke and a turd. If you're a cobalt owner, then you know they eat hondas with little to no modification. Granted a tiny hatchback with a big motor swap will put you in your place, there are plenty of cars you can go head to head with. I took on an 07 Mustang GT, easily kill Tiburon GT V6's, and outrun TC's, most hondas, and even catch SS/SC's off the line, but of course once they hit 3rd, its over for me... Thats why Im looking into the rear mount STS turbosystem. They did it for the 2.2L with great success so i figured, why not.
As for being a turd. Some things need work, but overall, they are good cars based on a killer engine platform. Hope you are enjoying!
Thats why Im looking into the rear mount STS turbosystem. They did it for the 2.2L with great success so i figured, why not. As for being a turd. Some things need work, but overall, they are good cars based on a killer engine platform. Hope you are enjoying!
Last edited by 8cd03gro; 05-27-2007 at 02:06 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
06-04-2007 | 07:38 PM
#42
New Member
Joined: 05-31-07
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: IL
my 2.4L coupe Auto picks up just fine
plus the difference between reg grade and premium is a big difference
it even says in the manual that any lower grade than premium will cause your car to accelerate slower
plus the difference between reg grade and premium is a big difference
it even says in the manual that any lower grade than premium will cause your car to accelerate slower
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