Chvy588

So I just signed up and just yeah I have a 2006 chevy cobalt ls not the ss I wish...
Update: thanks for the welcoming guys so how can i make my car faster i heard cold air intakes and performance chips do they really work?

Tdubbs

Welcome to the forums.

ATOMbomb

Don't need an SS to have fun. Make the car who you are. Lot of good info here. Welcome!

carid

Hello and welcome to the forum! I'm sure you gonna love it. Have fun and enjoy your driving!

Ricky Schell

Welcome.
Upgrading the cold air intake, header and exhaust is a good place to start to free up restricted airflow and does gain small amounts of power. It's always good to tune the car also with added parts.

no_ss

iTrader: (2)

Hard part with tuning is the 05-06 isn't accessible as easy as 07-10 cobalts. Idk how an 05-06 would get tuned.

Doubledjunky

You can find box tunes for the NA models. Just not the SC. I was seeing them when looking for a cheap tune, but i wised up since I'd just be replacing it later on.

You can also run with the ZZP PCM 1.0. I'd suggest getting all of your bolt-ons (intake, header/downpipe/exhaust) done before this, though. Otherwise, you'd have to get it re-tuned for maximum effect.

Chvy588

Oh okay well right now this catalytic converter is giving me a hard time engine light will come on and off and now its off but just my car feels muzzled now like it doesnt take off like it use to I think it broke or clogged up or something it just doesn't feel normal should i jack it up and take it off and break that thing ? You guys have any videos or pictures that show an example of how to break it through on a chevy cobalt or is it a bad idea to break it Through heard it gives you a small amount of horsepower is this true ? And alright guys thanks for the info about making the car a bit faster realized its kinda hard on a 06 .

Mr Mall Cop

iTrader: (1)

Welcome to Cobalt land once you enter there's no escape

Chvy588

So should i break the catalytic coneverter and then just place it back on ?

Doubledjunky

It's possible, but technically illegal. And will increase the sound level a good bit.

Also, it would be a good spot to upgrade your header/downpipe for some more performance while staying emmisions legal (I don't know the emmisions requirements in FL).

I'd suggest the zzp downpipe at least. Direct fit bolt on downpipe w/ high flow cat.
2.5 inch Stainless Cobalt/Ion Downpipe

If you are able to spend a few more bucks, I'd suggest the midlength header and downpipe combo
Midlength Header & Downpipe Combo

But gutting the cat would be your cheapest option. May require some welding , though. I am unsure of the best way to do it on the cobalt.

Hope this helps.

(You can also pick up the zzp pcm 1.0 here for a box tune)

Ricky Schell

There is no inspections in FL so your good to go lol

Doubledjunky

So we just gutted the cat on my friends saturn vue (2.2 ecotec). Much simpler than i thought it'd be. Couple bolts broke off so we had to drill them out. That took longer than all the rest of the process.

Only gutted it because it got clogged due to misfires due to bad spark plugs. Cheaper and faster fix than ordering a new downpipe/cat or welding on a straight pipe.

Not what i would have done personally, but he's got his reasons i guess for going that route.

Chvy588

well okay i just well should i shove a metal rod down my cars muffler and break that honey comb area or do i have to take down the entire exhaust or does it all require welding and alright guys thanks for the ideas and tips

Doubledjunky

On my bro's Vue, we were able to drop just the down pipe (unfasten at header and at exhaust flanges). Then just used a crowbar to knock the honeycomb loose and reinstalled it.

Now, though, months later, he is saying he has problems and will have to replace it. I'd suggest replacing it with a new downpipe. ZZP has some good ones with highflow cats (or catless).

Gutting it may work short-term, but I can't validate or disprove long term gains.

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable/experienced can expand on this.