USMCFieldMP
Veteran Member
Honestly, you can probably just change your current setup around and help out with the lag a decent amount without losing too much power. Two things stand out to me:
The charge pipe is too big, as well, but it's a short enough pipe that it doesn't make a HUGE difference. The turbo's compressor housing outlet is 1.75"; cutting a half inch out of that pipe's diameter will gain you some RPM/responsiveness (you'll have 35% less volume to pressurize). I'm willing to bet that the intercooler is equally too-large, but just changing the piping will help.
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Those are the two biggest things that helped me on my Cobalt. A huge exhaust is great for top-end, but it will severely cut into the turbo's ability to spool up quickly. Huge charge piping is a waste on a turbo that small, as well - it just increases your lag. You're running the same size exhaust and larger charge piping than what I run on a 450 whp car.
That car doesn't need a 3" exhaust - not even close. Drop that to 2.5", maybe even 2.25". This will help a good deal with spool at the cost of a little top end.3"exhaust ... 2.5" lower intake piping
The charge pipe is too big, as well, but it's a short enough pipe that it doesn't make a HUGE difference. The turbo's compressor housing outlet is 1.75"; cutting a half inch out of that pipe's diameter will gain you some RPM/responsiveness (you'll have 35% less volume to pressurize). I'm willing to bet that the intercooler is equally too-large, but just changing the piping will help.
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Those are the two biggest things that helped me on my Cobalt. A huge exhaust is great for top-end, but it will severely cut into the turbo's ability to spool up quickly. Huge charge piping is a waste on a turbo that small, as well - it just increases your lag. You're running the same size exhaust and larger charge piping than what I run on a 450 whp car.