2007 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbocharger Kit Install - Transportation Transsformation

There have been a few minor negatives that, in the interest of completeness, we ought to mention. On some full-throttle bursts (especially down the 1,320), the yellow SES light starts flashing on the dash; but rather than indicating an actual problem, this is simply a result of the additional energy needed to light the spark plugs tricking the ECM into thinking the ignition coils are not firing-whereas actually they are-and throwing a P0300 "misfire" DTC. (I'm personally planning on working with Hahn to turn down the sensitivity of this code-Bill is adamant about not simply "switching off codes on a wholesale basis," as can be typical in the tuning industry.) I had to make a few minor adjustments to cure some underhood component rubbing, and in some places zip-ties were utilized to keep vibrations at a minimum. Some non-factory noises still emanate from underhood occasionally, but they are definitely livable, especially for an aftermarket turbo system. Speaking of noises, the sound of water rushing through the turbo took a little getting used to (it's easily heard since it's right behind the firewall), and once in a while there's a hard cold start, but it never takes more than two key turns to get the Ecotec purring.

If you're wondering about emissions legality of this kit, this question doesn't have a definite answer. While the system retains all required factory equipment, Hahn says that laws vary so widely across the U.S. that he leaves up to the customers to know their local regulations and conform to them. Legal technicalities like CARB E.O. numbers (which would be very difficult to attain on a standard-location turbocharged car thanks to cold cat lightoff concerns) aside, Hahn assures us that the kit actually decreases overall emissions of both greenhouse gases and other pollutants, along with enhancing catalytic converter life (by allowing it to run cooler). As an example, hydrocarbon counts are generally lower thanks to a more effective "afterburn" of the fuel.

As to CO2 emissions (the reduction of which is all the rage these days), it's a simple matter of less fuel burned per mile. Indeed, I've seen increased gas mileage since installing the kit (I have found the average economy dash readout to no longer be accurate, by the way). Now, don't expect Prius-esque economy numbers: all in all, the increase is probably just sufficient to offset the additional price of now-mandatory premium gas. I've yet to fill up and show less than 25-27 mpg, even with substantial amounts of around-town driving. Chock it up to the turbo reducing pumping losses, even at cruising speeds-it recovers some otherwise-lost energy and adds very slightly to the volumetric efficiency of the engine. (This is one reason you'll be seeing a whole lot more turbocharging from OEMs in the future, BTW.)

When all is said and done, the result has turned out to be an economical, quick daily ride, and with my WS-6 free to get even more well-deserved beauty rest in the garage, I don't need to fret so much about it getting stolen, smashed up, or likewise being sent to a premature F-body afterlife. As the saying goes: "Mission accomplished!"

The Fun Has Only Begun!
We're calling this project a done deal for the time being, but want to let you know that Hahn is still working on ways to make even more Ecotec power for those interested, and some of the products needed to attain this have already been released.

The system we've just installed is pretty well optimized the way it comes. But even with the kit as-is, Hahn says there's an additional upward ceiling of about 2-3 psi of boost, as the turbo and intercooler can handle them. After this, changes such as larger injectors would be needed. Hahn tells us higher-powered iterations are in the works for future release.