auto x cobalt success?

[nalepa2.2]

looking for some great information or some helpful tips on how i can gain the maximum performance out of my cobalt on the track, tire pressure, half or near empty tank of fuel, things like that!,  numerous upgrades to the engine and exhaust, and running goodyear eagle gt's. thanks guys.

[Foximus]

I think I can help here.....

The first and most important thing is, are you looking to just go out and have fun lapping it on a road course, or are you trying to set yourself up for a particular SCCA AutoX class?

I also have a 2.2L LT cobalt, thats well, not much stock anymore, and it drives amazing.  But it puts me in SMF, and being all motor in SMF, well, it can be a little daunting sometimes.  I'm just curious what direction your going in, then I can easily make parts suggestions to you for ways to improve the handling, haha.

[Mark Aubele]

looking for some great information or some helpful tips on how i can gain the maximum performance out of my cobalt on the track, tire pressure, half or near empty tank of fuel, things like that!,  numerous upgrades to the engine and exhaust, and running goodyear eagle gt's. thanks guys.

Just come to an event.  Modifications will do nothing to improve your times until you get some seat time.  Another advantage is you will get to see what tires everyone is running, etc.  The only things I would really do is run around 1/2 tank of fuel, and show up to the event with around 40 psi in the tires so you can lower them from there if necessary.  But the most important thing is actually coming to an event and driving.

[Habib88]

Just come to an event.  Modifications will do nothing to improve your times until you get some seat time.  Another advantage is you will get to see what tires everyone is running, etc.  The only things I would really do is run around 1/2 tank of fuel, and show up to the event with around 40 psi in the tires so you can lower them from there if necessary.  But the most important thing is actually coming to an event and driving.

All of this times infinity.  If you've never raced before come out and do a event or two.  You'll come back with a whole different range of questions lol.  Welcome to the site, consider making a introduction post telling us about yourself, car, etc 
http://www.racepa.com/content/index.php?board=6.0

[nalepa2.2]

well im running the 2.2l with 2.4 naturally aspirated intake manifold, 4 into 1 racing headers with 3 inch down pipe, 3 inches back with a magnaflow muffler, eibach lowering kit, injen cold air with k&n filter, the body has the gm ground effects kit, with the ss high rise wing. the car drives and accelerates 150% better then stock and reaches top speed much faster, I would love to have it dyno tested but dont know where one is around the pittsburgh area. and i will be coming to race, more or less to have fun, but if i have a good time that would be cool too lol.

[Foximus]

Thats not bad for starting out.  And there's a couple dyno's in Pitt, but like Chris and Mark said, come out and drive the car at events before you go any further.

[roundel]

I don't know about cobalt fuel pickup, so generic advice is 1/2 - 3/4 tank...

What kind of tires do you have?

[Foximus]

It gets sketchy on a 1/4 tank. I can tell you that.  haha

[bluemeanietsi]

I would love to have it dyno tested but dont know where one is around the pittsburgh area.

There are millions...lol.

Off top of my head:

J&S, FJ, TPG tuning, Rodeheavers, there's one in Sarver by my house, ASAP, Not sure if ESE still has theirs or not.

[Mark Aubele]

I would love to have it dyno tested but dont know where one is around the pittsburgh area.

There are millions...lol.

Off top of my head:

J&S, FJ, TPG tuning, Rodeheavers, there's one in Sarver by my house, ASAP, Not sure if ESE still has theirs or not.

Yep, it is actually hard to drive around this area without physically running into a dyno, they are all over the place.

[Mark Aubele]

It gets sketchy on a 1/4 tank. I can tell you that.  haha

At hillclimbs mine would actually shut down if I had less than a quarter.  I think 1/2 would be OK especially for an NA 2.2.

[nalepa2.2]

i havnt had any problems with the fuel pressure under 1/4 tank, ive had it almost completely empty and it runs fine, the only computer issues ive had is when my oil life goes below 55%-50% the engine almost retards it self, once i reset the oil life, my engine performs great until its time for a oil change again. and im running 17 inch goodyear eagle gt's

[Hunter]

i havnt had any problems with the fuel pressure under 1/4 tank, ive had it almost completely empty and it runs fine,

    Yeah, but not while autoxing / tracking

[roundel]

and im running 17 inch goodyear eagle gt's

Maybe 38lbs front / 34lbs rear to start and adjust from there depending on sidewall rollover and feel.

[HRERACING]

and im running 17 inch goodyear eagle gt's

Maybe 38lbs front / 34lbs rear to start and adjust from there depending on sidewall rollover and feel.

Not in a front driver, I would say 40 lbs front and alot more at the rear

[nalepa2.2]

i try to keep them at 45 at all times

[cjb11its]

42f 30r thats what i always ran in the z24's

[IROCZ]

Hey Brother, glad to see you made it here. See you at the course if not sooner.

[nalepa2.2]

hopefully soon! and im going today to get the ignition fixed.. what a damn bummer it broke last night.. never would of exspected a year old car to break so soon!

[DarkHelmet]

It gets sketchy on a 1/4 tank. I can tell you that.  haha

I ran my SS @ nationals with the low fuel light on... 6 runs and it never hiccuped.

I echo what others have said. Didn't run a base car ever, so while they are different the 'basic' behavior is similar.

1) without an LSD, unless the wheels are pointed straight, don't bother to do anything other than steer.

2) adjusting the tire pressures really alters the car's manners, especially in the rear. I ran higher pressures to help the back end rotate.

3) Get a CG-lock for your seatbelt... it will help plant you in the seat.

Other than that... just come out and ask for help and learn.

Oh, and I ran 42F/ 36R on street tires. If it was damp or an open course, I ran a little lower in the rear.