Adding punch to the Solstice GXP ?

[Northstar24]

To the OP - I noticed a slight improvement immediately after the GMPP tune was installed, but saw some addtional increases over the next half dozen key cycles or so. Starting with a tune was a good choice, and as others have said, I would look at Exhaust/ Intercooler next. If you're willing to have some tweaking done to the GM tune - you could look at a big wheel upgrade from someone like Performance Autowerks

While I dont have a ton of experience in V8 powered cars (I prefer the power from a turbo'd 4 and the fuel economy when I need it) with ~300 horse and 340 ft lbs at the crank after the tune - my Sol is more than enough to get me into trouble

[BerneyBandit]

The GMPP tune does make the car scoot nicely gradually after a few start cycles. I do not plan on additional power mods other than the exhaust already put on though after the GMPP tune. The power per litre of the 2.0 lnf motor is stellar with great mileage. I'm afraid a larger turbo will lower the low end torque and increase turbo lag at lower RPM's but the direct injection offsets the low end lag.
I'dd add further power mods if power increases without driveability compromises at lower end. It's fun to mod the car but after research and reading everybody's inputs in the forum.

[Alan_L]

[quote=NavyKnight;903227]

Originally Posted by Alan_L Well the 1st 2 pulls were in third gear which is why they were so much lower, in our cars they need to by dynoed in 4th because that is our direct drive gear. As far as being turbo, nope nothing special and get the GM tune, I have been happy seeing 25 PSI and still having that 100k warranty. Hi Alan, When you detect 25psi are you using an external boost gauge? I was told that the stock boost sensors only go upto 23psi. Is this incorrect? You are showing 25psi on your stock boost reader/DIC?

Nope, the stock boost gauge will read as much as you are pushing from what I know, I have seen mine spike up to 27 once or twice.

[Montanez]

Ok Folks... so now on to exhaust...

What are your thoughts?

I'm considering a Magnaflow and the Solo Mach Shorties...

I saw some pictures of the 'blue-ing' that happens to the Solo's over time and didn't like... but I like the sound from the clips...

Have listened to all the Magnaflow and the Shorties clips that I could find... but still am not sure...

Has anyone ever heard a Magnaflow next to a Solo Shorty - any thoughts?

-MM

[wspohn]

I like the Magnaflow theory. Too many manufacturers replicate the muffler mounted transversely across the back of the car even though that means running rather silly circuits for the gas to accomodate the dual exits.

I looked at all the options and then came up with one of my own. I am a fan of the product qualty of Solo and they are easy to deal with. I called them and asked them if there weren't another option. I ordered a street race system (splits before the diff and continues in two 2.5" pipes with no mufflers). Much too loud as is, but I planned to insert some mufflers. They told me that they have a line of sausage shaped mufflers that only add 3% resistance compared to a straight pipe, so I had them cut off the stubs on a couple of those and ship them with the system. It requires me to cut the final legs of the street race system and weld in the two mufflers, one on each side. Like the rest of their systems, nicely welded stainless steel.

Will let you know how it turns out. Should be the lightest and most direct way to do this other than the Magnaflow, which gives you only one exit. My way might be better for those who want to retain the original rear appearance but don't want transverse mufflers, nor too much noise.

[Michael10101]

[quote=NavyKnight;903227]

Originally Posted by Alan_L When you detect 25psi are you using an external boost gauge? I was told that the stock boost sensors only go upto 23psi. Is this incorrect? You are showing 25psi on your stock boost reader/DIC?

My DIC has hit 25 once, that I've seen. No external gauges. But usually I'm in the 21-23 range.

[LiquidPT]

Originally Posted by wspohn I like the Magnaflow theory. Too many manufacturers replicate the muffler mounted transversely across the back of the car even though that means running rather silly circuits for the gas to accomodate the dual exits. I looked at all the options and then came up with one of my own. I am a fan of the product qualty of Solo and they are easy to deal with. I called them and asked them if there weren't another option. I ordered a street race system (splits before the diff and continues in two 2.5" pipes with no mufflers). Much too loud as is, but I planned to insert some mufflers. They told me that they have a line of sausage shaped mufflers that only add 3% resistance compared to a straight pipe, so I had them cut off the stubs on a couple of those and ship them with the system. It requires me to cut the final legs of the street race system and weld in the two mufflers, one on each side. Like the rest of their systems, nicely welded stainless steel. Will let you know how it turns out. Should be the lightest and most direct way to do this other than the Magnaflow, which gives you only one exit. My way might be better for those who want to retain the original rear appearance but don't want transverse mufflers, nor too much noise.

Any idea when you're planning on installing?

[wspohn]

Originally Posted by LiquidPT Any idea when you're planning on installing?

Fiero is in right now getting the turbo bolts tightened but either next week or the following week I should get this system on the Solstice.

[LiquidPT]

Originally Posted by wspohn Fiero is in right now getting the turbo bolts tightened but either next week or the following week I should get this system on the Solstice.

Cool. I'm up the weekend of the 21st, but I'm not sure what my schedule is yet.

[wspohn]

Good. You can come by and tell me how horrible the new exhaust sounds

[Montanez]

Hey guys ---- So do you think that a Solo Mach Shorty setup is worth $200 more than than the Magnaflow? You can purchase online a MF with-out shipping. I can see a $100 delta - but $200 is pushing it I think... Thoughts?

[wspohn]

Originally Posted by Montanez Hey guys ---- So do you think that a Solo Mach Shorty setup is worth $200 more than than the Magnaflow? You can purchase online a MF with-out shipping. I can see a $100 delta - but $200 is pushing it I think... Thoughts?

Impossible to say. What are you after - same thing everyone wants, different noise AND a bit more power?

The noise you can try and assess based on sound clips although that's like trying to judge a symphony orchestra played over an AM radio - missing all the base.

The power isn't going to matter to you unless you have a tune, because you aren't going to get any (assuming you have a GXP) unless you do tune. You can look at the power claims of the two manufacturers and try to judge those.

I prefer the straight through single muffler approach of the Magnaflow to the 'add weight let's make it look more like a stock system' approach of Solo. OTOH, the guys at Solo are great to deal with, while your best buy on a Magnaflow will probably come from a local speed shop or an internet shipper that knows nothing about it. Their product quality is quite good, mind you (I use them in a couple of cars).

Uh...bet that hasn't helped much, huh?

Whatever you buy, let us know how you like it once you get it fitted.

[davytudope]

i got the magnaflow for cheep off ebay and have not regretted it. and you can use the money you save and buy more stuff for the car.

[Brazan GXP]

Do any of you that are running the GMPP tune also have a CAI installed?

[stealthsky]

Originally Posted by Brazan GXP Do any of you that are running the GMPP tune also have a CAI installed?

I HAVE THE GMPP TUNE AND INTAKE. WORKS GREAT