So I spent some time on the dyno this weekend

domer3001 · 04-12-2009, 07:07 PM

and for the first time tested out the DDM Stage 1. First pulls were roughly 189 HP and 183 torque at the wheels. The local performance shop specializes in racing and tuning ecotecs (mostly for cobalts). In fact they have done quite a bit of work on a local GXP. After taking a few tries to re-tune they called DDM who was helpful and felt the tune was conservative ( a canned tune) and noticed some issues with timing/knock detection at the top of the curve causing issues. On Sat AM they swapped out the plugs (colder) and made a big difference, some knock still there but they smoothed it out quite a bit and it was taking a long time to recover. On final tune got 198.99 and 193 torque. So was pretty happy since thats almost 50HP from stock and what Stage 1 advertises. Will post the graph later if I have time.

Some other points. Everyone is impressed with the SC from DDM, even after many pulls it stayed cool (just warm to touch), liked the looks and loved the sound. They said Stock GXP is putting out about 190 or so HP (not to be confused with the flywheel specs we all see adverstised on both stock and GXP). So if I am correct my Stage SC is putting out about the same as the stock GXP without the spooling up. They have further tuned the stock GXP and are now getting about 230 HP so that would be equal to the Stage 2 DDM. So at this point I am thinking I am pretty happy with the retune since I can really tell the difference at 5-6K RPM (much smoother and holding power better) but am thinking Stage 2. The DDM setup looks good but is pretty pricey at the $1200 tag. These guys say they can build me an intercooler setup for less bucks that will do the job.

Finally, they dont like the Iridium plugs (don't think they are cold enough) and also reset my fan timing so it comes on earlier, stays on at lower temps to help keep things cool. In the first few runs I have noticed engine temp per the DIC runnng about 5-10 degrees cooler.

Any input welcome on ideas, etc...

spiky3480 · 04-12-2009, 07:32 PM

Congrats on your stage I install...the guys at DDM are awesome. Keep an eye out for stage III, which is really sinister from what they have told me. Be careful with swapping plugs...I know others have had some of the ends burn right off with the Pulstar plugs. Remember, with changing the stage of the tune at your buddies shop, you'll have to retune accordingly. I would honestly stick with DDM as thay have made things specifically for how the car operates. I know from talking to them and having them at the Long Island mod meet that they test things over and over and tweak each time. Nothing is released until it is to their liking.

bigblau · 04-12-2009, 07:33 PM

Finally some realistic numbers.

Sounds about right. Looks like you got a good tuner over there. I'll PM for the name, since Massachusetts is not to far away from me.

About the intercooler. I think I'd stick with the DDM intercooler. I've heard that it's the best in the industry.

RevmanII · 04-13-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblau

About the intercooler. I think I'd stick with the DDM intercooler. I've heard that it's the best in the industry.

It's definitely massive. I remember pulling it out of the box and going holy <expletive>, you sure this is alluminum. It's pretty beefy

.

Stage II used a whole new belt setup too to handle getting enough grip on the smaller pulley. You might be able to buy their new belt setup and have your guys do the tune and intercooler and come out about the same

. For me the jump from I to II was a no brainer. You paid over 3k for the first 45-50hp jump. $1200 was a bargain for another 45-50hp

LatinVenom · 04-13-2009, 05:30 PM

Domer3001 do you remember what kind of Dyno the shop uses.

Critterman · 04-13-2009, 07:24 PM

That's about the numbers I got on stage I, 189, stage II with the old belts 234, stage III with the new belt set up I don't know as my old speed shop burned down, and their dyno is gone. I do know from a trip to the dragstrip Friday night, that I have a very bad traction issue now

domer3001 · 04-13-2009, 07:27 PM

Sorry, I didn't notice the type of dyno. Is there some way of telling by the looks?? Yes, I think Stage 2 is a no brainer but with the economy I am trying to be as smart with the money as possible. I will need the pully at any rate for sure. Hopefully my bonus will come through in June and that should give me about $1500 to spend on Stage 2.

madmods · 04-19-2009, 02:02 PM

I am going to be experimenting with a s/c stage 3 setup soon. One thing that I am very interested in is the new water cooled intercoolers which I feel are going to change the industy. I do not mean the sprayers that everyone uses. I recommend you go that route. Looks like you got a custom tuner, and that is good news. They are hard to find. Look into the aem meth/water injection to kill your knock. For the 300 bucks it is cheap insurance, will add substantial horsepower and get rid of that damaging knock. My guess is that this set up will produce 360hp to the crank. Good times are ahead.