I hope everyone reads this thread. This is the tread that will explain performance mods for the low buck guy. Let me explain. Most people who buy cheaper performance cars (talking about the solstice price tag) will most likely always want some more performance. In this case power. The down fall is that most that buy cars with this price tag don't realize that power adders require work, and strict maintenance to perform SAFELY and RELIABLY. GM designed the GXP with a team of ENGINEERS that has done thousands of miles of R&D to get the average buyer the reliability that is expected when buying a car. (You want to go 100,000 miles without a tune up don't you America.) Aftermarket power add on's will never have this amount of R&D. Don't get me wrong most do very well but most are also making kits for cars that weren't engineered to have these things done. So kudos to places like Hahn and DDM for the products that they have that work great in this respect.
How many people on here have actually even drove a turbo or supercharged car?? At least to even install a kit and know what demands have to be met in order to keep what you have going and on the road. Basically you can buy a $20,000 car, $6,000 kit, and hang with cars that are a lot higher up in the price range. Great but that $6,000 kit isn't the same as getting it that way from the factory. If you don't or haven't ever been involved in doing something like this to a car, then maybe save the experience for car that is lessed loved than the solstice, because the factory has options. The GXP if you don't want the headache.
Jay
Jay;
This has always been my point of view as well. When I see folks in riced Toyotas or Nissans want to street race me in my TT 335i BONE STOCK, I kinda laugh. When I see pimped Hondas and Mitsubishis throttling erratically at a red light in Albuquerque, yours above is the thoughts that I have. Some mods are more reliable than others---exhaust, other bolt ons, etc--and some are for race minded and mechanically sound car buffs. That in a nutshell, is the issue.
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Solstice GXP picked up 10/13/2006. Triple black Mysterious, Darkside, Ebony leather with red stitching. All Options, but no spoiler. 5 speed chrome wheels, XM, OnStar, sport metallic pedals everything but the blonde salesgirl...
I too would like you to back up your statement. I find it so easy for folks to Bash other competing products based on hearsay or no information at all.
I myself have had two cars with Hahn Racecraft systems and did not have a single bit of trouble. I now own the fastest ecotec Solstice and am pushing the stock motor to over 440 hp with absolutely no problems. I have gone on countless trips and track events with many trouble free miles.
I just hate to see a company get bad press because of one or two peoples bad experiences that may or may not be related to the products used.
Sorry to get upset but, I think people need to think before they type.
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View my car domain page http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3062072
Proud owner of Hahn Racecrafts "Soul Food" Solstice and member of TEAM SOLSTICE 2008
Mods
Dynoed at 450HP
Hahn Turbo Stage IV with valvetrain upgrades
Clutch Masters Stage IV Clutch
Hahn High Flow CAT
Solo Performance Center Dual Exhaust with Norms Fiberglass Diffuser
My biggest complaint with Hahn is "some additional tuning may be required" but too many people buy it as a bolt on kit with no extra tuning. I think with good tuning the Hahn kit can be great, but I do know some people personally that haven't even been able to drive the car because the tuning was so bad. I have also heard from a few people that some of the components Hahn uses could have been better than they are. But just my opinion. I was just being more sarcastic than anything. Sorry!!
To be fair, and not many on this forum hear about it, but the DDM Works S/C has had it's share of problems. Belts turning over and fraying, codes coming up, leaks, etc. Some of it is the user, some if it is the parts. I don't really make a big deal of it because this is the nature of the beast. To me, it's part of the fun...to a point.
What sets a company aside from others is that they don't turn their back on their customers. From what I've seen, there isn't a company on this forum that hasn't been more than helpful when problems arise.
Being a Hahn Stage 3 owner, I'd have to agree with Stone....there will always be tweeks and I find that enjoyable. However, as far as Hahn's quality and customer service, top notch. The kit fit perfectly and even though I did have growing pains, my car is running REALLY strong at 12 - 12.5 PSI. Thanks Bill Jr. :-)
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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2007 - 2.4 - Black - Hahn Stage 3, Hahn Hi-Flow CAT, Solo SQR-2, Norm's Finned Diffuser & Fenders, GReddy BOV & PRofec-B Spec-II B/C, Autometer Mech Boost & Electric Oil Temp gauges, DDM Two gauge A-Pillar POD & Powdercoated valve & engine covers, Illuminated WR, JPM Centre Console, Arm Rests & Visor Covers, Stubby Antenna
Team Solstice 2008
I have spoken with many members here on pm with both kits that have told me of numerous problems with all 3 kits. They will not talk about it because they have to work with the companys to get the problems fixed. If you piss off the manufacturers are they going to help you? At the same time, I am looking for a kit for my sons n/a. It has been a real hard choice for us.
I have spoken with many members here on pm with both kits that have told me of numerous problems with all 3 kits. They will not talk about it because they have to work with the companys to get the problems fixed. If you piss off the manufacturers are they going to help you? At the same time, I am looking for a kit for my sons n/a. It has been a real hard choice for us.
It seems to me that if you have a kit and you are having problems you would contact the vendor first and not air your dirty laundry here, just common sense. If the problem is corrected, then it wasn't a problem just an inconvinience.
Just my 2 bucks (adjusted for inflation)
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BIX A BEL Cool, Ebony leather, Chrome, loaded, no XM/onstar Founding member of the "Lost Sols Club"
Deposit (1100) - 9/29/05, 1101/1102 - 2 Feb 06, 2500 - 7 Feb 06, 3000 - 8 Feb 06, 3100 - 13 Feb 06, 3300 - 13 Feb 06, 3400 - 14 Feb 06, 3800 - 24 Feb 06 (112544), 4000 - 24 Feb 06, 4150 - 24 Feb 06
dealer expected deliver 6 March, arrived 28 Feb, picked up that night w 3.2 miles on the clock :)
NOT WAITING ANY MORE!
My intention when I started this thread was not to "air dirty laundry", but instead to properly evaluate the risks involved with adding power mods to the 2.4 powerplant.
I'm glad I started the thread, and I really appreciate all the comments written here. I'm still going to mod my engine, as I still want the added power. I'm not going to trade in for a GXP, as I prefer the N/A looks, and believe I can get enough performance out of a mod to make me happy.
There are so many wonderful aftermarket upgrades to this car, that we can all get exactly what we want. Looking at Brandon111's photos from the nationals show that perfectly. Many body mods, many engine choices, many other mods - that's what I mean.
After all - modding our cars is half the fun - right?
Thanks everyone - for your candid feedback, and good luck with your mods - whatever they are.
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2006 2.4 Solstice
Envious/Darkside/cloth int.
Limited Slip Diff, Sport suspension
GM Factory black mud guards
Alarm system
Airbag cover decal
Tony's slotted backup light covers
DDM Intercooler
DDM STAGE 2 Supercharger
DDM Stainless Coil Cover
DDM High Flow Catalitic Converter (still in the box)
Wish List
Aftershock side markers
Tony's Stripes
Solo SQR2 dual center exhaust
Norms Center Diffuser style rear fascia, fenders and skirts
Audi style headlights
DDM Backbone
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