Hey,

Sorry to single you out and TIA if you respond, but I have been searching for awhile on this forum and noticed that you were one of the first to go with stage I and then II.

A little background first. I have a 2006 NA, love the looks but not happy with the performance. Duh. However it is very clear to me that almost everyone on this site knows wayyy more about performance modifications than I do.

Also I am not looking to race it or blow anyones doors off. Just want a fun summer car with reasonable performance and still good reliable drivability.

Q1 Does stage I give you reasonably(or significantly) improved, fun, scoot around in normal traffic performance? Eliminate the lag between 2nd and 3rd without taking it to 5K rpm?

Q2 I am not a geek and have a reasonable set of tools, mostly for home improvement stuff. I can do basic stuff on cars but I have never worked on or owned a SC or turbo car. So is this install really "bolt on"??

Thanks in advance for any comments.

I think that Stage I would be enough for most people, but I believe Stage II is too good of a bargain to pass up. It's nearly twice as much horsepower for a small fraction more. Plus it'd be cheaper to go straight to stage II in case you want to ever upgrade.

Now, realize you do need a full exhaust last I was to understand if you want to go stage II. I believe Stage I you will only need a catback and maybe not even that.

DDM has made the install very easy and very maintenance free. If you leave yourself a full saturday you can complete it with ease. I started at 6:00 pm and was out driving by 11:00 with stage I and stage II. There may even be someone in your area who would be willing to help install it who's done one before. The supercharged community is getting bigger and bigger.

I would contact DDM to get the full list of tools to make sure you have everything you will need but I believe most people would have everything if they have any mechanical aptitude. From memory I believe you basically need a socket set, a couple wrenches, a saw (scary, I know ), and a 6-pack of brewsky.

Hopefully this answered your questions!!

__________________
2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 - 500HP/525 ft/lbs!!

Previously known as "SolScuba"

I agree with what SolScuba said ... I would definitely get stage II the difference between the two is night and day ... DDMWorks can fix you up with everything you need ... I recommend their 4-1 LT headers w/hiflow cat ... for the exhaust .. this is more a personal choice and there are a lot of vendors offering choices .... I have Solo Performance's SQR2 : Welcome to Solo Performance : For Mufflers, Exhaust, Stainless Steel Tubing and Mandrel Pieces. Pics, Video, Installation.....Order Online. ... w/Norms Fiberglass rcd diffuser painted SLY ... www.normsfiberglass,com ... as far as installation ... this depends on you DDM does provide an excellent set of instructions and you can call them with questions or you can do as some of us decided and drive to Piedmont, SC and have Dave do the install for you .... it will cost you a few dollars more but it is money well spent IMO ... there are many accessories to add for the boosted SOL ... DDMWorks offers various options for mounting gauges for boos .. afr ... oil pressure etc.
Once you have the stage II installed you will want to drive your SOL even more .... Good Luck with your decision.

Mike

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DDMWorks Supercharger kit #11 - STAGE II - DDMWorks 3 guage pod with PLX gauges (boost/afr/oil temp)- Koni Sport shocks f/r-DDM ProBeam-DDM upgraded brake kit(drilled/slotted rotors-ss brake lines-ceramic pads)-DDMWorks 4-1 long tube headers and hiflow converter-JPM padded center console-DDMWorks Backbone (in RED)-SOLO SQR-2 dual center exhaust-Norms Painted (SLY) rear valence-Kazera KZ-L wheels w/Bridgestone RE760 Sport tires (255/45/18)Waiting on Stage III and the STB (Shock Tower Brace)

Much the same here, but with slight differences:

Stage II is certainly the way to go. It is eminently drivable on an everyday basis; there are

no issues with overheating, computer rejects or tractability. The power increase is

incrementally dramatic, but not in a way that makes you feel as if you're driving a monster

on the street. Power onset is smooth and always controllable.

Unlike some of my DDM brothers, I've chosen to add only a cat-back to the exhaust. I don't

think headers and flow-through cats are that important for a street car, and, I'm not

suffering any lack of power because of that choice.

Speak to DDM...I think I know what you're looking for...they'll give it to you.

Jackknife

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Deep, Ebony, Loaded...VIN 2124

DDM Supercharger #6 Stage II Intercooled
Magnaflow Dual Cat-back ... Valentine 1
FE3 sway bar ... Car. Cust. Rests and Pockets
Norm's Dual Rear Fascia ... Visor Decals
Walnut Burl Dash ... Dual Horns
Blacked-out Grills ... Debadged
Boost & A/F gauges ... KappaShield
DDM Pro-Beam and back brace

Listen to 'er why-ee-eye-ine..

I'm planning a stage 2 install soon. So far, I'm not convinced that I MUST do any exhaust mods at all. As for installation, there are detailed instructions on DDM's website, that you can download. All very well explained. The saw part makes me a little nervous, but it's just removing the bracket that once held the PS reservoir, and with that relocated, it's still a reversable S/C project.

Everything I've read indicates that this is a good solid mod, which won't cause grief in daily driving.

Tires may need upgrading after the install sooner than exhaust. I understand it is torky.

__________________
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

Sorry I have been out playing on a turbo charged jet ski, what a rush, feels even faster than my car to 60.I have some numbers for you king.Totally stock 6.7 to 60. 16.8 in the quarter mileECM tune, CAI, Header, hiflow cat, and catback exhaust 6.4 to 60, 16.1 in the quarterStage I* 15.6 to 60 14.1 in the quarterStage II 14.6 to 60, have not gone back to the track.If you have mechanical ability and know something about cars, have tools you can do it yourself.* I had one of the guys who works for me who used to be a certified mechanic, and has a fully stocked garage at home help me with the stage I exhaust.* I could have done it myself, but it just made it easier.Stage II I had DDM do as I had some other things I wanted done at the same time. I would never go back to stock.

__________________
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!

I to, agree with the easy install. I did it in my driveway with limited tools and reading the instuctions for the first time, as I was installing. It took me 7 hrs. from start to finish and engine running.
Very easy install that I think you would be more than happy with. Very drivable and good useable power. I also installed a GM catback exhaust that took another 1/2 hour. Tires are only a problem if you want it to be. I don"t think you need a Catback unless you go to Stage 2. Your engine will be sucking a lot more air in, so you need to get the exhaust out faster.

[quote=Critterman;727290]
I have some numbers for you king.
Totally stock 6.7 to 60. 16.8 in the quarter mile
ECM tune, CAI, Header, hiflow cat, and catback exhaust 6.4 to 60, 16.1 in the quarter
Stage I* 15.6 to 60 14.1 in the quarter
Stage II 14.6 to 60, have not gone back to the track[quote]

I think you must've meant 5.6 for stage 1 and 4.6 for stage 2 huh?

__________________
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

Think I'm gonna try stage 2 without any exhaust mods first. Keep it looking stock. That way I don't have to tell the wife about the S/C.

Tires are already a problem in wet weather

__________________
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

Capt_cu2
I was in your same situation. 2006 N/A that looked alot faster than it actually was. I went from N/A straight to Stage II and I am glad I did. I pretty much installed the DDM long tube header and high flow cat first. It bolted right up to my existing pipes with no cutting or welding. Then I installed the Supercharger over one weekend. I have average mechanical skills and a very small tool box and the install was very strait forward and enjoyable for me. The installation instructions are available at the DDMworks website if you want to review them first. Just take your time and the system will put a huge smile on your face. As far as the stock exhaust goes, your new supercharger will push a lot of air and it will need someplace to go. Any upgrade to the stock exhaust will improve the performance of the supercharger.
Rx

__________________
2006 Aggressive with DDMWorks Stage II Intercooled Supercharger, DDMWorks Long tube header and High-Flow Cat, DDMWorks Pro-Beam, DDMWorks A-Pillar Pod with Autometer Boost and Volt guages, Magnaflow Dual Outlet Exhaust, Gravanna J2 Staggered 18 inch wheel set, Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S 245/45/18 front 275/40/18 back tires, Custom Fender Vents, Custom Hood, and Racing Stripes.

Ditto on everything being said so far. Stage II is the way to go but if money is tight and you need to start with stage I it will still put a smile on your face and you can easily upgrade later. If you look back at the initial Stage I posts nobody was complaining that they didn't get their money worth. You will get used to the increase in power quickly though and crave what Stage II can give you. The DDM team is great to work with and will give you what you need. Currently they are working on some minor driveability issues with the Stage II upgrade based on feedback from initial installs but are standing behind their product as a good company should, making sure everyone is happy.

As far as the install goes you'll need some mechanical aptitude but nothing over the top and whatever tools you may need are easily obtained and inexpensive. You really don't have to make and exhaust change but the Cat back at the least will be a plus. During the install you WILL run into a challenge here or there, everyone did. They are all pretty minor and well documented in the original forum threads.. Keep in mind, there are plenty of us who have been thru this and can help you thru most anything you'll run into, just hop on line and ask for help. Plan a day for the install and you'll have time to get everything done and have time for a test drive and a recheck before you hit the road for a cruise. As said earlier, post where you are located and you may be able to get some advice, help and maybe a test drive before you invest your money. There are over 20 of us out here and I know most don't need much of a reason to take the car on a road trip!!!!!

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07 SLY 5SPD. -- DDM STAGE II SUPERCHARGED #10, DDM Pro Beam, SOLO Shorty Header, Werks Cat, Magnaflow CatBack, AfterShock Rear Spoiler, Upshield, Sport pedals, 18" Gravana J2 Staggered wheels w/ Cooper Zeon 2XS tires(275/40R, 245/45F)--

Hey thanks for all the great comments. I had not been on this site in a long time and was really excited when I logged on and found out about the super charger option.

Thanks again.

King, I must have been including warm up time, you are correct 4.6 not 14.6.

__________________
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!