So I've posted here before that I picked up a super-cheap 2007 N/A to use as my track day car.
I'm hesitant to mod the engine at all since it would, at best, take the car from being a bit slow on the straights to a little bit less slow on the straits. Plus, every cent I save on the Solstice is a cent saved toward my Vette fund!
Having said that, I AM curious about modding the engine. I am curious as to whether folks here think it is worth the money? Looking at, say DDM Works, their CAI is $225, the tune is $400 and an exhaust is >$500. So $1500-2000 for 10-15 HP? This seems like a lot of money!
General consensus is that the "tune" basically adds a horse or two but takes the nanny off of the throttle so you get a little quicker response. I may pop for it for a Mother's Day surprise for my wife - depends on funds at the time.
As one who went the non boosted route before adding a turbo save your money and if it's real performance you want you need a power adder to make a difference on an NA .I did a GM CAI, Werks Hi Flo cat ,Magnaflo exhaust ,Solo header ,and a tune and it made a difference in the way the car felt it was more responsive a lot of that I attribute to the tune . The biggest difference was the turbo , suspension upgrades especially the DDM brace bundle , and lighter wheels and upgraded tires a totally different car .My advice would be the suspension and tires first than an exhaust including a performance cat and a tune if you don't want to go with a power adder . As mentioned above the CAI is mostly for show with no real gains over a stock set up with some type of performance air filter .
Not to hijack the thread but regarding the DDM brace bundle, does it stiffen up the ride? I have an 07 GXP and the ride is pretty stiff and a little harsh already.
The GXP has different shocks than the NA so it's hard to say! In my case, thus far I enjoy the DDM braces, but frankly I'm tall enough that I'm never truly comfortable in the car regardless of the suspension.
The DDM brace bundle eliminates the flex found in a convertible you will notice a change in the ride if you think your car has a harsh ride now stick with what you have .
'Ride' is generally seen by owners as how stiff the car is and is directly related to how stiff springs are and what shock settings you have.
Stiffening the chassis so it won't twist as much wouldn't make the ride harsher, nor would increasing lateral weight transfer via heavier sway bars - it just won't lean as much going around corners.
I did A Solo Cat Back , DDM CAI (for looks ) and the Trifecta tune on my 2.4 NA. To me, it was like driving a different car. It was all in my budget and I am very happy with my choices. It brings a smile to my face every time I get in.. Cant wait til winter is gone.
Hi Dave,
I have the DDM Brace package with the 1/2" backbone brace, Michelin pilot super sport tires, AEM CAI, Solo performance header, high flow Cat, and loud cat back system, DDM center feed fuel rail (even if I didn't need it at this point) RPM-Performance stage 2 tune with the 36lb injectors....the tuner will be here tomorrow. I cant wait, I will let you know how it feels after the tune is done!! I do know that the brace package and tires made a huge difference in the handling and I cant wait to get new coil overs!! Love this car! 2007 base N/A with only 49,456 miles on it.
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