According to several sources with unconfirmed track records with GM Authority, GM Performance Parts (GMPP) is working on “stage kits” for the Chevy Cruze and Sonic. Details are sparse, but the sources have specifically pointed to the 1.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder Family 0 engine that carries GM’s LUJ RPO code as the engine for which the kits are being engineered.
Histrorically, the kits have been available in stages (such as Stage 1, 2, 3), with each higher number denoting a superior level of performance. The kits usually offer an ECM tune, enhanced fuel injectors, intake and exhaust systems, as well as performance upgrades for the vehicle’s forced induction system and suspension. Since the Stage Kits are engineered by Chevrolet/GM Performance Parts (GMPP) and installed by a dealer, their use does not affect the vehicle’s warranty while the parts contained in the kit often carry warranties of their own.
For reference the Stage 1 kit for the now-discontinued Chevy Cobalt SS consisted of enhanced fuel injectors and a reprogrammed ECM that delivered an increase of 30 hp. Stage 2 consisted of the items in Stage 1 but delivered a smaller serpentine belt and pulley for the Cobalt’s supercharger, delivering a 47 hp and 30 lb.-ft. of torque improvement over the stock Cobalt SS. Finally, the Stage 3 kit took things to the extreme, as its use was restricted to tracks and disabled the Cobalt’s air conditioning; it included a smaller supercharger pulley, a 2-pass intercooler end plate, and a customizable replacement ECM; the Stage 3 ECM makes room for the use of a 50-shot of nitrous, 100 octane fuel, and an adjustable redline (from 6,750 to 8,000 RPM), delivering 248 hp (on 93 octane) and up to 260 hp when running on 100 octane fuel.
The GM Authority Take
The development of Stage Kits for the Sonic and the Cruze wouldn’t surprise us in the least. But what we’d rather have is either one of those vehicles in a more powerful form directly from GM. Hyundai seems to get it just fine; why doesn’t Chevy?
Comments
I’ve driven a 2009 Cobalt SS (turbo) Stage 1 at 280hp, aside from the torque steer (apparently 2006 and on in the Cobalt SS life it received new suspension or something similar to a Quaife differential to reduce torque steer and wheel hop, but it at that power it was still very dominant).
Was insanely quick, sub 5 second 0-60mph. Was on coil overs with big sway bars and other frame rigidity cross bars. Conti DW tires. Best fwd car I have driven, fast and handled amazingly well (again, for fwd). If you trail brake well into a turn it was a pretty damn good and solid track star.
As an aside, I’ve been told that GM’s MacPherson and HiPer Struts have the same mounting points, making them interchangeable. HiPer Strut would be a big step forward for both the Cruze and Sonic in terms of handling.
Let me know if you all near anything about stage kits for the Regal GS.
GM needs to stop messing around and put the LHU into both the Sonic and Cruze. Then give me stage kits for that engine
LHU that’s last years engine and it’s only for buicks now. Chevys get the LTG.
do they make any upgrades (clutch kits, turbos, high performance upgrades) for the chevy cruze base model 1.8L inline 4 engine?
The LHU might be last years engine, but it still kicks the majority of the four bangers butts out there.
Why don’t they just bring the Sonic and Cruze out with a stronger engine in the first place? Fiat could squeeze 200+ hp out of their 1.4T so why can’t GM do that with theirs? Heck, they should just stuff the new 1.6T especially for the RS models.
It’s so simple, it seems almost silly that it has not yet happened.
We’ve been tuning and selling parts for the Sonic/Cruze since day one. We actually have a Sonic 1.4T making 220HP and 230TQ. The car runs 14.4s@96MPH on factory turbo and factory tires. We’ve also got the Regals pushing over 300hp with just a tune. Check us out if you guys want cheap speed.
Kits are nice and all, but why not offer more power from the factory? Given the DI kick GM seems to be on, I find it very odd that DI hasn’t come to the 1.4T yet. I understand these are fuel economy engines, but still… And what’s with the iron block?
Im excited to see performance anything come for the cruze. I was even more excited that they were going directly after the 1.4L Turbo as the first in the list of upgradable vehicles, which I have 😀
I need a stage kit asap for my 2012 cruze turbo
I own a 2012 Chevy Cruze and looking for upgrades, anybody knows a place in Illinois?
You have us with the 1.8L that are being left out. Got you GM the 1.4L is the “sport” version but there’s those of us that grew up with old school muscle with big engines who got the base for that reason. That 1.8 is a beast for what you pay but don’t just cater to one model or one engine but show some love to the whole cruze family.
What’s up with the lack of kits for the 1.8L. I’ve never seen anything like this in any car magazine imaginable. What would you rather mod? A 350cu or a 427? Common sense is the bigger engine will prevail at all times. Please just give us more than a cold air and exhaust….