1.8L Sonic HP/TQ Numbers

[12Sonic440]

Haven't been on here in a while since I stopped modding my Sonic and picked up a 2004 Mercedes C240 4Matic with 62k miles. Back on top tho, I saw that 1.8's now have the option to buy headers. I think that's great! If I'm seeing this right, it adds around 30HP? If you got those, tune, intake, and exhaust shouldn't you see around a +50HPish increase? I think that's crazy awesome. I still own my Sonic by the way but my parents drive it around now. Kinda wish I was still able to mod it as I already had a good start on it.

 

[rdss]

30 HP is tuned. It is great that BNR has brought a header to the market for the 1.8. Maybe with an intake and exhaust and fine tuning you might be able to add another 10-15, but that might be optomistic.

 

[mitdr774]

If header, intake, cat back, and tune get WHP up to crank HP I will be quite pleased.

 

[vento]

We'll have to confirm the findings on a dyno but from what I'm seeing in his data logs (and the ECM is very good at calculating torque) he picked up around 30HP and 15TQ from the header/dp combo. He was at like 112HP stock, we recorded 120HP tuned, and the ECM is now reporting 150HP with the header/dp combo

See above.


And now for some WILD INTERNET SPECULATION (assuming the numbers above are estimated at the wheels, which I'm guessing because the engine is rated at 138hp and I doubt at the crank its only making 112)


So our engines are rated at 138 HP. ~18.8% Driveline loss approximated from the numbers given above.

Estimated Wheel HP:
Stock: 112whp
Tuned: 120whp (8HP Increase over stock)
Tuned w/ Race Header, Cat Back,& Intake:150whp (38hp increase over stock)

After a little math... (assuming the 18.8% stays constant with increased HP)

Estimated Crank HP:
Stock: Approx 138hp
Tuned: Approx 147hp (9hp increase over stock)
Tuned w/ Race Header, Cat Back,& Intake: 184hp (46hp increase over stock)

Again this is all unconfirmed, pie in the sky, WILD INTERNET SPECULATION. Feel free to poke holes.

 

[mitdr774]

I would rather set myself up for low numbers and then be thrilled if I end up with much better numbers.

 

[vento]

I would rather set myself up for low numbers and then be thrilled if I end up with much better numbers.

If I could get 150HP at the wheels from a race header, intake, and tune I'd be exceedingly happy.

Even 138 wheel horsepower tuned is gonna be about 170hp at the crank, which is what the Fiesta ST and 500 Abarth are about.

Again, this is all estimates and maths.

 

[Deliboy]

Me want the new headers!!


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[doreo]

Me want the new headers!!


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they are nice

And its not all speculation they are all numbers pulled from the ECM, yes they are not dyno but they are a little better then a guess

 

[stoopid]

I would rather set myself up for low numbers and then be thrilled if I end up with much better numbers.

Exactly, plus I think you'll be hard pressed to see 30HP/TQ from any of these mods combined. If it was possible, it would already have been done by numerous members here. Instead there seems to be more attention to style and modest performance gains. There's only so much this turd will polish.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Sonic and the 1.8L has its place, just not as a modder friendly engine. The 1.4T is really the engine to get with the Sonic if you want performance. Otherwise expect extra liveliness from a mod and tune, at best.

Don't forget transmission input power limitations.

 

[mitdr774]

transmission life is not a real concern of mine. I dont foresee the 5 speed being in for all to much longer.

 

[vento]

Exactly, plus I think you'll be hard pressed to see 30HP/TQ from any of these mods combined. If it was possible, it would already have been done by numerous members here.

The 1.4 is definately easier to mod, but I am willing to bet the 1.8 has some power locked away if your willing to spend the cash.

Intake, header/cat delete, tune making 30hp is optimistic but not unreasonable. Plus BNR literally just started selling the header after we petitioned for it.

As far as weak transmissions go, neither the 5 or 6 speeds appear to be holding up well to high-loads. Reminds me of the issues people had with the sky/solstice transmissions.

 

[mitdr774]

I suspect a M32 will hold up better than the 5 speed. Properly build a 1.8 for some positive manifold pressure and I am sure it is capable of a decent amount of power.

Sky/Solstice had a crappy 5 speed from a truck in it. Not sure what GM was thinking with that one.

 

[vento]

Sky/Solstice had a crappy 5 speed from a truck in it. Not sure what GM was thinking with that one.

They were so bad... The throw was long, the clutch was heavy and numb. Actually reminds me a lot of the US spec 180/240sx. Took an awesome rwd sport coupe put a heavy truck motor and a crap transmission...

 

[stoopid]

I'll send positive vibes your guys' way. I'm certianly hoping you get 50hp/tq from your mods and don't send metal through the transmission casing, but I was trying to reel in expectations a bit. I spent a healthy amount of time obsessing about what I could do and at what dollar point with the 1.8L and ended up walking away after almost $600 got me nominal gains with a RAM intake and tune. You're looking at much more $$$ than that. It's just not there unless you essentially buy the difference in getting the 1.4T in the first place with the cable/standard tune.

If you're stuck with the 1.8L as I felt I was, then the only real mod worth doing is the CAI and tune. It at least gets you something for less than the difference in buying the 1.4T, and is easy to impliment.

Everything else costs waaay too much $$$ for the gains and a lot of time. Plus there's no guarantees, and forget keeping your warranty valid.

Just my $0.02

 

[Bogus]

I've been having some issues with my transmission lately but they are too few and far between to try and bring to the dealer, they would not be able to recreate. No tune yet but have one on the way.

 

[klb1.8]

You got the 6 speed auto? Mine stumbles sometimes like if im in traffic but it always corrects quick i want to change the fluid soon to amsoil or something better than stock

 

[$ub$onic]

I went to royal purple in my manual and it made a difference

 

[klb1.8]

Royal purple doesnt make dex 6 bbbbrrraaaa lol

 

[Bogus]

Yes 6spd auto. My transmission fluid has been swapped twice now. I've only noticed my issue in 3rd & 4th and only when giving hard gas. It's hard to describe but there's like an instant loss of power for a split second. Sometimes repeatedly. I know that's hard to understand. Maybe I can record it some time.

 

[klb1.8]

Swapped by the dealer because they are stumped? My 2nd to 3rd shift sucks even tuned.. i swear autos are made for rice headaches