Brad Ferrell
New member
Air Tools Recommended? I would say they are mandatory. I can't imagine having done this with hand tools.
2014 Sonic RS Sedan Silver Ice Build
- Thread starter Brad Ferrell
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Air Tools Recommended? I would say they are mandatory. I can't imagine having done this with hand tools.
Brad Ferrell
New member
Don't forgot to chuck those back wheels when you have your front end in the air.
Brad Ferrell
New member
The Installing New Springs thread in the DIY section was very helpful and we used it as a reference for the first strut. Please refer to the thread if you are going to attempt to lower your car on your own. It was a little unnerving to be taking apart a car so new I don't even have my own plates yet, but with a little help from the forum we were able to knock out all four springs in a few hours. A few hours? Yes Sir, but we're beer-drinking rednecks and had a lot of fun just hanging out, talking, and shooting the $hit. We were in no hurry and Joe even used a breaker bar to tighten everything up on top of the impact wrench, something I wouldn't have known to do on my own. All in all, the install was a success. More pics later once the springs settle some more.
Brad Ferrell
New member
Here's a better picture of the new stance of the sedan. The cornering and the braking have both improved. The rear end use to lift up when I'd brake but it seems like the rotors in back are doing more of the work. Also, there use to be a little wiggle when I'd come out of a turn. That's gone too.
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Brad Ferrell
New member
Thanks Stew. I love the RS. I got into the market at the right time I guess. I'd never heard of a Sonic before January.
I've been reading your article on tuning in the 1.4 section. Do you have easy and cheap access to a dyno? I don't. Would I be better off taking my Sonic to a tuner with a dyno and having them set up the HPTuner tune? The reason I ask is that I found a company here in town that specializes in Subaru that I was thinking of taking my RS to. He uses HPTuner and a dyno and is only asking $500.00. This would be on a stock motor with no mods.
I've been reading your article on tuning in the 1.4 section. Do you have easy and cheap access to a dyno? I don't. Would I be better off taking my Sonic to a tuner with a dyno and having them set up the HPTuner tune? The reason I ask is that I found a company here in town that specializes in Subaru that I was thinking of taking my RS to. He uses HPTuner and a dyno and is only asking $500.00. This would be on a stock motor with no mods.
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Brad Ferrell
New member
Correct. I've heard some reports about poor customer service from Trifecta. I know a lot of forum users are having great results with them, I just was wondering if I should go the HPTuner route and tune it myself, renting time on a dyno, or if I should just let a pro tune the car on their dyno. Stew's thread makes it seem really easy to tune using HPTuner but their website confuses the hell out of me and I'm looking for the easy route.
I've had a change of plans and will be getting the MPFab CAI and customizing my exhaust and removing the 2nd cat and muffler and just running a straight pipe. I'll be doing this the month before I have the money to tune. I'm just putting my feelers out there to see what my options are so I can get the best bang for the buck. Honestly, I wouldn't know what to do with time on a dyno or what changes to make in HPTuner to maximize the potential of the build. I am not against learning though if it will save me money or get me better results.
I've had a change of plans and will be getting the MPFab CAI and customizing my exhaust and removing the 2nd cat and muffler and just running a straight pipe. I'll be doing this the month before I have the money to tune. I'm just putting my feelers out there to see what my options are so I can get the best bang for the buck. Honestly, I wouldn't know what to do with time on a dyno or what changes to make in HPTuner to maximize the potential of the build. I am not against learning though if it will save me money or get me better results.
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Stew
Sedans Rule!
No cheap and easy access to a dyno, I took my Sonic to a local speed shop for an hour on their dyno after making the changes I did, it was something like $135.
The tuning that I outlined is very basic, really just raising some limits for the things listed in that thread. Because of this I felt safe making all of my changes first and going to the dyno to confirm A/F was still safe and to see what kind of numbers I was making.
If I was really modified and tuning to 10/10ths I would for sure be using a wideband and probably would not have posted the tune like I did so that others wouldn't try to replicate what I was doing and blow their engine.
I chose to go with HPTuners because I don't like the idea of being dependent upon someone else if I want to change something, plus I enjoy figuring stuff out and learning this kind of stuff. I'm certainly not new to modding cars but tuning a car with software is different for me.
The tuning that I outlined is very basic, really just raising some limits for the things listed in that thread. Because of this I felt safe making all of my changes first and going to the dyno to confirm A/F was still safe and to see what kind of numbers I was making.
If I was really modified and tuning to 10/10ths I would for sure be using a wideband and probably would not have posted the tune like I did so that others wouldn't try to replicate what I was doing and blow their engine.
I chose to go with HPTuners because I don't like the idea of being dependent upon someone else if I want to change something, plus I enjoy figuring stuff out and learning this kind of stuff. I'm certainly not new to modding cars but tuning a car with software is different for me.
ScarabEpic22
Member
Just to chime in here, if you buy HPTuners then IMHO you NEED a wideband O2 sensor and the MPVI Pro interface so you can log AFR at ALL times. Tuning without one is shooting in the dark, you have 0 idea what your fueling is doing or if you have an issue...
Brad Ferrell
New member
Would I need a wideband O2 sensor for the Subaru tuner to use HPTuners to tune my car?
To answer my ?, yes I need a wideband O2 sensor. Is that as simple as just replacing my current O2 sensor with a wideband one and then off to the tuner?
To answer my ?, yes I need a wideband O2 sensor. Is that as simple as just replacing my current O2 sensor with a wideband one and then off to the tuner?
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Brad Ferrell
New member
Just to change the subject for a second, but I really like the paint on the RSWheels. Thinking about ordering some tuner wheels in an 18 and having them painted with that dark metallic color, midnight silver aluminum. I like the stock color scheme and am afraid now the gold wheels are not going to blend in, but stick out.
Maybe something like this painted with the stock metallic silver aluminum...and gold brake calipers.
There are a lot of wheels to choose from...but I keep coming back to these. I like those Dusk wheels too but they are pricey....and not really sporty enough.
Maybe something like this painted with the stock metallic silver aluminum...and gold brake calipers.
There are a lot of wheels to choose from...but I keep coming back to these. I like those Dusk wheels too but they are pricey....and not really sporty enough.
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ScarabEpic22
Member
Have to talk to the shop, they might have one they can stick in the exhaust temporarily while tuning (all shops should). If they say they're going to do a full street and dyno tune without using a wideband...I'd back away slowly and find a shop they knows what they're doing. Tuning the fueling side without a wideband is shooting in the dark.
No, it is 100% separate from ALL existing O2 sensors. Your best bet is to have a new bung welded into the downpipe after the front O2 sensor and install it there. All WBO2s come with manufacture's recommended installation instructions for how far downstream (post engine or turbo in our case) they need to be installed. The rear O2 bung is too far back IMO to have a quick reaction time for changing engine conditions but the front might be too close to close to the turbo and burn the WBO2 sensor out prematurely.
Brad Ferrell
New member
I called the shop this morning and he says he has one on his dyno. I'm relieved, they're expensive. Thanks for the explanation.
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Brad Ferrell
New member
I just have to say, I love driving this car. I just drove down to a meet (started raining when I got there so no pictures) and drove back and had the best time shifting through the gears, hugging the turns and enjoying the ride. Sonic's kick butt.
Brad Ferrell
New member
I got a call from Discount Tire this morning saying my wheels and tires were in. Imagine my surprise. I called them and sure enough, the guy I had talked to on the phone says I said to go ahead and get them in, which I didn't but never the less the wheels are in. I need a commercial job in the next couple of months to pay for these wheels before they send them back. Off to work...
Brad Ferrell
New member
My car is now officially called, "Toasty Buns."
I love those RS heated seats...
I love those RS heated seats...
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Brad Ferrell
New member
I just wanted to thank everyone who chimed in on the HPTuner questions I had. From what I understand, running the program would take a laptop, which I do not have, nor can afford. This is one of the reasons I'm looking for a good and experienced speed shop to have my car tuned at. I realize there is a HUGE DIY community here, but I'm leaning more towards working with people with experience than busting my knuckles and doing it myself. My mechanic/fabricator is a great guy. I can't wait to see what he comes up with for strut tower support. I've known him for a couple of years and he's as experienced and knowledgeble as any mechanic I know and his prices are dirt cheap. Anyone in Houston/Austin/San Antonio/Dallas with experience tuning in a shop is more than welcome to make me an offer to come out and tune. If the price is right, I don't mind driving a few hundred miles if I'm going to get the best product and service.
Brad Ferrell
New member
Hello Group. I'm going to try a belly pan to increase my MPG on the highway. I'm near 3000 rpms at 70-75mph and have been reading up on the benefits. Maybe after I paint the calipers.
The pan is not very expensive. GM part number: 95016301 $75.00-$110.00.
The pan is not very expensive. GM part number: 95016301 $75.00-$110.00.