Base or Turbo Crew
- Thread starter SonicBoom
- Start date
I agree. GM needs to focus on building one good solid small engine. Even if it costs a few bucks more to produce, they could probably recoup that by no longer having to produce the other one.
Of course, their only concern is with roping people into dealerships with a low low entry level sticker price.
Of course, their only concern is with roping people into dealerships with a low low entry level sticker price.
I'll join in on the Sonic/Probe talk. I currently own an '89 Ford Probe GT and the car never really got the respect it deserves. It's a fast, fun car & extremely reliable. I've got a lot of mods done to it. Never have taken it to the track, but it pulls hard! I planned on selling my Probe and replacing it with an '08+ Cobalt, but the Sonic will get better fuel economy and has an option for a turbo. It won't be as fast as my Probe or a Cobalt, but all I want is a GM turbocharged vehicle. Forced induction is a LOT of fun to drive and not as much maintenance as you might think. I run full synthetic oil, premium gas & installed a turbo timer that automatically shuts my car down after a minute of idling. I check my hard pipe intercooler clamps every now & then along with my exhaust manifold bolts, but that's pretty much it. I just took off my turbo with 155k miles on it to make a hybrid with the '87-'88 Thunderbird turbo and expected to rebuild it, but it had virtually zero shaft play & not leaking any oil! I'm boosting 14-16 psi with a TBird/Probe hybrid turbo and couldn't be happier. I know this is a Sonic forum, but for those couple Probe owners, I think you'll enjoy seeing my Probe. It's gotta be one of the nicest 1st Gen Probes around: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2122489/1989-ford-probe-fort-wayne-in-us
I am really looking forward to the Sonic and hope to own a 1-2 year old used one. I don't believe in buying a brand new car, espeically if you need to take out a loan. I hope to snag one for $10k or less.
I also drive a '95 Geo Metro that might get replaced by the Spark, but we'll see. Currently averaging ~51 mpg over the last 2 years of keeping a gas log. I don't know if the Spark will beat that. I hope it does!
I am really looking forward to the Sonic and hope to own a 1-2 year old used one. I don't believe in buying a brand new car, espeically if you need to take out a loan. I hope to snag one for $10k or less.
I also drive a '95 Geo Metro that might get replaced by the Spark, but we'll see. Currently averaging ~51 mpg over the last 2 years of keeping a gas log. I don't know if the Spark will beat that. I hope it does!
Life is short!!! And I still dream of building the world's fastest Sonic!Any vehicle that comes OEM turbocharged is going to be the more superier option and contain more potential. Many car owners seek more power from their engines & the "easiest", efficient way is to add a turbocharger. The 1.4 will already have that option. Simply upgrade all the components regarding the turbo system (intake, intercooler pipes, exhuast, etc.) and you'll see power gains. I don't think Cruze owners can use a boost controller due to the ECU, but that is an extremely easy performance boost...no pun intended. 1.8 owners would need to think about how to add a turbo, manage more fuel, run oil/coolant lines, etc. Much more difficult to do. And if they decide to stay N/A, then they can upgrade intake & exhaust...and that might be it unless someone decides to make different cams.
yaris and corolla use timing chains.
to the OP, im not a turbo person normally, but since the 1.8 is going to have piss poor FE (for the class), 1.4 turbo it is.
Last edited:
jlslatton
New member
Not to argue here but I had a 2000 VW TDI for 10 years and had zero problems with the turbo.
However, the thought of one more component to fail and cost me money is not too appealing. But I would still feel comfortable buying the sonic turbo.
Most people who have no experience with turbos fear them because they don't understand them or still have the misconception that turbos are the same as they were in the 80's.
Keep in mind that every single semi truck on the road has a turbo, every dumptruck, every heavy duty diesel pickup, every tour bus, etc... and those engines are incredibly reliable. They might go half a million miles before needing a rebuild despite having a turbo. There are even tons of old cars like Subarus, Toyotas, Volvos, Dodges, etc running around on their original turbos, despite not having all the technology that newer cars have to prolong turbo life.
As for the Sonic, the turbo model gets better fuel economy, has a more desirable timing chain instead of a belt, and makes more torque in the part of the powerband where the engine will spend most of its time during daily driving. On top of that, if you are the type who wants to get a little more power out of your car it's just a reflash away.
With EPA and CAFE requirements rising, it won't be long before everyone will have no choice but to get used to tiny turbocharged engines.
Keep in mind that every single semi truck on the road has a turbo, every dumptruck, every heavy duty diesel pickup, every tour bus, etc... and those engines are incredibly reliable. They might go half a million miles before needing a rebuild despite having a turbo. There are even tons of old cars like Subarus, Toyotas, Volvos, Dodges, etc running around on their original turbos, despite not having all the technology that newer cars have to prolong turbo life.
As for the Sonic, the turbo model gets better fuel economy, has a more desirable timing chain instead of a belt, and makes more torque in the part of the powerband where the engine will spend most of its time during daily driving. On top of that, if you are the type who wants to get a little more power out of your car it's just a reflash away.
With EPA and CAFE requirements rising, it won't be long before everyone will have no choice but to get used to tiny turbocharged engines.
