My Build Thread: EX331

[EX331]

Once upon a time, I sold Chevrolet and Buick. For the product launch for the Sonic, I was sent to Seacacus, NJ for training.

Oh, what a drive it was to get there.

On the test track, the 1.4T with the 6 speed was by far my favorite. Damn it, I had to get one.

So... here's my daily driver, a 2013 LT hatch with the 1.4 turbo and six speed, and MyLink. I'm not one much for performance mods, but I have done a fair amount of small additions to the interior electrics.

Rear View Mirror

I had become spoiled with an auto-dimming mirror, so I installed one!

It's great on the commute, which is better than 30 miles one way and partially on the Interstate. But then I just wasn't content with that...

... so one was stolen from a Camaro. Here's the tutorial I've written on the installation on both kinds of mirror.



Ambient Lighting

A nice feature that was included in the Volt and Buick Verano and Regal was a touch of ambient lighting that came from the front dome/map light assembly. An installation tutorial can be found by clicking here.

Dome Light Modification

Discontent with the fact that I was unable to completely switch the dome lights off, I cobbled together a solution. Click here for the tutorial.



Accessory Outlet Cover

I had enjoyed the spring loaded closure on the accessory outlets found the Cruze, so that was also added! GM part numbers 15092039 and 25774623 did the trick.

Fog Lights

For the sake of aesthetics and safety, GM fog lights were added. I deferred installation to my dealer.

Rear Hatch Chrome

Some us like some vehicular bling, and some don't. I acquired this part thanks to Preloader. Why the license plate frame? Designed by yours truly.

"Blue Light" for Volunteer Fire Department
Volunteer fire fighters in New York State may, with departmental authorization, display a blue light while responding to calls. I'll add more information later.

Because, BFM.

 

[ecohauler]

I dig it. Everyone here is always talking about full open exhaust and 'cold air' intakes and trying to make the car sound/go faster. It seems everyone's lowered too, even though it's easy for these things to get a bloody nose in stock trim. Don't get me wrong, I like all that stuff too, but it's nice to see someone keeping it clean and professional by just making a few minor changes.

 

[EX331]

I dig it. Everyone here is always talking about full open exhaust and 'cold air' intakes and trying to make the car sound/go faster. It seems everyone's lowered too, even though it's easy for these things to get a bloody nose in stock trim. Don't get me wrong, I like all that stuff too, but it's nice to see someone keeping it clean and professional by just making a few minor changes.

Thanks! I'm all about the subtle mods that add "that extra something."

I want to be able to get as much out of a gallon of petrol as possible, and since I know nothing about the workings of an engine, other than the need for regular maintenance, so I stay away from the performance mods as such.

 

[ecohauler]

If you stick around here long enough, you will understand plenty about how an engine works, though I don't know of anyone replacing internal parts yet beyond perhaps some valve springs. I'm the same way with fuel economy. Especially with a brand new car, I want to make sure it's as efficient as possible throughout its life.

The folks getting the Trifecta tune are seeing some good mileage numbers when they keep their foot out of it, though. I also care about longevity, so I'm not sure if I'm gonna do it (high boost can be hard on an engine over time). I'd like to still be driving this car and getting 40+ MPG when it's got 200k on the clock.

It's hard to know whether power mods will help or hurt fuel economy, even if you do know a lot about how cars work, and it's hard to justify the expense of experimenting if the goal is to save money. I guess in the end we're all just making the car enjoyable to us, and that's what you've done here.

 

[AndrewGS]

I just noticed Bill Murray. lol