GMTunerSource.com - Cobalt SS Stage 1 Self-Install Tips

Cobalt SS Stage 1 Self-Install Tips

Written by Corey Mullane Wednesday, 21 October 2009

The Cobalt SS is a car that screams to be tinkered, tottered and toyed with. However, when it comes to playing with things like engine control harnesses you have to be careful to make sure you do things correctly or you could seriously mess up your car, mmmk? Now we know that tons of Cobalt SS owners are going to opt for the self-install of the kit and that’s all well and good if you’re up to the task but make sure you at least do the following.

First, if you have downloaded the old LNF Turbo Upgrade Kit instructions (referred to as Stage 1 for the Cobalt SS) make sure to toss those directions in the trash - make sure you keep the directions that came with your kit though as each instruction booklet comes with a unique code to enable your dealer to flash your vehicle with the Stage 1 calibration. The new instructions that you can find in our Downloads section, or in the original “GO!” post, are what you will need to tackle this project with ease. The main detail you will need is the wiring harness diagram to make sure you splice the right wires together – remember the “seriously mess up your car” statement we made above? That’s what we’re talking about.

Second, the new instructions provide you with the calibration number for your vehicle that you will have to give to your dealer to make sure the right calibration makes it into your car. Match up your year Cobalt SS to the correct calibration number and write it down to be able to hand off to your dealer. Easy right?

Follow those tips and you’ll be sure to have a hassle-free Stage 1 install experience. Now for hassle of trying to reign in all that extra power? That’s on you.

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Comments (6)

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I am considering installing the kit myself. Will the dealer charge me less to just flash the ECM? If so, what should be the difference in cost? Also, will it do any damage to the car if I drive it to the dealer after installing the kit. Do I just need to drive easy and everything will be fine?

Seven , October 21, 2009

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It's not gona be fun when people put on this kit.. and then go in for the reflash.. and they dont honor the warrenty due to the person not being GM cert. machanic. I hope all is well.

Kildore , October 21, 2009

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I work as a tech at the GM dealer here in town. If you installed your kit and it came to me I personaly would only charge between .5 to 1.o labor hours. depending on if you have to do crank relearn and clear all codes. Also the amount of time the download takes. Some programes are more intricate
than others

I am considering installing the kit myself. Will the dealer charge me less to just flash the ECM? If so, what should be the difference in cost? Also, will it do any damage to the car if I drive it to the dealer after installing the kit. Do I just need to drive easy and everything will be fine?

09lnfssblk , October 22, 2009

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Do the splice connectors need to have heat applied to them like a heat gun or are they a crimp type connector? Am going to do the installation myself but want to know the in's and out's before I attempt it.

1rare4door , October 23, 2009

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The ones I see from Gm are a butt conector style with heatshrink jackets

Do the splice connectors need to have heat applied to them like a heat gun or are they a crimp type connector? Am going to do the installation myself but want to know the in's and out's before I attempt it.
1rare4door , October 22, 2009 +0

09lnfssblk , October 23, 2009

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The warranty is the same even if you install the kit yourself. Once you take the vehicle to the GM dealership for the calibration they will verify the install was done properly. If it was not done correctly the dealer may charge for the repair.

HotRod69GMC , November 04, 2009