2013 chevy sonic 1.8L hatchback build

[SuperS13]

Hey guys, so here's what I got so far for my build, zzp 1.8L front pipe, custom 2.5" catback exhaust(kinda like zzp version) k&n cai, ported throttle body, ported 1.8L intake manifold, porte and polished cylinder head, modified Vauxhall astra 1.8L header, and a custom tune from bnr(still ongoing), modified 1.8L 6spd auto trans, my question is DOES ANYONE KNOW IF ANY PERFORMANCE VENDORS MAKES LIFTERS ,VAKVE SPRINGS, INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES FOR OUR 1.8L???, I know the cams are gonna have to be custom/reground custom profile(in the works) I'm also got r&d work on a turbo build for my 1.8L sonic. Help me out guys

 

[AERSUPERSTAR]

Doing the same thing! Save a lot on that custom turbo manifold! U can order the Holden 1.6 turbo exhaust manifold and it norms right on to the 1.8. Most get the 1.6 intake manifold as well so it re routes the throttle body plus gives like 29 hp also in prolly just gonna do that because the 1.4 turbo I have is parts the heads baked in it and it’s automatic. But all the piping and intercooler will all fit plus they’re bout same so should go ok. Just on hold atm newborns r tough!!

 

[JTee2017]

This will likely end badly or just turn into a big can of worms.
The 1.8L does not take kindly to trying this kind of thing. I've yet to see one done, work well, or last very long.
Owners who've done this sort of thing usually just disappear after posting less than stellar success, the engine dies, and they never tell of how the engine got trashed.

 

[AERSUPERSTAR]

This will likely end badly or just turn into a big can of worms.
The 1.8L does not take kindly to trying this kind of thing. I've yet to see one done, work well, or last very long.
Owners who've done this sort of thing usually just disappear after posting less than stellar success, the engine dies, and they never tell of how the engine got trashed.

Just look on YouTube. Even mats handled the boost the rods are forged not just that but the internals of the 1.6 turbo like the pistons and all are the same they will interchange. But Matt is going wild with his upping the boost and all. And the reason you’ve not seen it yet is because it’s just now catching and everyone figuring out it can be done. I’ve got a 1.4 auto with blown head gasket and would much rather do the 1.8 turbo especially since my 1.8 with true cold air and bumper intake vent right to filter also has full cat back custom with dc tip and Godspeed springs, ltz 17’s with **** tires and a **** ton of tools and weight will pull any 1.4 around imagine how much better it will be

 

[JTee2017]

Watch what on "youtube" ? ? Link? Lot's on Youtube doesn't mean it will last more than 2 minutes of run time LOL

 

[AERSUPERSTAR]

His names Matt it’s a 1.8 Cruze type in big turbo Cruze daily driver

 

[JTee2017]

His names Matt it’s a 1.8 Cruze type in big turbo Cruze daily driver

Yes. . I know and he has a thread here about it.

As of yet. . .. I have not seen his car run. If fact, the last video he posted was to say he has not finished it yet because of moving his business and a friends health issue.

Also, he did install a turbo, it worked briefly, puked oil all into the intake and that was it.
Since then, he ordered some pistons, injectors and other parts to try and make it work, and some were not good enough to do the job.

If he has a posted within the last 3 months video of showing it done and running. . . . show us the link.

 

[AERSUPERSTAR]

No u need to go back he has a video of him driving but several actually he has it apart now beefing everything up and is only waiting on the machine shop to send the block back I watched it 2 days ago

 

[AERSUPERSTAR]

Also there’s already a euro kit for them but it’s like 4k

 

[JTee2017]

Post a link to the exact Youtube video you keep talking about.

The ONLY video of showing hem driving a Cruise was with the first $113 turbo in July 2020. That only lasted a few days and it died. . It puked oil all inside the intake. You need to look at the dates of what is posted.

THIS - - - did not last and over a year ago - - > It BLEW up . . Quit posting HYPE . . .

It ain't running. .. . Ove a year later, LOTS of $$$$ spent. . . and I doubt it will run for long. Several others years ago did similar. .. . then you never hear or see from them again.
If you think the 1.6L turbo part would work and STAY working. . show us and stick around for over a year to verify it still is running and reliable. A person could take a 125CC go kart engine and turbo it. That doesn't mean it would last very long and be reliable.

Here is the last video I see him posting.. No running engine . . just talking about parts, family stuff and why it isn't done yet.

AND. . that 1.8L EURO kit you keep posting is has not been shown to run. . . by anyone. . for long if at all . The pistons, crank, and other 1.8L components can not handle a turbo for long if at all.

 

[JTee2017]

No u need to go back he has a video of him driving but several actually he has it apart now beefing everything up and is only waiting on the machine shop to send the block back I watched it 2 days ago

No . . YOU need read and comprehend and NOT skim . . . what I've already posted.
.. . I said . . . I've been following his stuff for over a year. I've SEEN all his videos. Nothing new and he drove it for less than a week or two and if BLEW UP. . It puked oil all over.
No. . .NO. . . get it?
I already have seen all his videos. Do you not get that I have been here on the forum for over 4 years now and have seen his threads and videos on Youtube.?

He threw a turbo on that 1.8L engine . .. like others have. . . . and it promptly blew up.

As I said. . . NO one here has yet to put a turbo on the 1.8L and have it work for long if not blow up immediately.

 

[AERSUPERSTAR]

No . . YOU need read and comprehend and NOT skim . . . what I've already posted.
.. . I said . . . I've been following his stuff for over a year. I've SEEN all his videos. Nothing new and he drove it for less than a week or two and if BLEW UP. . It puked oil all over.
No. . .NO. . . get it?
I already have seen all his videos. Do you not get that I have been here on the forum for over 4 years now and have seen his threads and videos on Youtube.?

He threw a turbo on that 1.8L engine . .. like others have. . . . and it promptly blew up.

As I said. . . NO one here has yet to put a turbo on the 1.8L and have it work for long if not blow up immediately.

And when u posted u didn’t post his newest two videos.. in the last 4 days he’s posted two more. U r just trying to hate and bash. What’s funny is instead of encouraging and being behind someone’s intentions or wanting to build something u try to break them down and hate from behind your keyboard and it’s all cause u have an RS? Like why? U got 10-15 ftlbs torque on the 1.8 and no more power my 1.8 5 speed pulled my black 1.4 turbo automatic before I bought it and she had blown it up back when she first got it. And it has 76,000 miles my original 1.8 had 231,000 before blowing now have about 16,000 and a 2016 model 1.8 in it but you just a hater and I ain’t even gonna comment after this u just wanna bring someone down and I ain’t bout that and hopefully you’ll learn to not be that way also

 

[JTee2017]

And when u posted u didn’t post his newest two videos.. in the last 4 days he’s posted two more. U r just trying to hate and bash. What’s funny is instead of encouraging and being behind someone’s intentions or wanting to build something u try to break them down and hate from behind your keyboard and it’s all cause u have an RS? Like why? U got 10-15 ftlbs torque on the 1.8 and no more power my 1.8 5 speed pulled my black 1.4 turbo automatic before I bought it and she had blown it up back when she first got it. And it has 76,000 miles my original 1.8 had 231,000 before blowing now have about 16,000 and a 2016 model 1.8 in it but you just a hater and I ain’t even gonna comment after this u just wanna bring someone down and I ain’t bout that and hopefully you’ll learn to not be that way also

You really need to quit skimming posts and read. If you ever looked at my signature. . . . I HAVE a 2017 Sonic LT. In 2017 came with the RS appearance package and a 1.8L engine. You really need to comprehend all details. READ my signature and see.It is at the bottom of each post people make.

I kept asking you to post the videos you are talking about.
So post them and then we can all see.

Why won;t you post then , , , Dude ?? ?

And again. . if you would read more than skim what people have posted. . .. Like. . . read my signature. . . I HAVe a 1.8L

 

[AERSUPERSTAR]

Well since you been around and know all this and that for one u can see I’m a new user and not familiar with the way these threads and post work and two imagine paying for an RS package and not getting an RS r u sure u ain’t up badging? Not just that but as a 1.8 owner and supposed to be im assuming at least a car guy why are you so negative towards someone trying to not only do something positive but also something positive for an entire group of 1.8 owners? Like the dude is trying to help and just like me posting the kits and what I’ve been able to figure out myself to help other 1.8 owners who want to make it happen. You should keep your negative comments to yourself. It’s called manors you are the most negative user I have thus far encountered and also either lying about having a 1.8 or crazy for paying for an RS that’s not an RS

 

[JTee2017]

Well since you been around and know all this and that for one u can see I’m a new user and not familiar with the way these threads and post work and two imagine paying for an RS package and not getting an RS r u sure u ain’t up badging? Not just that but as a 1.8 owner and supposed to be im assuming at least a car guy why are you so negative towards someone trying to not only do something positive but also something positive for an entire group of 1.8 owners? Like the dude is trying to help and just like me posting the kits and what I’ve been able to figure out myself to help other 1.8 owners who want to make it happen. You should keep your negative comments to yourself. It’s called manors you are the most negative user I have thus far encountered and also either lying about having a 1.8 or crazy for paying for an RS that’s not an RS

Again . . where are those links to Matt's 1.8L turbo running successfully from "a few days ago" as you have repeatedly claim? Still waiting.

Not lying about my 2017 RS 1.8L Hatchback. . . your should research before labeling anyone a liar. . .

Read this article and excerpt and learn about the packages 2017 Sonics came in . . .

https://media.chevrolet.com/media/u...us/en/2016/mar/nyas/chevrolet/0318-sonic.html

" The 2017 Sonic goes on sale this fall, offered in LS, LT and Premier trims on sedan models. The hatchback returns exclusively in RS guise, offered in LT and Premier trims. An RS package is also available on the sedan. "
" A 1.8L engine is standard on LS and LT – and a 1.4L Turbo is standard on Premier. "

You can label me negative if you wish, but after being here these past years I was hoping for actual success for a turbo 1.8L conversion and all I've ever seen in +4 years is misinformation, a lot of hype and claims with no reliable results.
You seem young and impulsive and don't seem to read or think things through so your exuberance causes you to make assumptions like with Matt's 1.8L experiments. .. Yes, experiments because after over a year no reliable build of a stock 1.8L turbo conversion.
Not some "one-off" hot rod build that would cost $4,000 to $8,000 and not last. A 1.8L conversion that is reliable and can easily be duplicated by anyone interested.
With all the 1.8L Chevy Cruze and Sonics no one has successfully shown that it is reliable.

If you read more in this forum (including the 1.4L threads) and search the web. . . you will find that the 1.8L does not have the piston rods, crank and other parts that can withstand the boost in power a turbo would impart.

So claims to the otherwise means that the 1.8L engine would no longer be what GM provides but a complete redo from the block up.

So when yet another new member comes here all jacked up about a 1.8L turbo build it's all info that has already been discussed and parts and kits that no one has successfully implemented for a reliable 1.8L turbo Sonic engine. I've said that now. . . many times. RELIABLE. . . Not a conversion that has almost immediate issues and then falls flat on its face. An oil catch can is not a remedy for instance, for crankcase pressures that force oil mist into the air intake as just one example.

There is more. . .. but not sure you would understand.

 

[AERSUPERSTAR]

Again . . where are those links to Matt's 1.8L turbo running successfully from "a few days ago" as you have repeatedly claim? Still waiting.

Not lying about my 2017 RS 1.8L Hatchback. . . your should research before labeling anyone a liar. . .

Read this article and excerpt and learn about the packages 2017 Sonics came in . . .

https://media.chevrolet.com/media/u...us/en/2016/mar/nyas/chevrolet/0318-sonic.html

" The 2017 Sonic goes on sale this fall, offered in LS, LT and Premier trims on sedan models. The hatchback returns exclusively in RS guise, offered in LT and Premier trims. An RS package is also available on the sedan. "
" A 1.8L engine is standard on LS and LT – and a 1.4L Turbo is standard on Premier. "

You can label me negative if you wish, but after being here these past years I was hoping for actual success for a turbo 1.8L conversion and all I've ever seen in +4 years is misinformation, a lot of hype and claims with no reliable results.
You seem young and impulsive and don't seem to read or think things through so your exuberance causes you to make assumptions like with Matt's 1.8L experiments. .. Yes, experiments because after over a year no reliable build of a stock 1.8L turbo conversion.
Not some "one-off" hot rod build that would cost $4,000 to $8,000 and not last. A 1.8L conversion that is reliable and can easily be duplicated by anyone interested.
With all the 1.8L Chevy Cruze and Sonics no one has successfully shown that it is reliable.

If you read more in this forum (including the 1.4L threads) and search the web. . . you will find that the 1.8L does not have the piston rods, crank and other parts that can withstand the boost in power a turbo would impart.

So claims to the otherwise means that the 1.8L engine would no longer be what GM provides but a complete redo from the block up.

So when yet another new member comes here all jacked up about a 1.8L turbo build it's all info that has already been discussed and parts and kits that no one has successfully implemented for a reliable 1.8L turbo Sonic engine. I've said that now. . . many times. RELIABLE. . . Not a conversion that has almost immediate issues and then falls flat on its face. An oil catch can is not a remedy for instance, for crankcase pressures that force oil mist into the air intake as just one example.

There is more. . .. but not sure you would understand.

Also not true I didn’t say it was running 2 days ago I said he posted two videos this week about the car but it had been running in the past cause the thumbnail is it building boost not only that but there is at least 2-3 more on YouTube alone. And watch the tear down they do have forged parts which is what most use with anything forced induction. Idk on the crank but seeing how the 1.6 literally everything is interchangeable I’m sure that’s an option or a custom but another thing I seen zzp was going to offer a kit just not enough wanted it. It is possible anything is fucking possible dude there is a tesla on Mars but it isn’t possible to turbo a 1.8. Like come on man I wish I was a millionaire I’d send you one just to show u ya don’t always have to hate and be an ass. Positivity and attempting would prolly go a long way with you. U just wanna make problems. We make solutions

 

[JTee2017]

As I said in another post I do not care anymore. And you messaged me. . .. JUST STOP!! So then . . stop!

I do not care anymore. .. . too much money, time and effort and after 4 years still no reliable 1.8L turbo without other side affects, tranny damage, and more.

See. that my point of view. Not negative,,, just different and more practical. Not a hobby car.

 

[SuperS13]

Look guys....were all sonic nuts here. Were in the same family. I'm on a path to turbo my 1.8 sonic. I made a 2.75" ss DP, and fabbed up a 4 to 1 style turbo manifold, in the process of making a inline runner style intake manifold. And in running a gt2260rs turbo a bit smaller than a t25...but since it's a 1.8L the VE is optimized with the gt2260rs turbo and I'm only running 6psi boost max. To add to optimal ve Im using 2.25" intercooler kit .I already installed a 300lph fuel pump and 600cc injectors and got a killer deal on the ls7 ignition coil upgrade as well.i also installed a zzp suspension kit and a rear zzp swaybar and front zzp swaybar endlinks.

 

[dagoose]

Look guys....were all sonic nuts here. Were in the same family. I'm on a path to turbo my 1.8 sonic. I made a 2.75" ss DP, and fabbed up a 4 to 1 style turbo manifold, in the process of making a inline runner style intake manifold. And in running a gt2260rs turbo a bit smaller than a t25...but since it's a 1.8L the VE is optimized with the gt2260rs turbo and I'm only running 6psi boost max. To add to optimal ve Im using 2.25" intercooler kit .I already installed a 300lph fuel pump and 600cc injectors and got a killer deal on the ls7 ignition coil upgrade as well.i also installed a zzp suspension kit and a rear zzp swaybar and front zzp swaybar endlinks.

I'm in the planning stage of my 1.8 turbo build as well. The biggest thing I think we can take away from Matt's first iteration is that planning the PCV is very important if you don't want oil coming through the intake like he had. There is plenty of info on the Cruze forum on how he planned to remedy his PCV issues, and I think the solution he came up with is going to relieve that issue. His second iteration is also going to utilize the stock intake location by having the turbo rotated 180 degrees so the hot side is facing the driver's side. The route I plan to go with (for now) is the 1.6 turbo Opel exhaust header with the stock turbo housing cut off and a T3 flange in its place, though I am concerned about packaging and might end up going with a full custom manifold in the end anyways. If the B18 (non-vtec) guys can do 200hp on what is essentially a stock motor, why can't we?

 

[SuperS13]

Just be careful if you go past 200hp on an automatic 6spd transmission for the sonic or the Cruze. The internal servos and clutch pacs cant handle past the 200hp threshold. Now if you do trans fluid flushes every 10k and use 2/3 of dex6 and the 1/3 with Lucas shift improver trans fluid. You should be able to handle past that threshold, I'm somewhere in the low 200's right now N/A. From where my hp and ftlb pid tables for efi live is at I make 202 hp 4900 rpm/ 178 ftlb 3750 rpm, that measured at the vss/rpm table. But I have a ton on mods just minus the reground cams installed