2018 1.4 manual build thread

[Nataphen]

This is going to be a process, but I’m just laying out the information as clearly as possible for anyone who may be interested. My end goal is:

— Basic bolt-ons
— Valve springs
— BNR LS7 coils
— Flex fuel
— BNR GTX14

I’m posting the baseline dyno, and the after dyno to show stock power on 93 octane versus final power on E85.

My baseline dyno(s) are already posted. I don’t really want to bring that discussion into this thread as it’s already been dragged out to a somewhat lengthy degree here:

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sh...com/forum/showthread.php?t=23283&share_type=t

My first parts are on the car as of Monday night.

I’m still running the stock tune, but I used a Vibrant j-style O2 defouler to keep the rear O2 sensor happy. Several hundred miles on the clock, and still no CEL. It seems to be doing the trick.


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[SnotRocketRS]

Definitely following since I've got a 17

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[Nataphen]

I have some shifter parts on backorder from ZZP, but my next power adding parts will be a ported intake manifold and throttle body. Everything that can go on with the stock tune will be first.

I can’t find a clear answer anywhere, but does anyone know if the TB spacer is worth any power by itself on this particular car, or is it just a good way to add meth/auxiliary injection? I’ve seen it go both ways depending on the vehicle.


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[YouBeTailsIllBeSonic]

I'm planning mods to my '17 sonic so I will be following this as well. Excited to see how you make out!

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[Gsf1200m]

How is the performance with the downpipe? I have had one lying around since Thanksgiving that I haven't put on yet. Now that summer is coming I will. I am going to run a J spacer too, seems like not a ton of people on here go that route.

 

[Nataphen]

I did everything at once, so it’s hard to say. The car definitely pulls a little harder and the turbo spools noticeably quicker. Throttle response is much improved.


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[Nataphen]

After 1,000 miles of driving on this setup, the P0137 CEL came on today for the rear O2 sensor. I just cleared it, and I’ll see how long it takes to pop up again. If it’s only every 1,000 miles, I’ll live. I’ll check and see if all the readiness monitors complete before the CEL comes back on too.


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[Nataphen]

About 250 miles after clearing the codes, all monitors have completed except for the evap. system. With most cars I’ve had, that one is ready in a very short time. So, I’m not sure what’s different here with the Sonic. It should be good soon though because I haven’t done anything to cause a difference there. Once it is, the car will pass an OBD inspection just fine.

EDIT: By the way, it was throwing a lean code, so that means this defouler is too aggressive. If you went with a shorter one and/or a straight one, it likely wouldn’t ever cause a CEL. You just have to experiment with it a little bit.

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[Nataphen]

After roughly 500 miles, the evap. monitor finally competed. I don’t know why it took so long, but the car will pass an OBD inspection without any issue.

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[Nataphen]

PCV fix kit v1 from Titan Synthetics. The ported intake manifold is ordered from ZZP, and the BNR ported throttle body and spacer will be ordered after I’ve gotten the ported IM w/ PCV fix ready to go in. I think an intercooler upgrade will be about all that’s left for the stock tune modifications. After that, I’ll switch to suspension, wheels, and tires to hold me over until I hit 60K miles.


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[Nataphen]

I installed the MPFab DRS motor mount tonight. This is the add-on motor mount that is installed in addition to all the original mounts. I went with the softer, OEM-style bushing. I figured that I could upgrade it to the stiffer one later if absolutely necessary, but I’d rather try to keep the vibration to a minimum first.

I’d recommend this as a first step to anyone interested in stiffer motor mounts. There’s much less movement of the engine, and there’s almost no noticeable difference in NVH. There is a very slight vibration at idle with the AC on, but that actually seems to be going away with a few miles on it. It’s been my experience in the past that motor mount bushings have broken in after a few miles, so it only makes sense that this would be the same way. I’m very satisfied with both my MPFab products so far.


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[YouBeTailsIllBeSonic]

I am loving this thread. Keep it up!!

 

[Nataphen]

The ported IM just got here. BNR has their TB on backorder, but I’ll go ahead and get the PCV fix installed on the manifold portion. I’m hoping to order the TB and TB spacer together so I can finish the install on the car all at once. I’m on the waiting list, fingers crossed that it’s not too terribly long of a wait.

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[YouBeTailsIllBeSonic]

Man. You are really going all out on this build! Can't wait to see how she turns out!!


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[Nataphen]

Once I get all the stock tune safe stuff on, I’ll be stuck for a while on power. I drive it too much to risk losing the warranty. I have a few other things to keep my attention while I wait.

I’ve ordered the ZZP pillar gauge pod to compare the color. I’ll match the OEM pillar color as closely as possible with some Axalta vinyl dye, then I’ll paint both pillars with it so they’ll match perfectly. Once I’m happy with that, I’ll order the dual Aeroforce Interceptor gauge pack and pop them in. It’ll be nice to actually have some gauges in a turbo car to monitor things! What a novel idea, GM.

I’m waffling on things to do for exterior cosmetics, so I’m open to suggestions there. I usually go more minimalist with subtle accents. I really want some sort of aftermarket grille solutions to come out so I can simplify the look of the front end a little. I’m OK with the look of the rear after just a debadge.


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[YouBeTailsIllBeSonic]

I am really anxious to see how you make out with the pod. I was thinking of ordering one but I've heard they aren't a perfect fit on 2nd Gen sonics....
Agreed. I mean honestly what were they thinking? Like yeah lots of turbo cars don't come with a boost gauge but they didn't even include water temp? Come on.
I'm gonna just be going with the glowshift tinted models for temp and boost. I just need to figure out where I'm gonna mount them.

Exterior mods are I the eye of the beholder. I'm currently pretty lean on the decals but that will be changing drastically in the next couple of weeks [emoji23]

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[Nataphen]

They told me it wasn’t a perfect fit too, but it’s also not perfect on the 12-16. From what I can tell, the pillar shape on my 2018 hatch is identical to the 2015 hatch that I used to have. It’s possible that some of the pegs or fasteners are in a different position, but I’ll see what I can do. I may have to mess with it a little before I can get it to a point that I’m happy, but that’s why I haven’t ordered gauges just yet. I’ll figure out some way to make it work for me. ZZP said the 2017+ pillar pod isn’t even on the agenda yet, so I’d rather have the gauges now.

I have a few ideas on the cosmetic end that I keep tossing around. My main concern is the front end because there’s nothing out there at the moment. I’m going to have to come up with some things on my own for that. I’ve already picked out wheels and tires for when mine need replacing, and I’ll be lowering it about 1-1/4” with the ZZP spring and damper kit. It’ll all come together eventually.


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[greg51]

parts

I have a set of ZZP springs if your interested and also have a BNR TB spacer pm me greg

 

[Nataphen]

Shifter parts finally came in from ZZP! I went ahead and got their wiring upgrade too, I’ll let you guys know if it’s a noticeable difference. I’ll monitor my voltage for a few days without it, then I’ll throw it in there and monitor them for a little while longer.

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[Nataphen]

Thanks to Greg, I now have a BNR ported TB, TB spacer, ZZP lowering springs, and another shifter cable clamp on the way. One stop put a nice little dent in my shopping list. Thanks very much, Greg!


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