Considering a Sonic RS

[Anthony]

Hey I'm new and I'm looking to get a new sonic rs.

The mods I intend to do:

Lowered suspension
Wheels
Wheel spacers
Cold air intake
Catback exhaust
Trifecta tune
Other small things

My questions are:

1. Is it worth it to get the RS if I intend on doing this much work to it? Or should I go with the LTZ?

2. I'm new to wheel/tire shopping and combining. If I get wheels sized 205/50-17 will I be able to install the stock tires that the RS comes with onto the new wheels?

3. I want to upgrade but I want to spend my money wisely. I also don't want to go too crazy with it. Would the mods I listed above be a good combination?

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Anthony]

I should also include that I intend to drive the car a lot and I need it to be reliable. I want to be able to save money on gas by driving it efficiently but at the same time I really want it to stand out. I live in a moderately bumpy area in the New England climate.

 

[BKamp613]

Depends on if you like the RS extras enough to spend the $ vs your mod budget.

Leatherette w/"suede" bolsters
Sunroof
17" Anthracite Wheels
RS Fascia w/Fog Lights
Trapezoidal Exhaust
Piano Black Interior Trim

I'm sure I missed some stuff. Was worth it to me but a major difference is I'm keeping wheels stock. You'd pay for upgraded wheels on the RS and then swap them out for aftermarket. All whatever you want to budget.

An LTZ will get you a couple extra MPG due to the gearing changes made to the RS.

 

[TurboTechRacing]

Sonic RS = awesome!

 

[Swordsmith]

The mods I intend to do:

Lowered suspension
One of the features of the RS is a slightly lowered suspension. If the RS lowering isn't sufficient for you, then this is an RS feature you're paying for but not actually using.

Wheels
Similarly, the wheels of the RS are an Extra you won't be using. You may however be able to sell these on Ebay.

Wheel spacers
There's some controversy over these, you are adding a little risk to your car, particularly if you're going to be driving it hard. Are you sure there are no wheels you can use without spacers that will satisfy you?

Cold air intake
The Sonic comes stock with a Cold Air Intake, the aftermarket intakes are all less cold than the stock airbox/snorkel. However, it doesn't matter whether you go RS or one of the other turbo models, they all use the same SAB, so this shouldn't effect your trim decision.

Catback exhaust
You probably won't be able to sell the RS exhaust to anyone, but I don't know that there's really any difference between it and the standard one anyway, other than the tip.

Trifecta tune
This has nothing to do with your trim.

Other small things
Here, well, it depends on whether they are different on RS than on other trims, but they are small so it probably doesn't matter.

My questions are:

1. Is it worth it to get the RS if I intend on doing this much work to it? Or should I go with the LTZ?

You should go with the LTZ, or even the LT, unless you have good reason to go RS, simply because the RS is significantly more expensive. If you really want RS features, though, and can afford it, heck, get the RS anyway.

2. I'm new to wheel/tire shopping and combining. If I get wheels sized 205/50-17 will I be able to install the stock tires that the RS comes with onto the new wheels?
I don't know the answer to this one. However, I would like to point out that the stock tires are the single worst feature of the Sonic, and that you'd be better off changing the tires and leaving the wheels, or going ahead and changing both. That said, I'd guess a 17" wheel will fit 17" tires... maybe.

3. I want to upgrade but I want to spend my money wisely. I also don't want to go too crazy with it. Would the mods I listed above be a good combination?

Getting an RS is crazy. Modding one by removing RS features is even crazier. An LT is the same body, engine, nearly everything the same, for far less money. But I have an LT and I've spent more (on LT plus my mods) than you are planning to (on RS plus your mods) so we're all crazy together here, and how exactly you do it is up to you.

Swordsmith

 

[Insanika]

This question is coming up more and more for obvious reasons.

I bought my RS because I'm a spoiled brat and wanted what I wanted regardless of what I will mod in the future.

Having the RS features was supposed to keep me from wanting to upgrade body kit, lowering and wheels. So far I just want to replace the springs and am
Happy with my wheels and the special aesthetics of the RS.

Really, once you know the true differences between the RS and the lower trims (aesthetics, steering, suspension, gearing), whether or not to buy it becomes as personal as deciding what color underwear you want to wear that day.

So, IMO:

Excellent MPG>Style=LTZ,LT
Style>Decent MPG=RS

Also, the LTZ has "leatherette" RS has leather.

 

[Jarrow]

Also not mentioned the RS has 4 wheel disc brakes. The RS had many of the things that I was considering swapping out of an LTZ. The only thing that I wished I could have gotten on the RS was the Inferno Orange color.

 

[laborsmith]

The RS has firmer shock absorbers and accepts lowering quit well.

Stock tires are excellent if you are wanting a "Buick" ride for a "Chevrolet" price but if you are thinking about lowering you may not be desiring a "Buick" ride.

Best bang for buck and still modding as you propose: LT.

I personally like the RS upgrades, from the steering wheel to the interior to the little differences on the exterior and other than tires there are no must do upgrades. I have made some changes but they were not must do.

Well, the '67 Camaro RS Crossed Flag fender badges were a definite must do and have to rank as one of my all time favorite mods.


Laborsmith

 

[tpayne]

Depends on if you like the RS extras enough to spend the $ vs your mod budget.

Leatherette w/"suede" bolsters
Sunroof
17" Anthracite Wheels
RS Fascia w/Fog Lights
Trapezoidal Exhaust
Piano Black Interior Trim

I'm sure I missed some stuff. Was worth it to me but a major difference is I'm keeping wheels stock. You'd pay for upgraded wheels on the RS and then swap them out for aftermarket. All whatever you want to budget.

An LTZ will get you a couple extra MPG due to the gearing changes made to the RS.

You must not have the RS if you are saying it has leatherette seats. I personally went with the RS because it looks bad a$$ and handles much better then the other models. Also I have plans to mod it out.