Tim’s Garage Episode 7: Saturn Sky Redline / Solstice GXP Left charge tube install/clamp upgrade

[@ohboy2592]

Great tip on the heat gun. It can also be used to turn faded black plastic back to new looking because the heat brings the oils in the plastic back towards the surface.

[@rex4x4]

Great info about the ddm front brace .... Thanks .

[@350tiger]

Not sure how effective it is ... but it was pretty much a bolt on item.

[@hooligancertified9858]

I like the fact that your videos legitamatly show how to perform the procedures the correct way .... no slice and dice ...or hack and smack approach ... clean project ,and even cleaner install ! Keep up the good work !

[@350tiger]

Thank you Randy !! It seems the latest video had a slice in it though ... I sacrificed the hose from hell.

[@kvelect4326]

I can't wait to order my stage 3 kit and watching these makes me more excited.

[@350tiger]

Do It !!!!!!!!!!

[@kvelect4326]

@@350tiger your videos are extremely helpful and have added some other parts and tools to my list!

[@saucy3809]

Great video, this is gonna come in so handy when I install mine, I’ve been waiting for a detailed video like this FOREVER! Thank you.

[@350tiger]

Thank you ! Please let me know if I miss something you think is Critical to help you understand what is involved. I have done many projects over the years and I just thought laying out one in detail for those that I’ve never done this may remove some of the mystery.

[@tommytsunami2735]

Loving this project! Keep the uploads coming

[@350tiger]

Thanks ... I am hoping everyone can find some value in following along!

[@Salvadorz24]

The T clamp of the throttle body is rubbing with the harness, you can unclip the harness to gain a couple of millimeters :)

[@350tiger]

Thank you for the tip ! I also plan on placing rubber caps on the charge tube clamps to prevent any wiring chaffing.

[@mendhamgolf]

You do very nice video's! I have a 2009 Saturn Sky Redline and just love it. I've done many of the upgrades that you have already. The only thing that I'm surprised with your upgrades is, why in the world would you not replace the stock intake for a hi-flow intake. That car is going to be gasping for air with Stage 3 sensors, upgraded turbo, and an upgraded tune. Are you planning any upgrades for the exhaust system? The car will not get to its full potential without the extra upgrades. Also, Martin Scott from RPM Motorsports is a great guy and very helpful. He answers his, will call you back and spend time with you if you ever have any issues with his products or services. Keep up the good video's. I subscribed and look forward to your next one.

[@350tiger]

Thank you ... Martin has been very helpful ! In the republic of California one must be sure to leave everything “stock appearing” I would love a better flowing intake but at this point until I decide I want some bottom end upgrades I will limit the output for now.

[@SuperMacGuy]

The spring clamps, is there a torque rating you have to take those to? I don't quite understand how they could be "fully tightened down" and then still have room to expand. Do they come in different spring strengths?

[@350tiger]

I am not sure if they come in different lengths or strengths of tension. The purpose is the ensure that the clamps adjusts for temperature variation as aluminum can expand and contract quite a bit. Our cars come equipped with two spring loaded clamps right at turbo air inlet. According to the GM specs those should be tightened to 44 in lbs (Note that is INCH POUNDS) on the factory spring clamps GM manual section and page 9-337

[@350tiger]

I chose to use spring clamps everywhere after blowing a hose off on a cool morning at 23 psi of boost

[@anonymouscitizen6340]

Hi Tim, have you done any repairs on the AC, maybe replacing the compressor?

[@350tiger]

I have not yet ... my car has 10,000 miles so it will be a while. The compressor looks buried under the alternator and a quick look indicates to me it will need the engine lifted on the drivers side only and a removal of the alternator to have enough access.

[@anonymouscitizen6340]

So I installed the compressor, pressure switch, drier.. temp sensor and took it to pep boys and to the dealers and they where not unable to diagnose it. I notice my fan only works when the temp goes up on the car. I think the fan module could be the issue. What do you think?

[@350tiger]

Fabuloso I would not be a fan (pun intended) of just replacing parts. As I understand the A/C does not work (I assume the interior blower fan works). if the cooling fan works when the vehicle reaches temperature but does not work when a/c is switched in the module could be part of the issue. When you switch on the A/C does the compressor clutch engage and start pumping ? If it does then perhaps the module is the issue. But the ac should work when the car is warm then. The only real solution is to ensure the sensors are receiving the right voltage and no relays or sensors are bad or corroded. Feel free to PM on FB ( Tim Ronak) perhaps I can help.

[@jasoncampbell7765]

What does the charge pipes give you in terms of performance on a car with all stock internals besides an axelback exhaust? What about the performance on the car with a tune? Thanks.

[@350tiger]

From stock the charge pipe and the GMPP tune (or an aftermarket tune) can bump HP up about 30 HP of stock to about 290 HP. This really wakes up the cat and increase boost from 16-17psi to 22-23 psi. To really be able to take advantage a greeter flowing exhaust and larger inter cooler can bring it up to around 305-315 HP

[@herbh9348]

Tom, I've seen some charge pipes that are powder coated red, where did you get your charge pipes and was it a matter of quality, price or do you like the black look of the charge pipes? Also is the particular black charge pipes your using preferred because of compatibility with the GM flash kit? Hope I'm making sense, I'm not an experienced mechanic, but definitely want to do this upgrade on my Redline.

[@350tiger]

Herb ... I chose the pipes for only a reason of convenience as I wanted black with brackets already installed. The brackets are absolutely not required and the pipes work whether there are mounting brackets or not as the hose clamps hold them VERY secure. There are a few manufacturers that make the pipes and RPM Motorsports makes an excellent version that normally have no mounting bracket as it is not something really needed to hold the pipe securely. I purchased mine from DDM Works as they just ‘happened’ to have a special sale $$ the week I went looking and had black versions in stock with mounting brackets and it was a matter of convenience only. Any of the tubes work with any of the tubes and if you install you would be wise to secure a stage 2 tune as well. I went with Black as I really want the car to ‘appear’ as unmolested as possible as I live in the land of the oppressive carbon police 👮 If you have any others questions just let me know ... I updated my description in episode 8 to reflect the online location I secured all of my GM parts from.

[@herbh9348]

@@350tiger Thank you so much Tim for the info, I look forward to the future videos & continued build. Your Sky looks like it has really low mileage, mine has only 40k, I drove out to Tempe Arizona to pick it up. Where did you get your sky?

[@350tiger]

Herb I bought mine from New Mexico with 6100 miles ... now has 8700 and it has never seen a rainstorm nor has it been outside overnight other than 1 night in Vegas in the way home.

[@herbh9348]

@@350tiger Your Saturn was a great find, I almost picked up one in St. Petersburg Florida at Genuine Motors it had only 6832 miles for 15k, but was a baseline model. I'm glad I went with the Redline even though it had more miles...thanks Tim

[@michaeladams7700]

Where are you located in California i to am in California an just purchased my first solstice gxp

[@350tiger]

I am located in Mission Viejo Orange County