Chevy Sonic & Cruze Top 5 Mods | ZZPerformance

[@fbisurveillancevan1635]

I'd just like a mod where I didn't have to keep replacing the valve cover ever 70k miles.

[@craiggreen5122]

cruzekits.com/

[@craiggreen5122]

This has worked wonders for me!

[@imaycare5927]

70k on a plastic cover is actually not bad. i want one so bad but the reviews are scaring me. if i choose it then i will have to have parts and tools in the trunk lmao

[@redorange]

Buy the Dorman replacement intake manifold it has the fix for the check valve that GM should have engineered into the design.

[@danielcarpenter3820]

I worked at GM for 4 years and saw this a lot on these cars, what we found and you can check the forums for info to back it up is you need to check the check valve in the intake manifold if that check valve goes bad then it will continue to fuck up the valve cover.

[@iroksdub8713]

I got a Chevy Cruze build in the making !! And I'm going ALL ZZP

[@zanecooitmaxx]

Hahah crackle tune sounds like a firecracker lol

[@borger99]

Almost like, just maybe, perhaps, that might be the idea behind a crackle.

[@oswaldoviveros5273]

I have on my 2015 Sonic RS so far as upgrades: K&N intake Magnaflow Exhaust System Bypass Valve Turbo Release Lower Springs and Shocks 1.5” 18.8” Wheels Drags DR19 Dark Gray I also upgraded my sound system here it is a just in case you want to know what I have: Pioneer AVH1440Nex (CarPlay) Kenwood X802-5 Amp 1600wtts Wavetech Bass Restor Controller Fronts - Focal Component K2 Series 6.5 Rear - Focal Coaxial 6.5 12” JL Audio W3 Rockford Fosgate Cap 2F

[@chrizzlenipsjomomma2568]

Oswaldo Viveros horsepower gain?

[@oswaldoviveros5273]

chriss lafountaine I haven’t taken it to a Dyno but I have beaten a 2018 Ford focus in a quarter mile Street Light.

[@chevroletsonice1248]

I like the fact that the manufacturer pumped in so much safety gear into the Sonic, with a turbo 😉

[@Piznick64]

The Chevy Trax is bacially a lifted sonic so all the parts are comparable right?

[@lees.4084]

"Quiet is restrictive." Not necessarily. I've had several very quiet exhaust systems built that were no restriction to their engines. And on the flip side of your comment, I'll counter with: "Just because its loud, doesnt mean its fast..." It would be more accurate to say that stock is restrictive. In fact, I would ask you guys to consider building a quieter free flowing exhaust system option for those who either just prefer, or need a quieter system to conform with the law, ect. Otherwise, excellent video and recomendations.

[@JohnSmith-xl9bo]

Stock is BALANCED with the rest of the engine components. Some restriction can promote fuel swirl and fuel cooling..."I gut me a Cat Back now I'm bad ass!" But my engine now runs warmer than it did and I got me a check ungine light on that Bitch!"

[@dakotasteingrabe9490]

I did the zzp downpipe and mid pipe and i made a custom a dual exit straight pipe and i havent yet got a check light

[@lees.4084]

@@JohnSmith-xl9bo How does an exhaust restriction promote "swirl" or fuel cooling?

[@JohnSmith-xl9bo]

@@lees.4084 it doesnt. the cylinder head shape and the location of valves, spark plug and piston dome shape do.

[@lees.4084]

@@JohnSmith-xl9bo Right. But we were talking about exhaust systems..?

[@USRassassin]

I was always wondering why chevy recommended regular fuel when turbo engines works better with premium fuel

[@entitykeeper8869]

I've been trying to purchase the intercooler for the '17 Cruze. Your rep says it is not available. When will it be?

[@christech4466]

I'm an LNF guy tuned by matt@ zzp but I love what you guys are doing with this platform. Keep up the great work!!

[@agstros]

I like the mod where she's willing to "Get Out of My Dreams!... And Get in to My Car!" 😅

[@DugEphresh]

Ashley was an absolute badass! One of my favorite videos,

[@pct3679]

Be nice if zzp had 2017+ cruze parts instock i been waiting a year for a midpipe & intercooler

[@evandowd5297]

Idk Ashley. I would add the zzp rear caliper conversion to the list. That sweet white one always parked by yours has em 😉

[@douglasvogel2783]

Should also add if you want to go past that turbo swap and swap out pistons, can also port the intake manifold and remove the restrictive flaps

[@TheEnlightenShadow]

#1 should be the water outlet valve 😂

[@nathanielbarbeau4821]

Was not expecting #5 from a factory turbo car. I also didn’t know people modified these cars.

[@romper4444]

If it's got a turbo.....people modify it..... Everytime lol

[@JordieG8]

I would be surprised if the stock turbo had the airflow for power past 6000rpm.

[@brandonsbikes]

Your speaking my love language. subscribed ✅

[@marshallgriffith2858]

I just want a ls 7 in mine you know

[@autobotavengerfireballxl5339]

ZZZ is right I almost fell asleep

[@joekunedo]

Best upgrade, better car lol. Jk my wife has one, I dig it. Trying to convince her it could be better... WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY lol.

[@Autopurist]

1:34 THANK YOU for saying this, i really dont like crackle tune

[@dilly92]

She doesn’t seem very pleased at all haha

[@streamylc]

Lol I think that's just her demeanor.... shes exactly the same when you get her by email when contacting ZZP.... no B.S. type girl 100%. 😄

[@b58killu31]

It's because she's talking about a chevy sonic

[@streamylc]

@@b58killu31 ......and yet here you are, reading and leaving comments no less. Lol

[@W0RLDSSMALLESTVI0LIN]

@@b58killu31 Dont bag on a Sonic till you drive one. They are fun as hell to drive. I dont even like cars, im a truck and SUV guy. I work at a car lot and part of my job is to test drive cars, I drove a Sonic hatch turbo they got in, and i fell in love with it immediately when i drove it, i had to buy it. Only car i own, the rest of my collection are trucks & SUVs. I had a PT Cruiser GT Turbo 5 speed a handful of years ago and that was also a very fun car but the Sonic is just about as fun.

[@brettroberts4279]

Thank you for the presentation. Informative and entertaining.

[@thatredhatchback]

lol I’m singing the papers for a 2nd gen Cruze rn. Getting all these mods😂

[@dakota47v8]

Hey Ashley can u tell me if zzp is working on some kind of heat shielding for the heat box and the intake tube on the zzp cold air intake for the chevy sonic as I like I am sure others are noticing heat soak with a rise in summer temperatures and in my opinion zzp is The Best so why not start selling liners for the heat box and heat resistant custom made sleeves for the intake tubes to reduce iat temps please get back to me Tim from scranton pa

[@joshdrobny93]

Do the heat shielding yourself, they make thermal foil wrap

[@JackT_Music_on_Vinyl]

Love the comment about other 4 cyl mods sounding "a little ricey", lol!

[@koreymayo8884]

I have used premium fuel since day one of owning my 2012 Cruze because of the turbo and have had zero engine problems with it unlike most people, so maybe more people should use premium gas.

[@matt_fbcc]

The ones that have issues also always say "ItS An EcOnOmY cAr, it doesnt need premium fuel"

[@mattherrera5017]

Premium fuel is a scam unless your car is designed to burn it. Higher octane just keeps it from pinging when you advance the timing. Theres alot of calculations that dictate if you need a higher rating such as compression, timing, even piston top design ans head flow. It unmodified cars its absolutely pointless to run anything but what the factory recommends. I mean hey if you dont believe me go run 100 octane in it and ses what it does.

[@koreymayo8884]

@@mattherrera5017 the vast majority of supercharged and turbocharged cars are designed to run premium and have knock/pre detonation on regular fuel.

[@koreymayo8884]

@@mattherrera5017 some newer cars are now getting smarter to where they can run either fuel and adjust horsepower output by which fuel is used!

[@mattherrera5017]

@@koreymayo8884 the owners manual tells you what to run for the base tune on the ecm. If you follow the owners manual then you wont have pinging nor wasted money but what do i know. I only have certification and licenses to work on cars.

[@cripcov9517]

Got the '16 Trax tuned up lol 😊.. I've got a tune already and I'm installing a bov tomorrow. How much will a waste gate actuator add?

[@BigZeus]

Your intake looks like a short ram intake, which takes in the air around the engine compartment. The stock one takes air from out front with the snorkel attached or from the fender with the snorkel off. Did I miss something here?

[@joshdrobny93]

They have a box around it, it goes I the same place as the oem though and pulls air from the same locations

[@BigZeus]

joshdrobny93 it’s not a closed system like the stock one. You’re telling me it takes all air in from the disconnected snorkel? Highly doubtful.

[@joshdrobny93]

You obviously know all about it, why ask questions?

[@BigZeus]

joshdrobny93 because I feel like they’re misrepresenting it calling it a cold air intake, it’s not. Anything else I can address for you?

[@joshdrobny93]

Yes. One more, can you tell me what negative effects this is causing on your quality of life?

[@SafetyRey]

Just got a 2015 sonic rs and looking to see what I can do. Thank you for this video.

[@imaycare5927]

i will now look at lowered sonic rs, i tink that would be cool

[@goqwertygo]

I've had my dragon green "15 6sp RS for a year now just got the ZZP cold air kit pretty sweet noticeable difference👍 planning on getting the HP tuner next

[@joebone3151]

Now we need to make kits for the encore and Trax I'm tired if having to so.slight mods to stuff for the cruze and sonic

[@cruzecollective]

It's funny rewatching this and seeing the Sonic with mirrors. 🤣

[@snp3rshot122]

All I could see were mods for the 1.4 L on your website I have a 1.8 L and would like to add your big turbo onto it but not sure if everything would lineup correctly

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

We unfortunately do not have many parts that fit the 1.8 engine. All of the suspension and brake parts however will work for a Sonic with a 1.8.

[@USSMerrimack]

Love your stuff, brakes/tune are on the list. I'm in California, so that's probably it 😅

[@RoboticBoxer152]

just keep the stock parts for smog ;) I'm in cali and I just bought the stage 2 kit lmao

[@rjmiller4788]

ZZP is nice.. just wish there was more available for 2nd gen cruzes…

[@Specz187]

I run 93 octane in my c4 vette and land rover disco but never thought to run it in my 2016 cruze mostly because it doesn't specify and think (might be wrong) to run regular octane in it. Will it really make that much of a difference in a cruze though?

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

We have seen bone stock 1.4's chip pistons due to low octane fuel. These cars have a small engine and are in boost quite a bit at low load, especially the auto cars that don't like to downshift. For the extra few $$ that a tank of premium costs we always recommend it; not to mention the fact that it will use the high octane timing configuration in your PCM so you'll likely see a small performance increase.

[@g4be01estuar]

Well if you modify the motor warranty won't cover any motor or drivetrain issues cold air intake systems I'm not sure if they work

[@kallihouse6423]

I'm debating keeping my 1.4 Sonic Turbo RS Sedan or trade it in for either an 6 cyl Impala or another car with higher horsepower (wouldn't mind a hatch or small suv) if I can get some turbo power or good horsepower. I enjoy driving it but I need something a lil bigger and a lil faster. The pick up is good but the motor needs more mods to be a sufficient ride. I've never modded a car. I had a race quad growing up so... :) It had a stall converter that didn't engage until 5 grand rpm (had a tach), also had a CVT so I knew ALL about them when they came out. I wish I could work on cars like could quads... :(

[@rogersmith3295]

Trade it in before it has issues. I had so many problems with my sonic. Lol

[@kallihouse6423]

@@rogersmith3295 i did i bought a wrangler

[@verburmite8477]

I got a sedan LT Chevy Sonic v4 1.8 Liter. Do you guys know of any good rear bumper replacements. I don't like the stock one.

[@K03sport]

Hi Ashley. Words are great, but this is a video platform. Show us these mods in action vs a stock 1.4t used as a control (you know, science). Also, this 1.4t vs VW's 1.4t.....

[@chiashley26]

This is a helpful video, the proof is in my track times which if you follow ZZP have been posted before. 13.65 in the 1/4.

[@shawneadie7930]

@@chiashley26 boom

[@rottmanthan]

the 1.8l with 5 speed manual has the least issues.

[@derrickscorner6572]

HAHA throwing that shade.. Sorry but I 100% agree with the statement on the Crackle tune.... I do not even know who asked for this or how people take this serious....

[@noahgullion2]

1 the crackle tune sounds cool. 2 zzps tunes are nowhere close as far a power gains as other tuners like bnr

[@iordonezjr91]

🤣

[@chiashley26]

We will see...

[@dannyduke4807]

Lay off the drugs, Noah. Crackle tune sounds like fucking Hondas with fender exits.

[@kevinjohnson1958]

Crackle tune is just awful, I don't get it.

[@matt_fbcc]

The valve springs makes a ton of sense. Mine looses power crazy around 5500

[@thomasmoss6266]

Same

[@romper4444]

That's more due to stock tune and restrictive exhaust

[@BooManLabs]

yall need more videos for the 1.8 liter just so i can get more info on my car as its hard to find anything anywhere about it

[@dz1sfb]

The only mod that I really question the efficacy of is the "cold air intake". Now I know a cold air intake does work, however the stock airbox which pulls its air from outside the engine compartment probably is drawing much cooler air than one that draws from inside the engine compartment (this air intake). So it a bigger and better breathing intake, but does not appear to be cold air. Duct cool air to it and you will have something on this .

[@anttheruler]

reroute it to the fender well, seen it a lot it works a ton better,

[@romper4444]

They say drilling holes in the bottom of stock air box is quite effective at achieving more airflow and intake and turbo noises

[@brandonorozco6367]

@ZZPerformance can you guys do a video like this on the 1.8l? I’d appreciate it alot

[@anthonygonzalez4172]

Brandon Orozco thanks for the list. Very useful info. Know I know what to do with my Cruze LT RS.

[@joebone3151]

I got the same engine in my buick encore

[@prxcor]

I have a base model of the 2015 Chevy Sonic (not sure what ) how can I look at the specs of it and what mods would be best to add to this.?

[@1stengineer20]

Will a 235/45 r17 fits on a sonic? Thanks.

[@parilondi5221]

So I can put premium fuel in my 2014 Chevy Cruze ltz 1.4l turbo without any problems ?

[@zeronrgjdzx]

Tell me more!! I got an SRIV JH white, with 18“ rims. Paid 10.5k AUD

[@Big.D.]

"Crackle tune sounds like shit" MARY ME?!?!?!?!?!

[@redpillrhino]

Do you do a full setup for a 2018 Buick Encore?

[@roberthein2156]

Do you think Chevy will ever make a SONIC S.S. w/ 2.0 liter turbo? 6 or 7- speed standard? I ordered my Sonic Hatchback turbo, 6-spd.in 2011, (Nov."11), had to wait till Feb."12, before I got it, CAUSE THEY weren't making the turbo model yet. Fact I didn't even drive one to know what I was getting. I wanted a has CAR then. TO this day, get 40 mpg, @70mph in 6th,on cruise!

[@leesantos9711]

I wish they would!😎

[@amagine1]

Not the Sonic. But in theory the Cruze gen 2.5 can accept the front subframe for a Buick Verano which does come with the 2.0 LTG. Now, I don't believe anyone has undertaken such a swap.

[@aliasdalrymple8217]

Very interesting,how much y’all think the total would come out as to by those mods then install or have them installed

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

We have a full list of every mod mentioned in the description. If you click the links it'll show you the part and price on our website.

[@koreymayo8884]

How long will the engine and transmission last revving all the way to 7000RPM with upgraded valve springs? Seems like it would greatly reduce engine and automatic transmission life to me.

[@ZLwh1ne]

Small parasitic effect I would think. But im no expert

[@noelserrano8338]

Thanks!!!

[@NathanKeeley]

Hey ZZP if I were you I would check to see if your own turboback exhaust system was in stock before you tried to promote it.

[@zanecooitmaxx]

Nathan Keeley doesn’t sound that great for the money..

[@poppogigio1848]

Do you guys have any plans for a Gen 2 Cruze intercooler kit?

[@razielrocker1067]

Seriously thank you

[@dtbrown1978]

Bang for the buck they have a great exhaust performance and sound but only with muffler IMO. Straight pipe is way too loud. Only downside so far it rusted after one winter. But for price it is easily one of the biggest performances gains but only with a tune. I tested 0-60 independent Cai, exhaust and together with stock tune and the computer compensated and minimal performance gains. Did same test with a tune and exhaust was biggest gain 0-60 besides tune itself.

[@travisabrahamson5092]

I'm thinking about k swapping my sonic. Has 1.8 now . Thinking will be better than 1.4 swapping....

[@marshallgriffith2858]

Good vid.

[@GSquid24]

2:32 “number 5” #4?

[@troublesa76]

what abourt e 85 which jas 105 octane they say its better then premium so whgat ya think ashley

[@felixpereira4876]

Does the fuel tip is for the 1.5 ecotec as well

[@johnsimun6533]

Turbo cars, especially when high compression is present, requires 93. Factory, will work with 87, but especially in summer there will be predestination.

[@aviator1352]

Don't you mean pre-ignition.

[@johnsimun6533]

Steenveld yes, thanks

[@jermainejpshepherd2778]

Wouldn't it be best to add bolt ons then get a tune?🤔

[@mang0941]

Peter Shepherd Yeah it’ll be easier to get more ponies into the engine with the cold air intake and able to push them out fast with an exhaust plus to make the most power you can your gonna want it tuned with the bolt ons

[@jermainejpshepherd2778]

@@mang0941 thanks for the info. But that's why I figured that a tune would be the last step in modifying a car for performance. Not the 1st like ZZP is saying here.

[@stevethomas7463]

Are there any shops in Phx, AZ that are dedicated to Sonic mods? Mine needs some modifications but don't know where to start. Thanks.

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

That's exactly what we made this video for! We recommend starting with these mods. We're located all the way up in Michigan! But we can happily ship you parts and give expert tech support for you along the process of installing and enjoying your mods.

[@michaelallen5304]

What about chevy trax??

[@Sero12245]

What mods are safe for a 1.4 automatic from 2020?

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Pretty much all of them! The stock engine is quite stout when maintenance-d regularly and taken care of. We've made over 300whp on the stock long block and same with the transmission.

[@joshnelson576]

Do yall have a tune for 2020 chevy trax awd I need one

[@joeramos2669]

Can you do these Mods on the LT Cruze version as well as the RS that you mentioned?

[@dotwithshoesofficial]

RS is an appearance package.

[@koreymayo8884]

How much labor to install valve springs?

[@Gabriel.4190]

Korey Mayo a lot

[@gabee7301]

What intake is good for 2.4L ?

[@B.E.A.R.-]

how much power it to much for a sonics clutch to handle

[@FastFrank1408]

Yea I really like her alot. I think she's reading cards tho. Js

[@squirtmph]

I cannot finde anywhere large output alternator, any where on line. Anyone knows where to get it, please 🥺 240amp but not les 100amp

[@mfh7707]

Ive been using regular gas on my 1.4 chevy sonic rs turbo because thats what i was informed to use...is it okay to switch it up now, 3 years later,

[@SlowBoiGang]

Yes you can go up to premium with no issues

[@99subigt]

Stock whp is about 110, with all of this performance parts that she mentioned how much whp will you be able to get? I have more questions but I can't ask until I get some whp#s

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Depends on a lot of things, typically full bolt ons with our V3 turbo will make around 200whp on an automatic and ~230whp on a manual car

[@99subigt]

@@ZZPerformanceChannel I appreciate the response, those are good numbers for a small motor, my next question, will it be worth buying a Cruze (used 6k - 10k) and adding all of this parts at whatever retail$ they go for and ending up with 230whp, or buy a similar car with that kind of HP and been able to tune it further? Im a little torn apart that's all, I was involved in a hit and run( my car got hit) with my 2005 Saab 9-3 arc 5spd tuned at 260whp with basic bolt ons and room for more HP, I really liked that car and now I've seen some sweet looking Cruze cars but that motor its a heart breaker, yes I know that it will depend on the individual on what platform he or she will want to start or what will be the plans for that car, I don't want to get into other car brands cause obviously we are talking about Chevrolet brand using performance parts for that specific brand, so is buying the car plus what ever the cost of the parts and labor will it be worth it? Or just buy a similar car that will cost the same amount?

[@alexchavigny9079]

I have a '19 RS cruze hatch, gas is super expenive in Canada. Will it hurt my car running regular?

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

If you are driving any vehicle with a turbo engine, we suggest you run the highest octane fuel possible. Especially if you plan on adding mods.

[@vermontvermont9292]

I'm looking at a 2017 1.4T hatch. Everyone's telling me NOT to buy one of these. Why?

[@0000Otto0000]

They don't want you to be happy...

[@rameezjardine8286]

Wht can I do with my non turbo sonic

[@AlexTaino]

I just installed the 1.4 cruze catback $550 and $200 mechanic install and sound it's no difference as the stock one, lost my money.

[@hawkdsl]

Pistons, Pistons, Pistons. Should be #1.

[@MichaelGarcia001]

I'd like to see Ashley's car.

[@giff74]

But do any of those mods apply to the Gen 2 Cruze? They don't appear to on your website??

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Unfortunately no, we do not currently make any performance parts for the Gen 2 Cruze

[@giff74]

@@ZZPerformanceChannel Any plans to? I'd buy some!

[@rodolfoaguirre4103]

Wassup Cruze community. Whats cracking

[@gsbk66]

No mods for the 2nd gen Cruze 😩

[@adeum9i]

Are all of these upgrades easy to install yourself? ☺️

[@kvshpvrp]

I have a Chevy Cruze are you saying that I should be putting premium gas in it? I've been filling her up with 87

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

With the 1.4L turbo engine, YES you should be.

[@oliviawenger2477]

Do you do a straight switch or how does one go about transition from 87 to premium

[@tonio427lostone3]

I have a 1.8 can you help me with that

[@TeaJay727]

The 1.8 is shit lmfao

[@kyleball8068]

Fr get a turbo bro

[@aconstip8edcow]

I have a 1.8 as well. Thinking about adding some mods. Is a turbo an option with this displacement?

[@LongboardManiac]

@@aconstip8edcow I dont really think you can turbocharge the 1.8l due to the engine bay not having enough space. Maybe if you heavily modified it and made an area for the turbo but that would cost you thousands and would probably just be better off buying a RS turbo

[@leesantos9711]

Hey Ashley . I really like the sonic, but my buddy bought a 500 Abarth and it's a real fun car . Can the sonic compete ?

[@koreymayo8884]

Fiat is such garbage! The Cruze is much better!

[@trainermono4362]

Yes, a properly modified sonic will be able to handle a stock 500 abarth. Plenty of sonics running low 15 quarter miles, and a stock abarth will only run a 17.

[@leesantos9711]

@@trainermono4362 👍👍Thanks, did not know that !

[@koreymayo8884]

Wish I could trade my Cruze for a 2015 Buick verano 2.0 turbo with 260 horsepower!

[@trainermono4362]

@@leesantos9711 No prob. If youre interested in modifying yours I highly reccomend getting your info from the sonic owners forum. Theres a ton of great threads and smart people over there.

[@Friedbrain11]

MY 2013 Spark would rev through 7k in first gear any time i wanted.

[@alexlapham256]

can it be a 2012 model?

[@jrice4952]

Hey so I know I’m tardy to the party. I know nothing about mods. My question, of these top five mods, in what order would I install them if I didn’t have the cash to do them all at once? Idk if it matters but I have a 16 Cruze Limited with a manual gearbox.

[@lyfeofaprofit7819]

I would start with cold air intake then move to exhaust set up. I'm in the same boat so far. My build will be put up on my channel.

[@buckeyefan635]

BNR Tune called out. Hahahaha.