Taking the Fully Built 1.8 Turbo Cruze to the 1/4 Mile Track (Things Didn't Go as Planned)

Taking the Fully Built 1.8 Turbo Cruze to the 1/4 Mile Track (Things Didn't Go as Planned)
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Installing the $113 eBay Turbo on the Chevy Cruze 1.8 Daily Driver Part 1 - • Installing the $113 eB...
The eBay Turbo is Building BOOST!!! Chevy Cruze 1.8 Daily Driver Build - • The eBay Turbo is Buil...
PCV Issues we had - • Something Went WRONG w...
Making an equal length turbo manifold - • How to Make a DIY Turb...
Making a log style turbo manifold - • The DIY Turbo Manifold...
Custom Forged JE Pistons - • Custom Forged JE Pisto...
How to Install an Upgraded Fuel Pump - • How to Install a Repla...
Custom Camshafts for the 1.8 Cruze - • My Reground Camshafts ...
Upgraded Stage 5 Clutch and Aluminum Single Mass Flywheel - • Single Mass Aluminum F...
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[@ThankMeNowBro]

This is great! Sure it isn't what you may have "expected", but you gained so much knowledge on what can be fixed and worked on and that's something far more valuable. Keep on cruzin'. We're all rooting for you and the build!

[@cmattdabrat]

Good point! Was still fun and gives me something to work on for next outing.

[@jay1185]

Hell yeah man!! That's what all of this has been and is going to be, seeing as you're treading in untouched waters: A learning experience! As soon as you launched I was like "Traction Control & Stabilitrak weren't turned off" LOL I know the look and feel of that bog anywhere. Life happens! I can't wait to see some more test n tune action! Please keep it up sir, you're giving me motivation!!

[@cmattdabrat]

You're right about that lol! I'll get a little more practice in here by the shop and will be back out in a couple weeks. :) Glad you're getting inspired!

[@builtbybagsy]

Drove to the track, drove home. Learned how to improve the cat and your driving. That's a win in my book. Sure, not what you were wanting/expecting, but hey, it's kinda fitting with your experiences so far. Keep it up. Good to see you put there.

[@cmattdabrat]

Very true! More to come soon.

[@modeverything1]

Well the main thing is that you where able to drive it home after!

[@cmattdabrat]

LOL, this is true!

[@project.just.winginit5780]

keep it up bro we appreciate every video u post man. All the love man.

[@cmattdabrat]

Thanks! More to come.

[@Lordofbamboocha1]

Glad to see you again posting videos! I Hope you are better now!

[@cmattdabrat]

I am! Just has and still is taking time to get back to 100%. Been a complete life change which is still on going.

[@george230]

CANT WAIT TO SEE U ON THE NEXT RUN. TESTING IS PART OF THE GAME . EXCITED TO SEE MORE OF YOUR CONTENT. KEEP AT IT. THE CRUIZE IS GONNA SHOCK A LOT OF PEOPLE. LOVE ALL THE CONTENT U MAKE. GOOD JOB.

[@cmattdabrat]

Thanks!

[@tippsy6495]

Love it brother keep it up💪🏽

[@nedspacer]

Keep up the testing! I'm here for the journey regardless. Much love

[@cmattdabrat]

I appreciate that!

[@scottc78]

All testing is good testing. Get the boost controlled, then you'll get used to launching it quickly and be breaking that record in no time!

[@cmattdabrat]

I appreciate it! Very true.

[@deleerai3156]

Im getting hungry to boost my v8, such an Inspirational project. From Normal to sleeper. Love it, keep it up! ❤

[@cmattdabrat]

Go for it! And thanks!

[@victorwilks88]

Oh yeah brother 💪 😎

[@johnbryner9052]

Definitely go with really good name brand waste gate. Good job Matt!!! It sounds really good!!!

[@cmattdabrat]

Thanks!

[@arashtorabi8852]

Keep up I see a lot of potential in you and the car

[@cmattdabrat]

Will do! I do as well.

[@w.r.1356]

Hi brotha 🖐. Hell yeah all learning man, but you got this you've come so far & I know what you can do. Faith my brotha

[@cmattdabrat]

Thanks! It's just getting exciting. Going to keep pushing until we break into the 10s', even if it takes spray.

[@technicallyeco.2751]

Just now watching, yess!!

[@abigbrain1967]

I have no doubt that you have the power to break my record. I've used my 30+ years of drag racing experience to take a mildly modified Cruze into the 13.7's (best e.t. is 13.48 but I wasn't able to back it up) My goal with a stock housing turbo is 12.99 or better. I really like the work and effort you have put forth so far and nervously await you making a killer pass. Ain't gonna lie....saw the title of the video and I got nervous. Lol Keep up the good work.

[@ogfromutube9649]

That's still pretty decent. I got a 12.3 @ 115 from an inline 5 Volvo whiteblock with a stock housing billet hybrid turbo on water methanol.. not bad for a 4 Dr sedan from the 90s... The Cruze are only what like 150hp stock tho? Volvo was 240hp and 240tq stock so had am advantage from the get go lol..

[@cmattdabrat]

LOL! Well no worries for now. Still need to dial this thing in. It's fun seeing it progress and working towards set goals.

[@abigbrain1967]

​@Matthew Chevalier I found your timeslip for that run. The track put in the wrong car # for you.

[@modeverything1]

Been waiting for this one!

[@cmattdabrat]

Me too lol! Although... not the results I was looking for. Have to give it another shot.

[@modeverything1]

​@Matthew Chevalier some times that's how it goes... my last outing with my Grand Am was not what I wanted 😕

[@RazoE]

Definitely keep it on hubcaps! I love it

[@cmattdabrat]

Me too!!!

[@mastercricket7626]

hey bro no need to explain that's test and tune fun there bro lol .... and screw it just give it all the boosties lol jk ... na but for real bro that was exactly what you needed cuz it allowed you to find the weak points and were to go nest .....imo u had a good test and tune bro but yeah happy to see ya ripping it fam and look forward to see ya taken that Cruze record ... peace and love fam keep it rad stay safe and build on

[@cmattdabrat]

Couldn't agree more! :)

[@802Garage]

Dang that really sucks you didn't get it multiple runs! Really want to see what the car can do on a clean run. Awesome development progress though.

[@cmattdabrat]

Tell me about it! Was hoping I could. Just need to iron out a few more things. Car didn't care for the heat soaking of the drive and sitting in line for long. IAT were through the roof.

[@802Garage]

@@cmattdabrat Oooh yep big problem on cramped engine bays.

[@basedemt6608]

Texas is super far from me, but if you're ever anywhere near NW Florida or SE Alabama, I will absolutely be your cameraman for free anytime you need it(as long as I'm not on the ambulance). But, you're coming along great. Try upping your launch to 6500. You want to aim above where you start to really build boost, because as soon as the clutch is released, RPMs are gonna drop even without traction control. You want it to drop and be able to overpower the drop and get right back into it. Also, don't be afraid to hold 1st gear longer. Let it burn through and bounce off the limiter a little before you try to shift it. Same thing in second gear if you still have traction issues. By the top of 2nd and into 3rd it should be grabbing and going. Shifting too early and launch control too low will get you everytime on a FWD big turbo car. You may also consider installing a staging brake for the rear tires to hold the car in place while you burn out. Just in case the car still tries to fight forward.

[@smonk2785]

That’s the Joys of Racing cars my friend! Build, Race, Break, Repeat. Especially a chassis that’s not common. Story of my life me and my best friend just finished a Chrysler Prowler with a SBE “LS” in it. Be going for it’s first dyno run in 3 weeks and nearly every time I’ve drove it since swapping I’ve broken it without much effort so trust me I know the pain. I hope by Dyno day I can get all the BS sorted out but who knows just how racing is

[@cmattdabrat]

Lots of truth to that! Going to keep at it and we'll get there.

[@Nandelor]

I've got a 1.4 Sonic and they make an LS7 coil conversion for our cars. Maybe try making your own setup with those? I could see that being a good fix for your spark. Love seeing the progress on the build keep it up!

[@cmattdabrat]

That's the plan! I made on early on in the build and have misplaced it, so I'm going to build another, but slightly different. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHnHpGyhirR-eNE

[@8SecSleeper]

I use the $40 emusa knock off on everything and never had a problem. If you let it sit for months. It may have rusted up and just needs to be cleaned.

[@cmattdabrat]

Good point. Did sit for about 7 months.

[@GTsGarageTech]

Looks like it would benefit from some stiffer shocks in the rear. If you can eliminate it slow down the amount the back squats down when launching or shifting, it’ll keep the weight over the front wheels for better traction. Love the videos and can’t wait for more!!

[@cmattdabrat]

Absolutely. Going to work on sorting that out.

[@johnsnow1355]

@@cmattdabrat that nice zzp suspension will easily fix the bouncing 😁 u will have to get the car corner balanced with so much adjustably on ride height and spring preload. Some people have gotten away with bathroom scales as a cheap race car scale system. If u attempt your own wheel alignment u can do it pretty easily with string and tape measures. For toe plates two pieces of metal greased up under the front tires will allow u to set the toe pretty accurate without ground friction causing drag.

[@cmattdabrat]

@@johnsnow1355 Wish I knew someone that had a scale to corner balance it. The place I took to get my tires done does it for $50, so I'll just take it to them.

[@MichaelD429]

Coil overs will fix that

[@robinpresley610]

Should check out them electronic boost solenoids like boosted boys used to gain more control over boost levels. Would probably help to get the same ecm that they use.

[@cmattdabrat]

All in due time. The waste gate I currently have barely fits. Would have to either redo the manifold design and or put in a smaller radiator. Eventually I'll get to that point and make it a dedicated race car.

[@dude...are-you-sure]

for some reason i thought you had installed a LSD already... is lsd something you have plans on adding for the future?

[@ExpoPerformence]

Dudeee! If I was in Texas I’d be Soo willing to be a cameraman 😂 good video still nonetheless that second gear looked great she looks like she’s gonna have hella top end

[@cmattdabrat]

I appreciate that! Funny thing is, when she was starting to pull, it was reeling in the dude that ran the 12 next to me until is broke up.

[@mattnaylor3271]

Hey I’ve been trying to find those pistons you put in there I’m turbocharging my sonic 1.8

[@cmattdabrat]

Call JE. They should have the file for them.

[@pelecho]

I may have a GoPro somewhere. I used to used with my car and my shifter kart long time ago. If you want it I can mail it to you for free. It’s good to see you. 💪🏼

[@cmattdabrat]

I'd really appreciate that. Email me at Matt at mikeydesigns.com and I'll shoot over the address.

[@pelecho]

@@cmattdabrat I just send you a email let me know if you got it 👍

[@dougj.8288]

I say for the first track run that wasn’t bad, you didn’t blow anything up and you figured out what bugs you have to work on.

[@cmattdabrat]

All positives! I definitely didn't leave bitter. Still was tons of fun. Forgot to mention all the people that were like... what??? lol Many people checked the car out.

[@J_tega]

get the LS coil conversion it will give you all the spark

[@cmattdabrat]

New video up on that!

[@technicallyeco.2751]

Need head down to mex to secret road. See them practice hits too so beast💪💪

[@cmattdabrat]

Started doing some last night! I'll have to record those Mexico testing.

[@technicallyeco.2751]

@@cmattdabrat ❤️

[@MichaelD429]

I wish I could take your videos. Would be an awesome opportunity to watch all this. All this is a learning exspirence.. you will be fine

[@cmattdabrat]

I appreciate that! Would be nice to have some help and to share it all with in person.

[@briankinzer4175]

So I looked on zzp’s website and I see forged pistons for 72.5mm and 73.5mm is the 73.5mm for the 1.8 or is that just over bore for the 1.4 I have the 1.4 and was wondering if I had enough bore to put the 73.5’s in?

[@cmattdabrat]

They're for the 1.4. The 73.5mm is for an over bore. The 1.8 has 80mm pistons. If you go with the 73.5mm, you'll have to pull the engine block, and take it to a machine shop to have them machine it for the bigger pistons.

[@briankinzer4175]

@@cmattdabrat will I need to have it bored over you think to hit 300hp? Or could I maybe with just a bigger turbo and injectors and a ported intake and exhaust I’m trying to see how to get 300 crank out of the 1.4

[@davidgriggs3967]

See the rear squat hard on the burn out ? That's weight shifting off the front tyres on launch to the rear which is bad for fwd you need stiff rear springs or make up some aluminium tube struts and make it solid just for the drags You need to keep that weight over the front. Ps looking forward to some good launches , 60ft and 1/4 mile times once you have sorted all the issues.

[@cmattdabrat]

Thanks! Definitely something to sort out.

[@DaDarkninjayt]

I just moved back to the Killeen Texas area and looking for a job would be honored to be your camera man!

[@cmattdabrat]

I'm heading out there on Friday the 24th if you want to help.:)

[@DaDarkninjayt]

@@cmattdabrat yah that works for me would love to help if you still need me then just hmu on here and we can meet up

[@cmattdabrat]

@@DaDarkninjayt Okay, cool. If you want to email me we can figure something out if you want to meet sooner matt at symbol mikeydesigns.com

[@NAW_Garage]

What kind of spark plug gap are you running? Have you tried gapping them down?

[@cmattdabrat]

I've tried 20, 18 and even 16.

[@NAW_Garage]

@@cmattdabrat oh wow.. probably not too big of a gap then lol my plugs are only gapped to 22 on my turbo Cavalier. Good luck figuring it out 👍

[@bradensmith888]

Any plans to upgrade to aluminum wheels? I think the ones that came stock on later Cruzes look pretty good

[@cmattdabrat]

I've thought about it, but love the sleeper look lol

[@Rancid_Ninja]

Eco wheels are forged and the lightest stock wheels, I went with 2lt wheels as I love the 5 spoke, even if they are a little heavier

[@cmattdabrat]

@@Rancid_Ninja wonder how they compare weight wise to the stock steelies. I think the steelies are lighter? 🤔🤷🏻‍♂

[@Rancid_Ninja]

@@cmattdabrat from the cruzetalk board someone posted the steelies are 18lbs and the eco wheels are 17.8, they are also wider at 17x7

[@cmattdabrat]

@@Rancid_Ninja Cool. The plan honestly is to fit a set of 15's and drag slicks in the future and continue weight reduction. I need to find a place I can weigh the car. Seems like a heavy girl for the compact class.

[@amittelall25090.]

how mani HP in this cruze please

[@cmattdabrat]

Not sure just yet. Will take it to the dyno to do a few pulls.

[@badass96ta]

Sucks that HRP is closing

[@cmattdabrat]

Tell me about it. :(

[@nismomo23]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@shamgarcia2000]

Nxt.. let's do AWD conversion 🤭

[@cmattdabrat]

That would be awesome! Would take some deep pockets.

[@jeankitching8044]

I did the weight reduction and I never saw a difference with my diesel, no time difference over the 1/8th

[@cmattdabrat]

I'll have to weigh the car and see where weight can be removed. Might take things like stripping it down to the shell, and making a custom tubular subframe up front. Hoping I can get it down to 2500.

[@jeankitching8044]

@@cmattdabrat I've done, door cards, seats, spare tyre, sub, everything except driver seat and dash

[@cmattdabrat]

@@jeankitching8044 Would you happen to know what yours weighs?

[@8SecSleeper]

Set spark gap to 18 thou

[@cmattdabrat]

I've tried 20, and 16. Still breaking up.

[@8SecSleeper]

@@cmattdabrat coils get weak when worn out and will reveal itself in situations like high boost. You could have one coil that's weak that's causing that. I'd look into possible coil upgrades. Not aftermarket coils but see if you can use a better Bosch factory used Bosch coil from another car.

[@johnsnow1355]

The hair!!!! Dam u sure have changed from the first build vid lol more the rugged Brian O'Connor look now instead of the cool Jon Wick ha ha. Don't worry my first drag strip experience was a failure as well my quadrajet kept bogging off the starting line so my big boat would only run 18 Sec 1/4mile times ha ha. For traction control just unplug a front speed sensor so the computer throws codes and can't do any traction management. 5000 sounds really high for a launch rpm!! You are better off launching at 2500 or 3000 let the clutch slip off the line dumping the clutch expecting the car to hook and go will blow up the transmission or axles. Even professional race cars use a clutch timer to slip the clutch till the car is moving off the line. With a 2 step box u shouldn't have to rev it 5000 rpm to get boost for launching. If u try dumping the clutch on a very sticky drag strip the transmission will go boom from the shock!!!

[@cmattdabrat]

LOL, thanks for the feedback! Did some testing last night on the street. I'll post a video soon about my findings. You're right about that. Definitely going to let the clutch slip some so the trans and or the axles don't break.

[@johnsnow1355]

@@cmattdabrat Kyle from the boosted boys had some videos with the mr2 showing how the delay valve works. Basically it delays releasing the pressure through a adjustable bleed valve. So when u launch the car you side step the clutch and the valve will release the pressure to let the clutch slip and launch the car in a controlled and easily adjustable manner that most humans can't do over and over with our legs ha ha.

[@cmattdabrat]

@@johnsnow1355 Okay cool, I recall that. The Cruze has a delay valve from the factory. I've played with it when the car was stock and had to replace the clutch, but have yet to mess with it since. It's currently but something worth looking into, even an aftermarket unit.

[@matthewwester4672]

1st!!