UPDATED Top 5 Mods | 1.4 Sonic & Cruze

We never stop innovating at ZZP, which means our LUV/LUJ platforms have NEW mods that we were unable to include in our original TOP 5 video, so it's naturally time for an UPDATE. Today, Turbo Tim AKA BOOSTED BEEK will take you through his updated top 5 mods for the 1.4 turbo Sonic and Cruze. Tim is currently making 330 WHP in his personal daily 2015 Sonic Hatchback RS!
GOFASTNOTBROKE
0:00 Intro
0:22 Mod 1
1:32 Mod 2
2:26 Mod 3
3:30 Mod 4
4:26 Mod 5
5:44 Honorable Mention 1
6:28 Honorable Mention 2
7:20 Honorable Mention 3
7:43 Outro
👇Links to the mods 👇
1.4 PCM Tune: zzperformance.com/products/zz...
42# Injectors: zzperformance.com/collections...
60# Injectors: zzperformance.com/collections...
V3 Turbo: zzperformance.com/collections...
ZO4 Turbo: zzperformance.com/collections...
Cruze Intercooler Package: zzperformance.com/collections...
Sonic Intercooler Package: zzperformance.com/collections...
Cruze Cold Air Intake: zzperformance.com/collections...
Sonic Cold Air Intake: zzperformance.com/collections...
Flex Fuel Kit: zzperformance.com/collections...
Camshaft: zzperformance.com/collections...
Valve Springs: zzperformance.com/collections...
Cruze 3" Exhaust: zzperformance.com/collections...
Cruze 2.25" Exhaust: zzperformance.com/collections...
Sonic 3" Exhaust: zzperformance.com/collections...
Sonic 2.5" Exhaust: zzperformance.com/collections...
ZZP is located in Wyoming, MI. We are the world’s largest supplier of aftermarket performance parts for 3800, Sonic/Cruze, Ecotec, and ATS platforms, providing industry-leading customer service and support.
Our staff of professionals has experienced knowledge in all the vehicle platforms we represent. ZZPerformance is dedicated to 100% customer satisfaction. We provide you with highly specific technical information, that can’t be found anywhere else.
Interested in modding your car? Check out our parts at zzperformance.com
Questions about modding? Email us at [e-mail]

[@lanegeisewite1436]

I love the 1.4s!

[@muzwakai]

Awesome info thanks, Tim. Looks like details on the Z04 product page needs updating as this is said "We have seen that there is little to no spool difference between the Z04 and a comparably modded V3 car"

[@TurboTimZZP]

Thank you, updated.

[@mugiwara-reaper]

Just got my 2011 Chevy Cruze manual. This vid popped up right as I was thinking about decking it out. I will definitely be reaching out for everything here 😅

[@justinreynolds2143]

I'm sure you guys have touched on this on here or on the pod.. But I would love to see a list of mods to do in what stages. Ultimate goal would be inline with the basic streetable but able to rip when called upon. Just not sure the order of operation that makes the most sense. Fix pcv, turbo upgrade, stage 2 kit... wouldn't be able to do it all at once so breaking it down would be helpful. Thanks. 2015 ltz manual sonic. In a perfect world I could do everything at once but the budget doesnt allow and the mod journey seems like fun.

[@TurboTimZZP]

Good idea, we will have to do that. Email me directly and I can build something to save for anyone that wants it. Its basically my green car build from our other video "Turbo Tims mean green machine". [e-mail]

[@FamilyFunnies]

same, would also like to know

[@a2dxshake569]

Currently have a 1.4 2014 LTZ hatch sonic @ 50kmiles...love it! But kind of torn in making the choice to optimize it with all the recommends on this video just not sure if the cost to modify with all you mentioned is the way to go vs selling it and purchasing a newer vehicle. I guess in short im asking whats the ballpark cost to have everything you mentioned in this video installed on my stock sonic?

[@Ageratos01]

Would love to see the 1.5t from the later gen cruzes shoved into the sonic. I think that would be great to see and curious if it can be done.

[@t0kinblkguy]

I'm ordering cam valve springs rods pistons and injectors and will get the z04 going early 2024! I'm so excited with how everything has gone so far and can't wait to rip this sucker.

[@gbrunner24]

🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@BD_810]

Just recently bought a 2015 Chevy Cruze eco and has a bunch on zzp aftermarket parts on it

[@codygentry9472]

What is ZZP working on for the cruze ignition system?

[@vincentvampyyri2314]

Just bought Drag Sonic's twin not long ago. Manual 2012 LTZ 1.4! Won't be stock for long, either! I'd really love to see more Sonic content. I feel like it's been a while since any Sonic racing stuff has been posted. It'd be awesome to see more drag stuff, but it'd also be dope to see maybe some ZZP Sonic track/rally action if you guys ever get into that. Getting E85 around here in the southeast is extremely difficult, but my goal still is to make a corner carving version of Drag Sonic out of my own! Or at least try my best on 93 pump gas. Lol

[@TurboTimZZP]

We are in Michigan, so we are out of tracks until the spring.

[@vincentvampyyri2314]

@TurboTimZZP that tracks. You guys ever thought about building a rally car and doing snow rally during the winters? Do you guys even have any kind of rally events in Michigan? Could be a neat project and a first for you guys. Of course, that's if there's enough time and resources for a special project like that, obviously.

[@markrounds6302]

The car you have there, is that lower grill custom or was it off the shelf, and if it was where did you get it? I've been looking for something like that and haven't been able to find one.

[@paulcherry1520]

I got a 12 eco 6 speed manual, I got about 700 bucks to spend on some mods what should I go wit ? Pcv fix kit and then what ? Put a cheap eBay cold air intake sounds awesome lost about 5 mpgs!

[@imlitaf]

Is there gonna be a turbo spark?

[@Anonymous12971]

Will you guys ever offer other parts besides clutches for the manual 1.4 transmissions? Bearings, gears, rebuild kits?

[@SubjectSigma11]

Seriously, we need synchro kits or a swap option. They are so weak

[@gbrunner24]

@@SubjectSigma11 We have carbon synchros in stock for 1-2, however they're in house builds only at the moment until we get a program going to install them for customers. We run a bone stock M32 transmission with the carbon synchros in the drag car and it holds 600+ whp no problem. They're actually quite good little transmissions.

[@DoradoFever]

From a tuner perspective, is it best to do everything installed and tuned at the same time, or in phases? Got the V04 but still need some of the supporting stuff like injectors and intercooler w/ larger throttle body.

[@codygentry9472]

Do it as you can afford it. Generally exhaust stuff wont need a tune update. My order was intercooler, intake, cai, pcv fix, catback, Zo4, tune, injectors,

[@TurboTimZZP]

Check out our Cruze build video series I did. The pretty much the first mod we did on that car was Z04, well and tune. Then injectors, intercooler, ported intake, CAI, then catback.

[@user-lq9el2hi5g]

How much hp can the stock rods and pistons hold before I start to worry

[@natepritt2548]

Do u do anything with the Buick encore with the 1.4

[@NightBladeTheWolf2021]

Wonder if ZZP will make a 10 second Cruze build sometime? Very excited to start on my Cruze this coming summer.

[@starboyalex855]

Now can you guys do the top 10 mods

[@lamarsantos7691]

Can this be done with a 2021 Chevy spark automatic???

[@srage9188]

Here!👋🏿😼

[@blakjakk7191]

for the 1.8l 1st gen?

[@muhammadsyafiqalwi7065]

Can u recommend me turbo kits for my sonic year 2013? Original manufacturer do not have turbo installed.

[@justinnorth5107]

Would it be possible to just change my stock intercooler for the after market one and be ok with the results are is the after market intercooler to perform with aftermarket turbos. Thanks for the information youve given.

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Yes, you can absolutely swap your stock intercooler out for our ZZP intercooler core. You may have to cut and modify the stock couplers to fit, we would recommend using T-bolt clamps to secure. zzperformance.com/collections/sonic-cruze-intercooling/products/sonic-front-mount-intercooler

[@jakereese845]

Just got a 2016 Chevy Cruse Premier RS and I am curious if these parts are relevant and if they will work, also hate to act dumb but I assume these mods are in sequential order for what to buy

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

If you have a 2016 RS you likely have the newer LE2 engine, which these parts will not work for. Shoot us an email at [e-mail] and we can help you pick out your mods.

[@adamrobinson8673]

Can you do a drive by cable swap? I dislike the drive by wire system.

[@anthonysawyers591]

Will you all ever make performance parts for the LFV 1.5 turbo engines?

[@TurboTimZZP]

Maybe eventually, but our R&D team is maxed right now with the other platforms we currently sell parts for.

[@abigbrain1967]

Most mods for the LE2 can be used on the LFV as both motors are nearly identical (same block, heads, intake....etc) The 1.5 does have a different turbo than the 1.4, but any turbo made for the 1.4 engine WILL FIT on a 1.5 BNR ( Bad News Racing) and Dave DiMaio @ Davescustom parts are LEADING THE WAY in R&D and have many parts already on the market. Dave was the first to figure out E85 on the 2nd gen Cruze and his intercooler have been available for more than a year now..... Now you know....the truth

[@TheLosloco2001]

What would be needed to make 180whp on a 2017 sonic 1.4 manual?

[@TurboTimZZP]

That would only require a CAI and tune, if its a manual.

[@Riv_Flow]

@@TurboTimZZPhow much gains on a 2015 with full turbo back 2.5”, cai, ported intake w/ bnr intake manifold spacer and zzp intercooler

[@elmo0485]

Will ZZP parts work with 2014 sonic the turbo one

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Absolutely, all those parts listed will fit on your 2014 Sonic (if it is a 1.4 of course).

[@creator1246]

Got plans for an updated top 5 for lsj?

[@TurboTimZZP]

We dont have any new mods that required a new video like we had for the 1.4.

[@creator1246]

@@TurboTimZZP that's fair. Just wondered if thoughts and options had changed over the years.

[@JoshDillon-lm3hw]

I recently found your guys videos on KZbin very informative an great mods but just got rid of my cruze

[@khanmaykr9]

i have a 1.8 Sonic, can i upgrade it with a turbo?

[@user-pu5gn4du2j]

Just got a 2017 Chevy Cruze. It’s LS, so you think I can do the same upgrades?

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

2017 would be a Gen II Cruze, this video is for the Gen I specifically. We currently have a turbo upgrade and intercooler in development and once they are finalized, we'll release a top 5 mods for the Gen II. For now you can check out everything we offer for your car here: zzperformance.com/collections/gen-2-cruze

[@rizeoutlaw2239]

Am I gonna need forged internals with the zo4 turbo or will the car run just fine with that turbo

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

We have installed, tuned, and raced plenty of cars on bone stock engines with a Z04. No need for forged internals!

[@rizeoutlaw2239]

@@ZZPerformanceChannel sweet thank you

[@nobreaks3305]

Would i do like intake exhaust etc first or get the tune first? I wanna completely change my auto into a “Toy” if possible. I’ve seen ls swaps, and k24 swaps and you guys have a 500hp sonic? So yea ik there’s room to work.

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Starting with a tune is what we recommend as it allows you to tune for future mods and achieve bigger gains. Feel free to reach out to [e-mail] for any questions while you plan your build.

[@nobreaks3305]

@@ZZPerformanceChannel yea all of my parts/tunes will hopefully come from you guys lmao but tune first got it.

[@bigballs6965]

So let's just say I had all that I could do to the 1.4 could the zo4 turbo make 400hp

[@TurboTimZZP]

Well my personal car is only making 331whp, which is about 380hp at the crank. So its close. But to answer your question, everything we sell on good E85 to match my 331whp. My car is tuned the same as every other customer that runs the same mods and has good pump E85.

[@cameronalford4506]

⁠@@TurboTimZZPTim will you guys ever make mods for the LFX’s and LLT , LY7?

[@TurboTimZZP]

Possibly, but we are pretty loaded up with new stuff for the platforms we are supporting now, so I dont see us starting a new platform anytime soon unfortunately.

[@LassoKid7777]

My car with 2.2 ecotec was stolen All that neat gear i bought from zzp is just waiting for another 2.2😢

[@dougwilson6778]

Recently bought a 12 sonic lt turbo and I'm going for 400 hp or as close as I can get. There's a GTI around town that thinks he is hot shit but wait until I'm done with this baby, going full zzp performance upgrades on everything!

[@LOUCABRASI]

Be careful with the gti's, will take u out to gapplebees

[@ilyyw1ll]

make one for the 1.8 pleaseeee

[@elmac26]

So this video don't apply to the Gen2 1.4L Cruze? Isn't it the same engine?

[@BJMTM1]

Still a 1.4t but completely different motors

[@elmac26]

@@BJMTM1 oh okay, thanks for clarifying!

[@AlteredCarbons]

my mother passed away. i bought this car off the lot for her cause it was the perfect leg height for her to get in and out. its a 2015 1.4 with 30k miles on it. i think i am going to turn it into a little hot hatch. i kinda wanna go bet power but i gotta see if its worth going with the sonic or just another car. i've never been a big front wheel drive guy, but i enjoy the car. i think a honda would be a better choice just cause the amount of parts and knowledge is great but i could say i have a fast chevy hatch back

[@mikeniz135]

Really sorry to hear that. We always have a group of 1.4s in our parking lot as many employees enjoy the platform. If you decide to mod it, ZZP has your back 💪🏼 Stay strong.

[@AlteredCarbons]

@@mikeniz135thanks man. i been looking up zzp's parts, super cruzers and bnr. im honestly surprised how many parts are out for these cars now

[@mikeniz135]

@@AlteredCarbons They are a great time with the right mods. You’ll love your “Hot hatch!”

[@romper4444]

Downpipe not in that list... is stock totally sufficient? Thats nornally the 1st or 2nd go to on a modern turbo platform

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

We did not mention it because we currently do not have one available. A new version is in development, and when released should definitely be on the short list!

[@romper4444]

@@ZZPerformanceChannel oh sweet! I assumed you guys were done Developing for the platform. can you give any rough preview on gains to be expected from the typical tune only or intake/ stock typical setup? Just got one for my daughter's first car, can't wait to show her what some of your mods can do for the car to make it her own. So proud she's going manual for her first car at 17 when most kids don't even care to get their license. Following in her dad's footsteps starting motive power auto tech course at end of year!

[@srage9188]

Quarter mile of the white cruze !?!😿

[@TurboTimZZP]

We havent run it, but I would say around low 13s, high 12s.

[@abigbrain1967]

​​@@TurboTimZZPgot proof because I highly doubt that. Only way "YETI" will see a 12 second 1/4 mile pass without a MUCH BIGGER turbo, is if you dropped it from a plane at 1320 feet...