I was wondering who would be swapping out their clutch when the stage kits hit the market. Personally, I believe I will be changing mine after I install my stage 2 kit.

I was wondering who would be swapping out their clutch when the stage kits hit the market. Personally, I believe I will be changing mine after I install my stage 2 kit.

Well a little background information for all. We last heard GM PP canceled the stage 3 upgrade do to the clutch not holding well after the 250 HP level. The clutch is a weak point in the Cobalt SS.
Spec does make some nice clutch updrages that will hold over 400 HP.

I was planinng on it until someone brought to my attention that installing an aftermarket clutch would void the warranty on the drive train from the transmission to the wheels. Voiding out part of your warranty kind of defeats the purpose of buying the stage 2 kit.

Well a little background information for all. We last heard GM PP canceled the stage 3 upgrade do to the clutch not holding well after the 250 HP level. The clutch is a weak point in the Cobalt SS.
Spec does make some nice clutch updrages that will hold over 400 HP.
Thats sucks, I was looking forward to a stage 3. Maybe GM PP needs to produce a staged clutch system similiar to the spec clutchs. I mean if it was a good clutch I would buy one. I think GM is gonna lose more money than they think when almost everyone has to go to aftermarket clutchs due to slippage.

I was planinng on it until someone brought to my attention that installing an aftermarket clutch would void the warranty on the drive train from the transmission to the wheels. Voiding out part of your warranty kind of defeats the purpose of buying the stage 2 kit.

I'm looking at it the same way you are man, it sucks. Whats the point of spending a lot of money for this stage kit for what basic mods it includes if the clutch is going to go... which it will very quickly with stage 2, if its going to void your warrenty? The kit "might" be covered under warrenty, but then what are you going to do? spend money out the ass to buy a new "GM Stock" clutch every 2 months when the current one starts slipping?

Maybe if GM just bucked up and put a good clutch in ALL of the cobalts (even the base sucks), then we wouldn't have to worry about any of this. Just my $.02!

How Bad Is The Stock Clutch??

I was wondering who would be swapping out their clutch when the stage kits hit the market. Personally, I believe I will be changing mine after I install my stage 2 kit.
I was thinking along the same lines. I'm HOPING the stock clutch would hold up with the A) thestage 2 kit and maybe B) a catback (gmpp, corsa, or magnaflow) but, by the sounds of things, it's not going to. Which means as soon as I do A and B) I HAVE to do C) being a clutch. Which an extra was of money that voide anything that has anything to do with your drivetrain warranty, which is ridiculous. What is everyone planning on doing??? Cuz I'm mad! :mad:

MY plan is this: Try to get the dealership to replace it... the Stock one. Then i will install a aftermarket clutch (prob a stage 3 to be safe). I will remove the stock one and install the new. If my tranny goes out, or a axle breaks.. swap in the stock clutch and take it to the dealership. I understand this will be major time consuming, but whats your powertrain warrenty worth to you? I bet our trannys are about 2.5-3k new...

How Bad Is The Stock Clutch??
As stated above a continued use of 250HP allows the clutch to go very fast.

Also in response to a message we received, the stage 3 has been canceled.

Here is a link for reading, the member that post the info, his sister works at GM and he gets all the latest and greatest news:

http://www.*************/forums/showthread.php?t=11410

MY plan is this: Try to get the dealership to replace it... the Stock one. Then i will install a aftermarket clutch (prob a stage 3 to be safe). I will remove the stock one and install the new. If my tranny goes out, or a axle breaks.. swap in the stock clutch and take it to the dealership. I understand this will be major time consuming, but whats your powertrain warrenty worth to you? I bet our trannys are about 2.5-3k new...
The clutch is a wearable item, same line of brake rotors/pads. It states they are not covered in the warranty.

Sometimes they still get covered though. I got new rotors and pads under warranty. And I belive a few people have gotten their clutches replaced.

Sometimes they still get covered though. I got new rotors and pads under warranty. And I belive a few people have gotten their clutches replaced.
Awesome, more power to you if you can get it done!

Sometimes they still get covered though. I got new rotors and pads under warranty. And I belive a few people have gotten their clutches replaced.
The only way GM will warranty clutch, brakes, and rotors is if there was something wierd happens like sticking caliper, or in my case sticking brake pedal. those items just are not covered.

On a seperate subject:
does someone know who said replacing the clutch with aftermarket will void the warranty of the rest of the vehicle? Just curious.

The only way GM will warranty clutch, brakes, and rotors is if there was something wierd happens like sticking caliper, or in my case sticking brake pedal. those items just are not covered.

On a seperate subject:
does someone know who said replacing the clutch with aftermarket will void the warranty of the rest of the vehicle? Just curious.
I love blanket statements. I got new rotors and pads because the rotors were warped. So I think they will do it maybe not for every person that comes in, but it can happen.

....his sister works at GM and he gets all the latest and greatest news:.....
are you really sure his news is accurate? He predicted a Jan 21 release date and just before that date he gave another news flash that it was postponed(very convienent) BUT would GM have really released the staged upgrades on a Saturday?????? :confused: :confused: :confused: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I love blanket statements. I got new rotors and pads because the rotors were warped. So I think they will do it maybe not for every person that comes in, but it can happen.Well let me say "I believe you, I really do" sincerely, but that is unbelievable. They turned my rotors as they were warped and are still working on the brake pedal problem (intermitent sticking on the last inch of it's throw)

Well let me say "I believe you, I really do" sincerely, but that is unbelievable. They turned my rotors as they were warped and are still working on the brake pedal problem (intermitent sticking on the last inch of it's throw)
I was suprised myself. I took my Red Line in and told the dealership that when I hit the brakes there was pulsation in my steering wheel. I expected them to come back and say that the rotors were warped and that it wasn't covered but instead they told me they had to order the parts and then they scheduled an appointment for the next week to get the rotors and pads installed.

I did have a lot of problems at the dealership the first few times I went there after buying the car. Maybe they fixed it just to be nice because of all my hassle.

I saw a stage 2+ and a 3+ SPEC clutchs. The description said that they are able to stand higher torque loads than the regular 2 and 3 clutchs. Supposedly, they have the same feel as the 2 and 3, but I haven't been heard anything else about them. Anyone with info post it.

OK, I was just going to keep quiet and let the discussions go, but there is so much mis-information flying around that I must speak up. I am a product engineer at GM and can say with confidence that the Stage 1 and Stage 2 kits will not void any part of your warranty. Installing an aftermarket clutch will not void your warranty. The Stage 3 kit is not cancelled, but will likely void your powertrain warranty because it is intended for off road use only. Another company is coming out with a clutch that will live with these higher horse powers. Waiting for the GM kits makes sense to me, because I won't have to buy something like the MAF Translator, the injectors are designed to work directly with our engine and I will get the calibration updates to compliment the rest of the package.

OK, I was just going to keep quiet and let the discussions go, but there is so much mis-information flying around that I must speak up. I am a product engineer at GM and can say with confidence that the Stage 1 and Stage 2 kits will not void any part of your warranty. Installing an aftermarket clutch will not void your warranty. The Stage 3 kit is not cancelled, but will likely void your powertrain warranty because it is intended for off road use only. Another company is coming out with a clutch that will live with these higher horse powers. Waiting for the GM kits makes sense to me, because I won't have to buy something like the MAF Translator, the injectors are designed to work directly with our engine and I will get the calibration updates to compliment the rest of the package.

Thanks for posting this! I hope what you say is true. The thought that an aftermarket clutch would void my warranty is quite upsetting to me. I intend to upgrade my clutch shortly after getting stage 2, as I don't really trust the stock one.

Now that the cat is out of the bag about you being a GM engineer...

is there anything else you could possible fill us in on? Such as when the stage kits will be released? and how much they will cost?

One more thing, and please don't take any offense by this, but if you work for GM and know the details of stage 2 then why would you make the mods (including smaller pulley) you have listed to your car? Why not wait for the kits?

I bought the pulley before I got the details. In fact, now that I know what I know, I will probably be selling the smaller pulley for the 3". It turns out that the smaller pulley does make more boost, but without mods to the intercooler, the air charge temp is enough higher with the higher boost that the horsepower gains are not there. Just as a suggestion, you might as well continue to run the stock clutch till you smoke it, then upgrade. As far as when and how much, the only thing I can tell you is soon (within the next month I hope) and it is cheaper to buy the stage 1 and stage 2 at the same time then to buy them separately.

I bought the pulley before I got the details. In fact, now that I know what I know, I will probably be selling the smaller pulley for the 3". It turns out that the smaller pulley does make more boost, but without mods to the intercooler, the air charge temp is enough higher with the higher boost that the horsepower gains are not there. Just as a suggestion, you might as well continue to run the stock clutch till you smoke it, then upgrade. As far as when and how much, the only thing I can tell you is soon (within the next month I hope) and it is cheaper to buy the stage 1 and stage 2 at the same time then to buy them separately.

Thanks man!

OK, I was just going to keep quiet and let the discussions go, but there is so much mis-information flying around that I must speak up.Thank you for that.

I am a product engineer at GM and can say with confidence that the Stage 1 and Stage 2 kits will not void any part of your warranty.
That is why I am waiting but I see you have done some modes (smaller pulley, etc.). that will void warranty. but you did it any way? are we safe if we do the same? or are you kind of "above the law" so to speak.

Installing an aftermarket clutch will not void your warranty.
I figured as much and it shouldn't. thankyou for clearing that up!

The Stage 3 kit is not cancelled, but will likely void your powertrain warranty because it is intended for off road use only. Another company is coming out with a clutch that will live with these higher horse powers.
That is a dam shame that there is no warranty. Will the stock half shafts and tranny stand up to that punishment or are there other parts that should be considered and where can we get the stuff?

Waiting for the GM kits makes sense to me, because I won't have to buy something like the MAF Translator, the injectors are designed to work directly with our engine and I will get the calibration updates to compliment the rest of the package.
I am doing that but I have a guestion regarding the 300HP buildup on the gmperformance website. there is no mention of injector changes, a reflash needed, ideal exhaust size, clutch, transmission, halfshafts, etc. surely we need something? what do we need? will it be a progression from stage that will be able to handle it? is the stage 3 the 300hp buildup?

No way do I get any better treatment than anyone else. Any modifications that are clearly for off road use will likely void the warranty from any manufacturer. Stock axles and transmission will handle the torque. You will take out a trans if you wheel hop enough. That is why I am designing and building my own torque damper. As is common knowledge, the clutch is the weak link. You definitely need injectors as you up the HP. The GM injectors are the only plug and play out there and they are the only ones that will work with the new cals without a MAF signal massager. Regarding exhaust, for performance, the best money is spent opening up the flow through the converter. Also, regarding the CAIs and check engine codes, the best option is to purchase a cylindrical filter element and leave the rest of the piping alone. The conical filter elements mess with the MAF signal and could set a code.

I agree with the cylindrical filter. I have one and fabbed up my own induction out of the stock system. Same result as a $260 system. Not as shiny but it looks stock and I like that. Best part is i can go back to stock configuration with stock filter in about 20 mins.

As for exhaust I am going to get a different cat and a different muffler. The rest of the system looks pretty good to me. I was also thinking of going with the 2.9 in pulley with the stg 2 kit. I figure If 3 is what they are putting put and 2.7 is too small than 2.9 should be a happy medium.

I would recommend the muffler change to be to improve the sound because even though the pipe necks down just before the muffler, there is a very small HP gain by disconnecting right at the outlet of the cat.

Also soccer when you make your engine dampers make the top bracket longer than the bottom. Also make the holes oval in shape for adjustability. I spent some of the day today refabbing the setup that was sent to me by cynic. Now the clearance is beautiful and the setup is perfect.

We are on the same page partna !

Yeah, I decided to go with the front mount because I figured it would be stiffer than mounting to the firewall. Has anyone out there tried the old drag racing trick of tying down the engine with a turnbuckle? It translates more engine vibration, but eliminates ingine motion.

ooooooooooo look at that play on words !! BOOYA !

Thanks for the info Soccer. Do you know if it will be the same recal for both Stage 1 and 2?

There is on one cal for the stage 1/2. Then there is another for the stage 3. The stage kits are progressive, so you need stage 1 to gain the full benefit of stage 2 and again for stage 3. It is not a stage 3 gets all. Maximum benefit is gained by using all 3 as opposed to a mixture of aftermarket and stage kits. Obviously a 3" pulley is a 3" pulley, but for instance, not all 42 lb/hr injectors are the same.

Ok thanks.

There is on one cal for the stage 1/2. Then there is another for the stage 3. The stage kits are progressive, so you need stage 1 to gain the full benefit of stage 2 and again for stage 3. It is not a stage 3 gets all. Maximum benefit is gained by using all 3 as opposed to a mixture of aftermarket and stage kits. Obviously a 3" pulley is a 3" pulley, but for instance, not all 42 lb/hr injectors are the same.

So your saying, that you wont be able to just go to a Stage 2?
You will have to buy Stage 1, then Upgrade/ Buy stage 2?

What all makes up Stage 2, isnt is just a pully, injectors, and a reflash?
Why would u need to buy Stage 1, then progress to stage 2..
Stage one is just what? Injectors and a reflash?


Also, A Lot of people seem to think that once the stage kits come out, people will have access into the PCM? Is this true, or is still going to be all locked up like it is?

Well once those kits are released it is only a matter of time before someone figures out how to crack the PCM. When I spoke to the engineer while driving next to the stg2 cobalt he told me that if you buy stg2 everything that came in stg1 comes with it.

I guess the raw truth will be known soon, but here is what I was just told by the engineer that is releasing the kits: Stage 1 is injectors and cal. Stage 2 is pulley, hub and belt. Once the stage 3 is released (off road cal), we will have access to the PCM. It sounds as though there will be a price break to buy 1 and 2 together. Keep in mind that if purchase aftermarket injectors, you will have to have a MAF translator of some sort, but with the GM injectors, you do not need the MAF translator.

Well once those kits are released it is only a matter of time before someone figures out how to crack the PCM. When I spoke to the engineer while driving next to the stg2 cobalt he told me that if you buy stg2 everything that came in stg1 comes with it.
From what I have heard you can go the following

Buy Stage 1 - injectors plus reflash for stage 1

then buy stage 2 - pulley and reflash for stage 2

or buy Kit for those who are stock to give them STAGE 1 & 2 in one kit - injectors pulley and reflash for stage 2.

There is no cal reflash with the stage 2. Just the stage 1 and stage 3. I agree with you that if you get the stage 1 and 2 at the same time that there is a price break.

I can't wait for these kits to be released!

So is this a clutch thread or a stage kit thread because it looks like this thread got blown up!!! :D

So is this a clutch thread or a stage kit thread because it looks like this thread got blown up!!! :D
I started it as a clutch thread to see who would be changing and what infomation they had about the clutchs themselves. I'm happy that that we can get new infomation on the stage kits, I mean who isn't. But since most people will be changing their clutches when they purchase the stage kits I guess it has turned into both.