jrg77
Reader
12/9/14 10:56 p.m.
I just bought it. It has 67k miles on it. This is my first turbo car. I'm pretty excited.
It feels like a good handler to me. Much more aggressive than my '11 Si sedan or my '05 Corolla Xrs. The brakes probably need better pads to really work to the alleged Brembo potential. I probably need to find other SS or turbo car owners to make sure all the sounds I hear are good sounds.
I know about compression tests and leakdown tests. Are there any others I should do to confirm good engine health?
If I make it to redline in 3rd gear without getting arrested it will be amazing. It's pretty wild to go from 30mpg to 3mpg with the flick of my ankle.
yamaha
MegaDork
12/9/14 11:18 p.m.
Engine mounts will be a problem until you upgrade to poly inserts.....other than that, they're OK cars. I vastly prefer the "doesn't sound like a dump truck" s/c cars though.
I love a good dump truck sounding turbo 4 banger myself. 
parker
Reader
12/10/14 6:41 p.m.
180k miles on my '09 including a couple of track days. Engine mounts are original and fine. I just had to replace the timing chain though as it was rattling and sounding like a diesel.
These are impressive little cars. Car and Driver magazines "Lightning Lap" competion shows the SS Turbo beating cars 20-30K more in price!!
30,000 on my frequently-tracked 2010. Powell's springs and rear bar are terrific. Car has been trouble-free and is really quite nice on long trips. Redline in 3rd is 103 mph.
jrg77
Reader
12/11/14 2:41 p.m.
Third gear is killer! I tried pushing to redline in 3rd and... I need a helmet.
Wayslow
HalfDork
12/11/14 3:19 p.m.
A fellow club member had a 2010 refrigerator white sedan with the rear spoiler delete. It was the ultimate factory sleeper. Super comfortable seats too.
jrg77
Reader
3/11/17 1:09 a.m.
Over 100k on the odo.
I enjoy this car intensely.
It has enough power for the street, excellent gas mileage when I keep my foot out of it, and a good stereo too!
Have to fix the engine mounts, rear axle bushings, and rear brake calipers.
Then maybe a different turbo and downpipe so it will boost to redline.
At Nelson Ledges, buddy of mine passed a Ford GT on Hoosiers in a turbo Cobalt SS, also on Hoosiers. In other news, his Cobalt went home on my trailer, because he drove it into the tire wall right after passing the GT.
