LoL wow zzp is love my sonic rs waterless coolant evans GFB T9360 Diverter Valve ua-cam.com/users/shortsvdT3_8FnIdY?feature=share ua-cam.com/users/shortsXLQT684rE08?feature=share ua-cam.com/users/shortsHJlJu1rulls?feature=share
The sonic was the first car I bought with my own money and I still have it and now are working on turning it into a sleeper. It was always such a fun car to drive anyways but now because of ZZP i get to carry on with my first car and turn it into something a million times better.
Cadillac ats and Camaro both can make 450 wheel hp with some bolt on’s, tune, 20g hybrid turbo. That’s what I’m doing to my car. Don’t have the turbo yet but I’m full bolt on and aux fuel system. I make around 330wheel hp right now.
I knew about both the cobalt and sonic. I always said the samething he just said. It was a shame chevy didn't take it further just like the cobalt ss. This makes me happy, bc I've always wondered.
@@danielservin100% I can post links! They don’t make very much at all. The $750 dollar LTG 2.0t intercooler, I bought for $300 on Alibaba. Exact same unit and exact same mounts. Saved bunch’s…
@@adamhayden5152 I get it most shit from companies is rebranded or cheapily made it’s just funny as hell. An the cobalt page just shits on em. I don’t spend thousands on mods to go fast I got a shit sport bike for that
Omg the timing of this video is incredible! 😂 My best friend has never been into cars but just got a 2018 Chevy sonic RS and decided he wants to build it as his first project car. Well today he did his first mod. Had to send him this video and now he knows about ZZP so this should be fun. Thank you for showing off builds on all sorts of cars. Not the same 10 popular models. Keep up the great content 🖤😁
I always wondered if these non-performance Chevys had any potential, and this is a nice answer to that. 300 is a great number for a small commuter car. Lots of fun could be had
The 2.2l ecotec held the world’s fastest 4 cylinder record for 2 years. 5.95 at 230 in the 1/4. And those are in the cobalts, cavaliers,I think the hhrs and a few other economy cars
@@zachhall3581 ZZP has made 600whp out of their Sonic 1.4t, and ran a 10s 1/4mi making 430whp. They don't have much trouble making power, 260hp is about the limit on stock internals and who knows what the real limit is with aftermarket internals because ZZP hasn't found out yet. What makes these engines unreliable are the cheap owners and the shitty PCV system. Do regular maintenance and replace the PCV with ZZP's kit and the motor will be just fine
What @y33sean said. I have the '12 1.4 Eco Cruze, basically same car in sedan form. These motors are crazy what they can do with stock internals and bolt ons+tune.. then you throw ZZP internals inside (cams, valve springs etc.) and it's NUTS what 1.4 liters with a not very large turbo can do. But yes.. plastic cooling parts and had PCV design plague these cars... But they have aluminum upgrades and many folks have PCV re-route kits. (Mine runs through a catch can as well). Don't sleep on this motor, sleep on GMs crap around it.
You've got me thinking David... My soon to be 16 year old needs a ride, and this would be cheap to buy, cheap to insure, cheap to run, AND "cheap" to mod. I'm trying to get him something fun that he can't get in too much trouble with. This might fit the bill. I wonder how reliable they are? 🤔
@@LexusLuvAffair the sonics can be very reliable if you can find the right one. The turbo versions have a pcv check valve problem that causes the crankcase to get pressurized from the turbo, which will cause oil leaks. There is a pcv fix kit out there, and I have it installed on my Cruze(same 1.4 turbo). It fixed the issue, but the tiny oil leaks already started and it won't fix that. Other than that the cars are absolutely solid, especially the manual transmission ones.
What you described is what I loved about my Supercharged Cobalt SS. While it had less HP than the ZZP Sonic, it was still fun to get on it and rip through the gears…and still get decent gas mileage. Also glad to see ZZP is still around and doing great things. They were a huge part of the Cobalt forums back then and always had top notch products and service. Someday I want to own a boosted EcoTech again.
Having owned a Sonic hatchback I always loved how agile it was. It had all the bases covered for being a fiesta ST-esque competitor, but there was so little aftermarket it kind of killed any chance of tuning it :(
I miss my 1.4 turbo cruze, car was decent. I had just the zzp catless down pipe, and intake, ported intake manifold and tune and it was pretty peppy in the curves and hugged the road very well especially in the tight hair pin turns and curvy back roads. I wanna say mine was putting out about 160-170 hp (stock was 135hp) plus I still kept my average 33-35 mpg’s. Smiles per gallons for sure. Now I’m enjoying my Focus ST and love it.
@@Hachijo3GS CNT catless down pipe, Tomei catback, BC coilovers, steeda rear sway bar, JBR intake pipe, RS airbox, ford Performance spark plugs, Ford Racing short shifter assembly, maxton ground effects and rear bumper valance, solid engine mounts. AP with tune. I’m sure there’s other small things I’m forgetting
Underrated Turbo-4 Car: First Generation Acura RDX. Comes with the only factory turbocharged, AWD, forged internals, K-Series Honda ever made. 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. It’s got all the ingredients for an insanely fun Honda, but the engine only bolts up to the 5-speed auto that the RDX comes with. However, VTEC Academy recently discovered that the head will fit on top of a K20/K24 block, so there’s potential for cheap factory turbocharging other K series cars. I have a 2009 RDX and it’s so fun. People that buy them love them, but they’re not modified often for obvious reasons. Not only is it an SUV but Honda kinda shot themselves in the foot by not making the engine compatible with other transmissions
I normally don’t watch your vids….This one caught my eye. I have 5 high horsepower mustangs. The way you described these types of cars as always being afraid to break shit and be terrifying to drive….is spot on. I would love a car that I can beat on and row through a couple gears without breaking 3 digit speeds. This Chevy seems like a fun car to daily. Thanks for the review.
Don't kid yourself. My Sonic has 100HP less than this one and it has no problem getting well into triple digits. It's actually a real problem if you don't upgrade the brakes since they are barely adequate for stock power.
My sonic is a 2012 first year they where introduced in the us. Its been beat on for years. Its the 1.8 auto. And it can hit 90 like its nothing. Its almost like its gotten faster then when it was just a year old @BrianNicolich
The 2.0 was a real ecotec. Anything that wasn't 2.0 , 2.2 or 2.4 wasn't a real ecotec. Kinda impressed that car makes that kind of power. ZZperformance is a GREAT company. They know what they re doing.
Like your videos, I’ve got a turbo sonic and have a handful of the zzp mods. 6sp manual trans and like the credit to the sonic. Cars an absolute blast! Always love driving it. Not as fast as my duramax was or my Iroc but just gimme little bit of time lol
We absolutely NEED people to make upgrades to affordable platforms to keep the tuner scene alive. ZZP is insuring the future of tomorrow's car culture, plain and simple. Nothing but respect for ZZP
As a 14 sonic RS owner. It's about time we are finally represented...!!! I actually have zzp ddm works and BNR stuff on my ride. ZZP definitely for the win though lol.
@@ec5074 I love my focus st, but she's way more violent than this thing. I'd drive this just to troll all the people that wanna try to race every night on the way to work 🤣
I have a Sonic RS with several of ZZP's mods it is an absolute blast, this car was just supposed to be a temporary solution till I had more cash, but I am coming up to owning the thing for 9 years and don't see myself getting rid of it anytime soon. it's the car a learned to mod on, and still my daily.
One of the best purchases I've made to this day! Absolutely love my 2014 RS! Can't wait to get the ZO4 turbo for mine, been throwing on all their other mods recently
I love it. But I'm a gearhead and love it when someone does this kind of stuff. I first took notice of the Sonics a few years back when at an event at Michigan Speedway. Saw a great looking wide bodied Sonic in a cool looking green paint job.
Had one with a bunch of zzp parts and absolutely loved that car. Awesome in the twisties and in autocross. Super predictable and in the 100k that i owned it before it got totaled it was the most reliable car I had owned. The only thing that ever broke was a radiator fan from ice buildup. But what do you expect in -30* weather.
I love every aspect of this car the way it was built to just drive and not scare you be fun and engaging without getting you into trouble it’s a wonderful experience.
i own a 2015 chevy sonic 1.4 liter turbo ltz, it took me 3 years after purchasing to realize there is an after market world for this car. i bought it for a reliable daily driver gas sipper, its worked very well for that reason. In stock form i rip on the car everyday and no one is the wiser. its comfy, reliable un assuming. Paired up with the the zzp turbo kit with e85 my face would hurt from all the smiling i would do. great review man, loved every minute
"driving experience always wins" Totally agree. On that line of thinking, it's my belief that small, light cars have a big advantage there, even when they don't have power.
Hell even the stock turbo on those sound really good, my friend has one it's pretty sweet not gonna lie. Can't imagine 300hp in one, that sounds so much fun!
I use to own one myself and it was pushing just a wee bit over 200 hp and a lot of people were caught off guard when they saw me passing by and saw that it popped flames lol
I love that ZZP is giving random cool cars a chance. I've driven a very lightly modified RS Sonic and it was an absolute blast. The quirky cars are almost the best nowadays with everything being so cookie cutter in the car scene
I had a 13 with 1.4t manual. Awesome little car. I had $8k in parts. Made around 200hp 200ftlbs and still got 41mpg! Blacked out, lowered with aftermarket rims. The exhaust and blowoff sounded really good. Zippy good handling little car. Made dealing with traffic much better compared to the 06 mustang gt I had before the sonic. Mustang made 300hp and 320ftlbs. Id say both were equally fun to drive. The Sonic was much cheaper to own and really easy to work on.
I have a '14 Sonic with the 1.4L and it's been a surprisingly reliable little car, even if I haven't done any modding to it. Always been surprised that I haven't seen more from it in the aftermarket scene, lots of missed opportunity given how easy it is to work on.
To make sure it stays reliable, get ZZP's PCV kit. I'm sure you know about the reputation with disintegrating valve covers, and PCV failure is the reason why
I own a 2015 sonic sedan 1.8L and it’s honestly a fun experience. Everyone who drives it loves the way it drives. It’s like driving a go kart imo except fwd
That’s a pretty cool little car, even though they look goody. I think some underrated FWD cars are the Celica and Matrix with the 2ZZ. They were really fun to drive!!
Hey David... I totally appreciate the spotlight on the sonic and zzp performance. I am guilty for flogging my 2012 cruze rs on my favorite touge. At first didn't think much of it. Went to a wtcc race and low and behold few teams racing the chevy cruze. Threw the Cruze on a rack and noticed a watts link... I was like , on a commuter econo box? I don't feel bad beating the Cruze like it owes me money cuz now I give all my money to zzp to make it better. Hands down the best daily driving experience.
I had a 98 and then a 02 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. The 98 just had a smaller super charger pulley and exhaust but the 02 had almost every bolt on I could get for it. A lot of the parts were from ZZP and it was all pretty solid stuff.
I have a 2022 Jeep Renegade 1.3L w/ as much as I can do so far. Custom Air Intake, Custom Hi-Flow Catted Downpipe, straight through exhaust, GFB Diverter w/ Sport Spring Installed, Sila Concepts BOV plate, and I'm pretty much done at this point because there is no tuning option yet. There is a bunch of stuff out there for the 1.4L Renegade as it shares the Abarth engine, but this new firefly 1.3L has minimal mods available. The Renegades have a huge fan base. I'd love to lower mine and set it up more for tarmac whereas many others prefer the off-road method, but we could all use more power.
Ats 2.0 awd for 1/8th mile is definitely under rated. My 16 with intake only definitely surprises people from a dig. Kept up with a stock wrx. Hoping to go FBO and e85 and push 300whp on a daily
I personally love ZZPerformance, bought some parts from them for my Cadillac ATS-V 6spd. This Sonic is cool and ZZP does have interesting builds! Great video. 👍
those 1.4 turbos are great, I know they are in the chevy trax and buick encore too, what I really want to do is mod the heck out of a buick encore and piss everyone off. Old man car with crazy turbo sounds, top notch right there
The 08-10 Chevy HHR SS 2.0 liter Turbo Charged sport suv. Especially the automatic which comes standard with a 2800 stal torqueconverter, positraction, launch control and more.... has a top speed of 155!
I've owned this car for the past 5 years, and I've loved and hated it. There are very random issues that come from it, but every time I'm like "Fuck it, I'm selling it", I always get in it and drive it around just for fun and then I fall back in love. I wish I had more done to it, which I'll hopefully soon get it to where I want it. I know I'll probably hold on to this car for a lot longer than I probably should, but it is just too fun to drive.
I daily a 2012 Regal GS 6 speed with a few bolt ons, and it's a riot. But I never ever see built Regals, even though they're an LHU ecotec from the Solstice GXP with a Getrag trans. They're reliable and very easy to pull a ton of power out of. They handle like they're on rails. I'm going to buy my third sometime soon, I can't get enough of them!
*History is doomed to repeat itself. The longevity and endurance of smaller displacement engines are low. There is a guy who kept his 1.8L and added a turbo to it. It was INCREDIBLE!!. I had a 2012 hatch Sonic 1.8L 6 speed, and it was insanely fast from pwr:wgt alone.* *I remember the days of taking a Ford Focus ZX5 2.0 Zetec and swapping in a 3.0 Duratec with the SVT 6-speed manual. Those cars would avg 300hp N/A and torque gallore. Still sub 2,700 Lbs cars after a little weight reduction.*
I really enjoy my 12’ Sonic LT 1.4T…the flex pipe off the Turbo has been missing for about 4 years now! Sounds just like ZZP!😂 Haven’t know the fuel level for about 5 years…just fill up when I hit 280miles on the trip. Has an evap code that never goes away, and the interior fan speed does whatever it feels like even on level 4. It’s a blast in the winter!😂 It’s pretty much bullet proof otherwise! 120K and going strong!👍 I like that ZZP though…maybe they’ll trade?🤷🏻♂️
Please keep up these awesome unorthodox builds🙏🏼 I love the channel for that reason. It’s so cool to see so many different things being modified besides what your normally seeing. Keep it up man👏🏼
I came close to buying a Sonic LTZ several years ago. It had the RS appearance package, on top of the Turbo and manual. It was black on black, leather interior, every power option, and the upgraded infotainment system. It was actually a really fun little car to drive around (Similar to a Fiesta), with go-kart like reflexes. The only thing that stopped me from buying it, was the rear seat room was too small. I needed to be able to transport 2 out of 3 kids (at the time) in car seats, and that left no room for the eldest to sit between them. I was already tracking what good tires and better brakes would do for the car, and how easily a small stereo system would rock the thing (I grew up with the big oldschool sound systems with multiple amps and subs). This is yet another under-appreciated vehicle and platform. I viewed them as a kind of USDM Mini, without the BMW tax you get with a Mini... I am pleased you are showing the world that you can make fun compact American cars that aren't what everyone else has. Keep up the good work dude!
Can't wait to ZZP the rest of my 19 Sonic RS once it's fully out of warranty, currently running a budget trifecta tune/catback and it woke the car up. Has been a great manual to learn on
ZZ performance is killing it with these Rad GM builds.Wish GM didn't give up on small turbocharged hatchbacks or cars with hot hatchback potential.At least when GM owned Opel (Vauxhall) they built the Astra & Corsa OPC (VXR) & the GSI.
I have a lightly tuned stock turbo 18 sonic that I'm just dying to pull the trigger and take it to zzp and have them do EVERYTHING!. I've already got their big brake kit and it just ROCKS!.
we need more of these, stuff like this could work really well in germany i'd say. gasprices n stuff is high, but for a hobby and a passionate person? that would be a win!
We didn't give the Sonic a chance. I must admit, I love that subcompact. Wish Chevrolet had we on and made the Code R concept a reality back in 2012, and that 3.1L V4 that was to be in it. So many missed opportunities there, and here as well.
I seen the crazy 600 hp sonic you guys got, but THIS sonic is how I want to build mine. I need to know everything from zzp. I gotta buy TODAY to make this, lol
I gotta Full Bolt on, Cams, Valves, and Z04 and make around the same power without E85. Just about doubling the power on the little 1.4L is crazy. I always enjoy driving it
For all the reliability issues and cheap quality of Chevy, I will say, all their light economy cars are a blast to whip around. I have a friend who let me whip around his Chevy Trax and it blew my mind how much fun it was to toss around. It was slow and had issues, but it was fun.
The 2013 Veloster turbo is a super underrated car that makes good amount of power and is unique because it’s a 3 door. The 2013 Veloster turbo has 201hp and is pretty cool if you sup it up
I love all that ZZP does, they have a great motto, and great work, I hope that I can get my hands on a 1.4L turbo Cruze and put a whole bunch of ZZP parts on it
Provided the shop knows what theyre doing I always think finding out a shop works on your platform is better for the enthusiast and the shop than hearing that they dont.
So weird to be seeing you cruise in GR on 28th street. I grew up around there and still live in the area. Would have been dope to see the sonic and then come home to see your upload lmao
A car that I've always wanted to build was a 1989 Chevy Beretta GT with a L67 3.8 V6, but with a NA intake manifold and a turbocharger...and a Beretta GTU six speed manual. I had an 89 Beretta GT, but it only had a 2.8 V6 (it was junk) with an auto trans. I also had a 1995 Beretta with a 3100 auto. I have many MANY different dream builds, but I always wander from dream build to dream build.
Who doesn't love a hot hatch!? There easily the most Fun and engaging cars to drive, horsepower is almost irrelevant. Always keen to see this type of thing
David, I don't know how you can be in this UA-cam game so long and still continue to surprise me. I've been a fan of yours for a very long time. Keep up the good work as usual. I like the fact that ZZP takes on small economy cars like that. It makes the world of modifying cars way more accessible for people like me that are living paycheck to paycheck. It also makes it more accessible for people that like simpler builds that are just bolt-on's. I used to have a 2015 Pontiac Grand Am. It had the 3.4 liter V6 in it. Sadly, because I didn't know what I was doing and had MSD ignition coils in it without a controller I went way past red line and blew up the engine. ZZP was one of the only people at the time that had aftermarket parts for that car. I think in reality there was only like 4 companies. I would love to test drive a tuned up Sonic like that. The only thing in car culture that I don't understand is all these old fogies that like their classic cars but if anything import rolls up they immediately hate it. Like they don't understand that from those American car companies these days there's nothing you can touch for under 30 grand that you can modify that isn't some type of economic car and its previous life. I'll never understand the old people hating on imports like VW Honda Subaru and others. I really like that during the period that they made the Sonic Chevy Ford and dodge were all doing highly experimental and weird things. I think it's time for a second renaissance of the big three in the United states taking some chances on making cars that are easily accessible and then easily modifiable. It's wishful thinking though, the likelihood of that happening is slim to none.
I desperately hope you were able to drive their ATS!!! The 2.0 EcoTec is such a slept on motor in the tuning community, and ZZP applied the same formula from this car to the ATS and made somewhere close to 500hp i think. ATS-V level numbers.
I’ve got a sonic with the zzp build minus their turbo. I bricked my ECU during the tune phase, but when I get a second one, I’ll put the tune back on. Even with the stock turbo it’s a fun little quirky car.
Just got a 2016 chevy sonic and it's the best car I ever owned, such a comfy perfect car. It reminds me of a strong cavalier hatchback with a sweet front end and some class.
The Sonic has become a low-key favorite around the shop. Thanks for the video!
I like how yall had him drive this one and not the 600ish drag Sonic.
This is amazing to see. I'm also a Chevy Sonic fan. I have the 2014 1.8l.
Great job with the Sonic, as an ICE car I can’t think of a more usable fun car. Turbo , manual, light weight what a recipe.
LoL wow zzp is love
my sonic rs waterless coolant evans
GFB T9360 Diverter Valve
ua-cam.com/users/shortsvdT3_8FnIdY?feature=share
ua-cam.com/users/shortsXLQT684rE08?feature=share
ua-cam.com/users/shortsHJlJu1rulls?feature=share
ZZP what happened to the Sky? Haven’t seen anything in a while on it.
For me, I think the second gen Honda Fit definitely should have gotten a 200 hp Si variant.
There are a few Kswap kits or you could get a blower bolted on. Definitely ups the fun factor.
I love my stock fit! I can drive the sh*t out of it and stay out of jail lol… but an si would be fun
I own the 1st gen Fit and it's a blast on track even with the stock motor.
That would be 🔥
These skinny/tall cars have a real problem with rollovers anyways😂
The sonic was the first car I bought with my own money and I still have it and now are working on turning it into a sleeper. It was always such a fun car to drive anyways but now because of ZZP i get to carry on with my first car and turn it into something a million times better.
I'm a Chevy fan and you're blowing my mind with all these Chevy sleepers that I never knew about thanks for this content
honestly 🙌
Cadillac ats and Camaro both can make 450 wheel hp with some bolt on’s, tune, 20g hybrid turbo. That’s what I’m doing to my car. Don’t have the turbo yet but I’m full bolt on and aux fuel system. I make around 330wheel hp right now.
@@adamhayden5152 A stock SS makes that. Why even bother, just buy the fast car in the first place...
@@adamhayden5152 but they're both heavy not light and nimble and fun around turns.
I knew about both the cobalt and sonic. I always said the samething he just said. It was a shame chevy didn't take it further just like the cobalt ss. This makes me happy, bc I've always wondered.
Glad to see ZZP getting some love
You mean rebranded Alibaba specials ?
@@danielservin100% I can post links! They don’t make very much at all. The $750 dollar LTG 2.0t intercooler, I bought for $300 on Alibaba. Exact same unit and exact same mounts. Saved bunch’s…
@@adamhayden5152 I get it most shit from companies is rebranded or cheapily made it’s just funny as hell. An the cobalt page just shits on em. I don’t spend thousands on mods to go fast I got a shit sport bike for that
@@adamhayden5152 i been trying to find parts on that site for my rs but having a tough time
My favorite part about the sonic is the weird gauge cluster. It reminds me of a motorcycle for some reason. Idk why, but I really dig these things.
It was modeled after a motorcycle cluster so don't worry you're on the right track lol
@LeoS lol okay? 😂
It was also to push the My chevy app for all your other cluster information
Omg the timing of this video is incredible! 😂 My best friend has never been into cars but just got a 2018 Chevy sonic RS and decided he wants to build it as his first project car. Well today he did his first mod. Had to send him this video and now he knows about ZZP so this should be fun. Thank you for showing off builds on all sorts of cars. Not the same 10 popular models. Keep up the great content 🖤😁
Yep, should be fun till zzp blows his motor with canned tune…
The Regal GS (Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Insignia) definitely got over looked and is a great enthusiast car. Available with manual, and available with awd
The manual is fwd only
Zzp out in Grand rapids Michigan the same people who built this sonic have a great example of the Regal GS
We have a 2.8 326HP 4x4 OPC Insignia in manual. Touring and sedan versions
@@zachhall3581but it’s turbo
Such a hidden gem of a car, and I've only driven a stock one. Can't imagine how good that thing could have been with some tuning.
I always wondered if these non-performance Chevys had any potential, and this is a nice answer to that. 300 is a great number for a small commuter car. Lots of fun could be had
I honestly would never mod a 1.4t GM. Those are notoriously unreliable engines stock. I would hate to see how bad they are modified.
The 2.2l ecotec held the world’s fastest 4 cylinder record for 2 years. 5.95 at 230 in the 1/4. And those are in the cobalts, cavaliers,I think the hhrs and a few other economy cars
@@zachhall3581 ZZP has made 600whp out of their Sonic 1.4t, and ran a 10s 1/4mi making 430whp. They don't have much trouble making power, 260hp is about the limit on stock internals and who knows what the real limit is with aftermarket internals because ZZP hasn't found out yet. What makes these engines unreliable are the cheap owners and the shitty PCV system. Do regular maintenance and replace the PCV with ZZP's kit and the motor will be just fine
What @y33sean said.
I have the '12 1.4 Eco Cruze, basically same car in sedan form. These motors are crazy what they can do with stock internals and bolt ons+tune.. then you throw ZZP internals inside (cams, valve springs etc.) and it's NUTS what 1.4 liters with a not very large turbo can do.
But yes.. plastic cooling parts and had PCV design plague these cars... But they have aluminum upgrades and many folks have PCV re-route kits. (Mine runs through a catch can as well).
Don't sleep on this motor, sleep on GMs crap around it.
Working for Chevrolet I always saw the Sonic with so much potential. I've waited and I'm glad to see one actually created.
Just…..wild.
ZZP should also have a chevy cruze....
I love seeing the Chevy Sonic stuff!! Do you still have that orange one
You've got me thinking David... My soon to be 16 year old needs a ride, and this would be cheap to buy, cheap to insure, cheap to run, AND "cheap" to mod. I'm trying to get him something fun that he can't get in too much trouble with. This might fit the bill. I wonder how reliable they are? 🤔
@@LexusLuvAffair the sonics can be very reliable if you can find the right one. The turbo versions have a pcv check valve problem that causes the crankcase to get pressurized from the turbo, which will cause oil leaks. There is a pcv fix kit out there, and I have it installed on my Cruze(same 1.4 turbo). It fixed the issue, but the tiny oil leaks already started and it won't fix that. Other than that the cars are absolutely solid, especially the manual transmission ones.
What you described is what I loved about my Supercharged Cobalt SS. While it had less HP than the ZZP Sonic, it was still fun to get on it and rip through the gears…and still get decent gas mileage. Also glad to see ZZP is still around and doing great things. They were a huge part of the Cobalt forums back then and always had top notch products and service. Someday I want to own a boosted EcoTech again.
Hell yeah ZZP, hell of a review 👏. You guys deserve it👍
Having owned a Sonic hatchback I always loved how agile it was. It had all the bases covered for being a fiesta ST-esque competitor, but there was so little aftermarket it kind of killed any chance of tuning it :(
Did you look into zzp performance
@@sethwarriner2412 I did, and that was really the only option available. I ended up selling it and getting a Mazdaspeed3 instead XD
@@mrscootscoot662 how’s the Mazda treating you
glad us 1.4t guys are getting some more love. love to see more weird stuff like our cars.
I miss my 1.4 turbo cruze, car was decent. I had just the zzp catless down pipe, and intake, ported intake manifold and tune and it was pretty peppy in the curves and hugged the road very well especially in the tight hair pin turns and curvy back roads. I wanna say mine was putting out about 160-170 hp (stock was 135hp) plus I still kept my average 33-35 mpg’s. Smiles per gallons for sure. Now I’m enjoying my Focus ST and love it.
What’s done to the Focus ST?
My Cruze is stock and gets 19mpg
@@zskinner3235 how are you managing to get 19mpg with a 1.4? Do you just bomb around in it all the time.
@@Hachijo3GS CNT catless down pipe, Tomei catback, BC coilovers, steeda rear sway bar, JBR intake pipe, RS airbox, ford Performance spark plugs, Ford Racing short shifter assembly, maxton ground effects and rear bumper valance, solid engine mounts. AP with tune. I’m sure there’s other small things I’m forgetting
@@Hachijo3GS And TiAL bov with JBR cold side pipe hooked to true boost reference and sound symposer delete on the intake manifold
Between this and that Pontiac Vibe from a bit ago, these spicy side-quest builds are so much fun
Underrated Turbo-4 Car:
First Generation Acura RDX. Comes with the only factory turbocharged, AWD, forged internals, K-Series Honda ever made. 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. It’s got all the ingredients for an insanely fun Honda, but the engine only bolts up to the 5-speed auto that the RDX comes with. However, VTEC Academy recently discovered that the head will fit on top of a K20/K24 block, so there’s potential for cheap factory turbocharging other K series cars. I have a 2009 RDX and it’s so fun. People that buy them love them, but they’re not modified often for obvious reasons. Not only is it an SUV but Honda kinda shot themselves in the foot by not making the engine compatible with other transmissions
I normally don’t watch your vids….This one caught my eye. I have 5 high horsepower mustangs. The way you described these types of cars as always being afraid to break shit and be terrifying to drive….is spot on. I would love a car that I can beat on and row through a couple gears without breaking 3 digit speeds. This Chevy seems like a fun car to daily. Thanks for the review.
Don't kid yourself. My Sonic has 100HP less than this one and it has no problem getting well into triple digits. It's actually a real problem if you don't upgrade the brakes since they are barely adequate for stock power.
My sonic is a 2012 first year they where introduced in the us. Its been beat on for years. Its the 1.8 auto. And it can hit 90 like its nothing. Its almost like its gotten faster then when it was just a year old @BrianNicolich
The 2.0 was a real ecotec. Anything that wasn't 2.0 , 2.2 or 2.4 wasn't a real ecotec. Kinda impressed that car makes that kind of power. ZZperformance is a GREAT company. They know what they re doing.
Like your videos, I’ve got a turbo sonic and have a handful of the zzp mods. 6sp manual trans and like the credit to the sonic. Cars an absolute blast! Always love driving it. Not as fast as my duramax was or my Iroc but just gimme little bit of time lol
I bet it's a helluva alot more fun though
We absolutely NEED people to make upgrades to affordable platforms to keep the tuner scene alive. ZZP is insuring the future of tomorrow's car culture, plain and simple. Nothing but respect for ZZP
As a 14 sonic RS owner. It's about time we are finally represented...!!!
I actually have zzp
ddm works and BNR stuff on my ride.
ZZP definitely for the win though lol.
That turbo flutter is wild coming from a car like that you'd never suspect that!! Awesome car!!
That's what I was thinking 🤣. I was like wtf lol
They have one that makes 600whp it is strictly drag raced tho
I drive a fiesta st and u wish my turbo flutter sounded like that I would literally would just to drive it to hear that all the time satisfying lol
@@ec5074 I love my focus st, but she's way more violent than this thing. I'd drive this just to troll all the people that wanna try to race every night on the way to work 🤣
@@ec5074upgrade your turbo
I have a Sonic RS with several of ZZP's mods it is an absolute blast, this car was just supposed to be a temporary solution till I had more cash, but I am coming up to owning the thing for 9 years and don't see myself getting rid of it anytime soon. it's the car a learned to mod on, and still my daily.
I just got one and I’m excited
@@huntermcintyre7842 such a fun platform, especially with zzp providing tested parts at the ready.
It makes perfect sense, it's a Sonic, gotta go fast.
One of the best purchases I've made to this day! Absolutely love my 2014 RS! Can't wait to get the ZO4 turbo for mine, been throwing on all their other mods recently
I love it. But I'm a gearhead and love it when someone does this kind of stuff. I first took notice of the Sonics a few years back when at an event at Michigan Speedway. Saw a great looking wide bodied Sonic in a cool looking green paint job.
I'm so happy to see Sonic content again. Espically being a Sonic hatch owner myself. I was worried you got rid of it😂
Totally love ❤️ 😍 my s
Had one with a bunch of zzp parts and absolutely loved that car. Awesome in the twisties and in autocross. Super predictable and in the 100k that i owned it before it got totaled it was the most reliable car I had owned. The only thing that ever broke was a radiator fan from ice buildup. But what do you expect in -30* weather.
I had a 2008 CSS with the ZZP ZFR, ZZP DP, ZZP IC, a 3-bar MAP, and a tune and that car was the most fun I’ve ever had. Miss it very much
So glad you're trying zzp's cars they really know the ecotech platform like the back of their hand. Loved their bolt-pn kits for my SS cobalt
I love every aspect of this car the way it was built to just drive and not scare you be fun and engaging without getting you into trouble it’s a wonderful experience.
I think the most recent dodge dart could have been really cool with the right after market and as well (not on the US market) the Ford KA.
1:28 mazdaspeed protege. Incredibly fun car to drive. Best first car I could've asked for.
i own a 2015 chevy sonic 1.4 liter turbo ltz, it took me 3 years after purchasing to realize there is an after market world for this car. i bought it for a reliable daily driver gas sipper, its worked very well for that reason. In stock form i rip on the car everyday and no one is the wiser. its comfy, reliable un assuming. Paired up with the the zzp turbo kit with e85 my face would hurt from all the smiling i would do. great review man, loved every minute
I had a 1.8 NA Sonic Hatch, and even that was just as fun for me to drive as what you described with this. I miss that thing
"driving experience always wins"
Totally agree. On that line of thinking, it's my belief that small, light cars have a big advantage there, even when they don't have power.
Especially in fair traffic or just getting to corners
Hell even the stock turbo on those sound really good, my friend has one it's pretty sweet not gonna lie. Can't imagine 300hp in one, that sounds so much fun!
I use to own one myself and it was pushing just a wee bit over 200 hp and a lot of people were caught off guard when they saw me passing by and saw that it popped flames lol
@@xavieryduarte96please lmk everything u think in it😭 i might be getting a 2018 chevy sonic LT nd i wanna make it quicker/better
You are making me fall in love with zzp so many cool unique builds
I love that ZZP is giving random cool cars a chance. I've driven a very lightly modified RS Sonic and it was an absolute blast. The quirky cars are almost the best nowadays with everything being so cookie cutter in the car scene
I had a 13 with 1.4t manual. Awesome little car. I had $8k in parts. Made around 200hp 200ftlbs and still got 41mpg! Blacked out, lowered with aftermarket rims. The exhaust and blowoff sounded really good. Zippy good handling little car. Made dealing with traffic much better compared to the 06 mustang gt I had before the sonic. Mustang made 300hp and 320ftlbs. Id say both were equally fun to drive. The Sonic was much cheaper to own and really easy to work on.
I have a '14 Sonic with the 1.4L and it's been a surprisingly reliable little car, even if I haven't done any modding to it. Always been surprised that I haven't seen more from it in the aftermarket scene, lots of missed opportunity given how easy it is to work on.
To make sure it stays reliable, get ZZP's PCV kit. I'm sure you know about the reputation with disintegrating valve covers, and PCV failure is the reason why
I would daily that thing for sure! Always thought the Sonic would be an interesting platform to mod out.
It is such an awesome car to drive around town. :)
I own a 2015 sonic sedan 1.8L and it’s honestly a fun experience. Everyone who drives it loves the way it drives. It’s like driving a go kart imo except fwd
That’s a pretty cool little car, even though they look goody. I think some underrated FWD cars are the Celica and Matrix with the 2ZZ. They were really fun to drive!!
Yeah, the Matrix def got low and boogied! I used to drive mine for a three-hour commute going from North VA to BWI & loved every minute w it.
The Pontiac Vibe GT also had the 2zz
Hey David... I totally appreciate the spotlight on the sonic and zzp performance. I am guilty for flogging my 2012 cruze rs on my favorite touge. At first didn't think much of it. Went to a wtcc race and low and behold few teams racing the chevy cruze. Threw the Cruze on a rack and noticed a watts link... I was like , on a commuter econo box? I don't feel bad beating the Cruze like it owes me money cuz now I give all my money to zzp to make it better. Hands down the best daily driving experience.
I had a 98 and then a 02 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. The 98 just had a smaller super charger pulley and exhaust but the 02 had almost every bolt on I could get for it. A lot of the parts were from ZZP and it was all pretty solid stuff.
The l67 is one of my fave platforms minus the made of glass 4t65e-hd.
I have a 2022 Jeep Renegade 1.3L w/ as much as I can do so far. Custom Air Intake, Custom Hi-Flow Catted Downpipe, straight through exhaust, GFB Diverter w/ Sport Spring Installed, Sila Concepts BOV plate, and I'm pretty much done at this point because there is no tuning option yet. There is a bunch of stuff out there for the 1.4L Renegade as it shares the Abarth engine, but this new firefly 1.3L has minimal mods available. The Renegades have a huge fan base. I'd love to lower mine and set it up more for tarmac whereas many others prefer the off-road method, but we could all use more power.
Ats 2.0 awd for 1/8th mile is definitely under rated. My 16 with intake only definitely surprises people from a dig. Kept up with a stock wrx. Hoping to go FBO and e85 and push 300whp on a daily
Your intake doesn’t do anything or add any hp and was a waste of money….
I personally love ZZPerformance, bought some parts from them for my Cadillac ATS-V 6spd. This Sonic is cool and ZZP does have interesting builds! Great video. 👍
those 1.4 turbos are great, I know they are in the chevy trax and buick encore too, what I really want to do is mod the heck out of a buick encore and piss everyone off. Old man car with crazy turbo sounds, top notch right there
The 08-10 Chevy HHR SS 2.0 liter Turbo Charged sport suv. Especially the automatic which comes standard with a 2800 stal torqueconverter, positraction, launch control and more.... has a top speed of 155!
I've owned this car for the past 5 years, and I've loved and hated it. There are very random issues that come from it, but every time I'm like "Fuck it, I'm selling it", I always get in it and drive it around just for fun and then I fall back in love.
I wish I had more done to it, which I'll hopefully soon get it to where I want it. I know I'll probably hold on to this car for a lot longer than I probably should, but it is just too fun to drive.
this review makes me miss my sonic. Wish I had the money to modify it like this when I owned but it was still a very fun car while I was in college.
I daily a 2012 Regal GS 6 speed with a few bolt ons, and it's a riot. But I never ever see built Regals, even though they're an LHU ecotec from the Solstice GXP with a Getrag trans. They're reliable and very easy to pull a ton of power out of. They handle like they're on rails. I'm going to buy my third sometime soon, I can't get enough of them!
I agree....I have a 2017 Regal Sport Touring. It's a blast to drive
He did a video on a built regal
@@Ozzypup1 not the one he's taking about. OP's talking about the 5th gen regal gs, 2011-2017.
Get a downpipe!!!
*History is doomed to repeat itself. The longevity and endurance of smaller displacement engines are low. There is a guy who kept his 1.8L and added a turbo to it. It was INCREDIBLE!!. I had a 2012 hatch Sonic 1.8L 6 speed, and it was insanely fast from pwr:wgt alone.*
*I remember the days of taking a Ford Focus ZX5 2.0 Zetec and swapping in a 3.0 Duratec with the SVT 6-speed manual. Those cars would avg 300hp N/A and torque gallore. Still sub 2,700 Lbs cars after a little weight reduction.*
I really enjoy my 12’ Sonic LT 1.4T…the flex pipe off the Turbo has been missing for about 4 years now! Sounds just like ZZP!😂 Haven’t know the fuel level for about 5 years…just fill up when I hit 280miles on the trip. Has an evap code that never goes away, and the interior fan speed does whatever it feels like even on level 4. It’s a blast in the winter!😂 It’s pretty much bullet proof otherwise! 120K and going strong!👍 I like that ZZP though…maybe they’ll trade?🤷🏻♂️
Please keep up these awesome unorthodox builds🙏🏼 I love the channel for that reason. It’s so cool to see so many different things being modified besides what your normally seeing. Keep it up man👏🏼
I took one look at this car and thought it was Rob Dyrdeks’ car he did that jump in
I remember that car from Fantasy Factory
I have a 2014 Chevy Sonic with the turbo and a 6 speed. I’m at 99k miles and it still gets 41 mpg!
Definitely the ATS and Camaro LTG…Luckily there’s a good group that has modded them out. I’m sure you’ve got a video coming of the 6MT one ZZP did
Hell yeah project ltg!!!
I came close to buying a Sonic LTZ several years ago. It had the RS appearance package, on top of the Turbo and manual. It was black on black, leather interior, every power option, and the upgraded infotainment system. It was actually a really fun little car to drive around (Similar to a Fiesta), with go-kart like reflexes. The only thing that stopped me from buying it, was the rear seat room was too small. I needed to be able to transport 2 out of 3 kids (at the time) in car seats, and that left no room for the eldest to sit between them. I was already tracking what good tires and better brakes would do for the car, and how easily a small stereo system would rock the thing (I grew up with the big oldschool sound systems with multiple amps and subs).
This is yet another under-appreciated vehicle and platform. I viewed them as a kind of USDM Mini, without the BMW tax you get with a Mini...
I am pleased you are showing the world that you can make fun compact American cars that aren't what everyone else has. Keep up the good work dude!
When the turbo makes more power than the actual engine
Can't wait to ZZP the rest of my 19 Sonic RS once it's fully out of warranty, currently running a budget trifecta tune/catback and it woke the car up. Has been a great manual to learn on
Ppl finally coming around. I've got 2 sonics. Auto and manual. Both have upgraded zzp turbos and many other upgrades. They are sleepers.
i’d like to see a cavalier build. something with the last gen z24 2.4, or a 90s convertible would be reaaaally cool
ZZ performance is killing it with these Rad GM builds.Wish GM didn't give up on small turbocharged hatchbacks or cars with hot hatchback potential.At least when GM owned Opel (Vauxhall) they built the Astra & Corsa OPC (VXR) & the GSI.
I love my big turbo Focus ST, this big turbo Sonic looks like a blast!
I have a lightly tuned stock turbo 18 sonic that I'm just dying to pull the trigger and take it to zzp and have them do EVERYTHING!.
I've already got their big brake kit and it just ROCKS!.
I think the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T/Kia Optima SX is a very underrated car. Would love to see your opinion on it.
I think Hyundai in general is overlooked in the tuner community, Kia too but a little less so
we need more of these, stuff like this could work really well in germany i'd say.
gasprices n stuff is high, but for a hobby and a passionate person? that would be a win!
I guess every car is the Ultimate tuner troll 🤣🤣
My thought too.
They were the first name on my list when I was getting ready to buy a sonic
This is so weird but cool at the same time, I wonder if you can modify a Chevy Cruze Hatchback with ZZPerformance parts
Yes you can
We are releasing Gen 2 Cruze parts very soon!!!
We didn't give the Sonic a chance. I must admit, I love that subcompact. Wish Chevrolet had we on and made the Code R concept a reality back in 2012, and that 3.1L V4 that was to be in it. So many missed opportunities there, and here as well.
I seen the crazy 600 hp sonic you guys got, but THIS sonic is how I want to build mine. I need to know everything from zzp. I gotta buy TODAY to make this, lol
Z04 turbo kit, intercooler kit, cold air intake, ported intake manifold, stage 1 cam, valve springs, flex fuel kit, 60# injectors, and our 3" exhaust for power/engine mods. ZZP coilovers, upgraded engine/trans mounts, and our ZZP rear sway bar for handling.
I'd run it in my 4cyl turbo Grand am
I gotta Full Bolt on, Cams, Valves, and Z04 and make around the same power without E85.
Just about doubling the power on the little 1.4L is crazy. I always enjoy driving it
That's exactly what I want if I get a sonic, got vids?
reminds me of my fiesta st
For all the reliability issues and cheap quality of Chevy, I will say, all their light economy cars are a blast to whip around. I have a friend who let me whip around his Chevy Trax and it blew my mind how much fun it was to toss around. It was slow and had issues, but it was fun.
Lol it’s a hot wheels toy!
The 2013 Veloster turbo is a super underrated car that makes good amount of power and is unique because it’s a 3 door. The 2013 Veloster turbo has 201hp and is pretty cool if you sup it up
I love all that ZZP does, they have a great motto, and great work, I hope that I can get my hands on a 1.4L turbo Cruze and put a whole bunch of ZZP parts on it
i miss my sonic so much. it was SO good! and the truck was massive
I work right down the road from this place and they have some very bad ass builds I see outside, really cool watching you review in my home town.
Provided the shop knows what theyre doing I always think finding out a shop works on your platform is better for the enthusiast and the shop than hearing that they dont.
So weird to be seeing you cruise in GR on 28th street. I grew up around there and still live in the area. Would have been dope to see the sonic and then come home to see your upload lmao
If you recorded that video on Wednesday, the 50 mini bikes you saw is the local Grom squad that rides every week.
A car that I've always wanted to build was a 1989 Chevy Beretta GT with a L67 3.8 V6, but with a NA intake manifold and a turbocharger...and a Beretta GTU six speed manual. I had an 89 Beretta GT, but it only had a 2.8 V6 (it was junk) with an auto trans. I also had a 1995 Beretta with a 3100 auto. I have many MANY different dream builds, but I always wander from dream build to dream build.
David, you gotta get Tyler and Al to let you drive the 10sec Drang Sonic. Also Tim's ATS-V!
To me the Kia Forte5 is slept on hard, mine was really quick for n/a. The sx model was turbo'd 200hp stock
Who doesn't love a hot hatch!? There easily the most Fun and engaging cars to drive, horsepower is almost irrelevant. Always keen to see this type of thing
David, I don't know how you can be in this UA-cam game so long and still continue to surprise me. I've been a fan of yours for a very long time. Keep up the good work as usual. I like the fact that ZZP takes on small economy cars like that. It makes the world of modifying cars way more accessible for people like me that are living paycheck to paycheck. It also makes it more accessible for people that like simpler builds that are just bolt-on's. I used to have a 2015 Pontiac Grand Am. It had the 3.4 liter V6 in it. Sadly, because I didn't know what I was doing and had MSD ignition coils in it without a controller I went way past red line and blew up the engine. ZZP was one of the only people at the time that had aftermarket parts for that car. I think in reality there was only like 4 companies. I would love to test drive a tuned up Sonic like that. The only thing in car culture that I don't understand is all these old fogies that like their classic cars but if anything import rolls up they immediately hate it. Like they don't understand that from those American car companies these days there's nothing you can touch for under 30 grand that you can modify that isn't some type of economic car and its previous life. I'll never understand the old people hating on imports like VW Honda Subaru and others. I really like that during the period that they made the Sonic Chevy Ford and dodge were all doing highly experimental and weird things. I think it's time for a second renaissance of the big three in the United states taking some chances on making cars that are easily accessible and then easily modifiable. It's wishful thinking though, the likelihood of that happening is slim to none.
This car even stock is super fun, and easy to learn cars I’ve ever driven ! I love these cars.
I desperately hope you were able to drive their ATS!!! The 2.0 EcoTec is such a slept on motor in the tuning community, and ZZP applied the same formula from this car to the ATS and made somewhere close to 500hp i think. ATS-V level numbers.
I had a 2005 cobalt LS 2.2L that I turbo charged. Was lots of fun made 330whp. Doesn't weigh much so surprised mustangs all the time.
I’ve got a sonic with the zzp build minus their turbo. I bricked my ECU during the tune phase, but when I get a second one, I’ll put the tune back on.
Even with the stock turbo it’s a fun little quirky car.
Saturn Ion Redline lowkey needs a lot more love lol
Congrats ZZP
Just got a 2016 chevy sonic and it's the best car I ever owned, such a comfy perfect car. It reminds me of a strong cavalier hatchback with a sweet front end and some class.