High-performance Cobalt

RIDE OF THE WEEK: 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT SS/SC



This week’s ride is a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS/SC owned by Erick Decker of McLure, Pa., which is in Juniata County, but Decker says he makes as many car shows in NEPA as he can.

Decker bought his Cobalt new. The Cobalt was introduced by Chevrolet for the 2005 model year, replacing the Cavalier, to compete with other compact cars like the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3.

The “SS” is the Cobalt’s performance package. The engine is a 2.0L supercharged Ecotec engine that is rated at 205 horsepower. General Motors also offers “step kits” for the Cobalt, and Decker says he has installed the GM “Stage 2” kit on his, which consists of new fuel injectors and a reprogram of the engine which gives him about 30 more horsepower. The Stage 2 also gives it a smaller serpentine belt and pulley for the supercharger (the “SC”) which boosts horsepower by another 40, along with an additional 30 ft./lb. of torque. The kit increases the engine redline to 7,000 rpm.

Decker, who belongs to the “Illusive Xpectations Car Club,” immediately set about changing his Cobalt from stock to performance.

The front suspension is independent with MacPherson struts, while a semi-independent torsion bar is used in the Cobalt’s rear. What makes the Cobalt notable is its use of an electric power steering system, developed by Koyo Seiko, rather than a conventional hydraulic power steering system.

Decker says that he has done the work on his Cobalt with the help of B and D Customz Car Shop, near his home in McLure.

Some of his performance modifications include the installation of a K&N Typhoon cold air intake, a GMPP Extrude honed header, a CA downpipe along with a Vibrant high flow catalytic converter. Decker has also added an Ingalls Stiffy engine torque damper and a R&M short throw shifter.

The exterior has also seen some improvements with Decker adding Eibach Sportline lowering springs (one inch in the front and 1.3 inches in the rear). He has also added a DC sports strut bar, and has added Konig wheels with Kumho Ecsta Sport tires.

Decker has also added Black dual halo highlights with angel eyes and Alteeza taillights. He says he is going to use this winter to make even more changes to his Cobalt for next year’s car show season, so be sure to look for Erick Decker and his 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt next spring.