Big Zeus Build Thread

Ok, after a long period of contemplation, I have decided to go ahead and make a thread documenting my 2013 Cruze LT 1.4L. I will name it a build thread, but don't really consider it that. This is just something that I work on and improve as time and funds allow. I like to tinker and find different ways to do things as well as maximize performance. I do all the work in my enclosed garage and have a decent amount of tools. Most if not all of the modifications will be bolt on.

Maintenance/work list:

Window tint 12/1/2018 54k
New tires 55000 discount tire
Paint correction and wax 55k
Dorman thermostat 4/25/2019 55k
Transmission fluid drain and fill valvoline 55k 5/10/19
Front rotor resurface 55k 5/10/19
BNR tune purchased and installed
New plug boots rock auto standard brand 55k 5/17/19
New battery (larger size) and negative cable OEM and mechanical boost gauge 55k 5/23/19
Transmission fluid drain and fill AC Delco
56k 6/28/19
Oil change and filter 56,048 7/12/19 super tech synthetic
ZZP downpipe 7/15/19
Installed black vinyl over emblems
New ac delco ceramic brake shoes front 56,300 8/23/19
New driver window motor and tint 9/4/19
New belt tensioner and belt ac Delco 11/24/19 | 56,500
digital boost gauge 12/14/19 56,600
Fixed turbo outlet line coolant leak and installed new water pump. New antifreeze 56,700 1/9/20

Changed oil penzoil ultra platinum 5w30
57,322 3/22/20

Compression right to left
180,200,195,205 Psi

5/5/20 57,541 new oil gm, oil pan reseal, ac Delco turbo oil line 89in lb, 22 ft lb, down pipe reinstalled
Brembo brake rotors 6/15/20

Bnr wastegate actuator 6/20/20
AC Delco spark plugs default gap 8/17/20
Ac Delco water outlet new prestone dexcool antifreeze 8/28/20 57,922

Dorman intake manifold 9/20/20

New purge valve OEM, BNR throttle body spacer, boost leak test passed 9/30/20 58008
New MAF Ac Delco 10/21/20 58106
New FCS front struts 58,500 1/18/21
New FCS rear shocks 58,600 2/23/21

Oil change pennzoil plat ultra, BNR LS7 coils 58669 4/12/21

New GM water pump and gasket
58,700 4/28/21

BNR Intake manifold spacer, new driver CV Axle, Cardone reman.
59,000 11/6/21

Rotated tires
59,111 11/20/21

ZZP V3 Turbo, used 1500 miles
59,300 04/02/22

Oil change Pennzoil Platinum
59,360 04/03/22

ZZP Ported intake manifold, PCV 3.4 fix kit
59,450 04/22/22




And the story begins:


When she was pretty new, she was full of swirl marks and scratches. This is after a professional paint correction that I did myself with the pictured Meguiars and harbor freight DA. Tons of work and it took days. I went panel by panel.




Next, got some new shoes (Continental Control Contact) These things are great, so much softer than the old Michelins


Shortly after, it was time to start fixing leaks. This was the first one, I fabbed up a piece of rubber tubing and put a heat shield on it. It has lasted almost 2 years now with no leaks.




Had a transmission fluid leak that was likely from an overfill, did a drain and fill X3 with AC Delco fluid.



Next was a rich condition, which I finally narrowed down to the cooler NGK plugs I installed, Don't go with the 8's... unless you like unburnt fuel



Next up is oil leak time, the oil cooler and pan were leaking. The dealer fixed the pan and for some reason painted it all with silver spray paint... I did the oil cooler a month or two on my own after. More to come in next post



continued below...