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Blasirl’s Build:

47675 Views 182 Replies 16 Participants Last post by  Blasirl, 
Blasirl
25
I've been toying with this post since day one and would have probably never posted it, but someone I know was harassing me, so here is the text beginning. Pictures will follow - sometime. My main impediment is every time I complete something, something else goes south or I change my mind and replace something. You would also think being an electrician the electrical projects I have pending would be top notch and done, but nooooo, I don't want to start em even - so someday...

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Fleet LT 1.4l AT
Standard:
My fleet 1LT included the 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, OnStar, keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel. air-conditioning, a six-way (manual) adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a trip computer, full power accessories, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, USB port and an auxiliary audio jack.

It also came standard with stability control, antilock brakes, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and front and rear side-impact airbags as standard. A front-disc/rear-drum brake setup is standard on all models (except the 2LT, LTZ and Diesel, which are upgraded to four-wheel disc brakes). Also standard is OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen-vehicle assistance.

Current Modifications:

Huskie Floor Liners throughout
Wing Spoiler (body color)
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Chevrolet Chevrolet cruze

Spring assisted trunk openers
Vehicle Car Auto part

Split Leather shift knob cover (red stitching)
Gear shift Vehicle Car Center console Auto part

MGP "Cruze" caliper covers (red) -------I have a set of unused rear covers FS or Trade - long story (still for sale as of 02MAR20)
Land vehicle Alloy wheel Vehicle Car Tire

Cruze Pedal Covers (red)
(where's the pic??)
Snowshield & Mirror Mitts
Door Lock knobs & Bezels (red)
Vehicle door Technology Table Auto part Windshield

Sunglasses holder (gray) (How to install)

Cover Craft Sun Shield {Thanks to spacedout} EDIT: Upgraded to Rose color to match - Blue shade FS or trade. (still for sale as of 18SEP20)
Diode Dynamics XP50 Reverse Lights

Reverse Camera
Vehicle Hood Automotive exterior Car Bumper

Open anytime interior trunk release button
Trunk mounted volt meter, power and USB outlets
Electronic instrument Electronics Auto part Technology Bumper

Trunk side rear seat covers
Rear Fog light (laser) - [see Reverse Camera photo]
Dual Fog light switch (still need to know how to get second switch to work)
Vehicle Car Family car

Glass look rear window quarters UPDATE: Removed and replaced with black appliques - [See window tint photos]
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Mid-size car Vehicle door

Plasti-dipped rear chrome bar (red) (now it is painted 2020)
Shark Fin antenna cover (body color) (Had to repaint it once)
Diode Dynamics side marker lamps (amber)
Fog/Driving lights i.e. Flip Flop amber/white lamps - [See lip spoiler photo]
Leatherette parking brake covers (red stitching)
Couture RS look front lip spoiler (body color) [this was rudely ripped off of my car at 70 mph on the Toledo Turnpike by a retread. Funny, I was on my way to court to fight a ticket procured during the Lordstown meet] EDIT: Added Lip Spoiler back! 19OCT17 @ 60280
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Grille Hood

Z-Spec grille (Black Granite) {Thanks to Cully77} - [See lip spoiler photo above]
Splash Guards (fourth set now 2020)
Tire Automotive tire Bumper Vehicle Automotive exterior

Centrex High Carbon rotors
LS window seals (black) {Thanks to Scott at Lordstown} (black appliques finally installed July17) -[See window tint photos]
K&N Air Filter {thanks to Merc6}
16” LT rims with Blizzaks for winter with matching black & red wheel storage covers
A couple of 5hp stickers
In-dash USB charging port

Ultra Racing upper rear shock tower bar
Grenade valve caps (red) {since changed to chrome valve caps with a red R for Robert - the power wash ripped out one and stranded me at the carwash} May 2018
18” LTZ rims {Thanks to whitecruze} with Continental Pure Contacts (1 size wider) (waiting on TPMS) UPDATE: Chinese TPMS took an immediate dump, replaced with Sam’s Club items (replaced one of these ~JUL20)
Land vehicle Alloy wheel Vehicle Car Wheel

Window tint by New Wave (35% I think)- 29JUL17 (redid the windshield tint after windshield replacement)
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Mid-size car Chevrolet cruze
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Chevrolet cruze Full-size car
Sky Blue Daytime Architecture Cloud


This last photo is the difference between winshield and strip tint.​

Eibach springs {Thanks to Overbuilt} - 23AUG17

Bilstein B8 Sport Struts - 23AUG17
Moog front sway bar links & bushings - 23AUG17

Ultra Racing upper front shock tower bar - 23AUG17
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Engine Auto part

GM strut mounts and bellows - 23AUG17
Front End Alignment - 25AUG17 (Sep 20)

MISC items:
Will not let me upload any more pictures!

Pending Modifications:

Rear View mirror with video screen (issues with wiring)(installed May 18, but not completely connected)
Electronics Technology Electronic device

Smoked BMW style tails (need to decipher wiring)(tried to install May18, but ran into issues)(tried twice in Jun18)
Automotive lighting Light Headlamp Auto part Automotive exterior
Electronics Auto part Technology Electronic component Games



Add MyLink {Thanks to justsowicked} (Need to redo VIN first somehow)
Wndow vents (smoked) – (too lazy to put them on yet) (Done)
Whiteline 22mm Rear sway bar Edit: Completed at 65,000 19MAR18
Autometer Cobalt Boost and AFR gauges installed but not yet connected May18 EDIT: Connected Boost electrically 16JUL18 EDIT: Completed install 28AUG18
LTZ Cluster upgrade OCT2018

Planned Modifications:

EBC Greenstuff brake pads
Color match steering wheel trim (changed the Wheel to a Camaro Hot Wheels steering wheel)
Upgrade sound system (while keeping stock head unit) ala XR’s post


Completed Repairs:
Replaced negative battery cable (Warranty)
New Duralast brake pads and Centrex rotors
Repaired PF fender (repainted peeling paint & replaced fender liner 18SEP20)
Repaired DF rocker panel 19OCT17 @ 60280
Repaired front end 23MAY18
New camshaft seals 17AUG18 (Warranty)
New valve cover and gasket 17AUG18 (Warranty)
New water pump and a free coolant refill. 17AUG18 (Warranty)
Engine degreased 17AUG18 (Warranty)
Replaced (currently being shipped)one snow tire (Warranty) 03DEC18 73,XXX - EDIT: Installed 10DEC18 EDIT: Replaced all four snows 2021)
Slow coolant leak / Check Engine / Security System / battery 03DEC2018 73,XXX
DF rocker panel repaired again along with tire rash from when the H2 tried to eat me.
Changed the oil & Filter - 95912 - no analysis, Oil Analyzers must have shipped the two kits I ordered to China before they would come to me. 18DEC20
Installed a ZZP magnetic drain plug - 95912 -18DEC2020
Replaced the Surge Tank hose for the second time & topped off the coolant - 95912 - 18DEC2020
Replaced both intake and exhaust camshaft position sensors with Duralast part SU14096 and also purchased a crank position sensor SU13894 28APR21

Completed Modifications:
ZZP Pillar Pod {thanks to LS2 BLAZER}(May18)
Depo smoked side markers {this guy is the cheapest, but his Customer Service Sucks]Installed 23MAY18) Updated Link 20APR19
Bilstein B8 shocks - [Tire Rack shipped me the wrong ones - waiting on reply 26AUG17] EDIT: Installed at 65,000 19MAR18
Amsoil Oil (Wix filters) {Thanks to XtremeRevolution}Edit: Completed at 65,000 19MAR18 EDIT: More oil waiting in the wings 2021
Amsoil Brake Fluid (time) {Thanks to XtremeRevolution}Edit: Completed at 65,000 19MAR18
Amsoil Trans Fluid (time) {Thanks to XtremeRevolution}Edit: Completed at 65,000 19MAR18
Big Three Kit (2 grounds installed so far - time) {Thanks to XtremeRevolution}Edit: Finally completed the third cable on 11MAR18
Completed HomeLink, but not yet installed 07JUL18 see pics below EDIT: Installed 17JUL18
Diode Dynamics HP24 Switchback front signal LEDs installed 19JUL18
Installed a Verano engine shield SEP18
EDIT: Moog strut mounts and bellows - (same) [DST shipped the wrong parts - substituted GM parts]Soon to install a Scangauge II {Thanks to PanJet} EDIT: Installed
06JUN18 - EDIT: 26NOV2018 - gauge went blank - unsure of problem as of yet. Gauge went back on 10DEC18
Periodic oil changes
Re Vinylized the back bowtie 09AUG18
Purchased and installed power heated leather seats. - acquired them all piecemeal by 06APR19
How I swapped in power seats
How I Swapped in Power Seats part 2
How I removed and replaced my Rear Seats
How I removed and replaced my Rear Seats pt 2
Hot Wheels Camaro steering wheel w/paddle shifters - I had to rehab it first before I installed it.
Carbon Fiber shifter/stereo surround - 2020
Dual exhaust with U-Power tips - 2020
Glove Box Light Ready to install. Waiting on connector from Mouser and Diode Dynamics LED. EDIT: Installed 18JUL18, but having electrical issues (fixed)

Additional mods listed here


Pending Issues/Repairs/Modifications:
Amsoil Coolant & Coolant Boost (As I have a fresh coolant change via the warranty this will be waiting) {Thanks to XtremeRevolution}
Troubleshoot the rearview mirror connections
Troubleshoot the glove box light (done) - 2020
Figure out the connections for the taillights I bought 5 years ago and install them
Waiting on my Amsoil shipment (18SEP20)(Received)
Forge Wastegate Actuator
Forge BPV
BNR LS7 coil upgrade
Racer X manifold
60lb fuel injectors
DP

The day I brought her home in November of 2014:

I still cannot find these pics...

For Sale / Trade items:

Eibach camber bolts - [so far not needed] - FS or Trade - (still for sale as of 18SEP20) EDIT: Ended up installing these 2021
Complete set all black LT seats
Blue Covercraft sunshade
Full set of LS window seals and appliques )(all black)
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61 - 80 of 183 Posts
Blasirl
I really hate the editing interface. I was way deep in creating this post and because of a misdropped photo, it deleted the entire post. 45 minutes down the drain. They really need to create an auto draft saver or something.

AAARRRRRG!
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Blasirl
Or allow a Word file drop in.
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Blasirl
6
Getting ready to Change my oil.
283097


I also had a few pairs of disposable gloves and a roll of paper towels.

I rolled onto my low profile ramp, jacked up the car and put it on stands. My driveway is sloped towards the street so the rear stands were a bit taller than the front, The drive also leans a bit to the right, so I ended up jacking up the right side a bit to level it left to right. It was a bit wonky as the car was only resting on two of the four stands as well as the jack. As long as I didn't pull or lean on it though, it was fine.

283098


283099


First, I pulled an oil sample
283100

That was messier than I thought it would be.

Prior to changing the oil, I performed an engine flush with Valve Medic. In all honesty, this is the first time I have ever bothered with something that before now, I thought was snake oil. To my tuned ear, it seemed that as time went on, running the engine with the flush in it, it got quieter. Quiet enough to get me thinking about getting a bottle of injector cleaner to see if that also helps with the incessant ticking. So first I brought the engine up to temp and then poured in the Valve Medic. I discovered after the fact that I should have done this the day before. I was reading about the Amsoil Flush and one other and forgot to read about the one I had. They all have different processes and I must have unconsciously chosen a different one. Que Sera Sera!

283101


After about 20 minutes of varying the RPMs, I shut off the engine and pulled the dipstick, the filter and cover and then finally pulled the plug.

283102


Here you can see my shield cutout worked wonderfully. For about 10 seconds the oil started to drip and pull forward for reason even though the car was level, but none spilled on the shield.

I changed oil again - Amsoil Signature Series SAE 5W-30. I am using up my supply of WIX filters, so will change out one in about 7,500 miles.

I'll have to fix/finish this later
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Blasirl
I just posted the results of my first Oil Analysis report.

www.cruzetalk.com

1.4T Used Oil Analysis Thread

Acronyms: OCI = Oil Change Interval (mileage between changes) OLM = Oil Life Monitor (in car oil change indicator) UOA = Used Oil Analysis (analysis of used oil tested for oil performance, contaminants, wear particles etc.) VOA = Virgin Oil Analysis (analysis of new un-used oil, gives a...
www.cruzetalk.com www.cruzetalk.com
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Blasirl
I really need to document my progress more often here. It was really difficult for a time as every time I would fix or add something, another problem would rears it head.

Pictures have been taken, but I have no time to upload at the moment. I have to clean up the timeline as well, but...

So off the top of my head ... and possibly after a few edits -- here is what I remember...

Jun19 - Bought a Magnaflow dual exhaust - still not installed: Future Aural Goodness - Magnaflow 15495 Dual Cat Back Exhaust Unboxing
EDIT: Installed at 930050 with UPower dual tips
23OCT19 - cleaned out the intake, cleaned my drop in K&N and re-oiled it. Made a video and it was terrible
27NOV19 - Did a seasonal tire rotation 85404
Replaced the front seal
Repaired a broken bolt for the AC bracket - no idea how it broke - took care of some rather disturbing noises though
Bought the V1 kit, but did not install for some time.
Bought a Trifecta Tune - not yet installed - installed
13DEC19 Inspected brakes, replaced front pads
Installed the V1 kit on a spare intake I acquired this past summer, just in case.
Good thing as I got three codes and a repeat so I installed the intake. I pulled the turbo to intake hose off a bit too hard and lost the plastic ring. I just put it back on with two o-rings and it seemed to stay snugly.
I made an appointment with a local Dyno shop to see what my base line is.
I thought I was good to go as the car ran great ... for a few days, P0420, I think, returned
Bought a new PCV hose just before XR announced his fix kit for that :confused:
Installed new hose - back to running great again ... for a few days
I went to get an emissions check on the 16th and failed as I did not do enough drive cycles yet. The next day --
Water outlet I replaced a few years ago split off, spewing antifreeze all over the nice clean engine bay, I wanted to spew too. (the new emoji list blows!)
Bought a lifetime thermostat housing and gasket, Lifetime water outlet, a new reservoir to water outlet hose and some other assorted gaskets to get the free shipping. 12DEC20
Found that only the outlet needed to be replaced. It was dark and I needed to order the parts that moment as we had two out of three vehicles down at the moment and I had to work through the holidays so I went over kill sans correct diagnosis...
Yesterday went to the new Rocket wash and wash her up.
Went for an emissions test today and passed! Yahoo. Running like dream..
Too late to go to the Dyno this year, but will make an appointment next year (week).
The plan is to get a baseline, change to premium fuel, run for about a month or so on that and re-dyno again. Then I will install the tune on a basically stock motor. I'll data log and try to get it right before I go back and dyno again. I then have a few minor mods to install and yep, you guessed it, dyno again.
EDIT:
Dyno Tested again
05JUN20 Replaced my sway bar links 90388
On to fix the Caravan for now though.

Happy New Years all!

milestone
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Blasirl
2
Windshield Wiper Transmission Replacement

285356


So, 30JAN20 at about 086981 miles on the clock, it appeared that my relatively new wiper transmission took a dump. The wipers stopped midway up the window. It's funny how long it took me to realize they were no longer wiping. Yesterday, I pre-order a new one from Autozone. This is the one:
www.autozone.com

Dorman Wiper Transmission 602-231

Shop for Dorman Wiper Transmission 602-231 with confidence at AutoZone.com. Parts are just part of what we do. Get yours online today and pick up in store.
www.autozone.com

Today at 087036 miles I decided to replace it. I assembled what tools I thought I would need and I pulled the wipers and then the wiper motor cowl off.
285357

Just to see what was wrong, I reached in and flipped on the wipers. They worked??
I thought, WTF? I suddenly realized I never went back and re-torqued the wiper arm nuts. Since I had already ripped it all apart, I cleaned out the area under the plastic cowl, wiped down the lower portion of the windshield and I installed new gaskets on the cowl before replacing everything. Once all was back together, I tested the wipers - duh - Completion Backwards Principle prevailed. Had to reset them at least a dozen times to get them just right. I should have remembered the last time, but I digress... While staring at the working transmission, I pulled out the new one just to compare it. The new one was very sturdy and it was coated black. Looked and felt pretty nice.

Again I had a WTF moment. They were different! The crank arm was on the left of the new one and in the center of the old one. Good thing the old one wasn't broke (-(although the left pivot seems to wobble a bit).


#1,222

How to: Remove windshield wiper arms and windshield cowl

THE TUBES ~ White Punks On Dope
(The Completion Backward Principle Videos 1981)

at the very end look for Brian V
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Blasirl
4
Space saver for now - still writing the post

Positive Battery Terminal Cleanup

285356


While I was working on the wiper transmission above, I accidentally flipped the positive battery terminal cover up and saw what looked like a nesting type pathogen or blue mold for those non-medical folks.

285359


Again, WTF! This will be the third and probably last time I do this. If anyone hears about a sale on the 94R (H7) AGM batteries, please let me know. Well, I got out our battery cleaning kit and proceeded to slay the mold. The copper sulfate is fairly easy to get off, but the best thing would be to remove the over-structure / fuse box etc. and give it a bath with vinegar and baking soda. My battery - the original one by the way - has a leak next to the positive terminal that seeps out and eats the copper battery clamp. It is a fairly slow process as this has been happening since 2014 when I bought it.

Auto part Machine Engine Metal

Cruze Battery Upgrade Options
Holy Famunda Batman! There’s a blue fungus among us!


#1,222
#62
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Blasirl
65000 - initial Amsoil Change (MAR2018)
7500
72500 - second filter change (OCT2018)
7500
80000 - second Amsoil change (actual 80551) (AUG2019)
7500
87500 - second filter change due (actual 88386 15MAR2020)

I think I am going to have it analysed again, so I will pre-order a test kit and probably another batch of oil just to be ready
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Blasirl
I decided to do a baseline dyno test on the stock engine on 87 octane fuel. I will probably post a video of it with the explanation from the operator later on. it took me forever to just get this posted. I will post a better quality copy when I can figure out how to convert a pdf to a png or jpg (EDIT: without piecing it together). I am currently on my second tank of 93 octane fuel. When I get through half of the next tank I plan on returning to the dyno to do another three pulls.

This is your Cruze on 87 Octane...
285845


Picture: What did you do WITH your Cruze today
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plano-doug
Blasirl said:
I will post a better quality copy when I can figure out how to convert a pdf to a png or jpg.
Click to expand...
You can do that if you have access to Illustrator, but it's sort of a niche tool. It can read pdf's and export numerous bitmap formats.

That said, since I no longer have a working copy of Illustrator, what I usually do is do a Print Screen and paste it into Paint (or something similar such as paint.net , then save it as jpg or png.

To get better resolution, you can zoom in on the pdf in Acrobat Reader, and take multiple pics - eg, section it into quarters. Then, with multiple copies of Paint open, paste each shot into Paint, trim off the fat, then copy that into yet another Paint and re-assemble the image.

Needless to say, it's a PITA doing it that way, but my software budget is pretty thin, so sometimes I have to make do like a hack :)

Doug

.
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Blasirl
plano-doug said:
You can do that if you have access to Illustrator, but it's sort of a niche tool. It can read pdf's and export numerous bitmap formats.

That said, since I no longer have a working copy of Illustrator, what I usually do is do a Print Screen and paste it into Paint (or something similar such as paint.net , then save it as jpg or png.

To get better resolution, you can zoom in on the pdf in Acrobat Reader, and take multiple pics - eg, section it into quarters. Then, with multiple copies of Paint open, paste each shot into Paint, trim off the fat, then copy that into yet another Paint and re-assemble the image.

Needless to say, it's a PITA doing it that way, but my software budget is pretty thin, so sometimes I have to make do like a hack :)

Doug

.
Click to expand...
I did the shrink in Adobe to get a whole picture in paint and uploaded it. I did not want to painstakingly section it as I have done that many times in the past. Somehow I will find a way to do it though.
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Blasirl
I have finally been able to upload and minimally edit this video. The first four RPM ranges are blurred, but they are 2504, 2853, 3203 and 3902. Again, this is basically a stock 1.4 engine running on 87 Octane fuel.


286973
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Blasirl
Next up...

285945


87581 25FEB2020
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Blasirl
5
Before the shave (older pic as camera did not cooperate with me)

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286087


286088

New Jewelry 24MAR2020
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Blasirl
I was doing some detailing yesterday and I must have left the door open too long or maybe the key in the on position too long, not sure exactly, but since I have been nursing this original battery from 2013, I figured since it was nice out and I was off I would install a new one. I shopped at about nine different sites online and ended up getting a great deal on a new battery from Pep Boys. $147 for an H7/94R.

286114



Big Battery
25MAR2020
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Blasirl
2
Installed a set of Well Visors I bought long ago.

286336


286337


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Blasirl
This is your Cruze on Premium...
286656
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Blasirl
This is a comparison of the 87 to 93 performance. The lower two darker lines, one of each color, is the 87 pull

286657
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Blasirl
After the drag strip opens and I can do a few runs, I'll move onto the next phase:

.......................................
286658
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Thebigzeus
Interesting, why trifecta if I may ask?
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