GM performance parts Regal Stage Kit 2012-2013

[Sal Collaziano]

Well, I've been basically talking to myself in this thread, LOL, but here's my review of the GM Stage kit....

My dealership only charged me $72 for the flash, which I thought was fantastic considering some were charging north of $100.

My first impression of the tune after leaving the dealership was "oh crap, did they upload the Regal T tune instead of the GS tune", because my car didn't feel any different...

I decided to log some parameters to verify the flash was even on the car... I logged MAF lbs/min first and after a short pull I logged 29.5 lbs/min. Stock the best I saw was 27.5-28 lbs/min. (Keep in mind, it was an 80 degree day, so it's probably closer to 30 lbs/min). Nice.

Then I ran a HP check, sure the gauge isn't 100% accurate, but it did show a difference... Stock I would see 294hp. With the Stage kit, I hit 317hp.

Last was a boost check.. I was reading 22.8-23 psi during pulls, but it was peaking much earlier than when it was stock, and holding it through the pull.

I still haven't been able to verify if they added any timing advance, as I haven't been able to really wind her out yet. I did see 10 degrees at WOT which I've hit stock a few times.

These test put my mind at ease at least... but I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a more noticeable difference in power. I wasn't expecting omg power, but 40lb/ft tq increase should be felt.

Well, I kid you not, but the next day, and the day after, the car felt stronger than ever (almost like the PCM was sorting out the new tune). Throttle is snappier, and the pull is def stronger and feels more peaky than the plateau feeling power curve of the stock tune. The tires actually chirped when the car shifted to 2nd. Never did that stock.

I must say I'm very happy with the performance from the tune and intake. The car is a lot more fun to drive, and I love knowing its backed by warranty still.

I know it's been 77 years since we last discussed this - but how are things going with everything? Still good?

 

[sjr]

Bump

 

[Everyshadeofblue]

I love the stage kit on my car, especially the "whoosh" sound it makes on startup! I bought my car with it already installed so I can't compare performance but it sure looks good and sounds great. Haven't tried to clean or change the filter yet. Does anyone have experience with that?

 

[EnderWiggin]

Pretty sure the filters are throw away.

 

[BlackPearl]

I love the stage kit on my car, especially the "whoosh" sound it makes on startup! I bought my car with it already installed so I can't compare performance but it sure looks good and sounds great. Haven't tried to clean or change the filter yet. Does anyone have experience with that?

The filter to get is an AEM DryFlow filter, part #21-2036DK. It's a 6.5" long, 5" wide drum style filter so it will fit in there without making a rub mark on the clear top shield piece like the original part number I had listed a few posts back... Details found here: AEM 21-2036DK - Universal Air Filters, AEM DryFlow Air Filter Factory Direct


I'm sure you can use the K&N filter cleaner on it to clean it, but AEM does have a specialty DryFlow filter cleaner that I use to clean it. Word to the wise, get 2 of these filters. It's like $60for 2 of them, and you have a spare to use while your cleaning one and letting it dry.

 

[BlackPearl]

Well, I've been basically talking to myself in this thread, LOL, but here's my review of the GM Stage kit....

My dealership only charged me $72 for the flash, which I thought was fantastic considering some were charging north of $100.

My first impression of the tune after leaving the dealership was "oh crap, did they upload the Regal T tune instead of the GS tune", because my car didn't feel any different...

I decided to log some parameters to verify the flash was even on the car... I logged MAF lbs/min first and after a short pull I logged 29.5 lbs/min. Stock the best I saw was 27.5-28 lbs/min. (Keep in mind, it was an 80 degree day, so it's probably closer to 30 lbs/min). Nice.

Then I ran a HP check, sure the gauge isn't 100% accurate, but it did show a difference... Stock I would see 294hp. With the Stage kit, I hit 317hp.

Last was a boost check.. I was reading 22.8-23 psi during pulls, but it was peaking much earlier than when it was stock, and holding it through the pull.

I still haven't been able to verify if they added any timing advance, as I haven't been able to really wind her out yet. I did see 10 degrees at WOT which I've hit stock a few times.

These test put my mind at ease at least... but I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a more noticeable difference in power. I wasn't expecting omg power, but 40lb/ft tq increase should be felt.

Well, I kid you not, but the next day, and the day after, the car felt stronger than ever (almost like the PCM was sorting out the new tune). Throttle is snappier, and the pull is def stronger and feels more peaky than the plateau feeling power curve of the stock tune. The tires actually chirped when the car shifted to 2nd. Never did that stock.

I must say I'm very happy with the performance from the tune and intake. The car is a lot more fun to drive, and I love knowing its backed by warranty still.

I too was the same way when I had mine done... and then like you, a few days later it really came to life. i hadnt tried to get actual reading differences other than a boost one at the time, byt then again, the gauge I had wasnt reading accurately either (a P3 Vent gauge... I use the Aeroforce Interceptor now, which IS accurate for a plug & play gauge. I will make another post about it in here, if I didnt alreay...)

buut I was curious about getting an aftermarket tune at first, but am glad I didn't because I am still under warranty. and they cant say anything about factory parts and programming...

And if you haven't already, you may want to get a few new filters for it... I bought the AEM DryFlow filters, part # 21-2036DK. they are a 6.5" long, 5' wide circular filter. these are the same length (maybe just a tad longer than the GM one...), and wont make contact with the clear plexi window. I would pick up 2 of them. They were about $60 for the pair, and they will allow you to keep one on the car while you wash and dry the other one...

glad you too enjoy the tune as much as I do!! it certainly wakes the thing up a bit!!!

 

[Vinny2012gs]

Has anyone tried one of these kits yet? GM # 12653664. Comes with tune and true cold air intake, not just a tube with an open cone filter in the hot engine compartment. GM claims 295 hp 335 ft-lb for GS and 270 hp for the regal T.

i just did and I was looking for some information on how to install it. I got mine on ebay last week. I get mine today.