I want to echo Flantas here. I had a local dealer hiccup as well. Based on the specific information in this forum, I too decided to buy the Stage Kit. I called my local Buick dealer to discuss the installation and...they had no idea what I was talking about. I gave them the part number so they could find the kit, but they wanted me to bring in the GM instructions to review so they could determine if they could figure out how to install the kit. It was not a confidence inspiring experience - and I didn't want to be the dealer's guinea pig and mess up my trouble free car. Worse, based on their lack of knowledge they gave a very high preliminary estimate for the kit and installation cost.
I went back to the Crate Engine Depot website with the intent of asking them for a recommendation for an installer. Next to their phone number I noted that Crate was located at Rock Chevrolet in Grayslake, IL - within easy driving distance of my home. I talked to Tom at Crate who referred me to Dan in Rock Chevrolet's service department. Dan advised that though they had not yet installed the Regal Stage Kit, they had installed hundreds of similar Cobalt Stage Kits for people who had driven in from around the country. He called Tom, put aside a kit for me, held the on-line Crate price and quoted installation at around $150 including the flash (plus tax). I drove to Rock Chevy two days later. Dan assigned a tech that had a lot of Cobalt Stage Kit installations to my job and I could not be happier with the result!
The Stage Kit looks great and really improves the drivability of the car. The application of power/torque feels smoother, more linear, elastic. The new box allows a bit more noise to escape compared to stock. Under acceleration one can hear what sounds like air rushing through the cone filter. Though it is not exactly a glorious mechanical melody, it is quickly forgotten as soon as I step on the accelerator and take the next gear. I called Dan to tell him how happy I was with the upgrade. I owe Tom the same call.
There were already pictures of the installed Stage Kit in earlier posts so I won't duplicate them here. If I notice anything unusual over the coming weeks, then I'll report back. As a factory designed and warranted mod I don't see a reason to be concerned or expect any trouble.
