i never realized that on the cobalt they had 2 different bolt paderns? a 4 bolt and 5 bolt for the rims...

is it just SS models to get the 5 bolt?

Yep, I belive only the SS and SS SC get the 5 bolt patterns.

yup - just like the Ion vs Ion Redline.

This is odd because (if I'm not mistaken) the Cavalier had 5-lug wheels for the longest time. Why does the Cobalt get 4-luggers? Isn't this somehow inferior?

I guess wheel size and power make a difference? I thought you could only have 4 or 5 or 6 bolts on a model due to the axle design. I guess not...

It seems GMPD gives them one extra lug. V-Series cars have 6 lugs while normal versions have 5.

I really fail to see much of an advantage in this approach. I'm thinking it may have to do with more meaty tires, but...

Edited March 12, 200620 yr by YellowJacket894

The Redline/SS SC (maybe the non/SC SS, not sure) have different axles & such from the regular Ion/Cobalt, so it's not just the lug pattern that's different. People who want to drop the 2.0L into their 2.2L Ion/Cobalt are quickly dissapointed when they find out just how much is different.

The Redline/SS SC (maybe the non/SC SS, not sure) have different axles & such from the regular Ion/Cobalt, so it's not just the lug pattern that's different. People who want to drop the 2.0L into their 2.2L Ion/Cobalt are quickly dissapointed when they find out just how much is different.

I knew different, beefier axles had to do with the 5-lug design, but still. Are the axles on the regular Cobalt/Ion so weak they can't handle anything over 170 horsepower?

Anyway, I guess if someone wants to get horsepower boost in a 2.2, they'll just have to buy an aftermarket supercharger. Actually, it sounds slightly cheaper than going all the way with buying an SS or Redline edition of those cars but that's a different story for a different time.

there are lots of other advantages beyond the hp to the RL/SS SC. IMO, if someone is serious about having a performance car, the money is worth it.

It's all in the wheel hub assembly. I'm guessing they wanted to beef it up for more powerful models.

The Redline/SS SC (maybe the non/SC SS, not sure) have different axles & such from the regular Ion/Cobalt, so it's not just the lug pattern that's different. People who want to drop the 2.0L into their 2.2L Ion/Cobalt are quickly dissapointed when they find out just how much is different.

I knew different, beefier axles had to do with the 5-lug design, but still. Are the axles on the regular Cobalt/Ion so weak they can't handle anything over 170 horsepower?

Anyway, I guess if someone wants to get horsepower boost in a 2.2, they'll just have to buy an aftermarket supercharger. Actually, it sounds slightly cheaper than going all the way with buying an SS or Redline edition of those cars but that's a different story for a different time.

well if you want to publish a book about How to get your cobalt to stage 5 (5 being 500 hp)... i really hope they dont put that kind of strength on the base model...

While we're talking Cobalts... I like this badge treatment (though I would keep the bowtie as well).

How hard would this be to do?

I assume they just moved the letters - it's not hard to do. IIRC, you just use a heat gun to warm the adhesive, then move them. Might need new adhesive, not sure. Find out from someone who knows better before doing anything, but I think that's the basic idea.