how tell if a stage 1 kit is installed in a used ss you might buy? would anyone install one without any labels. reason I ask I just bought an 08 ss auto, and it seems as fast as my 08 stick ss. i may have to install kit to outrun my wife's auto with my ss.

 

If it boosts over 18 or 19psi, it has the stage kit or some other reprogram... Could have an aftermarket tune.

 

IMO, at least this is what mine looks like, the easiest way to visually tell is by looking at the TMAP sensors. One is in plain sight on the manifold when you open the hood. The other is less visible and is located below the coolant reservior. The stock sensors were plain black. The ST1 sensors say "BOSCH" and have blue labels. Also, the sensor sockets on the stock units have multi-color wire conductors coming off of them. Those of the ST1 kit have all white wire conductors.

Of course, if they put the stickers in the proper place, you should see a silver "GM Performance Parts" compliance sticker next to the emissions sticker under the hood as well as a "PREMIUM FUEL REQUIRED" sticker inside of the fuel door.

 

thanks for response, will check tomorrow, no sticker on gas cap. just don't understand why it runs as good as my stick ss. but some days feet won't let me drive stick, and some days wife won't let me drive her auto.

 

Easiest way to tell...Mash the Throttle and the tires bake with TC off...Al

 

Look at the MAP sensor on the engine. if it is held down with 2 bolts and has 3 wires you are stock. If it is held down with only one bolt and has 4 wires you have the upgrade kit.

 

There should be another sticker under the hood as well with the part number of the upgrade.

 

Bill beat me on posting! Glad I read all of them before I posted the same thing.

 

True about the bolt in the manifold. I compared it with the original parts (which I kept). As a matter of fact, it was one of the first things that I questioned when I had mine done. I believe that the left one (facing the engine from the front with the hood raised) is missing after the upgrade. You will only see the threaded hole that held in the original sensor socket. Only the right bolt is used. At first glance, it indeed looks strange as if something was wrong.

My blood pressure went down once I gave it a closer look and realized that this is by design, not mistake.

 

looks like no kit. but it still amazes me that the auto is about as quick as my 5 spd. we gave our hhr lt to our daughter so now just have 2 ss's. which is enough. thanks for info.