When we set out to break the quarter mile record in the Sonic we quickly realized how limiting a stock frame style turbo was on these 1.4 engines. After maxing the V3 turbo we knew that we needed something larger, and that customers would want more as well. Cycling through a few different turbo combinations we ultimately ended up with our prototype Z04. Based around a tried and true K04 center section this turbo took us all the way down to 12.0 seconds in the quarter mile, nearly a full second faster than our previous V3 quarter mile record.
The Z04 turbo features a stainless steel cast housing, journal bearing center section, and cast aluminum compressor housing. This turbo is a 100% bolt on solution for your 1.4T vehicle. Our Z04 turbo kit includes everything needed to bolt on your Sonic or Cruze. The Z04 is capable of nearly double the horsepower of your stock turbo, and approximately 30-50whp over a maxed V3 setup. This turbo kit comes with a full mandrel bent 3" down-pipe and mid-pipe combo with high flow cat that will connect to your stock catback or any aftermarket catback. This turbo spools around 500-700rpm later than a good stock or V3 turbo.
June 2024 Update: We have upgraded the turbine wheel on our Z04 to increase efficiency and reduce back pressure. By moving from a traditional 12 blade turbine wheel to a new 9 blade we reduced mass and were able to increase efficiency on the 1.4 engine. This results is a considerable drop in exhaust back pressure along with approximately 5-10 more WHP with no loss in spool time.
With this upgrade and power you will want a few supporting mods. We 100% recommend everyone with the Z04 run an upgraded rear trans mount, found here for Sonic, here for Cruze. With your engine being capable of producing significantly more power and tq than stock with this turbo kit, it is going to twist under acceleration a considerable amount with only stock mounts. You are also running a 3" downpipe through a space that originally came with a 1.75" pipe so clearance issues may occur when running your stock mounts only. You do not need upgraded exhaust or intercooler to run the Z04, however, it is highly recommended. Our 3" Sonic catback or 3" Cruze catback pairs perfectly with the Z04. Your stock catback is only 1 3/4" in diameter, and will become a restriction quickly. You will need upgraded injectors, 42# for 91/93, and 60# for full E85. With the larger turbine housing and larger compressor/turbine wheels, the Z04 benefits greatly from our upgraded camshaft package and valve springs, found here and here.
Includes:
- Z04 Turbocharger
- 3" mandrel bent down-pipe/mid-pipe combo with high flow cat
- Wideband O2 bung
- 3" v-band clamp
- Custom coolant lines
- Copper crush washers for coolant and oil lines
- Coolant banjo bolts
- Silicone coupler for turbo to charge pipe connection
- AC compressor relocate brackets (on Cruze version)
- New belt for relocated AC compressor (on Cruze version)
This is a new bolt on turbo, not core based, and it comes with everything needed for the install. Does not work on Gen 2 (2016.5+) 1.4L Chevy Cruze.
You will re-use your stock oil feed line and will need to be slightly bent; take care in bending. You will re-use your stock oil drain, however they break easily so we recommend replacing, we carry an upgraded replacement here. You may also need to gently bend your AC compressor line on a Sonic.
How to order: First option is going to determine which silicone coupler you receive with your turbo kit. If you have a stock intercooler kit on your car you will choose "Stock Intercooler". If you have a ZZP intercooler kit on your car (full kit including charge pipes, not just the intercooler) you will choose "ZZP Intercooler". The second option determines which downpipe you will receive, the downpipes are specific to the Sonic or the Cruze. 2012 Chevy Sonic customers will want to order the "2012 Sonic" option, all other years of Sonic will choose the "2013-2020 Sonic" option.
Specifications:
- Compressor inducer: 43mm
- Compressor exducer: 59mm
- Turbine inducer: 50mm
- Turbine exducer: 43.50mm
This turbo is designed, machined, inspected and assembled in house at ZZPerformance in Wyoming, MI. The down-pipe/mid-pipe is bent on our mandrel bender and welded by our fabricators here in Wyoming, MI. Turbo castings are made by ZZP China.
Cruze customers: If you have our 3" catback you will need our ZZP 2 bolt gasket found here, if you have a stock catback or ZZP 2.25" catback you will need the stock gasket found here.