Stage II Kit is still coming

[Mike-in-Orange]

A bunch were discussing this at the track last night, and personally I don't think we'll ever see a Stage II for the PT, and here's why:

There are a ton of automatic tranny equipped Turbo PTs out there, probably many times more than 5 speeds. There are a few guys out there who have done their own thing to get big HP/Torque numbers out of their PTs, and we're starting to see parts fail. The auto tranny (not to mention motor mounts and axles) can't handle much over 280ft-lbs of torque, and Stage II will start killing auto trannys really fast. DCX will have a lot of really ticked off people as those trannys fail, and if they all switch back to stock setup and bring their cars in for warranty work, DCX will spend a ton of money fixing those things. Bad situation either way.

Just a guess on my part - what do you guys think?

[Mean Green]

Sounds like a possibility, Mike. The auto tranny in the wife's '01 went out at 81,000 miles and we had the tranny service done to it. The only reason we got the wife an '04 PT with auto tranny was the fact we have a 90,000 mile warranty. Anyone with the auto tranny should make sure they have an extended warranty because my feeling now is that the auto tranny will fail and an extended warranty will cover it. I'm glad I have a GT with the 5 speed.

[MichaelDay]

You may be correct Mike but I really hope you are wrong. I have been awaiting a CARB approved Stage 2 for a LONG time. I held off on Stage 1 because it wasn't CARB approved. As the miles continue to build up on my '03 GT (over 27K now) it is getting more and more frustrating to wait.

Bummer. Why won't Chrysler (Mopar) level with us? I'm a big boy, I can deal with the ACTUAL status rather than just a black hole.

[hoopdiewagon]

Honestly, I dont really think there will be a SII for the Cruiser either. I just think there is a market for it. If you notice, what are the majority of PT drivers? I cant see DCX actively persuing a Cuiser market, they gave us Stage 1, that should be enough to satisfy the majority. Unlike the SRT4, which 99.9% of owners are putting additional parts on, the PT crowd isnt as active in hitting the track or breaking land-speed records. Most just wanted a fast way to get the groceries, not hunt down Mustangs and Camaros. Granted the forums are always exceptions, but not the majority. This is where the Cruiser owners should think outside the Mopar box to what else is availiable. There are plenty of aftermarket companies that have taken on the GT Cruiser. The potential is out there, its just what parts you want on your ride. I cant blame those who want to stay all Mopar, but you are still taking a chance on warrenty work (if you even have any).

[hyracer]

If there WAS a good time to release, it would be within the next few months. DCX has just released Stage 3 for the SRT4's which should free up a couple of engineers to work on our Stage 2.

Will it happen??? I say NO...for some of the very reasons expressed above. Auto-tranny is close to being maxed at Stage 1 and overall sales would be very small. Face it, most Cruiser people are NOT into throwing their warranty away and could care less about spending $1,000 for 30 HP. I've said it before and I'll say it again...I belong to a Cruiser club with around 300 members and only 3 of us at this point have Stage 1...pretty dismal numbers to look at if you were a bean-counter at DCX.

There are a handfull of us that will boost power to Stage 2 levels and beond, and that is what the aftermarket companies are for. For the same money you would have spent on S2 you could make more HP going aftermarket. Also two companies are close to releasing larger Turbo kits for the GT's that will boost power to 325-350 HP out of the box and with additional fuel mods and a 3" down-pipe will bring you up to 400 HP...more than enough to blow the axles, clutches, converters, and trannies, etc. right out of your favorite ride.

For those of you that have skipped Stage 1 for Stage 2...you have given up a lot of fun time for the sake of $300-$350 . Add an aftermarket WGA and a $50 MBC and you'll be within 10 HP of Stage 2 anyway.

Deen

[Big Al]

Too late for me...

I was waiting for stage 2 - still not here after a year...
I will get stage 1 and put my other money into another non-Chrysler vehicle I own.

[Cal Cruzer]

I called Mopar last friday. They said plans for Stage 2 had been shelved and no further plans for performance parts as the model is to be revamped anyhow and they could see no return on investment in the future.


















Okay, now we can all buy S-1 and be happy with the other stuff that is becoming available for the GT [B)][][)]
(Wouldn't just a plain, upfront statement like this be a relief?)

[tallypt]

quote:Originally posted by Cal Cruzer

I called Mopar last friday. They said plans for Stage 2 had been shelved and no further plans for performance parts as the model is to be revamped anyhow and they could see no return on investment in the future.Okay, now we can all buy S-1 and be happy with the other stuff that is becoming available for the GT [B)][][)]
(Wouldn't just a plain, upfront statement like this be a relief?)

BUMMER IF IT IS %100. Well, on the bright side...DAMM, NO BRIGHT SIDE.

I guess I will drown my sorrow in a stage one kit. Again, what a bummer.

Hubert[^]

[PTGT_Boy]

There is always other alternative cars to buy that will go faster [].

[tallypt]

quote:Originally posted by PTGT_Boy

There is always other alternative cars to buy that will go faster [].

Of course there is, but that is not the point. A fast minivan on factory parts is what I want. If I need to go w/ stage one and exhaust mods. that will be fine. Not as fast as I want but still pretty cool.

Hubert