Oh boy, had the Stage kit installed earlier this week on my 2009. It is a March '09 build with the factory vacuum pump and in 2k of driving I never had a hint of the brake problem. One day after the kit install I've now got the full blown brake problem!

I'm not sure I'm hearing the pump activating anymore on cold startup. Could this be an issue with the reflash that was done? I thought I read that there are a number of different versions of the reflash depending upon the brake fix situation of the car, could the wrong one have been installed on my car?

In addition to the above problem, I now sense that the motor doesn't run quite as smoothly as it did pre-kit install and the throttle sure seems to have more of a "hair trigger" feel too. It does generate gobs of power now but these other two items are slightly irratating me. Is this a normal byproduct of the upgrade and has anyone else noticed these as well?

 

Sounds like they answered no when they should have said yes on the "Vacuum Pump" question, during programming.

 

Thanks ChevyMgr, I just talked right with the tech who did the install. He said when he choose "2009 w/Vacuum Pump", for some reason the computer wouldn't accept that selection so they had to call the tech line who then finished the request and sent the download.

I'm scheduled to return the car next week so that they can call the tech line with the problem and try the download again hopefully getting it right this time. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

My SS went back to the dealer yesterday and after a couple of hours of the tech wrangling with the GM Tech Line, the proper software download was accomplished. I'm happy to report the car now runs great with the upgrade kit properly installed and this morning my vacuum pump activated as designed. Life is good!

The tech advised me that the problem was on the GM side as the system kept delivering the wrong software version for my car. It could be that it didn't show a factory vacuum pump associated with my VIN even though I have one. In any case, a GM engineer intervened and made it work.

 

Now you can post in the thread on your impression of the stage kit. Glad the brake issue got resolved and your tech is right. We can only tell it what we want, but GM supplies the program and it must be correct for your specific vehicle.

 

Will do. I also want to mention that Chevrolet of Watsonville in Watsonville, CA was the installing dealer and they have been great to work with. Total cost was only $158 and I recommend them to anyone in the CA central coast area looking for a kit install.

 

So now you can go fast and stop. It's good to be able to do both!

 

That's for sure! I only wish the Brembos could have been had with the automatic cars. Next step up for my SS is maybe a brake pad upgrade and definitely a set of real performance tires.

 

Yeah, me too. You could have written the story with my name instead of yours and the final chapter would have been the same, except I haven't fixed mine yet.

 

I'd take it back to the dealer and have them make it right. I didn't get charged anything by my dealer for the rework they did on mine.