+1 on what the others said. Your S197 GT should beat your friend's Cobalt SS by at least 0.5 sec. in the 1/4 mile. However, that assumes a good driver mod for both cars, a decent D/A(moderate ambient temperature, low humidity, low elevation), and a well prepped track.
Since you cannot do anything regarding your track's elevation or how well it's prepped, then focus on the weather conditions and your driving abilities.
If possible, go to the track when the ambient temp is cool and the humidity is low, because S197 GT engines produce noticeably more power in these conditions. I don't know how the performance of the Cobalt's turbocharged engine is affected by the weather.
And since this is your 1st time to the track, then your driver mod may also need some fine tuning.
FWIW, here are some suggestions which hopefully will improve it(These assume that your car has a manual tranny, and stock tires):
- A good launch off the starting line is normally considered the most important facet of drag racing. Like the adage says - "Spinning ain't winning". The recommended launch method for our cars is to rev the engine to 2500-3500 rpm in neutral, and then slip the clutch while maintaining the rpm's so that the rear tires spin for only a few feet(DO NOT drop the clutch. This will only result in time wasting wheelspin and wheelhop. BTW, your 4.10's make your car more prone to wheelspin, so you may have to allow for a decent amount of clutch slip). When the tires grab traction, quickly and smoothly release the clutch pedal and floor the gas pedal simultaneously. This launch method can be difficult to master during one's initial time at the track, especially when the adrenaline is pumping in overdrive, so try not to get discouraged. You'll get there.
- Shift as quickly and smoothly as possible. Depending on track conditions, you may have to avoid an aggressive 1-2 shift in order to avoid wheelspin and wheelhop. Some owners power shift(keep the gas pedal floored while depressing the clutch pedal) in order to reduce their times. But this method is hard on the clutch and tranny.
Also:
- If possible, allow your car's engine to cool off for at least 30 min.-1 hour after arriving at the track. These engines lose noticeable power when they're heatsoaked.
- While the engine is cooling down, disconnect the battery for 30 min. This will erase any conservative driving parameters from the ECU's memory, which should increase your engine's performance.
- Reduce the rear tire pressure to approx. 25 psi to increase traction, and increase the fronts to 40-45 psi to reduce rolling resistance.
- Before getting to the starting line, give the rear tires just a quick spin to clean them off, and avoid the water box. Long smoky burnouts and wet tires reduce traction. Again, this applies to stock rubber only.
Good luck, and have fun!!!