HHR SS with Stage Turbo Kit

[hyperv6]

Well A quick review of the stage kit for the HHR SS.

WOW!

This kit has given my SS the bottom end the Automatic lacks. [Auto's are held to 235 HP in 1st and 2nd gear with 250 HP in 3rd and 4th].

The new set up is at 290 HP with 314 FT LBS of torque.

So far it has much more usable power and will see PSI reading up over 20 PSI any time you step on it. Some high alt areas may see as high as 27-28 PSI.

Torque steer is more but with a FWD your going to get that. Once you are used to it id no big deal and you learn to expect it.

MPG I have not checked but most are seeing the same or 1-2 more MPG because of the extra touque.

I was able to buy my kit at a discount through work and got my dealer to install it for 1.2 hours. I have $635 in the kit that has gained me 55 HP.

The biggest problems I have seen others with this kit have is lose intake tubes blowing off with the increase preessure. It is advised to tell the dealer to check the t bolt on the tubes while installing this.

I have yet to get times but I suspect a 14 flat or even a high 13 is possible with this combo. The 0-60 must now be in the 4 high second range. Mileage in the city has been 21-24 depending how cold it is and 28-30 highway.

When I get time I will get the performance numbers and post them.

Some Sky owners have dyno right on GM's numbers. The best part is the learn feature of the computer is left open. So if you add an exhaust or other performance adding part it will change the computer and adapt to it to max the added power. The stock computer really stops most add on parts from increasing performance.

It is amazing what to map senors, two wire conectors and a computer falsh can do.

Premium is now required but that is all I used anyway. It is optional on a stock HHR SS. Also note the 5 year 100,000 mile drivetain warrantry is still in effect for this combo. The Ecotech is strong enough to deal with this added power with not even coming close to it max ability. The auto transmission is controled by the flash to keep it safe too. at higher levels you may be on your own their.

Bang for the buck the SS and Stage kit is a winner.

[Camino LS6]

Nice review.

This sort of upgrade is a great thing for GM to offer generally.

[hyperv6]

A buddy with an identical HHR SS has taken his times from a Aerofroce meter. The numbers are for a 2008 SS with a 2.0 Turbo automatic and stage kit. The HHR is 3200 pounds. Conditions were in the 40's. Tires were hard 18" OE Michelin Pilots

This was his first run so improvments should only add to this.

0-60 = 5.77 sec

1/4 mile = 13.91sec @ 103 mph

1/8 mile 9.06sec @ 82

My 1/4 estimate was right on but I was a little low on my 0-60. A 5 sp may make the high 4's.

[hyperv6]

Nice review.

This sort of upgrade is a great thing for GM to offer generally.

GM sold out twice on these kits. The same kit is for the Solstice, Sky and HHR. The Cobalt is to follow soon.

Note the early kits had the wrong wire diagram and lacked the modification needed to the lower intake tube. Also the flash was lackin for the addition of the vacuum pump for the TSB on the automatic turbo cars. These have been corrected and the kit is now approved for the 09 cars in all 50 states.

Note the Solstice and Sky make the same HP at 290 HP but torque is up to 340 FT LBS on the 5 speed Kappas. 325 FT LBS on the Auto Kappas.

A few of the HHR guys are now hitting in the 12's with more mods. One is looking at 11's soon with a daily driver.

[CaddyXLR-V]

A buddy with an identical HHR SS has taken his times from a Aerofroce meter. The numbers are for a 2008 SS with a 2.0 Turbo automatic and stage kit. The HHR is 3200 pounds. Conditions were in the 40's. Tires were hard 18" OE Michelin Pilots

This was his first run so improvments should only add to this.

0-60 = 5.77 sec

1/4 mile = 13.91sec @ 103 mph

1/8 mile 9.06sec @ 82

My 1/4 estimate was right on but I was a little low on my 0-60. A 5 sp may make the high 4's.

I doubt it will get down into the 4 second range 0-60. That's Camaro and GTO territory. Mid 5s sounds about right for that 1/4 mile time.

[Camino LS6]

Damn fast for a bread truck. :AH-HA_wink:

[FloydHendershot]

Well A quick review of the stage kit for the HHR SS.

WOW!

This kit has given my SS the bottom end the Automatic lacks. [Auto's are held to 235 HP in 1st and 2nd gear with 250 HP in 3rd and 4th].

The new set up is at 290 HP with 314 FT LBS of torque.

So far it has much more usable power and will see PSI reading up over 20 PSI any time you step on it. Some high alt areas may see as high as 27-28 PSI.

Torque steer is more but with a FWD your going to get that. Once you are used to it id no big deal and you learn to expect it.

MPG I have not checked but most are seeing the same or 1-2 more MPG because of the extra touque.

I was able to buy my kit at a discount through work and got my dealer to install it for 1.2 hours. I have $635 in the kit that has gained me 55 HP.

The biggest problems I have seen others with this kit have is lose intake tubes blowing off with the increase preessure. It is advised to tell the dealer to check the t bolt on the tubes while installing this.

I have yet to get times but I suspect a 14 flat or even a high 13 is possible with this combo. The 0-60 must now be in the 4 high second range. Mileage in the city has been 21-24 depending how cold it is and 28-30 highway.

When I get time I will get the performance numbers and post them.

Some Sky owners have dyno right on GM's numbers. The best part is the learn feature of the computer is left open. So if you add an exhaust or other performance adding part it will change the computer and adapt to it to max the added power. The stock computer really stops most add on parts from increasing performance.

It is amazing what to map senors, two wire conectors and a computer falsh can do.

Premium is now required but that is all I used anyway. It is optional on a stock HHR SS. Also note the 5 year 100,000 mile drivetain warrantry is still in effect for this combo. The Ecotech is strong enough to deal with this added power with not even coming close to it max ability. The auto transmission is controled by the flash to keep it safe too. at higher levels you may be on your own their.

Bang for the buck the SS and Stage kit is a winner.

Great, that's what we need more hhr drivers speeding around even faster like crack addled whores fiending for another score. Ok looking cars but haven't come across one yet that wasn't being driven like a complete moron was behind the wheel. Throw in the added torque steer and it's probably like watching Bambi on ice.

Aside from the host vehicle it is nice to see that kind of modification and its performance. Just wish it was on something meaningful. It'd be nice to see these on the track just to see how it holds up for longer than 5 or 6 seconds.

Edited April 15, 2009 by FloydHendershot

[PurdueGuy]

Great, that's what we need more hhr drivers speeding around even faster like crack addled whores fiending for another score. Ok looking cars but haven't come across one yet that wasn't being driven like a complete moron was behind the wheel. Throw in the added torque steer and it's probably like watching Bambi on ice.

Aside from the host vehicle it is nice to see that kind of modification and its performance. Just wish it was on something meaningful. It'd be nice to see these on the track just to see how it holds up for longer than 5 or 6 seconds.

I watch a Cobalt SS/TC at regular autocrosses, where it wipes the floor with just about everyone else there except the karts and maybe a vette or two (and there are plenty more vettes there than just one or two). Considering the HHR is a tall Cobalt, that's a pretty good indication. They hold up just fine, and perform more than just fine. I'm just wondering why Caddy doesn't seem to think a modded HHR SS can run with Camaros and GTOs...

[FloydHendershot]

I watch a Cobalt SS/TC at regular autocrosses, where it wipes the floor with just about everyone else there except the karts and maybe a vette or two (and there are plenty more vettes there than just one or two). Considering the HHR is a tall Cobalt, that's a pretty good indication. They hold up just fine, and perform more than just fine. I'm just wondering why Caddy doesn't seem to think a modded HHR SS can run with Camaros and GTOs...

Well, I've seen some pretty impressive 'Balts as well but that is a far cry from a few bolt on mods and tweeks on a street rod. I'm thinking heavy duty brakes, mounts, joints, struts you name it.

I admit I did not crunch numbers or factor in weight which btw do not even have a guess but I've always believed any modification to powerplant necessitates more modiications so the rest of the vehicle is not compromised in any way.

Going fast is not hard to achieve it's the associated prolonged stress on the system that can be troublesome. On a street car a practical balance is rare without deep pockets and a lot of time. Again, for sustained periods. Just saying. Many hopped up rides like that break, become too costly, wreck or wind up in the lot in the sky for any or whatever reasons..

[Camino LS6]

Well, I've seen some pretty impressive 'Balts as well but that is a far cry from a few bolt on mods and tweeks on a street rod. I'm thinking heavy duty brakes, mounts, joints, struts you name it.

I admit I did not crunch numbers or factor in weight which btw do not even have a guess but I've always believed any modification to powerplant necessitates more modiications so the rest of the vehicle is not compromised in any way.

Going fast is not hard to achieve it's the associated prolonged stress on the system that can be troublesome. On a street car a practical balance is rare without deep pockets and a lot of time. Again, for sustained periods. Just saying. Many hopped up rides like that break, become too costly, wreck or wind up in the lot in the sky for any or whatever reasons..

But that's where the beauty of this upgrade lies.

It is engineered for the vehicle by GM.

The troubles you describe come from ad hoc modification done without an eye toward treating the entire car like a single system. That can and will get you into trouble.

[CaddyXLR-V]

I watch a Cobalt SS/TC at regular autocrosses, where it wipes the floor with just about everyone else there except the karts and maybe a vette or two (and there are plenty more vettes there than just one or two). Considering the HHR is a tall Cobalt, that's a pretty good indication. They hold up just fine, and perform more than just fine. I'm just wondering why Caddy doesn't seem to think a modded HHR SS can run with Camaros and GTOs...

Because he was talking about a 290hp HHR. I'm not saying it can't be made to compete with a GTO or Camaro, but it's going to take a little more than that. And a RWD car has an advantage from 0-60. I had a highly modified Grand Prix GTP with over 350hp. It stood no chance what so ever 0-60 compared to my GTO. One goes, the other spins.

[hyperv6]

The HHR SS is a well modified vehiclle with upgraded and stronger control arms. 4 wheel disc with a Brembo option. stability control, LSD is also available. This car was tuned by DM engineer retired and SCCA champion John Heinrency of the GMPD divsion. Yes the same folks who do the V series cars and other record holding cars at the ring. You might check youtube for the video of he lap at the ring it is a amazing lap for a small FWD.

The HHR SS holds it's class record at the ring and is in at approx 8:43 min lap.

As for holding up GM gives it a 5 year 100,000 mile warranty unlike the many aftermarket kits that are just somebodys best guess.

You also may want to study up and learn just what a Ecotec can do. It is an amazing engine and one GM should be proud of. GM even published a book on how to build it as a full drag engine and it takes very little to do it.

The HHR SS is basically a Cobalt SS that you can used to not just all a$$ but haul other things in it as a daily driver. Both are two of the best performance bargins on the market. Both are well sorted packages. To bad they had to wait till the end of the run for both to make them what they could be. Imagine the Cobalt if it had started out with a package like this.

I do not see this as a GTO killer or such but it is more a complimentry model to fill out the Chevy line.

Not all of us can live with a Solstice or Camaro as a daily driver. And not all of us want a stock base Cobalt to drive.

In fact Pontiac could have used a package like this in a G5 or G6 to make it interesting.

[G. David Felt]

Thanks for the post, very intersting info.

[hyperv6]

Thanks for the post, very intersting info.

No problem!

I just hate to see a good engine package like this to go undiscovered by not only the general public but also many GM fans.

Engines like this will play a big part in GM's future performance plans. The CAFE and other standards are going to hurt and this engine give us a clear picture of what they can and will do.

It may never replace the sound and power of a ZR1 as speed but this is a good package that makes for fun driving while keeping it afforable to drive daily. I had never considered the HHR untill I drove the SS. It on performance alone sold me. I hated the power loss with the Automatic but the wife dose not drive stick. This kit solved my problem.

I see the 290 HP Cobalt SS as being one of the great SS cars in history. With its handling, braking and power it can do thing only the latest Vetts can do and at a price many can afford. I just hope they find room for this engine in another Chevy. A Mini like car with this performance at $20K would be a winner.

Just sad so many here know little about this so that tells me few in the general public will know little. The lack of money for marketing is GM's biggest problem right now.

GM needs to show how if they can produce a near 300 HP from 2 liters just what else they can do when their engineers are empowered as Lutz has done. I hope his replacment lets the powertrain division continue their good work.

[hyperv6]

I watch a Cobalt SS/TC at regular autocrosses, where it wipes the floor with just about everyone else there except the karts and maybe a vette or two (and there are plenty more vettes there than just one or two). Considering the HHR is a tall Cobalt, that's a pretty good indication. They hold up just fine, and perform more than just fine. I'm just wondering why Caddy doesn't seem to think a modded HHR SS can run with Camaros and GTOs...

I think he just ment with the stage kit.

I think he is smart enough to know with a little more work it could run with them easily.

Too bad John Lingenfelter passed away he was doing some great work on the Ecotech. He was telling me about some of the things they were doing and power they were making. I miss him he was just a regular gear head like the rest of us. I was lucky to get to spend some time hanging out with him at work and at the track.

[Guest ChaseM.2009hhrSS]

QUOTE (hyperv6 @ Apr 14 2009, 06:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well A quick review of the stage kit for the HHR SS.

WOW!

This kit has given my SS the bottom end the Automatic lacks. [Auto's are held to 235 HP in 1st and 2nd gear with 250 HP in 3rd and 4th].

The new set up is at 290 HP with 314 FT LBS of torque.

So far it has much more usable power and will see PSI reading up over 20 PSI any time you step on it. Some high alt areas may see as high as 27-28 PSI.

Torque steer is more but with a FWD your going to get that. Once you are used to it id no big deal and you learn to expect it.

MPG I have not checked but most are seeing the same or 1-2 more MPG because of the extra touque.

I was able to buy my kit at a discount through work and got my dealer to install it for 1.2 hours. I have $635 in the kit that has gained me 55 HP.

The biggest problems I have seen others with this kit have is lose intake tubes blowing off with the increase preessure. It is advised to tell the dealer to check the t bolt on the tubes while installing this.

I have yet to get times but I suspect a 14 flat or even a high 13 is possible with this combo. The 0-60 must now be in the 4 high second range. Mileage in the city has been 21-24 depending how cold it is and 28-30 highway.

When I get time I will get the performance numbers and post them.

Some Sky owners have dyno right on GM's numbers. The best part is the learn feature of the computer is left open. So if you add an exhaust or other performance adding part it will change the computer and adapt to it to max the added power. The stock computer really stops most add on parts from increasing performance.

It is amazing what to map senors, two wire conectors and a computer falsh can do.

Premium is now required but that is all I used anyway. It is optional on a stock HHR SS. Also note the 5 year 100,000 mile drivetain warrantry is still in effect for this combo. The Ecotech is strong enough to deal with this added power with not even coming close to it max ability. The auto transmission is controled by the flash to keep it safe too. at higher levels you may be on your own their.

Bang for the buck the SS and Stage kit is a winner.

Great, that's what we need more hhr drivers speeding around even faster like crack addled whores fiending for another score. Ok looking cars but haven't come across one yet that wasn't being driven like a complete moron was behind the wheel. Throw in the added torque steer and it's probably like watching Bambi on ice.

Aside from the host vehicle it is nice to see that kind of modification and its performance. Just wish it was on something meaningful. It'd be nice to see these on the track just to see how it holds up for longer than 5 or 6 seconds.

Kinda sad you dogging on people like that, i drive a HHR SS automatic and it's giving me a extra jump of hp right before i upgrade my turbo and inter cooler. I already have a exhaust and intake upgrade and im putting down 255hp/245trq, i run 9sec 8ths without the stage kit, but soon as i get it plus my other mods im trying to shoot for the 12s qt and 4.5s 0-60

[Guest Steve gilbert]

Im new to forum. Just purchased 2009 automatic hhr ss

Can any dealer do the turbo upgrade, or only certain ones

Plan on doing full exhaust including header on back

With high output cat. No muffler

And dual exhaust

With the high flow cat,will it have trouble passing E check

Thanks

Steve

[hyperv6]

Well here is the deal. 

 

Yes any GM dealer can install it. I would look for a good reliable dealer with a tech on staff that specialize in Turbo engines. Today that is easy to do but back in 08 Turbo engines were mostly Diesel. 

 

I would recommend you go to the HHR Forum and read up as there are some things you need to do before you install the kit. 

 

#1 Buy the plug in harness from Create Engine Warehouse in Illinois. This eliminate the cutting of the harness for the new Maps. These splices have been trouble for some and not trouble for others just depending on who did the work. They are worth the extra price. I would have used them if they were out when I did mine. 

 

#2 I would recommend putting the lower Map on backwards. GM used a Bosh 3 bar unit from Lancia .Yes the Italian company. Keep in mind when this kit was made GM owned a stake in Fiat, The Map is at a 90 degree angle vs 180 degree of the original. the risk you may have is the connector may hit the AC unit under acceleration and short out the sensor. I put mine on with the plug to the front and it pulls away from the fan shield when you accelerate so it does not hit. This was something an engineer from The GM performance group recommended. 

 

#3 you can install this yourself if you like it is only two maps sensors. You still would need the dealer to flash the computer. You do need to take off the front bumper which is not all that hard. 

 

As for the other changes I am not sure on how it will do to pass. It depends just on how much air flow you have as if it is too much it will not get a good reading at the O2 and an set a code. Also the added exhaust changes will only add a little power. If you want more power a bigger IC and bigger turbo is where you should look. But be aware you are close torque wise to the durability of the Automatic. Once you get over 325 FT LBS the tranny will die at some point as like most GTP guys have learned. Even with the kit the car shifts out of first fast to keep the tranny and diff alive. 

 

This is called the GM Performance Turbo Upgrade. They tend not not call it a stage kit as there is no other stages. Now there is a Trifecta Stage kit that comes in several stages and options You do not have to change the maps. 

 

The key to the GM kit is it did not void the warranty. Well I assume your warranty is up so the Trifecta is a real options with little disadvantage. When I did this kit I was only a couple thousand in on my warranty so the GM was the better and only option at the time. 

 

Duel exhaust and no muffler etc I would recommend reading up on as not all provide a lot of change. Some do but it is a matter of the right combination. The Forum others have done the changes can give a better report. I stuck with the factory exhaust a I hate the sound of the 4 loud. I would rather be a little more stealthy. But that is just me. 

 

My Buddy is talking about some changes on his exhaust but he has not done them yet. He just got his SS last summer. 

 

I would recommend going to Summit Racing web site and get the Ecotec book. It gives you all the specs and what you can do to the Eco. It gives you the limits of different engine parts too. It is the best book on Eco info. 

 

I hope this helps. 

 

Note I also took the bracket on my Radiator and clearanced the bolt hole a little bit to move the radiator forward. This kit is lucky it even got out due to the fact GM was going broke. Because of this the Bosh map really should not have been used in such a tight space. Really make sure it touches nothing. That was the only issue I have had in near 8 years. 

 

Also tighten the hose clamps down on the boost side. If they are not tight you could pop one off. going from 15 to 23-24 PSI can pop them off if they have gotten loose over time. I have seen this even happen on the trucks. 

 

Just keep in mind with the changes you make the transaxle is the weak point as the engine pretty much will handle up to 400 HP with no issue. You can buy and build a better tranny but it does cost. That was the weak point of this car at the time it was built. That is why the Solstice with the manual tranny gets 340 FT LBS of torque over out 315 FT LBS. 

 

With that said I have loved my set up and how reliable it has been. I have not daily driven it in the last year since I got another car. I want to keep the winter miles off. The 08  Bu V6 I have could never keep up with the HHR. 

 

The one thing you will find is being FWD traction is a problem. It tends to like to spin at many speeds. I have put the traction control light on at 55 MPH at times. Note the engine management will catch sometimes and you will not spin and other times depending on the speed and such it will not catch and it will light up the front tires at speeds you do not expect. The truth is FWD does not have better traction as the weigh transfer unloads the front end. If this car had RWD it would even be better. 

Edited January 30, 2016 by hyperv6

[Guest jackola]

I have a 2010 hhrss with the upgrade kit. If I nail it from a dead stop all I do is eat tires. I will race someone from 20mph then watch out. I raced carts when I was younger and this thing handles like one. Love the car