all i have to say is wow. i didn't even go full throttle and thing was moving...with the traction control on!!!! :eek:

i'm very impressed and satisfied. is it worth it??? yeah,but i can really tell ya after sat. night :one: !!!

i would rate the tune 9/10.

hrc service and tech support 10/10. hrc made me feel like they knew me and been a customer and a friend for years. this the kind of service i like. got call and emails from them. didn't have to go hunt them down and wait on an email reply. i might actually hold out for the maganaflow and wait to see bill's exhaust. if they can give us a time table!!! lol.(wink wink) i will purchase all my upgrades from hahn in the future!!!

:one: :one: :one: :thumb: :thumb: :nuts: :nuts:

So, Brandon are you cool with the ability to flash it back to stock for trips to the dealer? Doesnt GM have the ability to "read" back 10 tunes? I am curious about this. Ive had tunes for a few of my other cars and they are certainly worth the money IF you can put it back and not get denied warranty.

So, Brandon are you cool with the ability to flash it back to stock for trips to the dealer? Doesnt GM have the ability to "read" back 10 tunes? I am curious about this. Ive had tunes for a few of my other cars and they are certainly worth the money IF you can put it back and not get denied warranty.

i guess they do have that ability. this motor is very strong. as far as warrenty goes,i could argue that the stock parts causes more of a problem. my plastic ic pipe would have been fine,had they put aluminum ic piping on. in your case,i would get the gm tune when available. my car is not a daily driver. i take it to shows and meets. every now and then i like to push it and want to just surprise people.

Once my car gets to Pearl Harbor I guess I will be next in line!! Just don't tell my wife...:nono:

i guess they do have that ability. this motor is very strong. as far as warrenty goes,i could argue that the stock parts causes more of a problem. my plastic ic pipe would have been fine,had they put aluminum ic piping on. in your case,i would get the gm tune when available. my car is not a daily driver. i take it to shows and meets. every now and then i like to push it and want to just surprise people.


Basically, I meant that the dealer will use that reason/excuse to deny a related warranty claim. Aftermarket tune caused the problem. Especially if it was a powertrain/fuel/turbo problem. I will be trading my 08 2LT for an SS/panel/AA5? probably after the 1st of the year when it's paid off. I would love to get that tune as long as I know I can reverse it.

I totally feel you on the IC piping issue and Ive followed your threads. Doesnt seem real bright to use a plastic pipe at all. Hopefully the 09's will have all the little bugs and quirks worked out.

"all i have to say is wow. i didn't even go full throttle and thing was moving...with the traction control on!!!!"

Unless they have changed the parameters, the tune disables traction control regardless of whether or not you push the button.

Supposedly plastic piping is good up to 17psi.

Supposedly plastic piping is good up to 17psi.
Well, I have about 4000 miles of frequent 25 psig hits and no leaks, but I am looking forward to the aluminum piping from Hahn.

i think he meant hp wise.

when i was driving,my tc light wasn't on. haven't tried it yet to see if it's still working.

I totally feel you on the IC piping issue and Ive followed your threads. Doesnt seem real bright to use a plastic pipe at all. Hopefully the 09's will have all the little bugs and quirks worked out.

Using plastic pipe is "bright" if you're trying to bring a car to market at a certain price point. Even most turbo diesel pickups use plastic piping in the intercooler system. Costs less, good for stock boost levels, discourages modification, and works well if manufactured properly. In this case, mightymouse's car got a bad IC from a vendor who sold the bad part to GM and put it on his car.

I'm hoping we'll see a cottage industry with these new Ecotec turbos like we've seen with the old Buick 3.8 turbos.

Congrats mightymouse on finelly getting your car back and I am glad to hear that you like the BSR tune-welcome to the club...

I am going to Yorkville today to pick up my SS from Bill. All I can tell you all is it will be on the dyno this morning testing some new parts and I am sure Bill will put up a post later. :D

Congrats mightymouse on finelly getting your car back and I am glad to hear that you like the BSR tune-welcome to the club...

I am going to Yorkville today to pick up my SS from Bill. All I can tell you all is it will be on the dyno this morning testing some new parts and I am sure Bill will put up a post later. :D

:nuts: :nuts: :nuts: :nuts: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :one: :one: :one: :bow: :bow: :bow: i will be following this!!!! please post asap!!!

sorry hhrcrafty,but that plastic makes me want to modify it. had that part been aluminum from the get go,i would ave been fine. the defect was it was melted or glued on wrong. also with the flat spots it's holding the car back. on the trucks,atleast the y are round throughout. if they want to use plastic,make the whole system round instead of "pancake" style.

I don't disagree at all that using aluminum is a superior method, but these are mass-produced vehicles being sold under $25k. Can you imagine the cost if GM had a vendor fabricate aluminum intercooler piping for a vehicle at that price point? It wouldn't work.

Also, the possibility exists of a bad weld getting through here and there and you could have had the same problem with aluminum. As far as power goes, GM had a target horsepower output for both engines because of the limits of the transmission for warranty purposes. They have to make money on these cars plus guarantee them for a certain amount of time, so cuts have to be made somewhere.

"all i have to say is wow. i didn't even go full throttle and thing was moving...with the traction control on!!!!"

Unless they have changed the parameters, the tune disables traction control regardless of whether or not you push the button.

Wow...Thats a major short coming:confused: :eek:

Stock or modified I would want the car to have TC in the event my wife was driving in the rain.

Mighty mouse, help an ignorant SS owner out... shoot me the link to the site!

Wow...Thats a major short coming:confused: :eek:

Stock or modified I would want the car to have TC in the event my wife was driving in the rain.
When we get to the rainy season, I am putting the stock tune back, so that I regain TC, and also because that much hp is pretty much useless in the wet as far as I am concerned. If the TC uses the brakes (as well as engine parameters) to limit slip like most do, it would be much harder on the drivetrain with the extra torque fighting the brakes, (my theory of why they disable it)......man, that just brought back nasty memories of when I exploded a UJ on my dad's 427 Caprice by standing on the brakes and throttle at the same time to do a 4th smoky burnout. At least I knew how to fix it (you can just imagine how that sounded with a driveshaft flailing around under the car before getting launched sideways. Took out the differential yoke too, but not the splines on the trans for some reason (what a DS teenager).

When we get to the rainy season, I am putting the stock tune back, so that I regain TC, and also because that much hp is pretty much useless in the wet as far as I am concerned.

I don't think this is accurate. I can DEFINITELY tell whether TC is on or off in mine. As for putting the stock tune on during rainy weather... that's fine, but maybe you and your wife ought to go out and do some practice driving in the rain. It's not THAT much of a tune.

I don't think this is accurate. I can DEFINITELY tell whether TC is on or off in mine. As for putting the stock tune on during rainy weather... that's fine, but maybe you and your wife ought to go out and do some practice driving in the rain. It's not THAT much of a tune.
Are you telling me that your tune includes normal operation of the TC??? That's brand new if so. Mine smokes the tires in first and second with or without TC light on (no difference) and Hahn confirmed it is disabled with th etune. I don't spin the tires in the dry in normal driving, but I know wet will be a nuisance without TC.

Are you telling me that your tune includes normal operation of the TC??? That's brand new if so. Mine smokes the tires in first and second with or without TC light on (no difference) and Hahn confirmed it is disabled with th etune. I don't spin the tires in the dry in normal driving, but I know wet will be a nuisance without TC.

I don't know what constitutes "normal" as I never toggled the switch before the tune, but it is absolutely "different" when toggled now that the tune is there. With TC on (light OFF), I can spin the front tires a little bit, but have to do some clutch work to get them spinning... then you can tell the computer is fidding with things as it's not a strong spin. With the TC off (light ON), I can boil the tires in first... as in, on a decent blacktop, if I don't let up, it will NEVER stop spinning. I wonder if either 1) your TC just isn't working, or 2) your tune is different. Hmmm.

I don't know what constitutes "normal" as I never toggled the switch before the tune, but it is absolutely "different" when toggled now that the tune is there. With TC on (light OFF), I can spin the front tires a little bit, but have to do some clutch work to get them spinning... then you can tell the computer is fidding with things as it's not a strong spin. With the TC off (light ON), I can boil the tires in first... as in, on a decent blacktop, if I don't let up, it will NEVER stop spinning. I wonder if either 1) your TC just isn't working, or 2) your tune is different. Hmmm.
Hey, that is very interesting. There is definitely no difference with mine, and when I asked Aaron (at Hahn) he said that they confirmed that TC is disabled with the tune. Time to ask Bill "what's up?"

mine feels like it's working. will test it out after edourd(sp) leaves town lol!!!

I don't think this is accurate. I can DEFINITELY tell whether TC is on or off in mine. As for putting the stock tune on during rainy weather... that's fine, but maybe you and your wife ought to go out and do some practice driving in the rain. It's not THAT much of a tune.

I hope your joking......:roll::lol:

I have owned more than a couple fast cars in my life;). My wife has driven a manual into the 11's on more than one occasion and truth be told I would put her against most on this site for $$ in identical cars.

If this tune eliminates TC completely I would consider it a faulty product. The car comes with 3 stages of traction control for a reason. All of my tuned cars were able to make great HP but still gave you the choice to employ a factory equipped safety feature.

Now if the car is simply over powering the computer a bit I understand that. My blown vette would still over power traction control a bit before the computer had time to kick in.

I am all for modding and adding power... If I have learned anything about new cars it's to wait on new product development and avoid being the test mule at all costs.

I hope your joking......:roll::lol:

My blown vette would still over power traction control a bit before the computer had time to kick in.



Blower sticking out of the hood. Poor computer. :thumb:

Controlling the right foot in the rain is maybe a bit more important than any sort of computer control.

So this is from Aaron at Hahn. You could read it that we are both correct regarding the TC (sort of, almost).

"Yes it seems that the traction control is almost non- existent once the PPC is installed. All we received was a flashing low traction light and didn’t feel anything trying to stop the spin. But then again we weren’t trying to roast the tires off. This HHR really gets up and moves once the PPC is in!!. "

I hope your joking......:roll::lol:

In context, a little bit. But... I think you and I are making correlative points. You're saying that TC shouldn't be disabled (safety) and I'm saying that people should get some rain driving experience (safety).

BTW, c2vette... just to double-check myself, I did a 'controlled' test this afternoon in the office parking lot. Same start point (which is slightly uphill... makes for easy wheelspin), same WOT clutch dump from a dead stop. With TC identified as off (light ON), the wheels would have spun forever, or at least until the security guard came over and beat me to death with his high powered 4-D cell flashlight. With TC identified as on (light OFF), the car chirped the wheels pretty hard, with intermittent hook-up, and I drove up the hill about 100 feet before backing off. TC is unambiguously functioning with my HRC tune.

I don't know Aaron, nor do I mean this to infer his overall expertise... but on this issue, he is simply wrong to state that TC doesn't work when the car is tuned. As an parallel anecdote, Bill seemed to echo an adamant feeling about safety (that's my read) in his response to my suggestion of turning on Competitive Mode by default here (http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showpost.php?p=280990&postcount=5).

"I wonder if either 1) your TC just isn't working, or 2) your tune is different. Hmmm."...XXL

Me too (wondering). Thanks to your info I am going to explore this more. I was trying a bit today, and the wheel spin in 2nd MIGHT be less with TC on (light out). Really don't like wearing my tires out and "abusing" my baby too much though, so my experimentation is going to be limited. Vedy inderezting....

Hi everyone!

Our Tech Support specialist Aaron's knowledge of the usage and application of the Tuner is nigh-encyclopedic, as he's worked with literally hundreds of recipients over the last couple of years. He's my go-to for application questions from the field, as he is more in touch with the 'rank-and-file' than me by far!

On the Engineering side, I take the lead, and this is where I can tell you: this tune has been evolving all along, and that some characteristics such as traction control have been changing 'behind the scenes' in subtle ways. With literally thousands of parameters at my beck and call in these cars, not every aspect massaged will be instantly understood by our field techs like Aaron...the logistics are just too intense for such, he'd have to be in my office and lab all day long!

As noted here, traction control is not negated by the Tuner. TC's characteristics are, like most functions in this very sophisticated engine controller, practically infinitely adjustable, not just an 'on-or-off' proposition. So we've adapted them to best suit the task at hand. It may not suit every driver's taste's perfectly, but neither does the stock traction control, so this is not a detriment.

Thanks for the interest and the opportunity to clarify.

So, Brandon are you cool with the ability to flash it back to stock for trips to the dealer? Doesnt GM have the ability to "read" back 10 tunes? I am curious about this. Ive had tunes for a few of my other cars and they are certainly worth the money IF you can put it back and not get denied warranty.

Our tuner allows you to return the car to stock in under a minute for service, valets, Mom, anything you wish. Just plug it into the ALDL port under the dash, press the button, and the tune is removed.

While a GM dealer can see the car's been reflashed at some point, they cannot tell with what program, so it's very dicey for them to propose denial of powertrain warranty on this basis...insufficient proof of actual 'mischief' exists. We've yet to hear of this happening, and we've placed hundreds of these tuners in the field via our other Ecotec LNF applications.

What's perhaps even more encouraging is this...we've yet to hear of a single case of any engine or transmission problem on a car with the Tuner, making the whole question rather moot!

As usual, we don't advocate warranty fraud, and we feel that a car owner's choice to modify the car is also decision to possibly be denied warranty coverage. In the end, it's your car, and your decision to modify, so the responsibility for the outcome rests solely on...you. No matter the mod, from a bolt-on exhaust to a turbo upgrade or Nitrous, they all increase the power of the car, and can complicate warranty claims should a powertrain component fail. GM should not be reasonably expected to cover power levels in excess of stock. But again...since these cars are not showing signs of stress related to these mods, you can proceed with great confidence.

Always bear this in mind..our components and tuning are the results of literally decades of capability, and while we definitely make the power, we also enjoy a sterling reputation for durability. Let's face it...this is the best way to hedge your bet. If instead, you go with a newcomer, then enjoy the thrill...for it's not unlike placing a few grand on the craps table and awaiting that roll of the dice!

With literally thousands of parameters at my beck and call in these cars, not every aspect massaged will be instantly understood by our field techs like Aaron...the logistics are just too intense for such, he'd have to be in my office and lab all day long!

Having spent a LOT of time years ago with my one-of-a-kind Haltech turbo programming (which was ultra-simplistic comparatively), and lots of time tinkering last year with a Tunercat and LS1-edit, I hear you. What most people don't realize is that these aftermarket tunes truly have to be reverse-engineered as GM isn't providing anyone any help in getting into the boxes. (BTW, the reason HRC's tune is $1k... lots of R&D time breaking the "DaVinci code" in the box). Once you're in (and I really got to understand this with Tunercat), you're faced with countless parameters, some of which seem to compete with one another. As an example: auto trans shift points-- set them by RPM, then set them by TPS, then set them by torque load via a "backfeed" mechanism, then set all that based on whether TPS is opening or closing, RPM up or down, etc., and then create a completely new class of instructions for WOT conditions... oh... and don't let the pump generate more than nnn pounds of pressure on the valves, and if you get there, throttle back any number of the above paramaters by n% based on where the planetary alignment is.

As Bill says, these aren't (in most cases) on/off switches.

Having said that... hey, Bill... can you hit the "on/off" switch to get me 7000rpm redline in 3rd gear????

I don't know what constitutes "normal" as I never toggled the switch before the tune, but it is absolutely "different" when toggled now that the tune is there. With TC on (light OFF), I can spin the front tires a little bit, but have to do some clutch work to get them spinning... then you can tell the computer is fidding with things as it's not a strong spin. With the TC off (light ON), I can boil the tires in first... as in, on a decent blacktop, if I don't let up, it will NEVER stop spinning. I wonder if either 1) your TC just isn't working, or 2) your tune is different. Hmmm.
PROBLEM SOLVED! I have been working with Aaron the last couple of days, quick version of the story is that I downloaded the program over again, (re-synched), re-flashed the cpu, and I NOW have traction control, the "low traction light flashes appropriately, and there is minimal wheelspin when the boost comes up in 1st and 2nd. Might be something to do with th efact that I had one of the first 2 tunes sold, although the software version is the same. Never will know for sure. If I had been more specific in my description of "no TC" with Aaron originally, this probably would have been fixed long ago. So, thanks also to you (XXL) for comparing notes and getting me on the right track!

PROBLEM SOLVED!

:thumb:

cool to know you got it worked out.

So is this available for the Automatic based HHR SS? If so does it still take it easy on the trans in 1st and 2nd then open it up for the higher gears?

With the new parameters installed does this just open up the higher end for better performance and still keep good economy when going easy during normal driving?

So is this available for the Automatic based HHR SS? If so does it still take it easy on the trans in 1st and 2nd then open it up for the higher gears?

These questions are well covered in other posts specifically on the subject.

Our tuner allows you to return the car to stock in under a minute for service, valets, Mom, anything you wish. Just plug it into the ALDL port under the dash, press the button, and the tune is removed.

While a GM dealer can see the car's been reflashed at some point, they cannot tell with what program, so it's very dicey for them to propose denial of powertrain warranty on this basis...insufficient proof of actual 'mischief' exists. We've yet to hear of this happening, and we've placed hundreds of these tuners in the field via our other Ecotec LNF applications.


The HHR SS is the first vehicle where I have ever looked at re-flashing and updating the code to help with performance and economy. I have the Automatic based HHR SS which is my daily driver. Most of the time I take it very easy and try to get the best mileage. However it is nice to have the extra power there when it might be needed.

Upon reading your website about the Tuner you sell I have some questions which perhaps you can clarify.

- The site mentions that when the Tuner is first plugged in that it Marries itself to the vehicle. Does this mean from then on it will only work to tune that particular HHR? What happens if the computer goes bad and is replaced? Would this still work?

- During the process does it take a snapshot of the current firmware in the HHR so it can be restored? If the dealer then updates the firmware can this get an image of that too so that any of the original GM firmware can be restored? That would help in case we don't like a newer version.

- I assume this only handles the main computer for the engine or does this alter any other computer modules?

- Upon installing the TUNE does this just send down a predefined image that you've created or just use that as the starting point? Just wondering if that LCD screen and buttons will let us tweak some of the settings ourselves or if we just get the predefined tunes from you. Can you only use the latest tune from your site or can we keep them on file in case we want to revert to an older one?

Sorry for all the questions but I need to understand what we get for the $1000 investment and how this all works.

Bill hasn't been posting here very much of late (I'm hoping he's really busy working on our next upgrades!). Here are _my_ answers to the questions you pose to him. Someone correct me if I get something wrong...


The site mentions that when the Tuner is first plugged in that it Marries itself to the vehicle. Does this mean from then on it will only work to tune that particular HHR? What happens if the computer goes bad and is replaced? Would this still work?

You're buying a license for the specific car. So... you can't buy a second HHR and use the same tuner for it. If the BCM ("Body Control Module") is replaced, just use the BSR to flash the new unit. If you total the car, Bill has indicated in another thread that 'something could be worked out' (seemingly indicating that they might update the "marriage" info if you provided sufficient proof that you weren't just trying to wrangle the ability to tune a second car).

During the process does it take a snapshot of the current firmware in the HHR so it can be restored? If the dealer then updates the firmware can this get an image of that too so that any of the original GM firmware can be restored? That would help in case we don't like a newer version.

The BSR unit holds the custom tune in one file and has a place in memory to hold the stock tune. The flashing is a 2-part process... copy stock flash to BSR, copy custom flash up to BCM. The BSR only holds the one "current" stock tune... so you don't get to create a library of tunes. You just get the current stock and the current custom, and you get to switch between the two. I don't see any real benefit to creating a library of stock tunes anyway... they aren't performance-related. A newer tune will be made available to fix a problem. I can't imagine anyone wanting to go back to an older tune to pick up the problems they lost with the later tune.

I assume this only handles the main computer for the engine or does this alter any other computer modules?

The BCM controls the vast majority of the car's systems. The only other "computers" I am aware of are the XM and OnStar devices.

Upon installing the TUNE does this just send down a predefined image that you've created or just use that as the starting point? Just wondering if that LCD screen and buttons will let us tweak some of the settings ourselves or if we just get the predefined tunes from you. Can you only use the latest tune from your site or can we keep them on file in case we want to revert to an older one?

You get what you get. There are zero adjustments available to the BSR user. However, the BSR can be updated via the web (you get a username and password access to the BSR web site) if/when tune changes are made available. No updates/upgrades have yet been offered.

Thank you for taking the time to answer the questions! They do make sense and clear up many gray areas. I only have the one HHR which is my daily driver. The next vehicle will probably be another replacement minivan for the wife so no worries about "tuning" more than one. I'm still not sure if I want to try an upgrade or not. I may just hold tight till the warranty expires and then play.

Since I've never tried one of these before I guess the only other question is what happens in the unlikely event I am not too happy with the difference and just go back to stock. I that case am I just out $1000? Do they offer a trial? If I go back to stock can this be sent back the them an unlocked so I could off it on ebay and recoup some of the cost? I can understand a license to use on one vehicle only but if it comes off the vehicle is it transferable to another as long as it is only used for one vehicle?

The reason I asked about the stock firmware is that once it is stored in the programmer can it be uploaded to my PC?? That would ensure the original GM code doesn't get lost. I hate not having a backup just in case. It would also allow to keep all the GM versions that have been on your car on your PC. That way if one of the newer GM 'Bug fixes' does something I don't like I can always go back. Keeping the options open is a good thing.

The ability to use their tunes as a base and perhaps tweaking some parameterson the fly would be cool. Perhaps by the time I am ready to get one of these that feature will be available.

Sounds like fun.

I just purchased HP Tuners Suit package. At $499 it is a much better deal for me since I like to tinker with stuff. The software uses a laptop so you can actually monitor up to 56 different parameters at one time in real time. The tune file is decent but there is still more I can get from the car and as I learn the art of tuning I can make things better.

As a side note, it seems my wifes trailblazer is also supported with the HP Tuner and you get enough credits to do at least 4 different cars or even an entire model year run of one car. Need to do another supported vehicle and you are out of credits just buy some more credits.

Since I've never tried one of these before I guess the only other question is what happens in the unlikely event I am not too happy with the difference and just go back to stock. I that case am I just out $1000? Do they offer a trial? If I go back to stock can this be sent back the them an unlocked so I could off it on ebay and recoup some of the cost? I can understand a license to use on one vehicle only but if it comes off the vehicle is it transferable to another as long as it is only used for one vehicle?

No trial that I'm aware of, but check with HRC... you never know. However, the issue is that there's no way for them to reasonably determine that you've flashed back to stock (unless you drive to their shop and show them). The end result is that one (not necessarily you) could flash up, then say they didn't like it, and just keep the custom flash forever... returning the BSR for a refund.

The reason I asked about the stock firmware is that once it is stored in the programmer can it be uploaded to my PC?? That would ensure the original GM code doesn't get lost. I hate not having a backup just in case. It would also allow to keep all the GM versions that have been on your car on your PC. That way if one of the newer GM 'Bug fixes' does something I don't like I can always go back. Keeping the options open is a good thing.

I don't believe this is an option.

The ability to use their tunes as a base and perhaps tweaking some parameterson the fly would be cool. Perhaps by the time I am ready to get one of these that feature will be available.

The BSR "sales channel" isn't really set up for this. They offer a "flash device," not a "tuner device," and their sales channel is to sell you the flashes (see their web site re "staged upgrades"). OTOH, the HPT unit is a computer interface to allow users to tweak parameters that the HPT is capable of manipulating. I spent $2800 on a new 4L60 transmission after "tweaking" pump pressure parms with TunerCat on my old '99 Tahoe. I have some knowledge of what I'm doing... but I still broke something. HPT won't protect you from "being dumb." The BSR will, since it's just a "you get what you get" flash. One isn't inherently better than the other... they're just different products.

Maybe dumb question here but since I'm computer illiterate,here goes.How does this upgrade tune know into which vehicle it's going?If you have(in this instance)an '08 HHR SS and it gets totalled(heaven forbid) then buy another one to replace it,why wouldn't it work?Or would it?seems to me it should work just fine,all vehicle specs being the same.
XXL,there is another module-the ECM.This is what controls the drive train.The BCM controls things like A/C and heat,the radio,mirror and seat settings,among others.So if this "tune" changes engine parameters it shouldn't be going into the BCM,it should be going intothe ECM.Right?

because it gets "married" to that vehicles vin. once the info is downloaded from your stock computer,you are stuck with it. no car is the same.

XXL,there is another module-the ECM.This is what controls the drive train.The BCM controls things like A/C and heat,the radio,mirror and seat settings,among others.So if this "tune" changes engine parameters it shouldn't be going into the BCM,it should be going intothe ECM.Right?

I believe they are one in the same on the HHR platform. All references I have seen point to a single "BCM" for the vehicle. Anyone got a reference that says otherwise???

So an owner of an HHR SS couldn't give his "tune" stuff to another owner of an IDENTICALLY equpped car(say,for the sake of discussion,a 5 speed/L.S.D. car)?What,besides the V.I.N,could be the difference?Comfort options shouldn't make a difference in the engine(and/or trans) setup.As I see it,only a weight difference between vehicles could POSSIBLY make a difference.Am I completely wrong?Has anyone tried to plug in one these "tunes" from one HHR to another?What,if anything happened?Maybe it's just my suspicious side emerging but I wonder if this is just a way to sell more "tune" packages.

I'll check tomorrow at work for an ECM or a more encompassing VCM part number.

Maybe dumb question here but since I'm computer illiterate,here goes.How does this upgrade tune know into which vehicle it's going?If you have(in this instance)an '08 HHR SS and it gets totalled(heaven forbid) then buy another one to replace it,why wouldn't it work?Or would it?seems to me it should work just fine,all vehicle specs being the same.


When you buy and use the BSR tuner, you agree to the included EULA... which says you can't reverse engineer it. While I haven't done any reverse engineering, I suspect they're taking some "signature" off of the BCM (or ECM) and mating that with the VIN you supplied at purchase, which is stored in the memory card on the BSR. Note: The directions tell you NEVER to remove the memory card. My guess is that this includes their "security" against reuse on another car... take a signature of some sort from the car, hash it with the VIN using some proprietary algorithm to create a unique key (something like the key pairs in PGP), such that the system will not function on another vehicle (because the hash with the new vehicle's signature and the same VIN would create a different key, thus telling the BSR that it's the wrong car. I also suspect that if you bought a new BSR unit and copied the flash memory to a clean flash part before using it on any car, it might work on multiple cars-- one per flash card. I also suspect (and would fully support) that BSR and HRC would come after you for violating the EULA you agree to when you buy and use the product. So... rather than anyone cheat the system, just shell out the money for the product if you want it. Or... don't if you don't want it.

Pretty easy to read the VIN from the cars computer. If they don't match no can play!

I believe they are one in the same on the HHR platform. All references I have seen point to a single "BCM" for the vehicle. Anyone got a reference that says otherwise???

When I bought my 2008 HHR SS I ordered a set of the Factory Service manuals from Helm. It is a HUGE three volume set. My HHR has the 5 year bumper to bumper and I figure by the time it expires I'll have gone over these books enough to maintain it with no problems.

According to Volume 1 (section 6) there are several different modules on the HHR and they all work together. Some seem very integrated and if one is replaced there is often work to configure or re-calibrate other modules. That part doesn't look fun.

From what I can read in the book it appears that the BCM controls the lighting, horn, turn signals, ignition switch, wipers door locks, and misc stuff for the body of the car. It doesn't seem to talk about the engine at all.

There is also listed an ECM (Engine Control Module) which looks to cover everything for the engine and accessories. It lists the A/C, tempature, Accelerator petal position, injector control, crank sensor, Fuel pump, emissions, camshaf angles, spark control, etc.

Besides that is also mentions CIM (Communications Interface Module) for the cell phone and OnStar.

Also a EBCM (Electronic Brake Control Module), PSCM (Power Steering Control Module), and a few others.

On cars with a manual trans it states that if you replace an ECM then you have to re-learn the Clutch Petal position sensor. There is a lot of things like that so far. This books are really a requirement for someone to be able to properly maintain the HHR.

There's an ECM(12612397),a BCM,plus other smaller modules for various functions.

O.K.,so it IS just a function of licensing.I didn't think there was a mechanical reason why things couldn't be switched.

There's an ECM(12612397),a BCM,plus other smaller modules for various functions.

I sit corrected.

I'm hoping we'll see a cottage industry with these new Ecotec turbos like we've seen with the old Buick 3.8 turbos.The Turbo T cars are freaking awesome! Buick managed to combine high speed, luxury, and fuel economy...stock.

Three of the guys I work with (all related) each have 1987 Regal Limited Turbo T's. The white one runs around 11.90 on 18 psi and Nitto tires, the silver car ran around 12.45 with a bad coil pack and wrong tune, Mickey Thompson ET Street radials, alcohol kit, and a 68mm ball-bearing turbo pushing 25 psi. Josh's motor is being built with a 70 mm, aluminum ported heads, cam, and other nifty gadgets and should be doing mid to low 10's and produce about 650 hp...not bad for a hooptie!