I am on my second muffler and while the perfomance from this one is excellent, I can' hear myself think. Has anyone had any simular problems or had any luck with the exhaust. :thumb:

what kind of muffler do you have?

I hate riding in cars where the exhaust is so loud you cant talk to another passenger. Try a Corsa exhaust, nice sound outisde, bot ionside.

I had a magnaflow.....loud
Now I have a turbo....louder

Can you post a picture please

I had a magnaflow.....loud
Now I have a turbo....louder

I love the Magnaflow thrushing noise. Besides Mario Andretti endorses them so how could you go wrong? :beer: If you wanted quite why didn't you stay with the factory? :confused: If you want a quite ride put your factory muffler back on. Besides if you did it for perfomance you didn't gain any useful hp. You would have to change the whole exhaust set up to gain any useful hp. I have known so many idiots in my area that think they are going to make their Japanese car into a race car just by putting on a huge muffler. :roll:

omgosh that is so true!
wonder who gave them that idea :confused:
hey what about Borla?

I'm not sure about the exact diamater, but I believe the HHR already has a 2 1/4 inch exhaust. If you changed the entire exhaust only, and did no other mods, I don't care if cost a trillion dollars, chances are that the HHR would probably run like azz. Now, if you take and change the muffler only on that same car you will see a significant improvement. Better flow means more go. Since the exhaust itself is already a large diamater, the only thing restricting it is a stock muffler. Please have a clue before making comments. :roll:

I'm not sure about the exact diamater, but I believe the HHR already has a 2 1/4 inch exhaust. If you changed the entire exhaust only, and did no other mods, I don't care if cost a trillion dollars, chances are that the HHR would probably run like azz. Now, if you take and change the muffler only on that same car you will see a significant improvement. Better flow means more go. Since the exhaust itself is already a large diamater, the only thing restricting it is a stock muffler. Please have a clue before making comments. :roll:


This is a perfect example of why my responses to people on here are negative most of the time. You have to be out of your mind if you think just replacing a muffler is going to net your a larger power increase than a catback. Think you need to take your own advice about getting a clue before making comments.

:thumb: Read the reply. "cat back only". No intake, no header,, no anything. It's called back pressure, look into it. I suppose the fact that an exhaust specialist verified what I am saying means nothing to you mr. midas. To be clear here we are talking about an HHR and nothing else. It is true that other cars come with other variances in diamater and the exhaust may be too small in which case I would be incorrect. Not the case with the HHR in which the exhaust is more than sufficient And I am correct. The reason you make negative comments is because you are an azz, plain and simple no other reason:poke:

Using the 2.4 HHR and the Magnaflow catback as an example the tubing is increased to 2 1/2" diameter. It netted 7 HP and 8 lb.-ft. of dyno proven torque:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c122/amarini/Magnaflowchart.jpg
They increased the diameter of the tube and didn't lose power and torque, it did the exact opposite and I'm sure it doesn't run like a**. :roll: By swapping the muffler alone what do you gain? :confused: Maybe 2 or 3 HP? :confused: Nothing you'll notice or feel! :roll: Please have a clue before making comments! :p:

I have the same muffler as Kenny and there is a "noticeable" improvement off the line. My HHR "burns out" more than before. the engine "breathes" better too, you can feel that it is more open and less restrictive than stock.

Regarding the MagnaFlow: Sounds like white rice. VERY Loud. Way too ricey for me. Also, we found during testing for the AEM intake that the HHR likes "higher velocity" runners on the intake - I'm betting it likes the same in exhuast. 2-1/4 is MORE than enough for this engine - it's only a 2.4L 4-banger!

I will have official dyno numbers of my HHR with muffler sometime next week - that should clear up the actual figures once and for all. I'm still betting it's 5-7hp gain.

(*Note to cynics: Iv'e been doing this over 20-years and worked as a managing editor for automotive magazines for 18 of those. I've done enough exhaust swaps and seen the dyno results to be able to make a fair judgement call on this.)

I will have official dyno numbers of my HHR with muffler sometime next week - that should clear up the actual figures once and for all. I'm still betting it's 5-7hp gain.

How are you going to base line your HHR if the exhaust is already on the vehicle? You would have to run it with the stock exhaust on first in order to give the charts any validity. You should know that. Even if you base line another similarly equiped HHR there is still variation in stock engine figures so there is the posibilty that it wouldn't be the same as your HHR. :confused:

My HHR was already baselined "stock" at AEM before we did any intake testing. :D Gotcha!

You should know me better Howdy! :cool:

My HHR was already baselined "stock" at AEM before we did any intake testing. :D Gotcha!

You should know me better Howdy! :cool:

You got me! :eek: :D :beer: :red: I didn't even think about that. :bow: All the cold weather and lack of sun is starting to affect my brain. :confused:

No Prob Howdy - no one's perfect...especially me! :eek:

The numbers will tell the tale soon.

:thumb: Read the reply. "cat back only". No intake, no header,, no anything. It's called back pressure, look into it. I suppose the fact that an exhaust specialist verified what I am saying means nothing to you mr. midas. To be clear here we are talking about an HHR and nothing else. It is true that other cars come with other variances in diamater and the exhaust may be too small in which case I would be incorrect. Not the case with the HHR in which the exhaust is more than sufficient And I am correct. The reason you make negative comments is because you are an azz, plain and simple no other reason:poke:

PLease educate me as to what back pressure exactly is. :roll: What qualifies a person as an exhaust specialist? Maybe if I put 3-4 different mufflers on my car then claimed it would make more power than a catback I could be one to. A mandrel bent catback, even if its the same diameter pipe will flow better than stock, period. I'm only an ass after dealing with stupidity, you being a perfect example.

Geez guys...are we still in high school (no offense to those that are)? Opinions are just that...everyones got one and you don't have to like it, but at least respect it. Not everyone is born with a chromed Snap-On wrench in their hand and they have to learn some where...at least they want to learn. As far as what works/performs better, no matter what facts (dyno sheets, etc) are presented, past experiences and preferences will usually win out. To each their own...just don't turn this board into I'm better than you, my car's faster than yours, my dad will beat your dad, etc. Let's keep it fun...the way cars are supposed to be.

Geez guys...are we still in high school (no offense to those that are)? Opinions are just that...everyones got one and you don't have to like it, but at least respect it. Not everyone is born with a chromed Snap-On wrench in their hand and they have to learn some where...at least they want to learn. As far as what works/performs better, no matter what facts (dyno sheets, etc) are presented, past experiences and preferences will usually win out. To each their own...just don't turn this board into I'm better than you, my car's faster than yours, my dad will beat your dad, etc. Let's keep it fun...the way cars are supposed to be.

:red: Guilty! :red: I just didn't like the get a clue remark at a statement I made months ago. :confused: Especialy when everyone knows a catback is going to net you more HP and torque than just a muffler. ;)

Not pointing at anyone specifically Capn. If I have learned anything in my years of being around cars and racing, is that there is always some one who knows more than everyone else. These are usually the ones who can't back-up any so-called claims. I personally (this is me...don't expect all to be the same) take the strong silent type approach and let my time slips do the talking. I may not be the fastest or best at the end of the night, but at least I keep my dignity.

I like that approach but I have a big mouth. :red: :)

lol Maybe being in the military for almost 15 years and getting my frustration out at stupid people and the youngins during work helps ;)

I have been working on cars and racing them for almost 35 years, and have done both total exhaust (headers back) and simple muffler changes. My first thoughts were that with a 2 1/4 exhaust, you wont gain much from a cat back over a muffler change. The chain is only as strong as the weakest link theory-if the pipes in front of the cat are 2 1/4 and you still use the original restrictive cat, changing the muffler should be adequate. But, then I realized that the same diameter pipe that is bent better would reduce back pressure. So, if changing the muffler to reduce back pressure is good, then getting rid of sharply bent pipes will be even better.

If you take a garden hose with one kink in it the water runs slow. But the same hose with more kinks in it will run even slower.

If you take a garden hose with one kink in it the water runs slow. But the same hose with more kinks in it will run even slower.

Nice analogy (sp?)

I just want some nice sound with a clean look.

I just want some nice sound with a clean look.

Here you go: Exhaust Testing Clips (http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/f/HHR_Testing_sm.wmv)

Each vehicle is different..
Would like to see dyno charts results... thanks.

I just try to live my life, one 1/4 mile at a time. :roll:

Couldnt resist, with all the "High performance" HHR, its getting pretty deep in here.

A mechanic, a seasoned racer, a dumb sh!t, and an aftermarket HHR parts dealer walk into a bar...stop me if youve heard this one...

A mechanic, a seasoned racer, a dumb sh!t, and an aftermarket HHR parts dealer walk into a bar...stop me if youve heard this one...

Who plays the role of the dumb s**t? :confused:

Who plays the role of the dumb s**t? :confused:


Anyone north of the Red River, but of course. :)

Anyone north of the Red River, but of course. :)

:eek: Ouch! :red: :roll:

What model number / size of IMCO was used?

Model # 924:

https://www.fulllineexhaust.com/ProductPictures/IMCOPictures/T924.jpg

does anyone know when they are going to make a supercharger for the 2.4L?

Mike (SoCal)....
Any Dyno #'s on the Muffler (only) add-on yet???? I've 'RE-emailed' (4/17/06-2nd time :roll: ) Gibson with the following:
"I've e-mailed over a month ago and haven't received a response to date. I'm interested in your cat-back exhaust systems for the 2006 Chevy HHR and would like some additional information (Dyno numbers, sound clip, fitment issues, etc...).
I know of several other HHR owners, as well as Mike at SoCalHHRs.com, that have asked for this information first-hand to no avail."
... additionally ...
"... I'm requesting a response (good or bad) regarding performance figures to back written claims as well as a sound clip of this exhaust on this vehicle. Even if this information is non-existent, M.I.A., or simply "made-up"- please e-mail to advise. At this point, simply receiving any response is better then not receiving one at all."
Guess what... NO response (what's new?) Not only trying to get some answers- hoping they might go for a 1-time "group buy"... if I can only get someone to reply!
:confused: What ever happened to 'customer service'???? :confused:
As a final effort, I'm thinking about calling Gibson direct (REALLY interested in thier cat-back) but feel I shouldn't have to beg to give someone my money!!!
So... back to the original question- any dyno numbers from the #924???

Thanks! :thumb:
-Scoot

I have an interesting side bar to the IMCO 924. it is lil quieter now that i have had it a week. Mike at Socal said it would gradually get quieter.

I had one of the Tornado gadgets that i bought on ebay and tried it before and it didnt seem like it did anything in pick up or mileage. I was going to give it to Txsman2930 and then got to thinking, wonder if it would work better w the new muffler. and Txsman had asked me the same thing so i put it in and this time instead of putting it by the housing i put it at the end in the fender well.

well initial findings-
the pick up from start was quicker and got rid of some lag that was there.

rain and high humidity usually make it lack pep and today it was flying in high humidity and rain

yesterday it was dry and cool and it was smoking.

i have a lesson at 11 so i am going to take it out and see if it is different or my imagination.

going to leave it in a week and i can tell you that before i left it in 2 fuel ups and no considerable or even a small difference in MPG. that part sucked. seemed to have a lil more pep but nothing like i would want to tell anyone about.

when i put it in this time the change and pick up was very noticeable. will fill you in later on how it goes.

Ooops!! Just reply'd to your post in the 2.2 forum CJ (Sorry).
One thing goes without saying... (just want to verify) your using the same octane on fill-ups, right?
Interested in the results.

Thanks again!
-SCOOT

You guys can change exhaust if you want, but I am getting the ChevyHHR.net decals, the ricers tell me decals are worth 10-20 hp each !!! :lol:

Don't forget - the SoCalHHR "Flame" stickers are worth an additional 50hp!
Plus they make your HHR look faster standing still! :thumb:

http://www.socalhhrs.com/i/Windshield%20Grfx/SoCal_Side_Stickers.jpg

If you cut wind.. you can get another 10hp...

I know. I haven't figured out how to bottle it though?

I just broke wind and it didn't seem to net any HP gains.......

CBL

I just broke wind and it didn't seem to net any HP gains.......

CBL

You just need to hold out for the (soon to be released!) SoCalHHRs' SHAI (super hot air intake) system! :cool:

Rumor is that it is a gaseous collection device placed on the driver's seat connected via tubing to the intake. During testing it was noted that HP output was largely dependent upon pre-test diet. :lol:

More to come....

I just broke wind and it didn't seem to net any HP gains.......

CBL

You probably had your a/c vent set to "fresh air." Hit the reset button, then roll all 4 windows down and back up at once, then try it again. :thumb:

dang bean burritos....

Still not working...

CBL

You just need to hold out for the (soon to be released!) SoCalHHRs' SHAI (super hot air intake) system! :cool:

Rumor is that it is a gaseous collection device placed on the driver's seat connected via tubing to the intake. During testing it was noted that HP output was largely dependent upon pre-test diet. :lol:

More to come....

Joe - you left out the part about the optional blow-drier "turbine accelerator." :D

So... no dyno #'s, huh?
:confused:

and the bean fed hyper super gaseous squirrels in the air filter
they call it furry boost

So... no dyno #'s, huh?
:confused:

Just the "Seat-o-the-pants" dyno. I've been in the automotive aftermarket industry for over 20-years (magazine publishing), and have modded hundreds of cars. I can tell you this - the IMCO Turbo we are using offers a nice increase in power (guessing 5-7hp), coupled with a deep throaty tone. Your mpg should jump up about 2mpg/hwy also as the engine runs easier while cruising. It provides just enough back pressure for the engine, while leaving just a smidgen of room for more performance when an intake comes out.

Those are my impressions and I've been running it for almost 3-months now.

Hope it helps,

Thanks for the response Mike.... The 'Seat-o-Pants' meter works for me. Really trying to wait for cold-hard numbers before dumping $ into parts like a cat-back or otherwise. If I've learned anything over my life it's that I've prolly wasted more $$ on CRAP than anything else! :lol:
Too bad I can't get rid of this itch to spend money on my HHR!!!! Hey... SoCal's should sell some kinda lotion to cure that problem :rof:
Thanks again!

I heard that if you open your gas tank and stick your butt against it and fill it with your natural gases after 6 bean burritos, it's supposed to add power to your fuel injectors and increase your acceleration drastically. Only draw back is that it sends a nasty smelly green smoke out your tailpipe. Both you and your car. :eek: :nuts:

Sorry, Mike.... "Seat-o-the-pants" dyno doesn't count. Nor do guessing HP or MPG. :eek:

I'm not saying that these claims are not true, but without solid evidence, they are merely claims without merit. ;)

You've claimed to have had your HHR on a dyno for the intake tests. You've played with a G-Tech, yet no real numbers?? :confused:

Are you selling performance or hype?? :confused: :D

Back it up, please? :thumb:

Yeah I kind of have a hard time believing that a muffler alone can net you that much HP. :confused: The entire Magnaflow catback only nets you 7 HP and 8 Ft. Lb. of Tq. with the 2.4, dyno proven. ;)

Yeah I kind of have a hard time believing that a muffler alone can net you that much HP. :confused: The entire Magnaflow catback only nets you 7 HP and 8 Ft. Lb. of Tq. with the 2.4, dyno proven. ;)

Dyno proven by who, CH? Magnaflow? :confused: :roll: Until we get some honest, independent test results, any claims are no more that hype or BS, as far as I'm concerned.

Dyno proven by who, CH? Magnaflow? :confused: :roll: Until we get some honest, independent test results, any claims are no more that hype or BS, as far as I'm concerned.

I guess your right. :( But at least they provide a dyno chart. :smile: Now if they would just provide sound samples. :confused:

Good news!... Borla has a 2.25" exhaust out for the Cobalt, so I decided to inquire about the HHR. They responded (!!!!! :thumb: !!!!), unlike Gibson, stating they DO have something in the works and didn't know when it would be available.
Here's the bad... they don't have dyno #'s posted, nor sound clips, however they claim an increase in power (by PERCENT- think 5 - 7%). That's somewhere between 8 - 12hp for the 2.4L ( :eek: )... still seems a little hard for me to believe.
Another bad... we all know Borla parts are nice- stainless, mandrel bends, etc... but $800 for a CAT-BACK!>!>!>? That's $100 PER PONY!!!! A little too pricey for me :roll: .

True. That is why the IMCO is such a no-brainer mod. Get a deep, "Big engine' sound for cheap. You also ditch that "aluminum turtle" looking stock muffler & heat shield. Then you can still save your $$ for a cat-back later - hopefully by then the charts & clips will be out. :thumb:

Yeah.. get rid of that dead weight of the stock exhaust.....