Just got back from a run to the store-my son insisted on coming with me cause he loves the new sound of the HHR. We did a few 0-60 runs. Conditions were not great-slight uphill. And the car actually went a little slower. Don't anybody jump to conslusions-it was due to excessive wheelspin. I have to practice starting to avoid it. The car pulls like a hemi (ok, a slight exageration). Now I really can't wait to put on my muffler.

By the way, incredible service from SoCal. I ordered the intake on Thursday night, and received it Monday morning. It doesn't get faster than that.

:thumb:
Sounds like tires smoken :lol:
Glad to see that you like it.
I'm thinking of getting one soon to.:cool:

I want one too. I wonder if there is any hope that the tooth fairy on the easter bunny will leave me one for father's day?:lol:

Thats the type of feed back I've been looking/waiting for! I've been watching all these conversations about the intakes and mufflers. All the likes and dislikes of the stuff thats out there. I'm also finding the 'hard data' thats posted helpful also! I do like the user end input the best though!

I am still at this point undecided on which products to select. It's gonna happen, just haven't made that final selection yet. This type of feedback sure helps when making a choice thats right for ME!

I like the review. Thanks! The HHR could really use some midpedal boost.;)

I'm a little concerned about the louder sound when exccelerating. I have nerve damage in my ear and am trying to keep things quiet and controled. Perhaps adding more sound dampening to the cabin would work some magic for me? Dunno.
I like the stock sound but would welcome even quieter. I know the car is no quiet-tuned-Buick ( I have one) or a Lexus, but I think making the cabin quieter may be a goal of mine. But I digress......

Lee, glad you're happy with your newest mod. Also happy that you're practicing the art of excessive wheelspin!

Harpozep, if an aftermarket intake system is too loud for 'ya, maybe you should try one of K&N's replacement filters. It swaps with your existing filter in the stock housing, but still offers the benefits of increased airflow and more power, compared to stock. Just a thought...

Robert-If you can hold off for a while-remember that we will be meeting in the near future for the wheel deal. You will get to see, and hear, my car in person. Then you can judge for yourself.

The intake is not loud to the point of setting off car alarms. It sounds kind of like the chase towtrucks do (did) when they turned the old airfilter covers upside down for more flow. I personally find it exhilerating (spelling).

Lee, glad you're happy with your newest mod. Also happy that you're practicing the art of excessive wheelspin!

Harpozep, if an aftermarket intake system is too loud for 'ya, maybe you should try one of K&N's replacement filters. It swaps with your existing filter in the stock housing, but still offers the benefits of increased airflow and more power, compared to stock. Just a thought...

Thanks. I've read about those. It may be the answer.:smile:

Robert-If you can hold off for a while-remember that we will be meeting in the near future for the wheel deal. You will get to see, and hear, my car in person. Then you can judge for yourself.

The intake is not loud to the point of setting off car alarms. It sounds kind of like the chase towtrucks do (did) when they turned the old airfilter covers upside down for more flow. I personally find it exhilerating (spelling).


I did not know you had done the mod. I should read who starts a thred! :red:
Another reason to get together!:lol:

Did you do the IMCO T924 muffler as well? Those seem to be the combo de jur that many of us are interested in.

I can put up with noise to a point, but often have to resort to an earplug. Sometimes I'm ok for a long while then something sets off the tinitus/distortion and I'm in pain for weeks with or without the earplug. My doctor told me they could tell me more after my autopsy:eek:

So I'm sadly selling my loudest Corvair convertible. It has four carbs and dual Ford Ranger exhausts. Nice and throaty!:smile:

http://www.pbase.com/harpozep/image/49239120.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/harpozep/1967_corvair&page=all

Too much noise for me these days. SO I was looking for quiet in the daily driver. The Buick Rainier is quiet, but lately I'm having a blast with the HHR and don't want to trade back with Sally, my wife. Besides, now that she has driven the Buick to the dreaded commuter parking lot, it has a number of small dings and a real dent in the wheelwell area that just pisses me off!:censored: :cussing: :mad:
So I do not want to subject the Chevy to the commuter lot!:eek:
Besides, I'm damaging it quite well on my own:red:

Lee, I look forward to our meeting. Take care.
Oh, and I spotted rims you will NOT be buying yesterday at a car show:
http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2397

I recieved my intake on Saturday. Too bad I didn't get it sooner. I took a road trip for the weekend. Got back on Sunday, spent ten minutes and installed the CGS and took the HHR out for a spin. What a great sound when you push the pedal to the floor. Oh and by the way, spun the tires several times on the run. Thanks Mike for you're work on this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Had the pleasure to drive my car again just now. I must clarify something. At partial throttle, up to about 1/2 way, the car is not any louder than before. However, put your foot into it, and all hell brakes loose. I must remind everybody that I have NOT installed my IMCO muffler yet. That would probably overpower some of the intake sound (not noise). But with the stock muffler, you can really hear the difference. I will try to tape it and post it. It is a low frequency howl. And although I have said it before, I can not over emphasize how much more punch the car has.

By the way, for anybody still concerned about the cold air/hot air debate-the air cleaner placement with the CGS is directly in front of the hole in the fender that had the hose attached to the stock air cleaner. In other words, you are still getting that same air blowing into it. Any warm air from the engine compartment would be blown from the filter. In addition, a shield is currently being made that will physically block that side of the filter.

In summary, this intake is a MUST HAVE for everybody. (And the time it takes for Mike SoCal to process and ship the order is astonishing. I had my intake the second business day. I ordered it late Thursday night and received it Monday morning.)

And no, I am not kissing his a$$. I am just happy as hell with this mod. I can't wait to show off my engine now.

A note about heat... black absorbs it and silver reflects it!

A note about heat... black absorbs it and silver reflects it!

It's not heat that black absorbs. :confused: It's light that it absorbs so that only relates to the sun or light heating things up. ;) Black absorbs light rather than reflecting it, that's why black objects appear black. :p:

It's not heat that black absorbs. :confused: It's light that it absorbs so that only relates to the sun or light heating things up. ;) Black absorbs light rather than reflecting it, that's why black objects appear black. :p:

It be the truth!

are there any intakes left ?
is there a group buy offered ?
whats the best price for the Airintake CGS..??

are there any intakes left ?
is there a group buy offered ?
whats the best price for the Airintake CGS..??

Mike from SoCalHHr's carries them and alot of other cool HHR stuff. Check out his site at http://www.SoCalHHRs.com His stuff is pretty reasonably priced...just a matter of what you are looking for.

UPDATE: We only have 3 intakes left (today June 7), out of our entire first shipment. Once they are gone it is going to be a bit of a wait. We are very close to CGS and actually worked with them on the development of this intake. They are working hard to complete our next shipment, but we will run out before that happens. Right now, supply can't keep up with demand and it's first come, first served!

Make that 2 intakes left assuming it went through fast enough~

Why are there ANY left? Just got home from work today. Couldn't keep my foot out of it. It is raining, so it was lots of fun smoking the tires and listening to the intake wail. My gas milage will probably be about 10 mpg:D

By the way, when I took my son to school today, I got on it as I left. He called me as soon as he arrived home to tell me that his entire class (on the second floor) heard me and thought my car was really cool. (It already was a hit due to looks-now also with the sound). Cant wait to do the exhaust! Boy am I loving it:thumb:

Make that 2 intakes left assuming it went through fast enough~

You got yours! :thumb:

Going out tomorrow morning...

And thanks! :bow:

Sweet! Been so busy with work that I may even have to have someone else put it on sadly. Got my sponsorships finally and I just need to choose which color. I'll let you all help me pick which color~

Chi-do it your self. It takes about 10 minutes, and you will enjoy the satisfaction of working on the car. I had my 10 year old help me, and it made him very proud. Even if you are not mechanically inclined, you can do it. Instructions are on the SoCal website, but basically you use a flatblade screwdriver to disconnect the front rubber hose and pull it free of the front tube, pull the side intake hose from the fender, then pull up on the filter housing-back first. Once you unsnap it, simply use a torq driver to remove the 2 bolts holding the MAF sensor. Then, use a allen wrench to reattach it to the new CGS, tighten the hose clamp for the front hose and the K & N style filter, place the whole assembly on top of the engine, then use a socket wrench to screw the bracket in place. I dont have the sizes of the wrenches off the top of my head, but perhaps someone else remembers.

I used to work on and own several F-body cars (Camaro/Firebird). Have done my fair share of "wrenching". It's not that I'm worried about messing something up, but my day consists of waking up, showing, working, coming home, eatting, showering and going to bed. My work days are excessive right now unfortunately. Been at work since 5am and still going :roll:

Whats the best price..
No group discount??

Here is a clip of the CGS intake. I have never tried this before, so I hope it works.


http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=CDC81B354765D554

Here is a clip of the CGS intake. I have never tried this before, so I hope it works.


http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=CDC81B354765D554

Definately sounds alot better than the Airaid!!:thumb:

dude its two different scenerios !!one was in park revving ..his was on the road

dude its two different scenerios !!one was in park revving ..his was on the road


lol!

I was just about to comment on the same exact thing.

How can you get a true test of the sound revving in park? First, the engine has a 4k limit, second it is not under load.

Bottom line-nobody just sits in their car in park-they actually drive it.

How can you get a true test of the sound revving in park? First, the engine has a 4k limit, second it is not under load.

Bottom line-nobody just sits in their car in park-they actually drive it.

Good point. I think it sounds very good. And to get the real sound you need to have a load on it. Just like your exhaust. It sounds differnt revving it than it dose when you drive the car.:smile:

Bottom line-nobody just sits in their car in park-they actually drive it.

Some do!!

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/8/9/2/HPIM0018.JPG

My son wont let me play the radio anymore-he wants to hear the engine. Cant wait to put the IMCO in.

I have used my radio very little since I put on my V-Force muffler and made my ram air intake, but lets not get into the air intake debate again. The car sounds so good. Windows are always down and I love it.

Same here with the radio and I just purchased a Sirius and now I am caught between "wanting" to listen to the satellite and listening to the sounds of my ride. It really does make a big difference with the combination of different air intake and free-er flowing exhaust NO matter what type or brand name as long as the driver is happy with the combination. I was able to chirp the tires for the first time since owning my HHR, so that "seat of the pants" makes me happy ....Lets just feel the love

Ordered the CGS from Mike on Thursday and it was just delivered. :one:

It's 94F here right now. Time to go out in the garage and work up a sweat. :lol:

Has anyone else had a large amount of shavings left in their CGS tube???
I had about a dozen under the MAF hole and 1/2 dozen at the other end, tried to blow them out, no luck....used my hand to wipe them out, less luck,:cussing: cut the hell out of 2 fingers...due to the debris being powder coated in place..Hopefully they'll stay in place and not in my engine...Other than that I'm pleased with the performance increase,,,,,HHR 2.4 vs S10 4.3...past Saturday Night street light race.....S10 lost...:twothumbs

Hey mike what about MPG? Has that changed with the intake.... gone up or down?
Cory

Hey mike what about MPG? Has that changed with the intake.... gone up or down?
Cory

Cory, - that's all going to depend on how you drive! :lol: For years intake manufacturers have been getting complaint calls like: "Hey! What's wrong with my intake? I'm not seeing the 3-4mpg increase on my car. I LOVE the power when I get on the freeway and puch it though!"

Bottom line; you can't gain power and mileage simultaneously. The power reserve is always there if you need it, but by keeping your foot out of the pedal, you should see a 2-3mpg increase over stock (that's what I recorded on an extended test run). If you like to "get into it" every once in a while, expect to see a slight drop in mpg, just like stock - it happens! ;)

Hope it helps,

BTW: Dan - I reported your problem to CGS and they are looking into the manufacturing process to make sure it does not happen in the future.

Thanks for the head's up! :thumb:

Who just sits in their car??? Well, today, I DO! lol I have been on a surveillance case for the past four hours. Normally I try to use my Silverado extended cab just for the extra room. This has really not been bad however, I have watched my average MPG go from 31.3 to 21.8 sitting here with the a/c on. Hey, it's hot in Texas, according to the DIC it's 101 and I've always found it to be pretty accurate.... It's going to take me a while to get my mileage back up now. c):-(

Just sent for mine today. I can't wait to do the install and have some fun driving! :steering:

Installed mine yesterday. It's just what it needed!! It sounds and performs awesome!!!!

I got mine in the other day and if you have read my post about my new mod in 2day I think the thing is awsome. I feel alittle more power and I am VERY impressed with it. Great job and great price. I am trying to figure away to get it away from the engine so it doesnt draw in the heat from it. Kinda kills the reason for cold air intakes lol. I am thinking of taking out my plastic part where the fog light goes and run a tube into that to get more of that cold air.

I got mine in the other day and if you have read my post about my new mod in 2day I think the thing is awsome. I feel alittle more power and I am VERY impressed with it. Great job and great price. I am trying to figure away to get it away from the engine so it doesnt draw in the heat from it. Kinda kills the reason for cold air intakes lol. I am thinking of taking out my plastic part where the fog light goes and run a tube into that to get more of that cold air.

Have a look at what CJ did...

http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3042

Yup thats kinda what i had in mind but i want it to take the place of the fog light plug. Man CJ doesnt take a break does he lol.

That's for darn sure Dark Dreamz...he's a pretty active guy and his mind is going 100 miles a minute. Trust me...I've met him in person. :lol:

I PUT MY INTAKE ON MONDAY WHAT A DIFFERENCE :thumb: I ALLREADY HAD THE IMCO ON BUT IT STILL DOESN'T SPIN THE TIRES?:confused:

I PUT MY INTAKE ON MONDAY WHAT A DIFFERENCE :thumb: I ALLREADY HAD THE IMCO ON BUT IT STILL DOESN'T SPIN THE TIRES?:confused:

Have you tried airing up your tires? They are probably low.

Most tires lose 2-3lbs of air per month.

Gotta keep them up where they belong! :thumb:

Have you tried airing up your tires? They are probably low.

Most tires lose 2-3lbs of air per month.

Gotta keep them up where they belong! :thumb:

TO WHAT PRESSURE I THINK THEIR AT 30 PSI RIGHT NOW.:confused:

You think? Better check. They should spin if they're at 30psi. :thumb:

Mine won't spin. I have that traction control. Put it in low and traction go's off but still no spin

I 've been running my tires @ 44 psi since I changed from Winter Air to Summer Air:lol: ....gained another 2-3 mpg and my tires will light up in Drive til the ole TC kicks in and smokes in L from a dead stop...
CGS & IMCO Muffler

My CGS intake arrived this afternoon and it will be going on this weekend. :smile: Can hardly wait to test the bad boy out. :thumb: Kudos to Mike at SoCalHHR's for quick shipment. Ordered Wednesday afternoon...arrived Friday afternoon. :one:

Sent for mine on Thursday and I got it today Sat. Great service Mike and the ride sounds and feels great!:one:

Ok I have a couple of questions to the people who have installed the CGS Air Intake on their 2.4L HHR's.

I have included a picture of my first question. The air filter seems to fit rather tight as indicated by the yellow circle. Should I be concerned with this? There is a very small gap but I am concerned over the long haul that it might wear a hole in the filter. I positioned it so the CGS Pipe would run straight but it makes the fit pretty tight.

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/9/3/0/CGSFilterindicator.JPG

My second question is about increased idle speed. My 2.4L now seems to idle a bit faster. I may be mistaken but the motor seems to vibrate a bit more and I can see it because the MAF seems to be vibrating/moving more. Now it may be because I can actually see the motor now but I was just wondering.

My third question and this may be a pretty stupid question, but is the CGS Filter oiled and if it is what happens when I clean it do I need to do something to it. I know CJ said in one of his posts have a spare available but he also changed his out to a different filter. I am just curious and maybe a bit too anal, but we are leaving on a 2200 mile trip on Thursday and I just want to make sure I have everything in order. Need to change my oil before we leave and clean her all up but just thought I would ask.

Thanks for your responses. :smile:

John 11:

I installed my CGS intake (finally) yesterday. Same close fit next to the engine. The filter also touches the wiring harness attached to the inner fender panel. Since the engine and intake are bolted together, they should not move relative to each other. I'm hoping that this will keep the filter from getting a hole in it at the area you indicated. I'll keep a close eye on it to see if any abrasion starts occurring.

The intake sure makes a big difference in the sound. If you keep it at half throttle or less then it sounds fairly normal. At more than half throttle, the sound gets quite a bit louder (which is good in my book). That is actually a good feature which lets you decide if you want quiet mode or "engine roar" mode.

Also it does seem to spin the wheels easier and there appears to be a small increase in power.

Steve

The CGS filter comes pre-oiled. In general, an oiled filter should only need to be cleaned every 30,000 - 50,000 miles, more often if in a dirty or dusty environment. When that time comes, you can use a recharge kit such the one by K&N (http://www.truckshop.com/product.php?productid=19843)

My second question is about increased idle speed. My 2.4L now seems to idle a bit faster. I may be mistaken but the motor seems to vibrate a bit more and I can see it because the MAF seems to be vibrating/moving more. Now it may be because I can actually see the motor now but I was just wondering.


John, the idle speed is controlled by the computer, regardless of what type of intake system you are running. the only time you will notice a difference in idle speed is when the A/C compressor is turned on/off. Computers; they handle everything these days.

Hope it helps,

John 11

Make sure that your CGS tube is inserted all the way into the Throttle boot..if everything is snug there including the ring clamp and the bracket to the cam cover fits tight, you should not have any vibrations......( I trimmed the outter edge of my bracket so it and the bolt would fit all the way down)

My 2.4 seemed to idle a little higher (200-300 rpms higher) at first...then after a few starts and driving, it was back to normal...a day maybe....

John 11

Make sure that your CGS tube is inserted all the way into the Throttle boot..if everything is snug there including the ring clamp and the bracket to the cam cover fits tight, you should not have any vibrations......( I trimmed the outter edge of my bracket so it and the bolt would fit all the way down)

My 2.4 seemed to idle a little higher (200-300 rpms higher) at first...then after a few starts and driving, it was back to normal...a day maybe....

Thanks to everyone for their feedback. Bowtie, the CGS system isn't really vibrating by itself. It is just the entire engine and that is probably because it is a 4 cylinder. I believe I know what you mean about the throttle boot. I have included a picture. I slid it clear up to the MAF.

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/9/3/0/ThrottleBoot.jpg

Thanks again to everyone and if anyone else wants to comment, please do so. :smile:

Mine won't spin. I have that traction control. Put it in low and traction go's off but still no spin

try power braking it... with the gas pedal..

Thanks to everyone for their feedback. Bowtie, the CGS system isn't really vibrating by itself. It is just the entire engine and that is probably because it is a 4 cylinder. I believe I know what you mean about the throttle boot. I have included a picture. I slid it clear up to the MAF.

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/9/3/0/ThrottleBoot.jpg

Thanks again to everyone and if anyone else wants to comment, please do so. :smile:

How bout... did you disconnect the battery before doing the install?

How bout... did you disconnect the battery before doing the install?

No I did not. I didn't see anywhere that I needed to do this, either in SoCal's How To or the instructions that came with the Intake. What are others thoughts on this. I did not restart until everything was hooked back up. :confused: It is running fine, I just had a couple questions about idle and clearance, but nothing out of the ordinary at this point. Do I need to disconnect the battery to reset something.

Additional Note: My wife just got home with the HHR, it is hers, and I noticed that if I switched off the AC, it didn't vibrate nearly as much, almost none, so it vibrates more with the AC running. It is not lose, the clamps are tight, it is just the whole thing moves because, in my opinion, because it connected to the engine with the rubber boot. Also is there anyway to rev up the engine from the engine compartment or is it all done with a computer. I keep looking for the throttle cable, but I guess there isn't one or I am just blind.

Ther is no need to disconnect the battery for the CGS Intake install. The only time you would run into problems is if you turned the key on while the MAF sensor plug is disconnected. This will trigger an error code in the computer and you would then need to disconnect your battery for 2 hours to do a full reset.

The entire CGS install takes 15-20 minutes tops, and as long as you can leave the key off that long you're golden. :lol:

Regarding the vibration wth the A/C on; loosen your filter and slide it around until it does not hit the fenderwell when tightened.
We found if the filters are hitting a certain way they will "thump" a little in gear at idle with the AC on. It may also be rubbing against the windshield washer bottle, and that will cause some audible noise or vibration as well.

Strictly a filter adjustment issue - play with it a bit. :thumb:

Ther is no need to disconnect the battery for the CGS Intake install. The only time you would run into problems is if you turned the key on while the MAF sensor plug is disconnected. This will trigger an error code in the computer and you would then need to disconnect your battery for 2 hours to do a full reset.

The entire CGS install takes 15-20 minutes tops, and as long as you can leave the key off that long you're golden. :lol:

Regarding the vibration wth the A/C on; loosen your filter and slide it around until it does not hit the fenderwell when tightened.
We found if the filters are hitting a certain way they will "thump" a little in gear at idle with the AC on. It may also be rubbing against the windshield washer bottle, and that will cause some audible noise or vibration as well.

Strictly a filter adjustment issue - play with it a bit. :thumb:

Mike (SoCal) :one:

Thank You so much. We can always depend on you. I had not read anywhere that I needed to disconnect the battery. AS LONG AS I DID NOT TURN ON THE KEY AND I DIDN'T. As you state in your how to install. There is no noise or rubbing although it is tight but no audible noise. I was playing around a bit tonight with the filter adjustment and I readjusted and it doesn't vibrate as much now.

I am kind of a tinkerer and I think it is just the little 4 cylinder purring, and because I can now see the engine I am aware of the movement. Thanks Again, it was very easy to install, but like I said I just kind of like tinkering with it. I am very happy I did it and I am looking forward to having it for our upcoming trip. I will be looking for your next mod, although I think I need to slow down and let my bank account catch up. :D

Well, just installed my CGS (had the Imco installed on Sat) and in the immortal words of Chris Farley, Oh my freaking garsh! Took it up to the highway after the install.. got stuck behind a slower truck on the onramp, fast truck in the passing lane. Just stomped on the gas and around the slow truck and in front of the fast truck. Wow. Almost lost my grip on the steering wheel because I wasn't prepared for being slammed into the back of the seat like that. Amazing.

lol...dont you think "slammed" is a little bit exaggerated? I agree that the cgs gives you a little push....but slammed? not quite.

Damn it, can't a guy have any fun with words? ;)

you can have fun with words...just that a new member might think "wow...an air intake can do all that?" after reading your reply and get the wrong impression. You know how it is in the forums, no one can really tell if someone is joking around or not.

Well, it's certainly not going to pull like a V8, but come on, for a 4 cyl, this simple mod is a hell of a lot of bang for the buck. As with most online reviews you always have to take things with a large grain of salt.

I wish it pulled like a v8...lol! I agree...its a refreshing upgrade from the stock setup.

I thought you had the WalletRaid (er, uh, Airaid), PNOY?

the airaid is a thing of the past...

Mike (SoCal)

I was digging through some old posts and I came across this one from you on May 30th. I was just wondering if anything ever became of this.

From SoCalHHR (Mike) May 30th: As I mentioned earlier, CGS's intake WILL come with a heat shield that mounts at the filter, primarily to keep direct engine heat from it. With the heat shield installed the filter will be pulling its air from the stock fenderwell location.

SoCalHHR's will also be offering a new product soon, custom designed for the CGS system. Our product will offer additional insulation for the entire tube assembly for those who want to maximize the benefits of pulling cooler air.

More on our product as it reaches the end of the development stage...
__________________
-Mike

I may have missed a later post, but just wondering. I took my HHR, with CGS and Anti Sway Bar, out for a long drive this afternoon, I made my wife drive my truck, and it was great. I am glad I did both before our trip on Thursday. I recommend doing both. Thanks John :thumb:

Hi John, I think CGS ditched the heat shield idea as it was too hard to get a working unit. Realistically, it would be so close to the filter and engine that any heat would simply be radiated through to the filter. Also, we found during dyno testing that even though the CGS was pulling hot air, it made the most power, hence no real need for a heat shield. The HHR's Ecotec likes to run at hotter temps, and actually makes more power at 192-200 degrees.

Our "new product" is still in the works, in fact, we are waiting for delivery right now. Look for it up on our site any day now...

Our "new product" is still in the works, in fact, we are waiting for delivery right now. Look for it up on our site any day now...


been waiting to start the mods.....it may be a much shorter wait...:breakdanc :thumb: :bow:

My wife and I were planning on ordering a CGS intake from SoCal. This past weekend we attended a local car show and noticed an HHR there. Upon inspection, noticed it had a CGS intake. After talkin to the vehicles owner for a bit, he removed it from the engine. OMG I couldn't f'ng beleive it was made of steel, not just steel, tailpipe material. Three peices, two 90 degree elbows and a straight section, all welded together. His was powder coated a silver color, but the powder coater must have been HIGH that day, the inside of the intake was bare steel. When the carbon in the steel begins to, as we know in older cars, RUST. What happens when the rust breaks free? It is then sent right down that ECOTEC we all talk about.
Ok, I may be new at this, this HHR is the first vehicle in my life that does not have a V8 or larger. But steel. Blows my mind!
So I made ours out of 0.063'' aluminum tubing and painted it the color of the automobile. I will have pics tomorrow, when I get to work. I made it just like CGS' same bracket location etc. Although, I did shorten the horizontal length. The one I saw installed the filter seemed cramed against the fender, reaching for the fresh air inlet. So I shortened the length by .250''.
I dont have a problem witht the cost of their product, seems fair. Not for a steel intake tube. I guessing they have $40 in parts and $100 in labor to build one of these intakes. For the same amount, hire a heliarc welder add $20 to the cost of each intake sold. They should have no problem selling one per HHR build by GM.

Just my change for thought...

Thanks guys for hearing me out.

OMG I couldn't f'ng beleive it was made of steel, not just steel, tailpipe material. Three peices, two 90 degree elbows and a straight section, all welded together.

First off, CGS's intakes are made from a continuous piece of mandrel bent metal - they are not welded in sections. Second, when was the last time you saw an intake rust out? If you are ingesting that much moisture into your intake tract, I think you will have more serious problems to worry about! :lol:

CGS makes their intakes out of the same steel they build aftermarket exhausts out of - and those tubes don't have any history of rusting out. With thousands on the road and no rust complaints (and ther is a LOT of moisture in exhaust systems!), I don't think you'll have much to worry about in an intake application.

The filter is also an oiled gauze type - this means it will always be sending a fine mist of oil down the intake tube (don't believe me? Take one off after running it a few weeks and run your hand inside.), which should preclude any rust from forming.

I can understand you having a different point of view about their intake, but CGS makes intakes by contract for Ford, GM, and Daimler-Chrysler's special build vehicles - and as their ads state; "if the big three trust them - why can't you?"

Regarding cost of build, you left out one vary important factor; research, development and testing. CGS was the first to bring an intake to market for the HHR - and it is a top performer! We worked with AEM six months ago (they had our HHR in 3 times), and ended up scrapping the project - no intake. K&N has been working on theirs for just as long and is just now getting ready to bring an ointake to market - why? Because the HHR's ecotec engine is a whole different animal from what these folks think they know. the flow dynamics and back pressure requirements to make power are sending many designers back to the chalkboards scratching their heads. CGS had teh good fortune to do some prior work for GM on another Ecotec-based vehicle so they had already discovered what was needed to get it to work. That in itself justifies them to sell a $20 piece of steel for whatever they want - and believe me, they are making much more on it than I am! (*BTW: tehy do all their designing, mandrel bending & welding (of MAF sensors & supports), in house.)

Finally, CGS is not THE best intake builder in the world, but currently they do make "the product to beat" when it comes to the HHR. If anyone releases one that outperforms it, you can bet we'll be on board with it. I doubt that will happen anytime soon though....it just works too good! :thumb:

If I have the sport suspension what does the anti-sway bar help with?

the airaid is a thing of the past...
So what are you running now? Your cardomain site still lists the Airraid and it is in your favorite links..
What did you replace it with and why?

Just Ordered From Socal,will Let You Know My Reaction After I Install It And Go For A Run

No rust in the CGS yet!!!!!:lol: Notice the new Mobil 1 Oil Cap........

With the thousands of intake CGS has on the road (for many different vehicles), - all made of steel, I think we would have heard about any rust issues previously. I was shooting CGS installs as a magazine editor from the 80s-2000 and never heard a single complaint ever. Oh, except for "poor gas mileage," that is always the main complaint of new intake owners - because they just can't keep their foot out of it! :lol:

Installed Mine It Is Great Nice Sound Good Performance