I have seen a lot of people talk of 108 and up for the speed governor. Today was the first chance to actually see where mine is set and the best I got was 105 or 106 then a VERY sharp cut off. Both in 4th and in 5th. But I also noticed at 105 in 5th I was only at 4200 RPM's. Now if my math is right. 105/4200=0.025.. that means at the 6500 redline these should go 6500*0.025=162.5 MPH. Not that I have need of coming close or exceeding this speed but it shows just what these little things are capable of. Hope HPTuners or someone can at least remove the speed govenor then I can do all the tuning with an AFC. Guess my real question is... why are some getting over 108 mph and not others. BTW when the govenor kicked in the HHR was still accelerating! Thanks!:thumb:

You have a 2.2...Im guessing hte higher speeds are either incorrect readings from drivers (most likely) or because od the engine size of a 2.4 and the larger tires the governors are set differently. By federal law, the car can not go faster than the safe mph of the tires...so possibly the 2.4 with 17's could be a reason for a difference as well. just a couple of ideas!

I also noticed at 105 in 5th I was only at 4200 RPM's. Now if my math is right. 105/4200=0.025.. that means at the 6500 redline these should go 6500*0.025=162.5 MPH.
Hmmmm.... although that makes sense, mathmatically, I'd venture to doubt the HHR could ever reach that speed. The only reason I disagree is because of the forces at play become exponential for every 1 mph gained (drag, resistence, etc...). I can see 140 or so- but much more than that and I'd be scratchin' my head.
Either way- I agree there's a TON of potential in these little 4-bangers (2.2 & 2.4 alike)- certainly one helleva lot more than my late 80's Escort- THAT's FOR SURE!!!

my real question is... why are some getting over 108 mph and not others.

There are several reasons really. The 1LT and 2LT have different diameter (OD), tires, making for different readings at the same speed. Lowering also reduces wind shear (under the vehicle), and can increase overall speed. I have +1 diameter tires on my HHR, so the speedometer reads lower than normal by 6mph at 60mph, and 9mph at 90mph. This allows a bit more leeway in actual speed before the speed limiter cuts in.

What Snoop said too: Aerodynamics come into play big-time over 100mph. I'm trying to get some of my friends in the SCTS let me take my HHR out to El Mirage for their November run. It would be fun to see what she'll do.

One other thing not too many know about: There is a fuel shut-off limiter at 6800rpm to prevent damage from over-revving. If you "play" with the rev limiter at all, make sure it stays below 6800 - or you will be in for some real problems when the fuel shuts off at that rpm!!! :D

We're playing...we're hacking...we will get there! :thumb:

Just make sure you let us ALL know when you DO get there. I know I want to put an end to my speed limit.

One thing I have noticed is that the 2.4SS Cobalts have their governor set around 140-150. Wonder why chevy would do this for the 2.4 Coby's and not the 2.4 HHR's?

For fun, I like to drive up to 108 MPH and then jerk the wheel all the way to the left! It's soo much fun!

I`m hoping that was tongue in cheek, NJHK, you guys be careful out there. The HHR is`nt a sports car, more like a Station wagon/ Brick. Doubt if 165mph is something a stock or slightly modded veh. should be doing especially on the public roads.

For fun, I like to drive up to 108 MPH and then jerk the wheel all the way to the left! It's soo much fun!
Yeah, I love it when my HHR barrel-rolls. :nuts:

Personally I like to see how many PT's a can take out during my barrel rolls.

I`m hoping that was tongue in cheek, NJHK, you guys be careful out there. The HHR is`nt a sports car, more like a Station wagon/ Brick. Doubt if 165mph is something a stock or slightly modded veh. should be doing especially on the public roads.

lol I was just playin. I don't even own an HHR, I'm just an avid ECOTEC enthusiast.

I know, saw your sig, but you see it didn`t take long before someone thought this would be a good time to bash a PT.
Get over this "PT HATER" thing Guys/Gals, one day we`ll be #2 on the block. Trust me...

BB= this was a joking matter and if you notice a LOT of people bash the pt's. Its all in good fun. I'm sure the PT guys are bashing us just the same. Its like 2 rival colleges. But we don't know the PT's mascot to steal and last I knew the gnome was safe. Geesh some peoples kids! HAHAHA :lol: :thumb:

I`ve never gone to a PT site, possibly they discuss the HHR in jest. We don`t really have to be haters because they hate on us. Puts us in their class.
Like I and others have said before, we own the PT some credit/respect for being a fore-runner to the HHR. I`m sure that the original 2001 owners thought then as we do now, We`re #1. You certainly can`t see who the next #1 guy will be 5 yrs from now, and maybe you`ll go to that team and never look back. But bashing just to be bashing isn`t fun or cool. ( to me )

But bashing just to be bashing isn`t fun or cool. ( to me )

Some comedians and political media types make a living off of it. :thumb: :lol:

too bad you dont have an automatic,put trans in I mode keeps in 3rd and gov doesnt come on at 115 you run out of road, and have wind resistanse,they get loosy goosey on slight bumps, so much many would wish for more power and better suspension

I know, saw your sig, but you see it didn`t take long before someone thought this would be a good time to bash a PT.
Get over this "PT HATER" thing Guys/Gals, one day we`ll be #2 on the block. Trust me...

BB= this was a joking matter and if you notice a LOT of people bash the pt's. Its all in good fun. I'm sure the PT guys are bashing us just the same. Its like 2 rival colleges. But we don't know the PT's mascot to steal and last I knew the gnome was safe. Geesh some peoples kids! HAHAHA :lol: :thumb:

I`ve never gone to a PT site, possibly they discuss the HHR in jest. We don`t really have to be haters because they hate on us. Puts us in their class.
Like I and others have said before, we own the PT some credit/respect for being a fore-runner to the HHR. I`m sure that the original 2001 owners thought then as we do now, We`re #1. You certainly can`t see who the next #1 guy will be 5 yrs from now, and maybe you`ll go to that team and never look back. But bashing just to be bashing isn`t fun or cool. ( to me )


I figure most PT bashing is just rivaly since both vehicles were actually designed by the same automotive designer Brian Nesbitt who designed the HHR off of the original PT Cruiser after leaving Chrysler to work for GM.

http://www.gmeurope.tv/storage/videos/nessbit_hq_h264_mid.jpg

Actually, there is not much HHR bashing on any of the PT sites I've ever visited. I think most PT owners are quite interested in the HHR retro design. Both vehicles have pros and cons and I can definitely speak from experience.

How would I know... I own one of each and love them both... ;)

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb92/KahunaSTL/PT%20Cruiser/SurfinUSA.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb92/KahunaSTL/HHR/Cruisetothelake.jpg

The faster you go the more horsepwer it takes. The faster you go aerodynamics become more important. Over say 135 lowering the car, wind dam on front, smoothing up underside, removing side mirrors etc can make a significant difference.
To make the car accelerate faster it takes more horsepower and lighterwieght. (providing you have the traction) To make it top end faster more horsepower and better aerodynamics. Weight is not quite as critical in top speed. No amount of horsepower will make something that is really bad aerodynamicaly go fast. I had a 64 Chevy van and it simply would not go over maybe 100 before it start spinning the tires.
Where it may take 140 hp to push the HHR to 120 it may take 300 to push it to 130 and 450 to make it run 140. I am not sure of the actual numbers but it takes MUCH more horsepower as you get faster. I guarentee you the stock HHR will not go 165 if you disabled the rev limiter. On my drag race car going from 400 hp to 800 hp the car went from 130 to 150 MPH in the quarter mile. If that same car was set up for top speed only it would do about 150 mph with 400 hp and about 175 with 800 hp. My car is very light and aerodynamically clean. I doubt the HHR is as good so it may take more than 500 hp just to get to 150.
To tell you the truth I was very surprised (pleased, impressed) when mine went about 110 mph. It did not hit the rev limiter but I do not think there was much more there anyway.
The rev limiters are usually set below the cars top speed capability and the then they choose the tires for that speed, load range etc.
As for the PT haters, I liked the PT when they came out but not enough to buy one. I think the HHR looks much better but for those who have the PT's and like them that is great.
The HHR it is what it is... It was designed to be a versatile economy car with a retro look. It is not a hot rod or racecar, it is not a tow truck or a bus. It gets good gas mileage, looks good, has a decent stereo and air conditioning and is kind of fun to drive for an economy car. For what it is designed for it is very good.

Well Im not sure were the governers set but I had mine to 110 and no cut off, I ended up letting off because there were two semis in front of me taking up both lanes and I know it wasnt me just miss reading the speedometer because I also had my gps which gives you speed read outs.