Just for fun, if you had the opportunity to choose a new upgraded powerplant for a future version of the HHR, which would it be:

1) A 2.0L 260 HP Direct Injected, Turbo with manual 6-speed trans

2) A 2.0L 270 HP Direct Injected, Supercharged with manual 6-speed trans

3) A 3.6L Aluminum OHV V-6 with VVT and 252 HP, with automatic.

4) 4.2L Vortec I6 with VVT and 291 HP w/auto

5) Screw it! Put a full blown LS7 V8 in there!


So basically, if you could choose ONE OF THE ABOVE (CH!:D ), which would it be and how much would you expect to pay for this model?

TRY to stay on topic...:lol:

I'd go with #2 myself.

Oh the above I would go with option 3 so long as it's not a 4 speed auto. It's gotta be atleast a 5 speed but a 6 speed auto would be preferred.

Based on the fully loaded (every option but on-star and sat. radio) 2LT like I have now I would pay up to 32,000 Canadian. Quick conversion into US funds makes that about $28,000.

#3 because it has more potential than the other two. Option it nicely and I would pay between $28,000 - $30,000.

ill take #2, 2lt like i have now 26,000
bolt ons will get it to 300 horse

Poll is up now...please vote!

I'll take the V6 too.

(*I bet you guys thought I'd vote for the 'Vette motor! :lol: )

Yeah, #3. To the customers who shop cars based on number of cylinders, six is much more appealing than four. Besides, I'd rather run forced induction on a larger engine, even if it is aftermarket. $28k is perfect.

New options? :confused: Now I have to pick again. :lol: The 4.2. :thumb:

ls7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New options? :confused: Now I have to pick again. :lol: The 4.2. :thumb:

Just so you know - that's an inline 6 CH.

i think its funny how no one as of yet pick a turbo but most people are asking when a turbo is coming out!

I went with #2. I'd like to see a little more power...but want a manual transmission. I've had several turbos and they were a royal PITA and I would be hesitant to go down that road again. I bought the HHR because it's a cool looking car that's fun to drive, gets great gas mileage and was affordable. A little extra power would be nice...but not a deciding factor in my book. :smile:

I'm with Deb on the Turbo...don't like em. If between the 2 "assisted breathers" I'd take the Supercharged version.

But as a vote, I'd take the aluminum V-6, just because of the power available at high speeds, smoother operation and the automatic trans....with dozens of manuals thru the years, I'm done shifting, unless it is a Vette, Porche, BMW "M" series, etc.:D

Opps, forgot about the Solstice GXP !!!

Also, forgot to add expected cost....as a "special or limited" edition...maybe a $2100 upgrade from the 2LT.

i think its funny how no one as of yet pick a turbo but most people are asking when a turbo is coming out!


Hmmmm, that is interesting!!! Could it be we just want something other than what is available now???

i like option 4 , 291 that would be sick!

Im going for turbo... vrrrrrrrmmmmmm... p;ssssss

#3 would be great and affordable, but that last option would be my dream!:bow:

3.5 Nissan engine.. V6
theres lots of Modification parts for this engine..

#2 with stage 2 upgrades, and the 6 speed so the wifey couldnt drive the car anymore.

I'm for the V-6. I think that would be about a 1500 dollar upgrade.

#2. Gotta have a stick and I like supercharged. Had a turbo Daytona Shelby Z in 1988. It was a whole lot of fun cruising the 401 in Toronto and the boost was a hoot when it kicked in, but I really disliked the delay between mashing the pedal down and actually feeling the effect of the turbo.

I voted for the LS7, but I bet a 327 would look nice in there. I wonder how hard it would be to convert to a rear wheel drive? You know, blueprinted and polished 327 with a Muncie 4 speed and a cut down Camaro rear-end. Man that would be sweet. Wait, I think I'm dreaming.

I like your thinking...but why not a 350 or a punched out 350....I think they're the same weight and size??


Opps...off topic !!! Again, me sorry !!!

400 small block :cool:

I was at a GM show today here in town and talked to a GM rep. He said it looked like the HHR would most likely be getting the 2.0 Turbo engine like the Solstice...but said they didn't know when that would happen. When I said probably 2008...he just looked at me and grinned. Had a great time discussing the HHR with him...he seemed surprised that a girl knew as much if not more about the HHR as he did. :lol:

The good ole 454, otherwise the 350..

Lets see you toss the V8 in there :lol: yes I know it was done, but I want to see you do it :thumb:

I would love a V8, but realistically it would never fit; then it would need RWD or AWD, and it would be too front heavy to handle well. That is why I chose the aluminum V6. It could really happen. I hate the idea of using a smaller 4 banger, even though it has more HP. That has to stress an engine which will effect it's reliability and life. Now, a turbo or super 2.4 could be nice.

I went with the supercharged 2.0 L.

I've had too many problems with GM's 3.x L V6s in the past to avoid them like the plague.

4.2 I6 for me.

Well my vote went to the SC, I prefer the smooth power boost of the SC over the rather abrupt boost of a turbo. I work on a lot of boosted engines in my shop and can honestly say, I've seen much shorter engine life on turbo engines as compared to supercharged engines. Of course, everything else being equal, the TC will whip the SC anytime, it just won't last as long.

I would have selected the V6 but the only choice was an ATX and I don't do ATX's.

The V-6. If the rest of GM's cars can get 31 mpg with this engine (Monte Carlo and Impala), imagine what the lighter HHR will get, and for the hotrodders, I think a very quick little stock, long lasting combination. The Cavalier used to have this, the Z-24? was a nice ride. as for cost?.... well maybe $1000.00 option, same as Auto. Basic V-6 nothing fancy.:thumb:

Polls like this and this site in general are reasons why I don't post here much. The consesus of this site seems to be to figure out how many different way the HHR can be changed to make it 'better'. I'm more into keeping a vehicle as original as possible. I restore older vehicles and you guys are basically 'tuners'. I'll be looking for a site where I can discuss these vehicles as they are rather than turn them into something they're not. I imagine most of you find that boring but to each his own.

I prefer N/A. And good luck getting a straight 6 or a V8 under there. :nuts:

Polls like this and this site in general are reasons why I don't post here much. The consesus of this site seems to be to figure out how many different way the HHR can be changed to make it 'better'. I'm more into keeping a vehicle as original as possible. I restore older vehicles and you guys are basically 'tuners'. I'll be looking for a site where I can discuss these vehicles as they are rather than turn them into something they're not. I imagine most of you find that boring but to each his own.

Wow. :eek: I'm not trying to be insulting but that sounds like something my mom would say. I have had to hear the leave it stock speech out of her so many times. :lol: I can't wait to see her face when I finally get the Malibu she gave me restored. :nuts: She wants me to restore it back to factory but I have other plans. :D

what ever i'm american and it seems to me all most of us like to add a special touch to our cars since the 50's. What i mean is i am not trying to re-design my HHR just add somethings to it to make it persoanl.

Like I said, 'to each his own'. Captain Howdy, I'm 56. Probably in the same age bracket as your mom. upOnGamE, I'm also American (?) so I don't get that comment at all. What do you know about the fifties other than what you've heard and read? I lived it. Anyway, since you opened you response with the very astute 'what ever' that just reaffirms that there really isn't much to this site for me. Enjoy your toys. OUT!

Like I said, 'to each his own'. Captain Howdy, I'm 56. Probably in the same age bracket as your mom.

You are. Like I said I wasn't trying to be insulting. Your statement just reminded me so much of something my mom would say. :smile: I have no problems with you keeping your vehicle stock. :thumb:

I too grew up in the 50's and 60's. I lived the age of the GTO, Chevelle, Corvette, SS, Z-28, Road Runners, GTX, Shelby's, shall I go on?. These were little 4 and 6 cylinder cars originally. Tuners?, yea, guess soo, but these little cars of the past, guess what they are today? DeLorean and Duntoff were right, speed sells. There is nothing wrong with a little speed along with great economy. There are many Camaros that started life out as 6 cylinder grocery getters. If the major auto companies look back, they will see what sold in those days, and what is needed today. The technology is there, why not use it, hence the poll? My dad made a statement yesterday, while looking at an old picture of his old 4 door 1940 Ford. "That thing got 29 mpg". That was in 1950 when he owned it used. Seems we have came a long way, but then again, we haven't. Gas in now $3.00 a gallon, back then it was about $.20 a gallon. He didn't care as much then about mileage as we do now. Power was not one of my dads biggies, but the efficient use of the Automobile. He was an Auto Shop teacher for 17 years. Horsepower is the icon of the American car. Today, fuel economy is at the top of most drivers concern. We have the technology to have both, why not. How do you think the Auto makers know what to build, they listen to the consumer. Staying stale will bring an auto company down fast, look at Oldsmobile, Studebaker, AMC, and Kaiser, among others.

Like I said, 'to each his own'. I'm 56. Probably in the same age bracket as your mom. upOnGamE, I'm also American (?) so I don't get that comment at all. What do you know about the fifties other than what you've heard and read? I lived it. OUT!

It's a shame to see you leave this site, after all it's all about diversity. Like you I'm of the older crowd at 57, but I also like to keep up with what the kids are doing today like we did as kids. So I guess this makes me part Hot Rodder and part Tuner since I work on and modify both older rods as well as sport compacts. I personally love to tweak out as much power from my cars as I can within reason. It's fun while at the same time making my car.....well....MY CAR.

Your 56 so this means you were born in 1950 a year after me, which means you couldn't have lived the 50's, more like lived through the 50's since that ended when you were only 10. Our generation lived in the 60's and 70's, the muscle car era.

Not trying to be critical here but as one who's your age I know I haven't lived the 50's, and surely wouldn't try selling any of these younger folks here my experience of one who did. Now I will admit that a lot of my "Hot Rod" background was indeed influenced by the 50's, as well as the generations that followed. This younger crowd isn't doing anything different today than we did, the only difference is the canvas for their imagination looks a bit different than ours did. Me, well I like painting on both. Keeps me involved, I love teaching the younger folks from my own experiences as well as learning a lot from them about these late model high tech cars. - Dan

Like I said, 'to each his own'. Captain Howdy, I'm 56. Probably in the same age bracket as your mom. upOnGamE, I'm also American (?) so I don't get that comment at all. What do you know about the fifties other than what you've heard and read? I lived it. Anyway, since you opened you response with the very astute 'what ever' that just reaffirms that there really isn't much to this site for me. Enjoy your toys. OUT!
SEE YA, GONNA MISS YA, :nuts: :nuts: :nuts:

I'm 53, born in '53. Don't remember a thing about the 50's. Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, GTO's, 409's, all the muscle car rage and all the gear heads that made those great cars better in the 60's & it got even better in the 70's. I don't turn my nose up at the guy who wants to restore (to cleaner than new in many cases) or the guy who wants to low ride or the guy who wants to hot rod. There is a place for all. More great cars ended up crushed over the years than saved. I suspect fewer of the more recent vintage cars (from the 50's-70's) were saved by strict restorers than by some form of "modifier", even if it's only slight "cruiser" type mods.

Car's are still meant to be driven and an older car with a newer engine, trans, etc. is generally far more enjoyable than restored vintage iron. I remember when the folks drove from San Diego to Boston in the early 60's in a '57 Starchief. Had to keep that water bag hanging in front of the radiator, for those hot areas.

Of course if you're going to Pebble Beach, that's a different story. Sounds like db justs wants to put his car up in the garage and look at it. To me Captain Howdy's response was right on target, and I think the other "I'm American" comment was about the fact that, more than most other nations (IMHO) Americans like to tinker and change and try to improve whatever their particular "thing" is. BTW, if I'm not mistaken it was upOnGamE that had the "Whatever I'm American" comment. Like others, sorry to see you go.

The site will reflect the multiplicity or opinions and tastes ONLY IF those with diverse goals participate. I'm not going to lower my car (my wife's actually) or put 22's on it or any number of other mods, but I really like some of the retro mods and I don't look down my nose at anyone who doesn't want to do exactly what I want. I appreciate this site here and all the folks with the ideas and work that they are ready to share. db, after you've gotten a rock through your radiator (as some here have) you may have a bit more appreciation for the modifiers and less for the "Holy" stock outlook. My :2cents:

# 3

BRAVO....SoCal4me. Nicely said.


If we had a clapping smiley, I would use it. This will do for now...:bow:

I know that it is longer but would like to see the 4.3 inline 6. Had one in the trail blazer we traded for the HHR. Great engine and different.

#5 Just because....

:barf::mad:

:roflol:

Its a picture.

I think they should put the 4.8L truck motor into the hhr, it's definitely lacking in the torque department. To me, the car is kinda heavy and the 4 banger in there just dont cut it, not to mention it feels like the stock brakes arent up to par...

I think they should put the 4.8L truck motor into the hhr, it's definitely lacking in the torque department. To me, the car is kinda heavy and the 4 banger in there just dont cut it, not to mention it feels like the stock brakes arent up to par...

:confused:

Yeah.....

and they could put it in the back seat and make it direct drive:lol: :lol: :eek: :eek:

I think they should put the 4.8L truck motor into the hhr, it's definitely lacking in the torque department. To me, the car is kinda heavy and the 4 banger in there just dont cut it, not to mention it feels like the stock brakes arent up to par...
I agree, plenty of room, too!

It's a shame to see you leave this site, after all it's all about diversity. Like you I'm of the older crowd at 57, but I also like to keep up with what the kids are doing today like we did as kids. So I guess this makes me part Hot Rodder and part Tuner since I work on and modify both older rods as well as sport compacts. I personally love to tweak out as much power from my cars as I can within reason. It's fun while at the same time making my car.....well....MY CAR.

Your 56 so this means you were born in 1950 a year after me, which means you couldn't have lived the 50's, more like lived through the 50's since that ended when you were only 10. Our generation lived in the 60's and 70's, the muscle car era.

Not trying to be critical here but as one who's your age I know I haven't lived the 50's, and surely wouldn't try selling any of these younger folks here my experience of one who did. Now I will admit that a lot of my "Hot Rod" background was indeed influenced by the 50's, as well as the generations that followed. This younger crowd isn't doing anything different today than we did, the only difference is the canvas for their imagination looks a bit different than ours did. Me, well I like painting on both. Keeps me involved, I love teaching the younger folks from my own experiences as well as learning a lot from them about these late model high tech cars. - Dan

Well said! :bow:

I'm 53, born in '53. Don't remember a thing about the 50's. Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, GTO's, 409's, all the muscle car rage and all the gear heads that made those great cars better in the 60's & it got even better in the 70's. I don't turn my nose up at the guy who wants to restore (to cleaner than new in many cases) or the guy who wants to low ride or the guy who wants to hot rod. There is a place for all. More great cars ended up crushed over the years than saved. I suspect fewer of the more recent vintage cars (from the 50's-70's) were saved by strict restorers than by some form of "modifier", even if it's only slight "cruiser" type mods.

Car's are still meant to be driven and an older car with a newer engine, trans, etc. is generally far more enjoyable than restored vintage iron. I remember when the folks drove from San Diego to Boston in the early 60's in a '57 Starchief. Had to keep that water bag hanging in front of the radiator, for those hot areas.

Of course if you're going to Pebble Beach, that's a different story. Sounds like db justs wants to put his car up in the garage and look at it. To me Captain Howdy's response was right on target, and I think the other "I'm American" comment was about the fact that, more than most other nations (IMHO) Americans like to tinker and change and try to improve whatever their particular "thing" is. BTW, if I'm not mistaken it was upOnGamE that had the "Whatever I'm American" comment. Like others, sorry to see you go.

The site will reflect the multiplicity or opinions and tastes ONLY IF those with diverse goals participate. I'm not going to lower my car (my wife's actually) or put 22's on it or any number of other mods, but I really like some of the retro mods and I don't look down my nose at anyone who doesn't want to do exactly what I want. I appreciate this site here and all the folks with the ideas and work that they are ready to share. db, after you've gotten a rock through your radiator (as some here have) you may have a bit more appreciation for the modifiers and less for the "Holy" stock outlook. My :2cents:

Also well said! :bow:

Again, I was born in 1951, don't remember much about the 50's early 60's, but the 70's I do. A lot of the things that we did in the 70's started in the 50's. I lived the 60's and 70's, muscle car era. WOW, what a blast. My dad did several mods in the 50's that still today are done. He put Chevy V-8's in 40 Fords. He had an old adapter plate I ended up using on a 40 Ford myself in 1980. So yea, I lived the 50's. It's all a matter of what year you lived it. As for mods and hotrodding, (thats' what it's really called), that is why we are where we are today with the cars being produced today. My cousin put a V-8 in a Vega. Chevrolet eventually did the same with the Monza. Computers were the rage in the 70's and 80's for performance evaluation, guess what, todays cars can't run without computers. The fuel mileage and performance standards are set with them. A tremendous amount of the mods we did in the 50's, 60's and 70's reflect what cars are built like today. Spoilers,mirrors, cup holders, hey, a lot of things you don't think about started out as modifications to our cars. I remember converting my Van for home comforts of that time. Guess what, todays vehicles with the TV's, VCR's, DVD's, even the GPS, where do you think this started?
Remember COPO........................:one:

I voted for the V6 as well...being born in '53,I too remember the "muscle car era" very well.There was no substitute for cubic inches back then.I also remember that most of those same muscle cars rode and drove like very fast trucks.:eek: They sure were fun in a straight line though.:thumb:

When I was in Hawaii in 74-76 and racing stock cars I was amazed by how many 55 and 57 chevys with the 283's were racing. I myself was racing in the mini-mod 4 cyl class and crewed on a 65 chev malibu with a 283. Now we know where all the 55 and 57 bodies went along with a lot of the 283 blocks. Naaaaa I don't remember the 60's and 70's along with a lot of 50's autos, My first car was a 53 Chev.. Yep remember it well.. :smile:

1st car = 1950 Willy's Jeep.
2nd car = 1957 Chevy (yep, it had a 283!)

call me crazy, but i think a turbo deseil should go in the hhr, good gas. great for towing or loads...gm already has an eco 2.2 deseil in europe

i was born in 1986, i dont remember the 50-80///cars i remember when i was little were the beretta and cavailer, ford giant two tone brown vans and monte carlo ss's


sad isnt it......

1st car 1981 chevy malibu 2dr

LS7 with All wheel drive!

I simply would not want an automatic Trans! I don't care how much HP you have if you can't control it!

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g22/hollyeclark1/af67ea7d.gif to the site Zhris!!

Automatics are for drivers-ed cars and handguns.

I'll race any 5-speed HHR against our automatic - any time. :D

Sure you can have a fast automatic! That's not the point. The point is you can do more with what you've already got with the manual Trans!

How about a 240hp DI VVT Turbo 2.0L with a 6T70E 6-Speed Automatic with StabiliTrak?

How about a 240hp DI VVT Turbo 2.0L with a 6T70E 6-Speed Automatic with StabiliTrak?

I do believe the tranny would weigh in close to what the motor would lol. But the tranny would prolly suck up more power than put down...

the 270 hp turbo, but with the 5 speed automatic from the sky. or the first year IONS its actually quicker to 60 and quarter mile as per car and driver.