We will be selling these black powder-coated valve covers for the 2.4L and both black and RED (for you Spring Edition Owners!), for the 2.2L engines soon.
Powder coated in either red or black, and machine sanded at the Ecotec VVT logo. They will run $169.99 + a $110 core charge.
We ship you out the new valve cover and once your core is returned we refund the core charge.

Here's a full shot of the cover:

http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/i/Valve%20Covers/New_Cover_Sitting_On_Engine_Web.jpg

And installed on the engine (2.4L shown)

http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/i/Valve%20Covers/VC_Web_2Sm.jpg
http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/i/Valve%20Covers/VC_Web_3Sm.jpg
http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/i/Valve%20Covers/VC_Web_4Sm.jpg

I just put up a full "How-To" on the valve cover swap on our site here:
!http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/page/page/3892106.htm

It is also linked to our "How-To" page now.

Please give me your feedback on these valve covers...

Thanks!

$170 for powdercoat! :scared: It looks nice but seems a bit pricey. :(

gee, how much would be for chrome? Roughly $100.00 bucks,a few days? it can't or shouldn't cost much more. these are nice and i hope they sell well for you mike!

how about annodizing mike? they say everything is possible in so. cal

$170 for powdercoat! :scared: It looks nice but seems a bit pricey. :(

The valve covers cost us $105 each, plus powdercoating and machine sanding the logo off. You do the math. Basically we are offering a service here. You could do it yourself (send it out to the powdercoater) - but you wouldn't be able to drive your HHR while it's being done. Most people can't afford that downtime.

This way you get the valve cover sent to you, swap it out when you have time, and send us the core back when you're finished. More convenient for the customer - and we get a useable core back.

We're not making much on this, but eventually it will turn a profit. :thumb:

how about annodizing mike? they say everything is possible in so. cal

Hi Jim! Chroming and anodizing would be problematic and very costly as the HHR valve covers require a lot of work to prepare a smooth and shiny finish before plating or anodizing. Powder coating is a natural as you don't need to polish the surface before coating. Less work = a less expensive product. :thumb:

Looks like a sweet valve cover. I'll probably get one once I get my HHR!!!

The valve covers cost us $105 each, plus powdercoating and machine sanding the logo off. You do the math.

Machine sanding? You mean hitting it on a buffing wheel or belt sander? I don't have to do the math. Remember plating is part of my job. I deal with paint, powdercoat, and plating companies all day long. Here is the part of the math problem you left out. The price of the initial valve cover is irrelevant. If you charge a $110 core charge and the powdercoated valve cover cost $170, even after you refund the core charge you are still paying $170 for powdercoating. :confused: You are right about the convience of being able to get a powdercoated cover with no down time, but most platers/powdercoaters/painters are willing to do same day turn around for a price. I also don't see how you figure there would be any more prep work in plating the cover as opposed to powdercoating it. :confused: Not trying to start a war or anything, just confused because this is what I do for a living. :thumb:

minimal prep would be required for plating. turn around time is not bad. i.ve checked. our local powercoater will do 1 cover for about $40.00. and thats not bad either. if i go chrome i may have someother stuff done as well.

minimal prep would be required for plating. turn around time is not bad. i.ve checked. our local powercoater will do 1 cover for about $40.00. and thats not bad either. if i go chrome i may have someother stuff done as well.

That's not bad. They are probably charging you their minimum lot charge. Chrome plating or anodizing should cost about the same. Somewhere in the $40-50 range. Of course it would be cheaper if you were doing more than one piece though. :lol:

Looks like a good idea. Why the krinkle finish?

Machine sanding? You mean hitting it on a buffing wheel or belt sander? I don't have to do the math. Remember plating is part of my job. I deal with paint, powdercoat, and plating companies all day long. Here is the part of the math problem you left out. The price of the initial valve cover is irrelevant. If you charge a $110 core charge and the powdercoated valve cover cost $170, even after you refund the core charge you are still paying $170 for powdercoating. :confused: You are right about the convience of being able to get a powdercoated cover with no down time, but most platers/powdercoaters/painters are willing to do same day turn around for a price. I also don't see how you figure there would be any more prep work in plating the cover as opposed to powdercoating it. :confused: Not trying to start a war or anything, just confused because this is what I do for a living. :thumb:

It does look very nice, but I agree w/CH....Before I painted my valvecover I called the local powdercoater and he does valvecover coatings (regular powdercoating)for $30.00 and Ceramic coating for $45.00.......Regards

Here is the link......
http://www.wkendall.com/pricing.htm

Looks great Mike, thanks for continuing to add more products to your line up. I agree you are offering a great service, minimum down time for the customer, no time required to finish the cover yourself. I think you have a winner even if other people can't see the benefit. :thumb:

I See The Benifits, Some Of Us Can Get Things Done As Well. I Think He Has Developed A Great New Product To His Lineup. Those Without The Time Or Knowledge Will Buy From Mike. I Hope.

Machine sanding? You mean hitting it on a buffing wheel or belt sander? I don't have to do the math. Remember plating is part of my job. I deal with paint, powdercoat, and plating companies all day long. Here is the part of the math problem you left out. The price of the initial valve cover is irrelevant. If you charge a $110 core charge and the powdercoated valve cover cost $170, even after you refund the core charge you are still paying $170 for powdercoating. :confused: You are right about the convience of being able to get a powdercoated cover with no down time, but most platers/powdercoaters/painters are willing to do same day turn around for a price. I also don't see how you figure there would be any more prep work in plating the cover as opposed to powdercoating it. :confused: Not trying to start a war or anything, just confused because this is what I do for a living. :thumb:

Now wait, I thought you worked in the shipping or recieving part of the business? Do YOU actually do the plating? If so, you would know all about the prep work involved. When you chrome plate something "what you see is what you get" - meaning every inconsistency on the metal will show through the plating.

Most importantly, if you take the stock airbox off your HHR, you would see the casting striations in the rear cam area that need considerable finish work to be eliminated (they appear as "cracks" in the aluminum). I have seen this in all the HHR valve covers I've worked on - and that is quite a few over the last year.

No war here CH - but at least have a clue of what you're talking about before you go off. Having worked in this industry for over 20-years, I can tell you that most people will not put their new valve cover on the same day they get it. Some will let it sit around for a couple weeks. Many just don't have the time. Our offer allows them the freedom to drive their rig until they have time to do the swap.

"Same Day Powdercoating" : Every time I've tried to take advantage of "same day service" I've gotten jacked. I know many can't afford to be without using ther HHR as a daily driver, and the core charge option just makes sense. Having your HHR sit in the driveway with no valve cover on it would be very frustrating indeed.

Bottom line, if someone can wrinkle finish powder coat their own valve cover (and sand off the very thin Ecotec logo without screwing up the rest of the cover), then they don't need our service. Right now there are NO aftermarket HHR valve covers out, so we are forced to buy new GM parts to do this - that is why it is so pricey.

Powder coating for my ZX2 valve cover, which has simialr design, runs from $50-75. That is from a guy on eBay that does powder coating of valve covers, and you can send him yours to do as well. Any chance the price will come down SoCal?

Not right now; it will cost us over $2000 startup to do 12 each of 2.2L and 2.4L valve covers. People never take this into account, it seems everyone just assumes we are making a "ton of money" on everything...

Remember - you will not be able to drive your HHR after you send your valve cover off to the eBay guy for coating. How many days will you need a rental during this process? Could cause some problems - especially if he drags his feet.

The core charge is starting to make more sense now, huh?

everyone just assumes we are making a "ton of money" on everything...

you mean you're not? :lol:

So these will be available for 2.2's as well?

Anyone who's owned their own business knows the answer to that one! :lol: (This is our third business....since I retired! Guess I just have to stay busy.) We sold off one and still own the other two.

Yes, we will have them for both engines. We will also be offering the 2.2L covers in RED wrinkle finish for Spring Edition owners, or anyone who would prefer a red valve cover.

I actually like the idea of a red valve cover for the HHRs. But then again unless it matches reminds me of rice... like the integra type-r

Bottom line, if someone can wrinkle finish powder coat their own valve cover (and sand off the very thin Ecotec logo without screwing up the rest of the cover), then they don't need our service. Right now there are NO aftermarket HHR valve covers out, so we are forced to buy new GM parts to do this - that is why it is so pricey.


Well said Mike....:thumb:

so is the krinkle finish to hide the imperfections you mentioned?

Just wondering why not smooth glass black/red?

When will these be available?

We chose the wrinkle finish as we feel the texture adds more class to the engine compartment.

Available soon. Keep watching our site.

Mike,
I know very little about the whole powder coat process, but will you offer different colors? Seems to me that the coating process would not be that different reguardless of the color.....I'm thinking Orange might look good on my HHR.

I understand that. I have helped someone start a business before, so I know what startup costs are involved in. I also understand the core charge, I am not disputing that. I wasn't sure if you got a bulk buy by chance on the covers or not. I am going to a junkyard now to see what I can get for a valve cover, if they'll part with it. I'll be ordering a HHR valve cover from you once I get mine, don't worry!


Not right now; it will cost us over $2000 startup to do 12 each of 2.2L and 2.4L valve covers. People never take this into account, it seems everyone just assumes we are making a "ton of money" on everything...

Remember - you will not be able to drive your HHR after you send your valve cover off to the eBay guy for coating. How many days will you need a rental during this process? Could cause some problems - especially if he drags his feet.

The core charge is starting to make more sense now, huh?

Cool looking item there Mike! Thanks for your hard work in offering us yet another neato for our HHR's!

Price, c'mon people, ya either want it or ya don't. Lets not dicker about this vendors pricing. It is what it is.

Could we eventaully get blue??

I'll take a rainbow please!

I'll take a rainbow please!

Switching teams Sindy?

Now back on topic, I would be interested in knowing too if there is a longer term plan for other colors, like blue.

can you get them color matched to our HHRs, and whats the red look like Mike? any pics?

When you chrome plate something "what you see is what you get" - meaning every inconsistency on the metal will show through the plating.


SoCal, I agree with you, your correct on the comment about what you see is what you get. Prep is everything when it comes to chrome plating. As far as same day powdercoating, the best I've ever been able to get done was "Next Day" service on parts for my bike. Personally I think it sounds and looks like you've got a good product at a fair price. And as someone else already said...people, if you don't like the deal, don't buy the product. It's that simple.

I think this is a great idea Mike. I've tackled some of the mods here on the forum, but I don't think I'm quite ready to do this one all by myself. I like the idea of being able to have the option of either trying to do it myself or paying a little extra and getting another one of your great products.

I'll be looking forward to the introduction of the covers for the 2.2L and seeing what is yet to come. Thanks once again for being such a great outlet for the HHR owners. :yourock:

Thanks Deb! :bow:

I'll keep you posted...

Any update on this becoming available?

No update yet. We are still working on them.

I will post as soon as they are available for sale.

Mike, remember the saying LET NO GOOD DEED GO UNPUNISHED.
Looks like a great product for the person that can't do it themselves.
Keep them coming.


See ya down the road.

Bud / Harvey

Update: I have one other new black wrinkle-finish valve cover here for sale.

It is brand new and never installed.

Looks just like this:

http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/i/Valve%20Covers/New_Cover_Sitting_On_Engine_Web.jpg

This will be the ONLY one until we get packaging sorted out for the new covers. (*We have to re-box them as the boxes GM ships them in are too small and the finish would be compromised.)

If anyone wants this ONE cover, PM me.

We are still looking at a few weeks before our full run of covers will be ready.

Hang in there...:thumb:

Would this also fit the 2.4L of the Ion?

Would this also fit the 2.4L of the Ion?

It sure does. :thumb:

Resurrecting this thread--are these still availible for sale? I am interested!

Would this also fit the 2.4L of the Ion?

If it's an LE5 engine the answer is yes.

I still have one available.

Resurrecting this thread--are these still availible for sale? I am interested!

We only have one at this time - it was one of the first prototypes (never installed). In perfect shape. PM if interested.

Right now, it's looking like our production run of valve covers will not be completed until after new years. Hang in there! :thumb:

How's it looking Mike?

I still have one 2.4L cover here if you want it?

Any word on when they will be available again?

I'll probably just wait till the car is older. i don't even have 4k miles yet and the engine cover is still on it. This weekend I'm just now taking it in for its first oil change. maybe more colors by then...

No update yet. We are still working on them.

I will post as soon as they are available for sale.

My previous post is still in effect. :D

I still have one 2.4L cover here if you want it?

Thanks Mike, it came in on Thursday.
Can not put in on till at least Monday.
Thanks again for the fast shipping.

No problem Karen - you're welcome! :bow: