I highly doubt it. I'm still sticking with the LS engine

The only thing that looks the same as a big block is the exhaust port layout

 

Not here to argue, I just know it's NOT a ford.

 

You really have me interested in what this engine is.....

I went through the most recent GMPP catalog and found nothing with front distributor or anything of a conversion kit.

Hard to tell from the picture, but the valve covers do not appear high enough for the large block Chevs.

 

anytime that you go away from a distributorless ignition on an LS engine, you have to put on that type of distributor system. That intake is also a pretty big give-away that it is an LS

 

I don't know much about motors but there use to be articles about the "Year One" HHR on .net and it is an LS V8.

 

And there you go................

 

Yeah, RodRun, I'm kind of agreeing with you because of the exhaust and plug location.

The angle of the head (well, at least the valve cover) has me confused also. Seems to be slightly more of an angle down than the LS engines......particularly on the exhaust side.

 

I missed this post earlier when I responded. I wasn't arguing with you or anything. I was just trying to let people know what it looked like to me. I own an LS that I've torn down a lot, and I've also rebuilt one in the past while putting it into a 1938 Chevy p/u with a Corvette suspension

I also have a 396 BB Chevy in one of my other toys

 

IIRC the NASCAR motor is a 358 ci with 23 deg. heads (may be why the heads look different) and yes I know 23 deg is the valve angle
Also IIRC the Year One HHR can't be titled because it doesn't have a VIN.
(OT-I think the Solstice drive train would be a better option, turbocharged of course.

 

Unless you want to do the V8 conversion by chopping up the whole vehicle, the best engine upgrades for the HHR are adding a supercharger or turbo. The supercharger is easier and cheaper using cobalt parts, the turbo would most likely be an aftermarket kit.