Anyone is the Buffalo/Rochester NY area have experiance with installation of this kit? I'm picking up my 2009 HHR SS (new to me) on 02/28/2011. I'd appreciate the name of a local dealer who has done this already and your experience at that dealership.

I'm getting in on a group purchase of the kit from this forum.

 

Without reading every post, why the difference in HP and Torque between the vehicles using the same kit?

 

It's the software. Each vehicle has it's own programming. I had the Stage 1 kit installed on my 2010 HHR SS and am glad that I did. You can definitely feel the difference.
Did a road trip to Ft Wayne last weened and averaged 27 mpg. So it did minimal damage to the gas mileage.

Installed a TWM Performance shifter last weekend. That was another great investment.
I highly recommend both.

Rinke Chevrolet in Centerline, MI installed the Stage 1 kit and did a great job.
I installed the shifter with no issues.

 

Are you talking about auto vs manual, or vehicles with the same type of trans?

 

HHR manual Vs all others with like trans. Torque range is wide both RPM and amount. HHR has less torque.

•2007 & 2008 Solstice/Sky Manual 290 Hp @5200 rpm and 340 ft-lbs @3600
•2007 & 2008 Solstice Auto 290 Hp @5200 rpm and 325 ft-lbs @3600
•2008 HHR SS Manual and Auto 290 Hp @5200 rpm and 315 ft-lbs @4800

 

Still need an installer in SoCal. Got my kit last week. I wanna get 'er done!

 

The GM 4 speed auto and 5 Speed trans axle is the weak link. They would become a long term issues it the torque was higher. HP does not do the damage but FT-LB will.

The 6 speed did not fit and they had to make due with the older tranny.

The Kappa cars were also RWD and the rear diff is from a CTS so it is stronger.

 

Another reason to like RWD cars better Thanks, kinda figured that. We had the same issues on trucks back when GM actually had them. Allison trans was the answer. It was the standard everyone else wanted to meet.

 

Had mine installed today by Connell Chevy in Costa Mesa.2.5 hours. Drove in rush hour traffic up to Irwindale drags...No, I didn't race, I was working. Felt nothing different. Now, at 10:30pm driving home WOW! 20lbs of boost and pulls strong. Set the cruise at 67-70MPH and 34.8mpg up from 31.5-32MPG. Power and economy I love it.. My local dealer, Paradise in Oxnard wanted 4 hours to do the job and the tech thought he could do it.....I'll play more tomorrow... I like this car

 

They offer a replacement air filter. If you talk to anybody that knows anything. The stock air box on the SS is pretty good. Perhaps some replacement air tubes is the only benefit but a great deal of that is pure cosmetic.