you think you had a scare, I even scared myself with the first half of my report also
I really appreciate the compliment and comments, not only from you, but the other members as well. I just enjoy driving, always have and now enjoying driving the SS even more with the tune

 

Arg, wife... will... kill... me...

 

So I emailed Hahn about the tuner with a few questions and here is what was said:

ME:
"I am really interested in the PPC tuner that is now available for the HHR SS automatic however I am worried about putting that much torque through the transmission. I am sure there was alot of testing involved with developing this product but could you please tell me how the transmissions in your tests held up? Did you drive the test vehicle(s) pretty hard? I know you can't warranty the transmission but I just don't want to be replacing it shortly after getting your product? I know GM rates the input side of the 4t45 at 221 lb/ft of torque and with the tune it is going to be much higher. Have your tests shown that the transmission can hold more than the rated torque? Sorry about all of the questions I really want to get your product but I am just worried about how the car will hold up afterwards."

HAHN:
"Yes they were tested hard, and they are still in operation with the tuner today it is a daily driver. As long as your treat the trans right it will hold to almost any amount of power.

Also the torque of this tuner is lower than the GM ‘limits’ "

 

Will you buy the tuner based on the one sentence answer??That doesn't tell you anything about the testing procedure??

I won't!!

 

I know what you mean, and I understand both of your concerns including the sentence above. I did not ask the questions that agentsmith23 did and I should have, I probably have placed too much trust in Hahn, but maybe not. I know that they have been around for awhile and have a very good rep in the performance field. But I also agree that there should have been more elaboration on the answer. As far as the torque limits goes, I need that part of the answer explained more myself. It feels like it has tons of torque
And yes if you treat any trans right, it will last forever or a very long time at that!!! The question is; what is the right way to treat the trans????
I am sure that everyone may have a different meaning for the answer, which could be
you know it all comes down to your driving habits, and everyone drives different. I have been fortunate enough to have never had any trans replaced in any of the performance vehicles I have owned. But then again, I never beat up on those vehicles either. And I like to go just as fast as the next guy in a safe manner and enjoy the power the vehicle has to offer.
And finally, who responded to those answers at Hahn? was it Bill or Aaron?
I know Aaron is the tech person, and both he and Bill have posted on this board several times......
I have to say that I am enjoying the tune, the power feels very V8ish, not like a 4 at all. see my post after this for more results......

 

As I stated very early on.........I will stay in my wait and see mode.......
Like I stated above the 1 sentence answer from the tuner is unacceptable to me, I will keep my 1000. in the bank for now!!

 

it seems like alot of members who have the Auto trans or who are thinking about getting the SS with the Auto have many concerns about the Hahn tune. and rightfully so....first, as stated before, I have no association with Hahn in any way other than being a customer and a very satisfied one at that. I really am enjoying this tune as I stated in my previous post. I still have some concerns, which I will get answers soon, as I intend to either write or call and speak to Bill or Aaron about them.
Again I am not trying to spend your $$$$, just giving an average person's(me) perspective on this product for everyday use.

today's discoveries:
since I am on vaca I am getting to use the SS during the day, when usually I am working. So it is giving me more seat time to experiement and experience what the SS has to offer as a vehicle and now with the tune as you all know.

1- the trans reacts different in the "I" position with TC on, TC off, and TC off and in competitive mode, which induces Launh Control everytime you stop the vehicle.

2- it can be very responsive in all 3 settings,although it is more responsive with the TC off rather than on. (see yesterday's post)

3- with a quick start (part throttle) up to 3 grand, the engine will ping slightly when shifting from 1st to 2nd as stated before. when bringing the r's up above 3 grand to around 4 grand, there is no evidence of pinging. I am assuming and only assuming that the reason for this is that at higher rpm's the engine is past the torque peak, and doesn't need a slight reduction in timing to protect the trans, where as at a lower rpm operation, it does. Again I may be totally off base, but I am thinking straight logic here, nothing else.

4- finally had enough room to feel a shft from 2nd to 3rd in the "I" position and there was no evidence of pinging when shifhting at that point.

5- the heat does not appartently seem to effect the performance of my turbo for whatever reason. (we are at or very close to sea level here)
the power and boost come right up and this is with the AC on, (you guys don't want me to sweat? do you???)

6- I had some stop light fun in a safe manner, I do not go crazy with other people on the road, or when they are off the road for that matter. But that being said, it is so much fun to get a junp on the vehicle next to you going up to the speed limit or slightly above, and then looking in the rearview, and wondering when they are going to start to move, because it looks like they are standing still


7- the statement I made yesterday about the tires chirping or laying rubber down 2 to 3 seconds after you pull away has merit and then doesn't.
If the TC is on, you will feel it work if you let off the gas and give it a chance to kick in.(merit) with the TC off, you can still spin the tires a few seconds after moving, because you are careful not to give it so much gas (as I did yesterday and started to go sideways), but then after you are moving, decide to press further down on the accelerator to feel the power, and the torque & HP kick in, because you can light them up as you are actually moving. (no merit)

todays conclusion....I am still glad I bought the tune, as stated before, you may do other improvements, and experience a more satisfying ride, but I still think that there is nothing (without changing the turbo, and more extensive mods) that can compare to the tune. I am everyday....

 

Wouldn't a transmission cooler help, at least?
Vince

 

Absolutely! From what I can tell, it doesn't even use the radiator like most other automatic cars I've seen. I would love to do this since the transmission is sealed from the factory with 'forever trans fluid' (yea right) which makes it more difficult to change.

 

I have asked for a more in depth answer and I will let you all know as soon as I find out. I am not sure who was responding to the e-mail but i requested Bill or Arron on this next answer.