K&N HHR SS AirCharger 63-3069 kit install report…
Senior Member
Joined: 11-27-2007
Posts: 1,115
From: Austin, Texas
So, after installing the kit, here are my observations and personal opinion.
-The added volume of the airbox is a good idea, and no doubt helps performance.
-As might be expected the slight HP increase is not really noticeable (to me anyway, car is still fast).
-The cover is softer plastic than stock, and deforms around the fasteners with just light torque (I put flatwashers under the fasteners to reduce this problem).
-The K&N intake pipe does not seem much different in crossection and shape than the factory inlet pipe, there might be a very slight improvement in transition to the turbo. If I had to do the install over, I would not bother with the pipe.
-Conclusion: You can achieve the same effect by making a spacer to pop the stock lid up slightly for added volume, and save over $200.
-The added volume of the airbox is a good idea, and no doubt helps performance.
-As might be expected the slight HP increase is not really noticeable (to me anyway, car is still fast).
-The cover is softer plastic than stock, and deforms around the fasteners with just light torque (I put flatwashers under the fasteners to reduce this problem).
-The K&N intake pipe does not seem much different in crossection and shape than the factory inlet pipe, there might be a very slight improvement in transition to the turbo. If I had to do the install over, I would not bother with the pipe.
-Conclusion: You can achieve the same effect by making a spacer to pop the stock lid up slightly for added volume, and save over $200.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-18-2007
Posts: 602
From: Warrington PA
I'll just get the K&N filter and the spacer per your suggestions....thanks......Tom
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 04-26-2009
Posts: 669
From: City of Champions
great review......what material would you use for the spacer and how high should it be???? I've had my original air filter on now for almost 33,000 miles, I think it is time for a change..... I'll just get the K&N filter and the spacer per your suggestions....thanks......Tom
I'll just get the K&N filter and the spacer per your suggestions....thanks......Tom
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/deleted-threads-41/hhr-ss-k-n-air-filter-box-lid-sale-trade-24159/
Member
Joined: 07-14-2007
Posts: 75
From: Ohio
New Member
Joined: 05-06-2009
Posts: 14
From: Tri-Cities, WA
Yes I agree it sounds great! The turbo spool is very noticeable and definetly can tell a difference. I bought it because I had a great hook up price on it. I'm still
waiting for CIA to make one and then sell my K&N kit. But it's A great buy!
waiting for CIA to make one and then sell my K&N kit. But it's A great buy!
Senior Member
Joined: 11-27-2007
Posts: 1,115
From: Austin, Texas
[QUOTE=SSROADSTER;401673]what material would you use for the spacer and how high should it be????/QUOTE]
The K&N top cover is 0.39" taller than the stock (a bit more than 3/8") so you might be able to get away with 1/2" spacer. Any high temperature plastic would be fine. Use the stock top as a template, then simply bandsaw out a "picture frame" (drill holes prior to bandsawing). After you drill holes, and cut the outside of the spacer, then screw it down to a piece of plywood larger than the outside dimensions of the spacer, then cut through one side to do your interior cut (the plywood will support it while you are cutting out the interior. Easy.
The K&N top cover is 0.39" taller than the stock (a bit more than 3/8") so you might be able to get away with 1/2" spacer. Any high temperature plastic would be fine. Use the stock top as a template, then simply bandsaw out a "picture frame" (drill holes prior to bandsawing). After you drill holes, and cut the outside of the spacer, then screw it down to a piece of plywood larger than the outside dimensions of the spacer, then cut through one side to do your interior cut (the plywood will support it while you are cutting out the interior. Easy.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-18-2007
Posts: 602
From: Warrington PA
[QUOTE=c2vette;404471]
sounds like a plan, any suggestions on where to purchase the high temp plastic? Would Home Depot or Lowes carry that?.....thanks
what material would you use for the spacer and how high should it be????/QUOTE]
The K&N top cover is 0.39" taller than the stock (a bit more than 3/8") so you might be able to get away with 1/2" spacer. Any high temperature plastic would be fine. Use the stock top as a template, then simply bandsaw out a "picture frame" (drill holes prior to bandsawing). After you drill holes, and cut the outside of the spacer, then screw it down to a piece of plywood larger than the outside dimensions of the spacer, then cut through one side to do your interior cut (the plywood will support it while you are cutting out the interior. Easy.
The K&N top cover is 0.39" taller than the stock (a bit more than 3/8") so you might be able to get away with 1/2" spacer. Any high temperature plastic would be fine. Use the stock top as a template, then simply bandsaw out a "picture frame" (drill holes prior to bandsawing). After you drill holes, and cut the outside of the spacer, then screw it down to a piece of plywood larger than the outside dimensions of the spacer, then cut through one side to do your interior cut (the plywood will support it while you are cutting out the interior. Easy.
Senior Member
Joined: 11-27-2007
Posts: 1,115
From: Austin, Texas
[QUOTE=SSROADSTER;404477]
I get all kinds of stuff through Grainger. Your local ACE hardware can also order from them. There are plenty of plastics that meet the temp range you need. Looks like their min sheet size would run a bit over $20 plus shipping, and you would have leftover for other projects. http://www.grainger.com