This will get done, it seems a must!!! I don't mean to ruffle feathers, and I know now we are all trying to save a buck. I thought the upgrade @ 700 for real hp was a steal(not like every CAI that claims 30 hp), I admit I'm new to the turbo world, and have much to learn.....but I spent 7300 on a Stillen SuperCharger for my old Titan(added @100 rwhp, at a mile high here in Denver), and had about 25k in upgrades. I understand that we all want the best deal. this seems cheep to me, and well worth the money! If you want to go fast it costs $$$ no way around it. It's like the guys that b***h about hi-oct gas being 12 cents more, but want to go fast. I think we should thank GM for making this affordable, and still being covered under the 5/100. Thanks Chevy/GM !!!

 

Can't beat the bucks per horsepower ratio...not even with a big stick!

 

In the big picture, the fun quotient really amount to pennies. I've spent much, much more money on "rented" beer and one night stands. The GM Turbo Upgrade is the gift to your HHR SS that keeps on giving.

 

Speed = Money

How fast can you afford to go?

 

I wonder... has anyone stopped to think that when Chevy was in development for the HHR SS, they realized that the max output programming of the car could be dumbed down for regular retail sales, then when the HHR SS was out for a while they could introduce the Stage 1 kit "upgrade" for a bump in HP, (so they could make more money) when all the while this hot little "bread truck" could have had this much power from the get-go.

Hey I'm all for GM making more money in this trying time. But it did occur to me that the HHR SS could have had the Stage 1 power from its introduction.

I guess it's called marketing.

 

Well you are correct on the marketing but in the big picture these kits add little to the bottom line.

Having spent time with GM brand managers you learn a few things.

I suspect the dumb down deal and the lack of the stage kit being factory installed is Chevys way to promote performance and value. I spent time with the guy who used to be in charge of the Monte Carlo a few years back. He got the 3800 Supercharged Series II engine for the SS. He was very upset becaue he wanted the Series III. The differance was the Series III would run on regular or premium when the series II was only good for premium fuel.

He said Chevy was the value division and he said they should have gotten the new engine to help promote performance but also value. The engine would lose 20 HP on regular and it was the owners choice of what he wanted to run. Pontiac would not let Chevy have this engine.

I suspect that the HHR SS was no different and the standard production SS has the option of either fuel and it gives the owner his choice of what he wants to use.

I know everyone has their opinion here on the fuel but the fact remains it is an option and GM can promote that either can be used so sales would not be lost to those who refuse to use premium. I have seen people pass on the SC at Pontiac because they did not want to use Premium all the time. there is a stigma with some on paying more for gas than they have to and it does effect sales.

The performance kit is a good way to make money for the dealer not so much GM and it also give the owner the choice to add it or not. I would be shock if 1/4 of all SS ever get the kit.

On thinks like this I have learned you need to stop thinking like an enthusiast and think like someone trying to reach any possible buyer for this vehicle.

On the Cheap gas no matter what someone does it protects the engine. With the ways I have seen people screw up cars I could understand this for the General Population.

 

I read my owners manual cover to cover ( yes, I'm that anal, about certain things ) and I learned a couple things. 1...premium fuel, 2......the spare tire will not fit the front with Brembo calipers.

 

Reminds me of the old Volkswagen Beetle.... The poor car was using the spare tire to pressurize the windshield washer canister. By the time you had a flat on the car, you were always out of luck with the spare tire.

Who needs a spare tire anyways? Especially if it doesn't fit on the car??

 

Get a flat in the front, and you have to change 2 tires. The spare to the rear, then the rear to the front. Odd, sure, but I wouldn't give up the Brembos for a spare that fit all 4 corners.

 

That is ok in the Fiero if you had a flat you had better not have anything in the rear trunk. The compact spare is in the front trunk but the full size tire had to go in the rear. IF you had a damaged wheel you have to let the air out to make the lid shut.