Silverfox,

I went from an LT (which I had completely redone the front end on) to a "stock SS" and was absolutely and unequivocally glad I did.
I do not get "beat to death" even though I drive it like I stole it a fair amount. I added a nice rear anti-sway bar to stiffen it some and am glad I did that too.
I think the slightly more harsh ride is FAR outweighed by the 6 second 0-60 sprint when getting on the highway.

Not to mention embarrassing the "rice boys" at red lights when I gap them.

 

Thanks for the Opinion. It fits my parameters and now if I can in addition also make the ride softening changes I have in mind it would be a NO Brainer assuming I can find an SS I would Buy.

I just recently Installed a Stage 3 Tune in my 2.4L from Sawyer Tuning and it does add a little to the performance as well as an approx. 2mpg gas mileage gain on the hiway.
Last check was 34mpg not over 60mph.
Starts quick and Idles smooth.
I have found that with this tune I can run 87 octane gas with excellent performance. I tried 92 Octane for 3 weeks and then switched back to 87 and I cannot tell any difference after the Re-Learn process except for the price per gallon. I use Costco regular fuel.
From what I know at this point I could use 16" wheels on the Stock SS.
Does that sound right??
I would up the 16" Tire psi to 34 from my current 30 all around. The 215/60/16 Michelin Ice 3 is an XL tire so it can handle 34psi.
I would also probably use the Cobalt SS/TC rear Springs so as to come closer matching up with the Stock FE5 front suspension
I would do any updates needed on the FE5 suspension after an inspection and do the Moog End Links and front sway bar bushings for sure.
Add the TTR rear Sway Bar.
Check Engine and Trans mounts and likely replace.
A lot of what I would do upon a purchase would be based on the mileage and condition.

I like that 0-60 in 6 second time over my current 2.4 time. I have not however checked it since the Sawyer Tune.
Silverfox

 

Watch out for the Brembo brake option that is on some SS. It will limit your choices for wheels.

 

Happy Hunting SF-

Hope you find what you want. I did, back in '09.........

 

Thanks Sleeper,

I am not obsessed about this but it has been on my mind for quite some time. As you probably know I have owned 10 HHR's since 2011 but never could pull the trigger on an SS.
My first one was a 2011 1LT Dark Blue with a 2.2L Auto but shortly after I bought it my wife saw a New Mocha one and fell in love with that color.
I dropped my guard when the Dealer we bought the Drk Blue one from said he just got in a New 1LT Mocha one with lots of options.
That was it... I worked a deal to take back the blue one and buy the Mocha with the 2.4L auto.
After owning it for a little while I realized that I really liked the car and was impressed with the performance from that small 4 cld. engine. Driving it became habit forming.
From that time on I was satisfied with the 2.4L engine. A little later on I toyed with the Trifecta Tune but just never got to it partially because of all the issues expressed here on the forum. The main one was a lack of good communications with Vince.
Bottom line was I never got a Trifecta tune to be able to enjoy the extra performance. That has led me over time to consider a Stock SS and bypass all the messing around with Tunes.
Although I did just recently installed a Sawyer Tune stage 3 in my current 2.4L but I know it is no where near the stock SS.
That's where I stand now and have reopened my mind to giving this SS thing some serious thought.
I know it's late in the game but that still where we are.
For Now, I am doing my research and at the same time holding back my urges for an all out SS.
A stock one would give me the opportunity to experience the SS and if I wanted to I could still upgrade it.
It would probably become my daily driver so for my wife's sake I am looking to make the ride as comfortable as reasonably possible.
Not nice to make the Boss Mad!!

Silverfox

 

Yes on that.
But the Brembos would only be on some of the 5 speed manual SS. Wasn't available on those w/ auto trans.