This may have already been posted but I figured I'd ask.

Is a Stage 1 needed for an optimum tune whether it be Trifecta or HPT? I know the Stage 1 kit upgrades the map sensors to 3 bar which obviously will benefit any tuned vehicle.

On top of this. I bought my SS used and I'm not sure if I'll be doing any mods within the warranty period that I've got. If I end up doing mods after the warranty expires could I just install the Stage 1 map sensors myself and have either Trifecta or HPT tune for it instead of having the dealer reflash the pcm?

I'm not planning anything big with this car, just a catted dp, better intake, charge piping with a MAF relocate for a blow thru tune and a CS's intercooler. Then obviously I'll need to get it all tuned up. I'll probably try and run 22-24 psi and just leave it at that and hope for about 325 at the wheels or so. Is this do-able without the stage 1 upgrade?

 

Probably a little short of 325, but if it boosts right, you wont need that much. The next problem is getting that power to the road. The upper for autos and all three on sticks, motor mounts will do half, and some drag slick will do the rest, there you go,....... low 13's. You get a stubby antenna yet ?

This guy can answer your questions about tuning vince@trifectaperformance.com

 

If I'm a little short of 325 that's fine. Just wondering if the MAP upgrade is needed for better tuning or if I can get away with the stock map sensors for what I want to do. It's my DD and my kid is usually in the car with me so I won't be racing the thing a whole lot anyways. Anything in the 300-325 range at the wheels will be awesome.

 

To get most out of your SS Hptuners with the 3 bar set up and it well do alot more then 325 to the wheels. If you do go with hptuners i have a awesome tuner that does amazing work.

 

you do not need the 3bar sensors. there is nothing that can be done with them that can't be done without them. they are a complete waste of money imo.

you may or may not hit the 325 goal....your best bet for doing so is a good hp tune and i would suggest a catless dp over a catted one if you can do so......but i would leave the intake alone and leave the maf alone.

check out post #2 that i wrote in this thread for some basics regarding your tuning options:

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...569#post608569

 

well bro im glad that ccss3 is taking care of you. i have always said that james does some great work.

 

I think you mean the crank shaft, no one has posted wheel numbers on an HHR like that yet. HHRSSouth is just above that somewhere, but he has all bolt-ons, relocated MAF, and a bigger turbo.

A more realistic # to the wheels is 290-310 to the wheels, but thats with 2 tunes and full bolt-ons. those numbers will set you back about $2-2.5K depending on Who's parts you buy. I got full HAHN bolt-ons(SORRY HATERS, STILL NO PROBLEMS) so I was closer to 3K, but it puts out around 305 to the wheels close to 325 at the crank.

 

James is awesome guy he always on it and doesn't leave me hanging.Thanks for letting me know.

 

James know's his stuff....

He's trying to figure out what is wrong with mine as we speak...