Stage 1 Turbo upgrade kit
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 04-11-2010
Posts: 9
From: Northport, NY
Stage 1 Turbo upgrade kit
Hello Everyone,
I've got a 2008 HHR SS, black on black with a manual tranny. Stock so far...
I love the car but, to paraphrase one of the reviews in the car mags, it doesn't really feel like 260hp! Especially compared to my wife's 2009 GTI with a 6 speed MT. That car feels much faster even though it's giving away 60hp and 53 ft lbs of torque and is only about 150 lbs lighter.
Does anyone have any experience with the Stage one Turbo upgrade kit for the LNF engine? GM Performance Parts (PN 19212670). In this application I would get 290hp and 315 lb feet of torque for about $500-600 (web pricing) plus an hour of the dealer's time.
What say ye?
Carl Cascone
Northport, NY
I've got a 2008 HHR SS, black on black with a manual tranny. Stock so far...
I love the car but, to paraphrase one of the reviews in the car mags, it doesn't really feel like 260hp! Especially compared to my wife's 2009 GTI with a 6 speed MT. That car feels much faster even though it's giving away 60hp and 53 ft lbs of torque and is only about 150 lbs lighter.
Does anyone have any experience with the Stage one Turbo upgrade kit for the LNF engine? GM Performance Parts (PN 19212670). In this application I would get 290hp and 315 lb feet of torque for about $500-600 (web pricing) plus an hour of the dealer's time.
What say ye?
Carl Cascone
Northport, NY
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2009
Posts: 388
From: High Bridge
First, welcome to the forums.
Second, the search feature is your best friend. There's a huge wealth of info regarding the LNF Turbo Upgrade on many threads on this site. I'll tell you that I have done it and it's worth every last penny...every person that has ridden with me since I've had it installed can't believe they're riding in an HHR. But if you want to learn more about it, I'd suggest spending time in both the 2.0 and SS forums.
Second, the search feature is your best friend. There's a huge wealth of info regarding the LNF Turbo Upgrade on many threads on this site. I'll tell you that I have done it and it's worth every last penny...every person that has ridden with me since I've had it installed can't believe they're riding in an HHR. But if you want to learn more about it, I'd suggest spending time in both the 2.0 and SS forums.
Senior Member
Joined: 02-06-2010
Posts: 580
From: Shreveport, LA
Do it!
I am a proud manual-transmission 2LT owner (also black-on-black) who wants the relatively higher power and handling from the 2.4 engine and FE3 suspension, respectively. I am content stopping here with the HHR, because my other car is an uncompromising Honda S2000. I do wish I had the SS Saab manual transmission......
If you already have the SS, then you have defined yourself as someone who demands the further increased power, handling, and braking that come with that trim level. There is no reason to stay at standard SS since the "stage 1" kit is offered, installed, and warranted by GM. It even improves mileage slightly (on required premium fuel).
GET THE UPGRADE. No one on this forum who has it (when installed correctly, see the threads about this PLEASE) has ever regretted it.
If you already have the SS, then you have defined yourself as someone who demands the further increased power, handling, and braking that come with that trim level. There is no reason to stay at standard SS since the "stage 1" kit is offered, installed, and warranted by GM. It even improves mileage slightly (on required premium fuel).
GET THE UPGRADE. No one on this forum who has it (when installed correctly, see the threads about this PLEASE) has ever regretted it.
Senior Member
Joined: 05-13-2008
Posts: 2,075
From: Knoxville, TN
Get the upgrade, you'll be satisfied. The Auto sees more "butt dyno", but it's pretty noticable in the 5sp too. you also get little gain in RPM limit, but the ECM still limits boost in 1st and 2nd. The advantage is the 2 extra t-maps, although there have not been significant gains in table access with the ECM. SOme guys run the GMTU and nothing else, some run the GMTU and either a Trifecta, HP, or BSR PPC tune on top of that, and then there are some still that run strictly an aftermarket tune (most run Trifecta, as they offer diferent "slecta" tunes) The GMTU is the only one however that is covered under warranty.
Like stated before just search, search, search. Being new to a forum that started in '06, there is a plethora of information on this site regarding the SS. Some senior members with the most knowledge may or may not chime in as this is "old" news.
Welcome to the site! Happy modding, its like crack!
Like stated before just search, search, search. Being new to a forum that started in '06, there is a plethora of information on this site regarding the SS. Some senior members with the most knowledge may or may not chime in as this is "old" news.
Welcome to the site! Happy modding, its like crack!
Member
Joined: 10-16-2005
Posts: 56
From: PA
GET IT! It wakes the car up and still carries 5/100 powertrain coverage. Also check out the group buy on TTR mounts in the 2.0 section. I beleive you can still coattail onto this for a $50 savings. I would suggest at least the top mount as it makes the turbo upgrade more enjoyable by reducing engine movement, cutting torque steer and allowing you to lay down the increased power more effectively. I have yet to install my STOP mounts(manual trans only) but the top was an easy install and made a VERY noticable positive difference in utilizing the additional HP and torque output.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2008
Posts: 5,464
From: Akron Ohio
Yes do the upgrade. It is the best money spent you can increase performance and still not mess up the warranty.
Like stated read the post here but don't get scared off on some who have had issues.
The only real issue has been the dealer install with dealers that don't know how to do it properly. The key is to use the right crimping tool to get the connectors cripped right. If not done correctly witht he the proper tool it will lead to drivablility issues.
Also they need to make sure you have clearance on the AC compressor to the lower T map they install.
I would recomend to locate a larger dealer and make sure they have done this before or have a fully trained Turbo Tech in house.
As for the engine itself I have yet to see a failure of the tranny or engine related to this kit. Nearly everything seen was install issues with only some.
Note you will pick up 1 MPG under normal driving. This is confirmed by a GM engineer. But note that will not be the case if you keep it at 22 PSI.
Like stated read the post here but don't get scared off on some who have had issues.
The only real issue has been the dealer install with dealers that don't know how to do it properly. The key is to use the right crimping tool to get the connectors cripped right. If not done correctly witht he the proper tool it will lead to drivablility issues.
Also they need to make sure you have clearance on the AC compressor to the lower T map they install.
I would recomend to locate a larger dealer and make sure they have done this before or have a fully trained Turbo Tech in house.
As for the engine itself I have yet to see a failure of the tranny or engine related to this kit. Nearly everything seen was install issues with only some.
Note you will pick up 1 MPG under normal driving. This is confirmed by a GM engineer. But note that will not be the case if you keep it at 22 PSI.