Tune vs. Programmer
 

OK SS owners. I need to get me SS tuned. Is it better to get it tuned or to buy a programmer??? I what is everyone here running????

Tune for sure. Don't waste your time with a programmer. "Moon"

A tune 100% all the way and I have been using hptuners for a couple years if you know what your doing it's a great tool for unlocking horsepower!

tune for sure...hptuners is the way to go. trifecta...meh. tune will get the most out of your vehicle and will be customized to your climate, fuel, etc.

HPTuners is the way to go assuming you can find some already done tunes from their website/boards. There is a bit of a learning curve involved if you don't or you want to modify what already there. The upside is unlike the easy install of trifecta, with a tuner you can tweak to your hearts content afterwards as you gain knowledge.

Another upside to a tuner, like HPTuners, is they can be used on more than one car. I have two 3800 GM engine cars ('04 and '05 Impala SSes) that I bought the HPtuner for. Now the the wife has a HHR SS, it only a matter of using or buying more credits and I can tune it for much cheaper than any so called canned tune/programer (trifecta). And again with more flexibility.

Yes, I'm a 3 Chevy SS household. I love my cushy roomy Impala SS (supercharged) and with it's mods it feels a bit faster than the HHR with its turbo. But what makes the HHR more fun than the Imapla (besides the handling) is the turbo gets to boost a lot quicker and at lower speeds than the Impala. I'm sure with a tune, the HHR will out perform the Impala SS. But of course for a few grand thru ZZP (3800 section), I can slap a turbo kit on and blow the HHR away.

Tune. :D

forget about any handheld programmer options and read this:

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