O.k., weeded through the BS and got the real perspective on the intake thing. After using the WeaponR Dragon intake, I realized that the tube gets too hot and the power really suffers on warm days, so i started looking at box type intakes. The CGS is basically the same as the WeaponR so that was out, the GM Performance intake was too much dosh, and the K&N doesn't work with the 2.2L so my only realistic choice was the airaid. I ended up paying $225 for mine, which arrived yesterday and was installed an hour later. I have to say that bottom end and midrange torque is improved, top end is improved and mileage is already up according to the DIC. I know that there were dyno readings that someone posted, i believe it was SocalHHr, that showed the CGS and the stock intake pulling more hp than the Airaid,but i call BS on that. I know the stock system is a pretty decent compromise but this Airaid system seems to work better. Will give y'all more impressions as i go along, including mileage figures, but i can't really afford to give out dyno runs. But for starters, last tank, DIC mileage was 22.8, actual mileage was 21.75, 318.2 miles on about 14.6 gallons. All in town driving. That was with the stock intake still installed. Seca650RJ

 

I am interested in your results. I agree about the CGS probably getting hot but you may be able to eliminate much of that by putting some of that reflective insulation around it.
In fact it might be a good idea to insulate the hose going to your Airaid box to.
I like the GMPP filter but it may not be much better than stock when it comes down to it because the filter in the stock HHR is fairly long and has quite a bit of surface area. The GMPP is a dry type filter (paper?) and it does not look much bigger. Even if I got the GMPP filter I would wrap it all up with the insulation including the box. Then might even try to add another cool air intake from the other side to. Curly

 

Just a small update. After installing the intake, i zeroed the DIC. Immediately i have noticed an increase in perceived mileage, usually by now i would be floating around 22.5-23 mpg on the dic, afteer the last trip to work, the DIC is sitting at 26.5 mpg. Now i am not claiming a 4 mpg gain with this but there is a gain. Once i get down to an empty tank, i will get hard numbers. Now for another clue towards better mileage. Last tank i went 318.2 miles on 14.6 mpg. I am currently sitting at 275 miles on slightly under 1/2 tank. I realize that this doesn't really relate but it seems that i have gone farther on less fuel. My trip has not changed, i am actually driving the car harder than usual (love that intake roar). could have been a dirty stock air filter. Seca650RJ

 

O.k. Hard numbers time. Filled up today, same station, same pump, same gas jockey even. Driving range and type, aka town/hwy was the same as before, about 75% town/25% hwy. Tank took 12.95 gallons for 316.7 miles. DIC had it at 26.3 mpg, actual was 24.4. So gains could realistically be said to be 2.65 mpg with the new intake. Will still keep close tabs on mileage in the next few weeks, but this seems to be a decent gain.

 

I've had the AIRAIDE for over a year now and have noticed torque, power, and mileage gains. I just dont care to boast about it because there are too many "know-it-alls" here that try to use science to call you a liar. Glad to hear you are having good luck.

 

Same here Tireman!

 

I know what you mean. You get a few folks on here who cannot stand that the factory had to make a few concessions to sound and engine emissions that could be improved on in the aftermarket. GM did do a great job on their intake and exhaust design but there are gains to be had. I was pretty stoked to get decent mileage and hp/tq gains with this setup. I do not expect a massive gain, but i am happy all the same. One of my previous cars was a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am with the 3.4l six. Lots of folks claimed you couldn't improve on the stock performance, but with an intake (cold air, in the fender well) and an SLP full cat back exhaust i netted a 17 hp gain over stock, and 1/4 mile performance increased from a 16.4 @ 88 mph stock 1/4 to a best of 15.9 @ 93 mph. Lots of top end there. Still smoked the tires a bit off the line though. I don't expect the same performance level from the HHR but similar gains should be achievable.

 

I realize I have the bigger motor, but just the same with my intake (I used the CGS), Autolite plugs, IMCO muffler (which I now understand is not even the best to use) and a computer tune my car, according to my G-Timer, should do the 1/4 mile in 15.8. And my test was not on a straight section of road-it curved slightly, and was probably not perfectly flat either.

 

Any update on this?

I'm about to go get one....wanna make sure it's worth it.

 

Second tank, 100% city, 22.9 mpg. Still a small increase in mileage. Power is still up, will smoke te tires in first and chirp them in second at will. I cannot give hard numbers on power though. I have heard that the intake doesn't fit 5 speed cars, but on mine i had no problems.