The only way to get more power out of my new HHR is to turbo charge it? That sucks. I was hoping for a chip, exhaust, filters etc...

 

you can do that, how much power you want? you can do complete exhaust cams, intake, there is a lot if performance is your itch stay away from here and talk on ecotec forums/cobalt forums/ theres a lot out there you would be surprise, we are talking for the 2.4 250whp your 2.2 maybe 180whp if done up right

 

Well I have 143 hp which is decent, I would like maybe another 40-50 hp. Is that possible without turbos?

 

40-50 may be tuff. If you beleave what they say, you can get about 8 w/exhaust, another 6-8 w/intake, and 15-20 with a tune.

I've done each, I do have a 2.4 but the results should be similar. I did the exhaust first, not much but some difference. Intake next, big difference. I just got my tune back and afte just 1 full day...WOW!!!! BIG difference. I'm figuring that I've gotten around 25-35 more HP with these changes. No I didn't do an dynos, I just know how my car runs and the difference that these mods have made.

Hope this helps.

 

first question are you worried about warrenty? if so then do a cat back and intake (search dont ask which is better search around here) for header get the gmpp it will work on your, then get a canned tune which dealerships can't pick up on. the gmpp header is good for 5whp, cat back, intake tune etc...should be a little more power for your liking. If you want anything major your going to have to go pulleys,cams,bolt ons, custom tune etc...

 

Seeing as how you have a 2.2 the talk about tunes for your engine are a moot point. As of yet there are NO... i reapeat NO tuning options available for the 2.2 Ecotecs. Best bet is a CGS intake, ZZP or Cobalt Addiction header, 2.5" Downpipe, and a custom mandrel bent 2.5" exhaust. These have proven to work VERY well in the Cobalt community (since the HHR is essentially a Cobalt Wagon) and should work for you.

JBP makes 3 stages of cams for the 2.2. Stage 1 is a VERY mild cam and does not need a tune, Stage 2 is a little more aggressive but DOES need a tune (which is not avail) and Stage 3 is listed at 19-23 hp WITHOUT a tune. And no Check engine lite for the Stage 3's.

My HHR is a 2.2L like yours. I have an intake that was made by myself and a local shop that is a 2.5" piping but relocates the filter to behind the driver's fog light. Making this a TRUE cold air intake. I have the GMPP maifold, 2.5" catless downpipe, and only a 2.25" exhaust (which is going to be redone very soon.) These mods have helped out a LOT. I am currently able to outrun the 2.4ss Cobalts (stock) from a rolling start and only have problems at the start because of the weight of the 20" wheels. There are performance options out there for the 2.2 HHRs but you have to be creative.

With a lack of tuning available Supercharging and Turbo Charging are OUT of the picture. Our stock ECMs are not able to calibrate any kind of Positive Manifold Pressure (boost). Just vaccuum.

 

Thats cool! Mine is an auto though. So whats ballpark total cost for all that? Couple grand?

 

ecotecpower.com is a great site for help about tuning, bolt on's and power adders

 

Not even close. Intake you can get a CGS for $200 or so. GMPP mani you can find for $250. downpipe and exhaust can be custom made for less than $500 including cost of muffler. All said I spent about $500. My intake is custom, DP was given to me, Mani I got on here, Exhaust was done by a local shop. You can get a set of Stage 3 cams for $640 from JBP.

 

Jason, I'm putting my exhaust package together now, and wondering which do you believe/know is better? The extrude honed manifold (GMPP) or the stainless header from CA? or any other options?....I'm going to go w/the 2.5" downpipe w/highflow cat because the smog people by me suck. And as for the catback I haven't decided yet, I'm leaning toward a custom dual setup using a late 90's Camaro/Firebird style muffler because of the 1 inlet 2 outlet design.....Regards...Mark