View Poll Results: Is The THOMAS RACING CHIP good for my HHR!?!?
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Is The THOMAS RACING CHIP good for my HHR!?!?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 02-19-2007
Posts: 64
From: Fort Lauderdale,Florida
Is The THOMAS RACING CHIP good for my HHR!?!?
Hi All, Is The THOMAS RACING CHIP good for my HHR!?!?
what is the best for HP/MPG out there!
is it easy to install and does it VOID the car warrenty!?!?
TIA,Aven11
Senior Member
Joined: 05-26-2007
Posts: 1,554
From: ...
It depends on:
1. Which engine you have
2. What parameters the chip alters
3. What engine mods you have or don't have (ported heads, full length headers, hotter camshaft, higher capacity injectors, etc.)
I believe the Ecotec ECM is an EEPROM and as such no physical chip swap is possible, the unit would need to be flash programmed.
Chip tuning (EEPROM tuning) usually consists of changes to the spark advance tables (premium fuel will be required) and WOT (Wide Open Throttle) fuel ratio (A/F ratio) table, and maybe the threshold values for the radiator fans to accomodate a lower temperature thermostat (although I've not heard of low temp [160 F deg] tstats for the Ecotec... but I'm new to Ecotecs, so...)
EDIT: I see its one of those resistors you splice in-line with your IAT sensor. Total waste.
1. Which engine you have
2. What parameters the chip alters
3. What engine mods you have or don't have (ported heads, full length headers, hotter camshaft, higher capacity injectors, etc.)
I believe the Ecotec ECM is an EEPROM and as such no physical chip swap is possible, the unit would need to be flash programmed.
Chip tuning (EEPROM tuning) usually consists of changes to the spark advance tables (premium fuel will be required) and WOT (Wide Open Throttle) fuel ratio (A/F ratio) table, and maybe the threshold values for the radiator fans to accomodate a lower temperature thermostat (although I've not heard of low temp [160 F deg] tstats for the Ecotec... but I'm new to Ecotecs, so...)
EDIT: I see its one of those resistors you splice in-line with your IAT sensor. Total waste.
Is it another one of those resistors in a box sold on ebay? 
Joined: 07-17-2007
Posts: 4
From: Arizona
Tellme why that racing chip is no good . I bought one but not installed yet.A ripoff JOE ? If any what do suggest toincreae horse power .This is my 1st small motor ever LO 4 cyl. Cold air intake chip or what ?I 'd like your in put please
JIM
JIM
Senior Member
Joined: 05-26-2007
Posts: 1,554
From: ...
If you don't understand why a resistor that alters the voltage reading from the IAT is no good due to the ECM compensating for it through the fuel trim, then you really have no business trying to do power mods yourself and should entrust your HHR to a reputable tuner if you want bolt-on/tuned power increases. All the while realizing that you may become your own warranty when you mod a warrantied vehicle.
HHR's were not built to be fast (well they are now, in 2008 SS trim). If you want to add power that will be felt and is measurable at the track, you're going to have to spend several thousand dollars on the engine. And because its an economy powertrain, that means spending even more to strengthen the transmission, be it manual or automatic.
HHR's were not built to be fast (well they are now, in 2008 SS trim). If you want to add power that will be felt and is measurable at the track, you're going to have to spend several thousand dollars on the engine. And because its an economy powertrain, that means spending even more to strengthen the transmission, be it manual or automatic.
Senior Member
Joined: 05-03-2006
Posts: 855
From: Los Angeles, CA
hold on to your car until fall and trade it in when the HHR SS gets released. Thats the best mod you can do to get more HP. As far as intake, exhaust, etc, you're just wasting $$$ if you do any of these mods and expect a good performance boost. Unless someone can come out with an aftermarket TC or a SC for the HHR, you are stuck with shiny intakes for an hp boost.
