Want more hp!
Senior Member
Joined: 02-06-2010
Posts: 580
From: Shreveport, LA
20k limit
With a price limit of $20k, why didn't you consider buying used? My 2007 LT2 cost $9000. with 100% financing at 3.89% interest at my credit union. It's hard to find ANY used HHR that costs more than $20k. Within 500 miles from here, there are thirteen used HHRs on autotrader.com at $20,000 and higher, and ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY SEVEN at $20,000 or less! So, more than 99% of used HHRs were within your price range.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2008
Posts: 5,464
From: Akron Ohio
This is where I sit. I had just forked out 6k to get my roof fixed, the next week the a wrist pin goes in my minivan's motor. I couldn't afford the get the van fixed after just getting the roof fixed, so we decided it was time to buy a new car. Limiting ourselves to 20k total really cut down our options for what we decided we could afford. I didn't even know they made an SS until I got on this forum. I knew they had the LT only because the sales guy told em the LTs had chrome mirror covers. The LS we bought fit perfectly with what we were looking for. I know it isn't anything special, but its special to me. Its nostalgic, and something I can specialize to my taste with all the after market dress up stuff and performance stuff they have out there.
I have been playing with cars long enough to know that I am not going to be able to get the horsepower that the SS has out of this little 2.2 with some bolt on aftermarket parts that I buy as I can afford them. I still have kids getting ready to go into college, so my funds are limited. This was something I had to take into consideration when buying the car. Sure I would have liked to have an SS, but I decided I couldn't afford it, not the bank, not the dealer. The point is I can buy some after market parts, get a few extra horses(not expecting any more than 15, 20 tops for CAI/CatBack/Trifecta Tune total), make it look a little sharper, and be a little prouder, while not having to run anything higher than 87 octane, and still keeping my daily driver gas mileage.
Now if you 2LT and SS boys are done bashing someone for buying an LS in the 2.2L Performance Tech portion of this wonderful forum we can see if we can answer this persons question to best of our ability.
I was in drag racing for a long time, specialized in Ford Big Blocks(385 family), talk about a motor is that is expensive to build LOL I have gasket matched, ported and polished, decked, bored and blue printed to withing .0003"(yes that is 4 decimal places), the only thing I never did was stroke a motor. Even back then you would hand modify "bolt" stuff that the companies were making for us. I have read of a few guys on this forum that have built their own CAI, I give them kudos for being mechanically inclined enough to make their own, have the time to do it, and save themselves some money also. I dont have the time as much anymore as I used to when I was younger. That is my biggest problem, that and this is my daily driver so i cant let it sit for a week while it is inop because I am tinkering with it.
The course I plan to take on mine is CAI, Catback, and a TrifectaTune(hadnt heard of it? do a search
)
I have been playing with cars long enough to know that I am not going to be able to get the horsepower that the SS has out of this little 2.2 with some bolt on aftermarket parts that I buy as I can afford them. I still have kids getting ready to go into college, so my funds are limited. This was something I had to take into consideration when buying the car. Sure I would have liked to have an SS, but I decided I couldn't afford it, not the bank, not the dealer. The point is I can buy some after market parts, get a few extra horses(not expecting any more than 15, 20 tops for CAI/CatBack/Trifecta Tune total), make it look a little sharper, and be a little prouder, while not having to run anything higher than 87 octane, and still keeping my daily driver gas mileage.
Now if you 2LT and SS boys are done bashing someone for buying an LS in the 2.2L Performance Tech portion of this wonderful forum we can see if we can answer this persons question to best of our ability.
I was in drag racing for a long time, specialized in Ford Big Blocks(385 family), talk about a motor is that is expensive to build LOL I have gasket matched, ported and polished, decked, bored and blue printed to withing .0003"(yes that is 4 decimal places), the only thing I never did was stroke a motor. Even back then you would hand modify "bolt" stuff that the companies were making for us. I have read of a few guys on this forum that have built their own CAI, I give them kudos for being mechanically inclined enough to make their own, have the time to do it, and save themselves some money also. I dont have the time as much anymore as I used to when I was younger. That is my biggest problem, that and this is my daily driver so i cant let it sit for a week while it is inop because I am tinkering with it.
The course I plan to take on mine is CAI, Catback, and a TrifectaTune(hadnt heard of it? do a search
)I was just expressing the reality of trying to do more HP than a simple 10-20 HP is not easy nor cheap.
As for SS I see used ones in good condition for $14,000-17,000 right now. This is a good option and really a good buy as much of the fix up perfromance money would add up quickly if you do much of the bolt on parts.
Also if one tore down a 2.2 and built it like they could it would be in to many thousands of dollars and a 2.2 build is often more expensive than is you just did a V8 as parts are expensive and much more rare.
My point as it is with others is you are not going to get bolt on HP that will bring HP in high numbers. I understand you know that but many out there do not and get taken for big dollars and little results.
As you already know anything is possible if you pay and more $$$$ = more HP.
The bottom line is if you are ok with a small gain the bolt on's are fine for a 2.2 but if you want more power the cost effectivness goes away. That is the choice people need to make.
This web site is not like many other enthusiast sites as we have a good number on non mechanics here. Over the years I have seen many get in over their head in money and a car that is not what they expected.
I see you have a good handle on all of this accept the fact that I have no issue with the 2.2.
I just don't want people spending a lot of money and expecting the cold air intake that claims 10 HP, the computer that claims 10 HP, the exhaust the claims 20 HP and a Tornado that claims another 10 HP will all add up to 50 HP as it just does not work that way. I see it every day on the job.
The only advantage the SS is over the 2.2 is if you are going for big power it is more cost effective to buy a used SS vs rebuilding the 2.2 to make big power. Besides if the miles are low enough it may still have a warrantry.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2008
Posts: 5,464
From: Akron Ohio
Perhaps many do not agree with me ...
I believe that the increased engine power HHR is not advisable.
I have the HHR 2,4 L LT. I see that the car can not realize the full potential of its engine. The high center of gravity, archaic suspension, poor distribution of mass between the axles - this prevents the active driving. But therein lies the charm of the car.
HHR - a car for a relaxed, unhurried movement. With dignity. The driver HHR, as the rider chopper, looking down on the scurrying sportbayks. But in case of need can jump ahead to the dynamics of a fighter. Wiggle on the road - for teenagers.
I believe that the increased engine power HHR is not advisable.
I have the HHR 2,4 L LT. I see that the car can not realize the full potential of its engine. The high center of gravity, archaic suspension, poor distribution of mass between the axles - this prevents the active driving. But therein lies the charm of the car.
HHR - a car for a relaxed, unhurried movement. With dignity. The driver HHR, as the rider chopper, looking down on the scurrying sportbayks. But in case of need can jump ahead to the dynamics of a fighter. Wiggle on the road - for teenagers.
I have driven all type of HHR's and none are unsafe with additional power. Also if you want you can add bars and spring at a resonable cost to nearly match the SS at a resonable price and make a already good car even more fun.
In fact the HHR holds a very respectable 8 min lap of the 13 mile Nurburgring in Germany. If you google the lap records and see the car near it's lap time it is very respectable.
True if it had a little less mass and lower center of gravity it may have gone faster but it already is in a class where It has some impressive sports cars behind it in lap times.
The HHR was at 8:47 check out the rest.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%BCrburgring_lap_times
Senior Member
Joined: 05-13-2008
Posts: 2,075
From: Knoxville, TN
And note how the SS is only 3 seconds slower than a C5 Vette! And Much Faster than the lighter Cobalt SS! I think that a 2.2L can be built for HP, but by the time ou shell out the bucks for it and the inconvience of not driving your car for a while, you could have gotten something else. That being said, no one will balk at a well-built 2.2L but to acheive this(beating a dead horse here) your gonna need a turbo or supercharger or if your pockets are deep enough and you have the patience--Both!
If you really want to build a 2.2 then leave the motor you got alone and buy another one(used) ad build it at your leisure, or have a speed shop put one ogether for you, and then sell your other motor once the swap is made..... either way big bucks for a 2.2
If you really want to build a 2.2 then leave the motor you got alone and buy another one(used) ad build it at your leisure, or have a speed shop put one ogether for you, and then sell your other motor once the swap is made..... either way big bucks for a 2.2
Last edited by foolmoon_design; May 6, 2010 at 10:20 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: 02-07-2010
Posts: 186
From: San Deigo CA
Scratching head thought this was the 2.2L Performance Tech 16 valve 143 hp EcoTec with 150 lb-ft of torque forum! Performance Tech Hmmmmm a forum for 2.2 and Performance and someone would really ask a question about Performance and a 2.2! IJust because you have a turbo-ed ss why don't YOU? Isn't the help he was looking for. If you want to bash 2.2 go to your forum or the racing forum and brag on how you had a drag race with a school bus.
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
Ok, I have a 2LT Panel, by choice.. Did not want an SS
My Panel does everything I want it to very nicely..
& my Hot Rods are my Harleys. One I stroked, & will fly.. 2 is mild Stage 1.. The 3rd is my antique Flathead, which is my baby..
So back to 2.2 Perf Tech..
My Panel does everything I want it to very nicely..
& my Hot Rods are my Harleys. One I stroked, & will fly.. 2 is mild Stage 1.. The 3rd is my antique Flathead, which is my baby..
So back to 2.2 Perf Tech..
Joined: 02-07-2010
Posts: 3
From: FLORIDA
Way to stand behind each other...
What happened to the motorhead comradery?If the guy wants to bolt sh#$ to his car give him advice not a headache. I learned about hot rodding from old timers that shared knowledge not bashed you. I have the same motor as him and the car is fun as hell. I say go out today and buy the air intake kit you want, and the exhaust and drive the hell out of it. Go visit all the people who talked down to you cause you have a 2.2 and do a brake stand on their better then you pedistal. Its your car drive it till the wheels fall off. 
Founding Member
Joined: 11-23-2007
Posts: 8,210
From: Texas
What happened to the motorhead comradery?If the guy wants to bolt sh#$ to his car give him advice not a headache. I learned about hot rodding from old timers that shared knowledge not bashed you. I have the same motor as him and the car is fun as hell. I say go out today and buy the air intake kit you want, and the exhaust and drive the hell out of it. Go visit all the people who talked down to you cause you have a 2.2 and do a brake stand on their better then you pedistal. Its your car drive it till the wheels fall off.
Now to others in this thread:
The OP asked a valid question. Lot's have given their opinions (good and bad), but this is in the 2.2 forum, so let's stop with the "buy another HHR (SS, 2LT) BS".
Please stay out of this thread if you don't want to make a post concerning the OPs question on upgrading his 2.2L.
Lets stay ON TOPIC!
Member
Joined: 04-12-2008
Posts: 33
From: Auburndale, FL
I installed a GMPP intake and the magnaflow catback exhaust and I know that I picked up about 4 tenths of a second through the 1/8th mile. I have the slips to prove it. In order to pick up ET that much, you'd have to add HP. So for $700 ($350 intake - $350 exhaust) I saw a great increase in HP on my 2.2l. Seat of the pants it is faster and fuel mileage is a lot better. Also, it sounds great too. I just drove from Central Florida to Southeastern Massachusetts and averaged 36mpg at 65mph ( all highway). On my daily commute from Lakeland to Tampa ( 45 miles) I get 31mpg at 78mph. I have changed a few appearance items, but nothing else for adding HP. I hope this helps you , and I hope Diablosport comes out with a tuner for 08 2.2l, it would be great.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-09-2008
Posts: 416
From: in my own little world
I did the GMPP intake, magnaflo cat back, and the trifecta tune on my 2.2 I loved the results. As far as I am concerned the 2.2 is a very good engine as of right now I am concidering the super charger with a modified trifecta tune of course that is down the road as money comes avalible. when I purchased my HHR with the 2.2 it was because the cost of filling up my dodge truck per month to drive back and forth to work was more than the payment, insurance and fuel for the HHR. I am having a blast doing the BOLT ONs. yes small gains but gains none-the-less. I am having fun with it. I would encourage you to mod as you see fit and can afford its fun. I may not be a true motor head but give me a carbed 350 and a few hundred dollars and I could build a nice sleeper. JMO
go for it dude
go for it dude