FWIW, I have a Hypertech tuner for my TrailBlazer SS (6.0L LS2) and it gives a noticeable improvement over stock. I can tell the difference right off idle to up to 5000 rpm (I never go above that...I'm not a racer). The TBSS factory tune is just awful so Hypertech had a lot to work with there (GM purposely detunes it at low rpm to hide the weakness of its auto transmission...GM calls it "torque management"). I don't know if the same is true for the HHR 2.4L factory tune.

Obviously, Hypertech is not going to be as good as a "balls to the wall" tune because Hypertech is emissions legal in all 50 states, but for the TBSS, at least, it was well worth the cost of a used one (Just make sure, as someone mentioned above, that the previous owner tuned completely back to stock...if there is ANY doubt about that, then move on and keep looking).

The really cool thing about getting a used one is that you can try it out (and keep it till you sell/trade your vehicle) for free, because once you're done with it (and tune back to stock), you can resell at about the same price you paid.

 

I thought the Hypertech was married to your VIN? So it can be uninstalled and be as-good-as-new to someone else??

 

According to their website, yes.

 

It's married to your vin as long as a tune is installed. Once you put your factory setting back, the hypertech is then open to use on another vehicle. Basically they do this so you cant buy one programmer and program all your friends wagons.

 

This is exactly right. Once your vehicle is programmed, its VIN is stored in the programmer and the programmer is unable to be used on any other vehicles. Once you uninstall the programming, the VIN in the programmer is cleared and it is free to program again.

 

The Hypertech is installed and it did make a difference. It also came with a money-back guarantee. I'll report further in the next day or two.

 

Any updates on this, Turboo2u?

 

I am interested in a update. any diff. felt on seat dyno? any driving problems? any mileage diff., up or down. may do it to a 2.4 2011 2.4

 

They're ok for a canned tune, but if you want a custom tune for your HHR, hit us up!

 

The Hahn Racecraft tuner puts my ss to over 300HP with everything else left stock, but at about $900 I'm not quite sure.