09 SS clarification questions
02-14-2020, 07:39 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 11-04-2018
Location: Iowa
Posts: 273
09 SS clarification questions
Looking at 2009 SS 5sp, and 2009 SS Panel... decisions... have 2 - 08 Panels LT Auto & 2LT 5sp.
Started looking for SS and found the Panel within my range too.
Not much info on Panel yet, still waiting... may be sold.
I was about ready to go for the SS, but now wavering on which to focus or purchase.
Love the look of the Panels, but there are nice functional benefits for the Windowed SS too.
Question on SS Gauge setup:
Several SS examined 08-10 on photos over the last 3 weeks.
Some have the A-pillar Boost gauge, others have the Center Instrument.
Other threads indicates 5sp with performance package got the center instrument.
Looked through a few threads but not clear on "what's what" on this setup?
I thought I've seen both Auto & 5 sp with both instrument setups?
If there is no Center Instrument, what features are missing?
The O9 SS I'm interested, has the A-Pillar Gauge and 5 sp tranny; but wondering what the difference between options.
Personally, I like the A-Pillar Gauge better... I like the cubby box on my other HHR's... useful storage.
The center gauge to me uses up a useful storage for something not utilized much... but I don't know the full use of it either.
Started looking for SS and found the Panel within my range too.
Not much info on Panel yet, still waiting... may be sold.
I was about ready to go for the SS, but now wavering on which to focus or purchase.
Love the look of the Panels, but there are nice functional benefits for the Windowed SS too.
Question on SS Gauge setup:
Several SS examined 08-10 on photos over the last 3 weeks.
Some have the A-pillar Boost gauge, others have the Center Instrument.
Other threads indicates 5sp with performance package got the center instrument.
Looked through a few threads but not clear on "what's what" on this setup?
I thought I've seen both Auto & 5 sp with both instrument setups?
If there is no Center Instrument, what features are missing?
The O9 SS I'm interested, has the A-Pillar Gauge and 5 sp tranny; but wondering what the difference between options.
Personally, I like the A-Pillar Gauge better... I like the cubby box on my other HHR's... useful storage.
The center gauge to me uses up a useful storage for something not utilized much... but I don't know the full use of it either.
02-14-2020, 07:59 AM
#2
Platinum Member
Join Date: 12-06-2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 11,111
Center gauge is called the RPD. Reconfigurable Performance Display.
2009 SS it was an option. If you got the RPD then there was no pillar gauge. The one's with the pillar gauge meant no RPD.
2010 SS ALL got the RPD. Therefore there was no pillar gauge in the 2010.
Now. There have been many owners with the RPD that added the pillar gauge as an "extra". They (me included) just bought the pillar/gauge and installed it since the factory wiring plug is behind that pillar.
If you see an SS with both, then the owner added the 2nd gauge.
P.S. Has nothing to do with being a 5 speed and the Performance Pkg.
Fwiw. The pillar gauge only monitors boost and vacuum in analog.
The RPD monitors everything from boost, speed, tire pressure, G Force, battery voltage and a multitude of other things.
2009 SS it was an option. If you got the RPD then there was no pillar gauge. The one's with the pillar gauge meant no RPD.
2010 SS ALL got the RPD. Therefore there was no pillar gauge in the 2010.
Now. There have been many owners with the RPD that added the pillar gauge as an "extra". They (me included) just bought the pillar/gauge and installed it since the factory wiring plug is behind that pillar.
If you see an SS with both, then the owner added the 2nd gauge.
P.S. Has nothing to do with being a 5 speed and the Performance Pkg.
Fwiw. The pillar gauge only monitors boost and vacuum in analog.
The RPD monitors everything from boost, speed, tire pressure, G Force, battery voltage and a multitude of other things.
02-14-2020, 08:06 AM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 11-04-2018
Location: Iowa
Posts: 273
Center gauge is called the RPD. Reconfigurable Performance Display.
2009 SS it was an option. If you got the RPD then there was no pillar gauge. The one's with the pillar gauge meant no RPD.
2010 SS ALL got the RPD. Therefore there was no pillar gauge in the 2010.
Now. There have been many owners with the RPD that added the pillar gauge as an "extra". They (me included) just bought the pillar/gauge and installed it since the factory wiring plug is behind that pillar.
If you see an SS with both, then the owner added the 2nd gauge.
2009 SS it was an option. If you got the RPD then there was no pillar gauge. The one's with the pillar gauge meant no RPD.
2010 SS ALL got the RPD. Therefore there was no pillar gauge in the 2010.
Now. There have been many owners with the RPD that added the pillar gauge as an "extra". They (me included) just bought the pillar/gauge and installed it since the factory wiring plug is behind that pillar.
If you see an SS with both, then the owner added the 2nd gauge.
Is the RPD basically an Info Display similar to newer car's information centers?
Does it allow modifying any performance point? The stability button "held" on the A-Pillar version provides a "launch" mod... but not sure how helpful or if that's a 1 shot deal with each press & hold of button.
On the 09, as an option did it provide additional performance options when adding the RPD?
Does the RPD lift up to allow any storage underneath?
I agree, if I get one without the A-Pillar, I'd add it... just like the looks.
02-16-2020, 12:28 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: 12-17-2016
Location: Silverhill, AL
Posts: 555
Much appreciated... thanks for the clarification.
Is the RPD basically an Info Display similar to newer car's information centers?
Does it allow modifying any performance point? The stability button "held" on the A-Pillar version provides a "launch" mod... but not sure how helpful or if that's a 1 shot deal with each press & hold of button.
On the 09, as an option did it provide additional performance options when adding the RPD?
Does the RPD lift up to allow any storage underneath?
I agree, if I get one without the A-Pillar, I'd add it... just like the looks.
Is the RPD basically an Info Display similar to newer car's information centers?
Does it allow modifying any performance point? The stability button "held" on the A-Pillar version provides a "launch" mod... but not sure how helpful or if that's a 1 shot deal with each press & hold of button.
On the 09, as an option did it provide additional performance options when adding the RPD?
Does the RPD lift up to allow any storage underneath?
I agree, if I get one without the A-Pillar, I'd add it... just like the looks.
Then I got a manual '09 Panel with the pillar gauge and added the RPD.
Nothing is changeable from the RPD, it is just a display - but it does show an awful lot of stuff.
RPDs can be found (usually for a pretty fair chunk of change) but adding the pillar gauge is MUCH cheaper and easier.
FWIW and all else being equal, you should buy the Panel SS if you want it to be easier to sell when you are done with it.
02-16-2020, 05:17 PM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 11-04-2018
Location: Iowa
Posts: 273
Doug, I had an auto '09 with the RPD and added the pillar gauge.
Then I got a manual '09 Panel with the pillar gauge and added the RPD.
Nothing is changeable from the RPD, it is just a display - but it does show an awful lot of stuff.
RPDs can be found (usually for a pretty fair chunk of change) but adding the pillar gauge is MUCH cheaper and easier.
FWIW and all else being equal, you should buy the Panel SS if you want it to be easier to sell when you are done with it.
Then I got a manual '09 Panel with the pillar gauge and added the RPD.
Nothing is changeable from the RPD, it is just a display - but it does show an awful lot of stuff.
RPDs can be found (usually for a pretty fair chunk of change) but adding the pillar gauge is MUCH cheaper and easier.
FWIW and all else being equal, you should buy the Panel SS if you want it to be easier to sell when you are done with it.
But the RDP harness / and plug is not in 2009 SS models if no RDP in original build... or is there?
If there is, and an RDP is installed, is there Firmware or configurations needed to utilize?
Casa Del Gatos, thanks for the info and the Panel SS recommendation. I was swinging that direction, but the Owner wasn't responding or emailing.
As of today, I haven't seen any email from him... my guess is he sold locally or other avenue, and has no need to communicate.
You probably noticed in the " SS Wheels - Options" thread, I purchased & towed home the 09 HHR SS 5sp.
Hey... in a year... they'll be more room... I may sell one of the other Panels... Wife is getting a little agitated with garage & "driveway clutter" (her words).
11-29-2021, 04:49 PM
#6
New Member
Join Date: 10-11-2021
Location: Camp Verde AZ
Posts: 13
Looking at 2009 SS 5sp, and 2009 SS Panel... decisions... have 2 - 08 Panels LT Auto & 2LT 5sp.
Started looking for SS and found the Panel within my range too.
Not much info on Panel yet, still waiting... may be sold.
I was about ready to go for the SS, but now wavering on which to focus or purchase.
Love the look of the Panels, but there are nice functional benefits for the Windowed SS too.
Question on SS Gauge setup:
Several SS examined 08-10 on photos over the last 3 weeks.
Some have the A-pillar Boost gauge, others have the Center Instrument.
Other threads indicates 5sp with performance package got the center instrument.
Looked through a few threads but not clear on "what's what" on this setup?
I thought I've seen both Auto & 5 sp with both instrument setups?
If there is no Center Instrument, what features are missing?
The O9 SS I'm interested, has the A-Pillar Gauge and 5 sp tranny; but wondering what the difference between options.
Personally, I like the A-Pillar Gauge better... I like the cubby box on my other HHR's... useful storage.
The center gauge to me uses up a useful storage for something not utilized much... but I don't know the full use of it either.
Started looking for SS and found the Panel within my range too.
Not much info on Panel yet, still waiting... may be sold.
I was about ready to go for the SS, but now wavering on which to focus or purchase.
Love the look of the Panels, but there are nice functional benefits for the Windowed SS too.
Question on SS Gauge setup:
Several SS examined 08-10 on photos over the last 3 weeks.
Some have the A-pillar Boost gauge, others have the Center Instrument.
Other threads indicates 5sp with performance package got the center instrument.
Looked through a few threads but not clear on "what's what" on this setup?
I thought I've seen both Auto & 5 sp with both instrument setups?
If there is no Center Instrument, what features are missing?
The O9 SS I'm interested, has the A-Pillar Gauge and 5 sp tranny; but wondering what the difference between options.
Personally, I like the A-Pillar Gauge better... I like the cubby box on my other HHR's... useful storage.
The center gauge to me uses up a useful storage for something not utilized much... but I don't know the full use of it either.
11-30-2021, 10:20 AM
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 11-04-2018
Location: Iowa
Posts: 273
Been busier than I thought...
Didn't find a clean SS Panel at the time of my search... I looked for a few months.
Had a nice black one in CA, but it was priced with a high level of pride well above value.
I did purchase a Black SS 5sp, that I provided a few pics of Pickle Wheels, LED taillights and Hahn Exhaust and GM HP Kit.
It's a great SS, but I would have perferred an SS Panel... I have 2 '08 Panels: 2LT and 1LT.
I've since added the remaining Hahn components: Non-cat down pipe, larger intercooler, all metal air pipes and the Tuner Module.
Sounds great, runs sweet.. haven't installed new intercooler or metal pipes, nor modified the Tune... hopefully a Winter Project.
Last edited by Oldblue; 11-30-2021 at 03:01 PM. Reason: Corrected Hahn spelling
11-30-2021, 02:01 PM
#10
Moderator
Join Date: 05-01-2014
Location: California
Posts: 7,819
Wow... August 2020... has it been that long!
Been busier than I thought...
Didn't find a clean SS Panel at the time of my search... I looked for a few months.
Had a nice black one in CA, but it was priced with a high level of pride well above value.
I did purchase a Black SS 5sp, that I provided a few pics of Pickle Wheels, LED taillights and Hass Exhaust and GM HP Kit.
It's a great SS, but I would have perferred an SS Panel... I have 2 '08 Panels: L2T and LT.
I've since added the remaining Hass components: Non-cat down pipe, larger intercooler, all metal air pipes and the Tuner Module.
Sounds great, runs sweet.. haven't installed new intercooler or metal pipes, nor modified the Tune... hopefully a Winter Project.
Been busier than I thought...
Didn't find a clean SS Panel at the time of my search... I looked for a few months.
Had a nice black one in CA, but it was priced with a high level of pride well above value.
I did purchase a Black SS 5sp, that I provided a few pics of Pickle Wheels, LED taillights and Hass Exhaust and GM HP Kit.
It's a great SS, but I would have perferred an SS Panel... I have 2 '08 Panels: L2T and LT.
I've since added the remaining Hass components: Non-cat down pipe, larger intercooler, all metal air pipes and the Tuner Module.
Sounds great, runs sweet.. haven't installed new intercooler or metal pipes, nor modified the Tune... hopefully a Winter Project.