I know Unique Performance were a bunch of [insert words here] but does ANYBODY have any insight to how the converted their HHR to RWD? I have just a dandy idea that would utilize the RWD part without the V8 part. Any ideas on how they did it?

 

No, but you could ask Year One because they did one too, and they're still in business.

On a similar note, I emailed the folks at Xtreme 4X4 , RTM productions in TN. I told them that our HHR's are modeled after a 49 Suburban with1 thing missing, no 4 wheel drive. I'm sure they could make a nice 4 wheeler out of a donor's HHR. They dismissed my email ( they answered right away) because of my Amsoil stickers, because Royal Purple is one of their sponsors. Anyone live near TN want to give them a try?

 

Heck if they could promise me my car back in the same shape as I gave it to them or better sure why not? Nothing to lose but time with the car.

 

I think they used a ford 9", I'll have to watch the video again to see if they show it.

A good choice would be to use the independent rear out of a Solstice or Sky...actually the whole drivetrain since you don't want the V8

Someone really needs to do this...

 

Oh I won't be using an ecotec either . I found 2 pictures of the year one HHR being put together but nothing of good quality or detail. I have a rough idea of how to make it work, but would like to see some better pictures, specifically of maybe the empty engine bay, and the underside of the vehicle.

 

Ever since these came out, I thought a modern version of the original drivetrain combo would be cool...use a Vortec straight six out of a Trailblazer/Envoy, 5-speed with tall shifter to clear bench seat, & of course RWD.

 

My goal if I were to do this would be far from any conceivable swap. Is there anyway I/WE could find out if the solstice IRS has even a chance of bolting up?

 

You'll be shifting from the back seat. can barely get a V8 in there with major mods.. a straight 6 is a bit longer. .. a quarter of the eng will be inside!!

 

I'm sure it would take some fabbing, but very doable!

 

Going off dimensions i recall from being at the shop i worked at for a long time, From bell/housing surface on the block to the W/P pulley of an LS1 is aprox 27 and some change. Your average straight 6 is about the same. It wouldn't be much different. As far as shifting is concerned, let's not forget there is column shifters no where near the actual selector on some cars, especially older ones. I can put a shifter on the roof if I wanted. The particular un-named engine I believe would go in with some finess, hopefully mounted to a 400 trans.

My list of concerns are:

1. I will likely lose my elec steering which is fine, i would need a rack and pinion though and off of what?

2. Where to mount a radiator

3. Of course, the RWD part.