Got busy with yard work and other things, so haven't had much time with the HHR. But I did ask the owner again and he assured me the donor engine is a 2009 and IT DOES HAVE VVT. I do not see any cracks in the exhaust flange or around it but I intend to change the gasket where the manifold mates with the exhaust flange. I also will replace the exhaust manifold gasket, since I did remove the manifold to get the engine in the vehicle. I just want to be sure there are no leaks there. As for the injectors, I found 2 from the donor engine not working. I connected power to each one and only 2 would click, to let me know they were working. And, since I am trying to help this elderly person, I am covering all bases. Since I did install 2008 injectors, I am removing them and putting in 2009. That may take care of the problem.

I looked for the paper tag on the head to check the id number, but it is gone. I will look at the other places mentioned to see if I can find numbers that I can check to verify the engine. I did not personally get the engine, so I am relying on someone else. My bad!!

Since I don't have any other codes other than the P0171, I hope that the new gaskets and the correct injectors will solve my problem.

Thanks again for all of the help!!

 

I think if the engine ever essploderates on my HHR, I'm just gonna plop it on an S10 chassis

 

This is where the partial VIN is supposed to be. I never could find the one on the oil filter bowl (2) and the one on the end (1) is paper that washes off. GM claims they are all marked.