engimuneer

Howdy, I've posted a few times in the last 4 years researching flexible fuel usage in HHRs and have finally started to put the results together for the public. Wanted to share the initial website results and start getting some feedback from HHR owners on what more I can do to help you.

2007 Chevrolet HHR

Basically, we've either swapped an 09+ ECU into the 2007 2.2L or used a custom calibration from EFILive to make the 2007/08's ECU into flexible fuel capability.

Why do this? For fuel choice. We run on methanol, ethanol & gasoline and have for 4 years now. Methanol is $1.20/gallon and provides more power (+5-15%), along with going more miles per dollar. Check out the documentary PUMP on Netflix to hear more about the subject, but know y'all have some of the easiest cars on the road to make flexible fuel.

Please look at the site and give me some feedback through email, comments or this forum.

aradmahogany

No way.... are you guys the ones with the Cobalt in that documentary?????? I have been telling people about what you found out ever since I watched it.

engimuneer

That's me, the guy with the mutton chops. We've since converted several more GM vehicles to flexible fuel operation with just a software update. Still trying to go through the legal EPA process; however, there are no technical issues with making it happen.

aradmahogany

Pretty amazing seeing as how I have been just sitting here wondering how I could do that myself! So cool!

Now I have an '06 2LT with a 2.4 that has VVT..... Would I still need an ECU swap or would a flash work?

engimuneer

I didn't even think the VVT came out until 2009, learn something new everyday.

Are there any tuners with support for the 05/06 generations? Those used the Bosch ECUs (correct?) and I have not found coverage for them to verify which alcohol tables are already added to the system.

aradmahogany

Yeah I guess it was only on the 2.4 Liter engine for 2006-2008 and as for tune I think trifecta does a tune for '06? Not too sure about the Bosch ECU.
I am 100 percent positive I have VVT because I had to change the VVT solenoids on my wagon haha

engimuneer

Quick Google showed me it could be the ACDelco or Bosch. You'd have to check the numbers on the ECU itself. If it is the Bosch, Trifecta is probably the first I'd ask if they'd mapped the alcohol related tables. As for the ACDelco E37, the tables are already in there for the 07+ from my research thus far and accessible through EFILive or HPTuners.

donbrew

2.4L has VVT. 2.2L got it in 2009. Not sure about 2.0L. (HHR anyway, other models vary).

What about all of the other rubber bits? Like the under hood part of the fuel line, and all of the other gaskets on the fuel tank.

engimuneer

The only parts that have given us issue are the Viton oring seals in the fuel pump module; however, that's ONLY been on methanol, not ethanol. The rest of the seals don't seem to have any leakage issues at all. That was $1 [4] in parts to get the HHR running on methanol, $0.32 [1] for the Cobalt. They were replaced with BunaN. No clogged injectors or fuel filters, no flaking of rubber fuel lines.

donbrew

No labor involved?

"The only parts that have given us issue" so far. I just have visions of tiny bits of fuel line flaking off, then someday......flame on!(Fantastic Four)