Tune
 

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I keep reading about get a TUNE in our discussion section here, I am wondering, what is a tune.

In a nutshell. Reprogramming the cars computer for performance and/or efficiency.

Usually the former...

In my case both. Gained 30hp, 55tq, and 2 more mpgs.

Thank you, I may try it. bhopper

Shoot a PM to CJ Krause, he'll be more than happy to answer any questions you have on tuning. He's done tons of tuning work on HHR's, and you're both in Texas.

Just be aware that the hp/tq gains for your 2.2 or 2.4, which ever your 09 LT has, will not be as much as Firemangeorge's gains. He has a SS with a turbo motor so hp/tq is easier to increase. If you have a 2.4 you will more than likely gain more hp/tq than the 2.2 will but the cost may very well out way the gains in either case. The more after market engine mods you have before the tune the more hp/tq you typically will get.

SuperChips Cortex Tune
 

I did a lot of research on "Tunes" for my '08 SS looking for something easy to install and affordable. I didn't necessarily need a full blown custom installation tweaked to the max, so I went with the SuperChips Cortex, a so called "canned" tune that some seem to under rate.

I know that there are a lot of choices and variables in Tunes out there but since the HHR has been around for a while the price of a used hand held SuperChips Cortex #2950 programmer have come way down and is a great bang for the buck! A good deal on a used Cortex #2950 average around $200.00 on eBay (retails $449.00), with some selling under $150.00 delivered.

If you buy one make sure it is "unlocked" as I believe they can only be used once but can be reset to use again if the tune is removed from the vehicle and set back to factory specs. Also be sure to plug it in to your computer first and go to the Superchips website for the latest updates for your vehicle. It downloaded a bunch of updates as they have it pretty well dialed in since they originally came out.

I can only speak for the 2.0L SS model but they claim dyno results of,
Auto: +47.7 HP & 55.1 lb-ft TQ
Manual: +60.8 HP, +79.8 lb-ft TQ

Impressive numbers to me for a programmable "canned" tune. I was quite happy with my stock turbo performance but decide to give the SC Cortex a try and wow! 47 more horse and it burns rubber for half a block! Has many other features such as reading and clearing DTC codes, programming shift points, and settings can easily be removed and set back to stock if desired.
Features:
Power Gains - + 40.0 HP & +53.2 lb-ft
Performance Tests
Speed Limiter
Rev Limiter
Data Acquisition - Advanced + PIDS
Internet Updateable
DTC Read & Clear
Performance Tune(s)
Executive Order Number - D-330-11

So a lot of performance and technology built in to these units that's easy to use. Just plug it in under the dash, follow the commands and options you wish to install or change, remove the plug-in and you done. I thought they were kidding about needing new tires soon!

I did buy the TurboTech upper solid motor mount and rear sway bar to help cut down on torque steer but not really necessary for daily driving around town. It's great to have the extra performance on tap, yet be very drivable daily.

I played with it a few times to be comfortable with it and know what to expect when I jump on it. It takes a little finesse to go easy on the throttle and not squeal the tires and warp highway speeds are easy to exceed if not careful! I rely on my GPS for fairly accurate speedometer readings.

Hope this helps if you are looking for an affordable, easy Tune! Best Regards.

Looking at the Superchips website both of their programmers are ONLY for the 2.0L turbo motor. Not one N/A 4cyl GM car is listed.

Prowlen, What kind of PSI are you hitting on yours?

Ive had the Superchips for a while now and while I did notice a big bump it seems It only got me around 17psi while others easily around 20+

Auto here