2008 HHR SS transmission upgrades
10-06-2015, 09:19 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: 10-06-2015
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 5
2008 HHR SS transmission upgrades
I have a 2008 HHR SS with the automatic and was wondering what upgrades or improved parts yall would recommend for my car, i am just now getting into looking at improving the performance and playing with it regularly. I like the auto and would just like to know what options i have for it.
10-06-2015, 10:19 AM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: 10-06-2015
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 5
Thank you, i just want to know what my options are to make it stronger, recommendations for any parts on it even clutch packs and the like. i am going to need to get it rebuilt before too much longer anyways so even recs for shops or kits would be good.
10-09-2015, 10:56 AM
#6
Platinum Member
Join Date: 12-06-2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 11,099
Everything I've read or seen shows that the stock automatic trans is good for up to about 350-375 hp.
I wouldn't see a need to beef it up unless you plan on pulling a lot of extra HP out of your engine.
If you do go that route though, you'll probably need to upgrade the axles also.
I wouldn't see a need to beef it up unless you plan on pulling a lot of extra HP out of your engine.
If you do go that route though, you'll probably need to upgrade the axles also.
10-09-2015, 05:14 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: 05-29-2015
Location: Cleveland, OH
Posts: 542
I've looked into this a lot actually. Since I did the Gen3/Turbo swap on the wifes SS I definitely wanted to strengthen the trans while rebuilding. It doesn't seem like anything is offered for "performance" upgrades. There's a lot for the 4T65E trans. I've been in contact with ZZP ongoing throughout our progress. They have said there's no one building these transmissions for race use. An outside shot would be Bates Engineering, they built race transmissions for GMPP. I've given up there because the cost would be outrageous.
The best prices I've found for doing your own rebuild cost around $600 for everything you'll need. If the trans is out of the car a transmission shop will generally charge around $1500 for a "bench"rebuild. This winter I'll be rebuilding a 4T45E for the wifes SS. The one in the car currently has 143k miles and its not going to like it when we start tuning it next season.
Dave's got the fastest HHR on the forum at 12.30. He swears by the 4T45, and with proper care and tuning it can take quite a beating. The key is full synthetic fluid, a good trans cooler, and cutting the shift times in half using HP tuners. We have been babying our car for 4,000 miles now, due to other issues. But next season we will be taking to the track properly tuned. Can't Wait!
Hooray for Corn gas!
The best prices I've found for doing your own rebuild cost around $600 for everything you'll need. If the trans is out of the car a transmission shop will generally charge around $1500 for a "bench"rebuild. This winter I'll be rebuilding a 4T45E for the wifes SS. The one in the car currently has 143k miles and its not going to like it when we start tuning it next season.
Dave's got the fastest HHR on the forum at 12.30. He swears by the 4T45, and with proper care and tuning it can take quite a beating. The key is full synthetic fluid, a good trans cooler, and cutting the shift times in half using HP tuners. We have been babying our car for 4,000 miles now, due to other issues. But next season we will be taking to the track properly tuned. Can't Wait!
Hooray for Corn gas!
10-09-2015, 07:40 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: 04-26-2009
Location: City of Champions
Posts: 666
The 4T65E is junk...
! It's big, heavy, & has a higher failure rate,
than our smaller 4T45E
New 2016 Cruze 6T35 six-speed automatic transmission, should work well, & fit well
in our HHRs
The new Hydra-Matic 6T35 six-speed automatic transmission offered with the Cruze’s new 1.4L turbo engine expands GM’s multispeed transmission family for transverse powertrain systems.
It is a higher-capacity version of the current 6T30 transmission, offering comparable torque capacity of the larger 6T40, but in a smaller, 11-kg (24 lbs) lighter package contributing to the Cruze’s reduced overall weight and enhancing the front-to-rear weight balance.
Shared traits between GM’s six-speed automatic transmissions also reduce complexity, size and mass, including clutch-to-clutch operation that enables the six-speed to be packaged into approximately the same space of a four-speed automatic.
A wide ratio spread enables brisk acceleration from a stop, while the overdriven sixth gear – it “turns” slower than engine speed – keeps the engine speed lower on the highway, reducing engine friction losses, optimizing efficiency and contributing to a quieter ride.
The 6T35 also features Gen 3 upgrades implemented to enhance efficiency. The pump, for example, has been moved off-axis, which allows better sealing of the torque converter, reducing pump flow demands to enhance fuel economy.*Additionally, the pump is now a binary vane-type, which allows lower power consumption during times of lower flow demands and at higher engine speeds.*An accumulator is added to the transmission to accommodate the stop/start system.
The 6T35 will be built at GM’s transmission facility in Toledo, Ohio.
! It's big, heavy, & has a higher failure rate,than our smaller 4T45E
New 2016 Cruze 6T35 six-speed automatic transmission, should work well, & fit well
in our HHRs
The new Hydra-Matic 6T35 six-speed automatic transmission offered with the Cruze’s new 1.4L turbo engine expands GM’s multispeed transmission family for transverse powertrain systems.
It is a higher-capacity version of the current 6T30 transmission, offering comparable torque capacity of the larger 6T40, but in a smaller, 11-kg (24 lbs) lighter package contributing to the Cruze’s reduced overall weight and enhancing the front-to-rear weight balance.
Shared traits between GM’s six-speed automatic transmissions also reduce complexity, size and mass, including clutch-to-clutch operation that enables the six-speed to be packaged into approximately the same space of a four-speed automatic.
A wide ratio spread enables brisk acceleration from a stop, while the overdriven sixth gear – it “turns” slower than engine speed – keeps the engine speed lower on the highway, reducing engine friction losses, optimizing efficiency and contributing to a quieter ride.
The 6T35 also features Gen 3 upgrades implemented to enhance efficiency. The pump, for example, has been moved off-axis, which allows better sealing of the torque converter, reducing pump flow demands to enhance fuel economy.*Additionally, the pump is now a binary vane-type, which allows lower power consumption during times of lower flow demands and at higher engine speeds.*An accumulator is added to the transmission to accommodate the stop/start system.
The 6T35 will be built at GM’s transmission facility in Toledo, Ohio.