Common issues?
08-04-2021, 12:24 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: 05-28-2008
Location: Woodland Park, CO (8500')
Posts: 7
Common issues?
Looking at buying a 2009 SS 5 speed with 89k miles. It has a sunroof and the electronic digital gauge in center dash and brembo calipers. What other options were available in 2009?
Any common issues I should look for? It has a CAI but don't think it has any other mods. If it's boosting at 15psi, it's the stock tune righto?
I test drove a 2009 3 years ago and I still kick myself for not buying it. It was the best drivetrain I've ever driven and I've had a bunch of cars! The manual was just so much fun. I couldn't stop thinking about it and here I am now.
Thanx :)
Any common issues I should look for? It has a CAI but don't think it has any other mods. If it's boosting at 15psi, it's the stock tune righto?
I test drove a 2009 3 years ago and I still kick myself for not buying it. It was the best drivetrain I've ever driven and I've had a bunch of cars! The manual was just so much fun. I couldn't stop thinking about it and here I am now.
Thanx :)
08-04-2021, 12:32 AM
#2
Moderator
Join Date: 05-01-2014
Location: California
Posts: 7,821
Look for the intake valves starting to get gunked up, eventually(probably fairly soon) causing a loss of compression.
Some exclusively SS parts are unavailable.
Replace the front timing chain guide bolt with the upgraded bolt design. Immediately. It's cheap and easy.
Some exclusively SS parts are unavailable.
Replace the front timing chain guide bolt with the upgraded bolt design. Immediately. It's cheap and easy.
08-04-2021, 07:08 AM
#3
Administrator
Join Date: 10-13-2011
Location: Welland,Ont Canada
Posts: 36,598
Welcome to the site!! Exciting news you found a nice SS, There are many things to consider, rust, look at the bottom insides of the doors, and up under the side skirts. At 89,000 miles , I would consider changing the timing chain and spark plugs.
RockAuto has Brembo calipers available .
pay attention to the exclusive ball joints, they are only available riveted to GM lower control arms, the LS/LT ball joints fit but will be loose and can result in damage to the steering knuckle.
the shifter cables are hard to find and the steering intermediate shaft is obsolete so check that.
Front hubs are SS specific.
The best part is , you have us to check with before you order anything on line, to make sure you get the best parts, that will work correctly.
RockAuto has Brembo calipers available .
pay attention to the exclusive ball joints, they are only available riveted to GM lower control arms, the LS/LT ball joints fit but will be loose and can result in damage to the steering knuckle.
the shifter cables are hard to find and the steering intermediate shaft is obsolete so check that.
Front hubs are SS specific.
The best part is , you have us to check with before you order anything on line, to make sure you get the best parts, that will work correctly.
08-05-2021, 06:04 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Join Date: 05-28-2008
Location: Woodland Park, CO (8500')
Posts: 7
Well, talked to dealer and it's modified quite a bit. Doesn't have original motor, upgraded to something.
I'm going to pass.
Here is the car. Anyone recognize it? Traded in Denver area.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/307842841
Anyone have one similar for sale?? 😂
I'm going to pass.
Here is the car. Anyone recognize it? Traded in Denver area.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/307842841
Anyone have one similar for sale?? 😂
Last edited by TheEricHarris; 08-05-2021 at 08:26 PM.
08-05-2021, 08:24 PM
#6
Thread Starter
Join Date: 05-28-2008
Location: Woodland Park, CO (8500')
Posts: 7
Check out a 2009 Chevrolet HHR SS FWD - $8,995 on CarGurus at https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/307842841
Try that link..
Try that link..
08-05-2021, 08:59 PM
#8
Thread Starter
Join Date: 05-28-2008
Location: Woodland Park, CO (8500')
Posts: 7
Last edited by TheEricHarris; 08-05-2021 at 09:49 PM.
08-06-2021, 12:30 AM
#9
Moderator
Join Date: 05-01-2014
Location: California
Posts: 7,821
Yes, that was an option for SS. In '09 it was tied to the limited slip differential(manual transmission only) and the performance driver seat.
A non factory engine could be a good thing. I put a brand new LDK/LHU engine in mine last year.
A non factory engine could be a good thing. I put a brand new LDK/LHU engine in mine last year.