I got the Stage One upgrade installed last Thursday and am quite impressed. Mine's an automatic and the only glitch I can see is: with traction control on it does pretty well, never cuts out, but with it OFF when I stab it to the floor from a standing start it builds boost, starts s[pinning the tires and at about 5k rpms it's as if something kicks out and the wastegate opens or something and it just falls on it's face. The tach still says about 5200 the boost completely goes away and we are crawling along in 1st at about 25 to 30 mph, until I lift and hit it again, then we are in business. I've played with rolling into the gas more gently and can sometimes get it just right. Called the guy at crateenginedepot and he suggested to go back to the dealer and see if any code comes up while that happens. It maxes out at about 22 to 23 lbs. of boost compared to the 15 in stock form. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

I'm jealous mine only pulls 20lbs, no wonder it wants to spin. Hold the traction control button 10 seconds to turn it off, put shifter in I and stomp on it should work for you. The next thing you may want is the TTR upper motor mount it helps alot with getting the power to the ground. Happy Trails

 

I installed mine myself and flashed it here at home, but then again I have an MDI and a subscription to TIS2Web

It takes about 20 minutes max, start to finish for the programming once you have made the phone call to have the cal added to your VIN. I'd imagine you'd be looking at about an hour at the dealer.

I don't think I would drive it without the flash. Depending how comfortable you are taking things apart (it's a series of layers) and with wiring, it might be worth the money just to have a shop do the whole job.

 

Don't do it.

PROBLEMS PROBLEMS PROBLEMS

read the thread below and links I put in first post.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/2-0l-performance-tech-46/gm-stage-1-trifecta-tune-35141/

 

I also have a 2010 HHR SS and had the stage 1 kit, TTR upper motor mount and TTR transmission stop mounts installed all at the same time at the dealer. All I can say is you will not be disappointed, it's like a whole new car. It is very important to find the right dealership and make sure they have done the stage 1 install before and more than once. The best thing is that the stage 1 will not void your warranty which is important to me. I found a local dealer Holz motors that specializes in performance cars like corvettes and camaros etc. They told me no problem and I have not had one issue since the install except I'm going to get a ticket if I don't keep my foot out of it. Go for it and good luck!

 

Miltown... manual or auto trans? What kind of boost are you making in 1st gear?

 

I have the manual. I have not actually checked the boost in first gear. I'm curious about that as well after reading your thread regarding the same. If we can get a little dry weather here in Milwaukee (snow in April yay!) I'll check and let you know.