HHR/SS with kit; Boost Versus Vacuum
 

My HHR/SS is experiencing a series of turbo problems. Turbo lag 2-3 seconds, only getting 20 lbs of boost when I should see 30 lbs (LNF kit is installed and has worked correctly). I'm seeing 20lbs of vacuum at idle, close to 30 lbs on de-acceleration, severe hesitation on initial acceleration. On slow initial acceleration I'm still seeing 10lbs vacuum. In addition I'm getting pre-ignition ping sounds (I feed it top tier supreme all the time), and an air pressure leak sound when you get out off the throttle quickly.

There is a reason I do not want to take it back to the selling dealership; but that’s another longer story.

I have a big suspicion that the last time it went to the dealership for the clamp recall that the dealership either didn't put something back, or they put something back in the wrong place. Normally vacuum usually sets around 2-3 lbs.

1) Anyone else having these issues, AND 2) anyone know what I should be pulling for vacuum at idle?

I don't have the Stage Kit, but at Idle I see 18-20lbs of vacumn. I only rarly see 15-16 lbs of boost. Don't know if this helps.

there is a stupid extra plastic vacuum tank under the intake mani......I was having some weird issues myself and bypassed the tank, I am now back to normal you might try that.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...seupbefore.jpg
Here is a pic of what it should look like.....the top hose is from your lower intake pipe and the one on the side is from the BPV. the other two lines go to the take I just but a screw in them to keep water and dirt out. Try this and see if it helps.:thumb:

Sort of a nit picky fact but boost pressure is measured in "PSI" (pounds per square inch). Vacuum is measured in "in Hg" (inches of mercury (in a column)). The gauge is labeled as such.

I run regular gas. The boost maxes out at 16psi, and the vacuum at idle is 21 in Hg.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...boostgauge.jpg

never saw or heard of 30 boost on a factory car with a kit...25-27 maybe on a good day.I see 25 quite often.Vacuum side is normal.
Dumb question but,,your not running reg gas are you??

I don't even think people in Denver see 30 PSI unless something is wrong.

Regular gas? Just to save a couple of bucks a fill up? I spend more on DVD rentals. Why'd you buy a SS? You can't even use the full potential of the car! You should sell it and buy a Honda. :lol:

Your not suppose to see 30psi with the GM tune (don;t know who told you that), heck the Trifecta Infini boost is 27 psi and that is the highest boost out of any of the after market tunes. 20-24psi is normal for the GM tune depending on where you live at, 15-16 psi is normal for factory boost, my vacuum sits at 20 at idle.
I also rerouted around the vacuum tank as crazysteve has, no issues so far. To me the spool up is a little quicker, drops off less between shifts and my max boost stays steady all the way through red line.

90% of the performance for 80% of the price, not such a bad deal. I figure it saves me $400 per year, that's more than one month's payment. Why get an SS... just to have one, because it's cool, because it makes by brother-in-law who's got a Mini Cooper S jealous. Do I need better reasons? Although my mother-in-law asked me why I bought a car that could go 150 miles per hour when I drive like a little old lady:lol:. Anyway Honda doesn't make a car that has 250 hp, will run on regular gas and cost net 15 grand with obama's cash for clunkers and gm shoveling cash at me.

Do you get the same gas mileage with 87 octane as you do with 92 or 93? I don't, but perhaps it's related to my driving habits.

Do you always "lightfoot" the throttle? I often do, but I put my foot in as often as I don't.