I have owned my 08 SS for over two years so far and I am very impressed with this vehicle. I must admit I was a bit reluctant to get it in the beginning with all the bad press but I was drawn to its unique design and performance. Some issues I had to deal with mainly due to poor upkeep by the previous owner. Door lock needed to be oiled. Some split second engine rattle at cold start due to low oil and after market filter. Engine doesn't like to be low on oil especially during winter months. I also did not like the throttle lag which I fixed by installing a Pedal Commander and set to City +3. Anything above that is overkill. I have done a fair amount of safe racing and it did well. Its a true sleeper. The other day one arrogant BMW driver saw me coming and minding my business. Decided to intimidate me. Engaged "competitive Mode" and saw him try very hard to catch me on the rear view mirror. All stock with no tune. Reluctant to get one. Reliability overall has been excellent. Never fails to start. A couple of long distance trips with no issues. Just a fun car to drive in my opinion.

 

Nice to see you’re satisfied with your purchase! Keep it clean and drive it often, as I’m sure you do.

 

What "bad press" is that? I never heard anything bad about them. There was a problem with "porosity" in 2008 engines, that does not mean what it sounds like.

 

If you research the factory tune, you'll find there is not much downside except maybe cost. It's actually safer for the engine than the original program.

 

I think you're referring to the GMTU tune. Technically, the factory tune is the original program.

 

The original Stage1 tune wasn’t that the crimp connector and relocate a sensor setup. Some work but not much to fix the issue. I still don’t recall much bad publicity about the HHR NA or Turbo.

 

Well glad you figured out what I meant. Every reference to "tune" I've ever encountered meant a modification of the original program. Maybe just saying GM tune would have been more... correct. By factory I just meant from GM, not as manufactured.

Technically, what does GMTU (jargon?) mean? Most reference to 19369111 I find calls it "Performance Turbocharge Upgrade Kit." Do you mean that? That's what I meant. Seems to be a product of Chevrolet Performance (formerly known as GM Performance Parts prior to 2012.)

It's called the "stage 1" tune a lot but I don't think GM ever called it that. Confused me at first.

 

GMTU= GM Turbo Upgrade

(Look at my signature below)

 

Thanks. I edited my prior comment.

 

FYI
In the installation instructions for the GMTU there is a mention of “Stage Kit”. No mention of a Stage 1 in the instructions.