Hello all. I just purchased a 2009 Black HHR SS with 26k miles and wanted to introduce myself. I'm in my mid 30's and live in mid-ohio. The SS is black with the manual tranny, digital display, Black/Red Interior, Brembo, G85, etc..
This car was apparently someones baby. Never seen snow maybe even rain. I just got it today and had a nice time washing and waxing it

I did have a couple questions I was hoping some members could help answer.

1. I've owned a lot of cars but the drive train just seems noisy as hell compared to others. This normal?
2. What's the stock boost at WOT?
3. It came with one mod it's a Corsa exhaust. Is this a decent exhaust? It does sound good.

Thanks and I look forward to being a member for a long time. I waited over 2 years for a car like this to come around near me.

 

Welcome to the site and congrats on the SS purchase.

Stock boost pressures can vary depending on altitude/ air quality. Generally, folks have stock readings from 14-17 lbs. If it has the Stage 1 upgrade or GMTU as it's called, it's in the 19-23 range.

 

Welcome to the site! Very nice HHR SS you have there

 

Nice SS.

 

Sweet, low mile ride!

 

Welcome!

Exactly what do you mean "drive train just seems noisy as hell"? There are several possibilities, but need more explicit description, 20 questions on the internets is boring.

 

There are lots of reasons for that clunk, rattles and noises.
Ball joints worn out
Rear LCA bushings destroyed
Incorrect ball joints in FE 5 steering knuckle
Steering rack loose
Sway bar end links
Sway bar 23 mm bushings either worn or replaced with 25 mm bushings, I've seen it done!
Brake rotors machined wrong, to thin
Brake pads worn or incorrectly matched to rotors
Intermediate steering shaft loose at the joints
Rear LCA bolt not tightened correctly, an impact gun isn't enough!
Now some of these are just a visual check on the lift or if you jack up the car and support it on jack stands
Have a look and take some pictures we'll get you straightened out!

 

I don't think any of that is considered drivetrain, though. If it really is drivetrain, I would think CV axles. But with so few miles, it's hard to imagine anything being worn out.

 

Just seems like upon deceleration it whines or hums more than it should.

 

Front hubs, but first check the axle gland nuts, sometimes they needs little more torque or the axle can move when you reverse , like out of a parking space, brake, that's when there's a clunk the drive forward they can clunk again or wait till you brake at the next stop sign. I'm pointing out noises from the front end suspension, there are many sources and yes CV joints are a source but less common