New tune today!
Senior Member
Joined: 02-13-2010
Posts: 698
From: HuskerNation
If you have an auto, sub 13 second pass is doable with good traction/launch. The 5sp doesn't launch as well/consistently as the auto. You should consider coming to Mid-America Motorplex on April 4th. It's their season opening Friday night Street drags event. Run wut ya brung. I'll be there and you can see how mine performs with the full trifecta tune and get baseline times for yours before you mod to see how much it improves.
Senior Member
Joined: 04-26-2009
Posts: 669
From: City of Champions
Tunes, & what really is being tuned, when "tuning", an HHR SS
First off, the HHR SS, is an easy platform, to "tune" now, as it is a " mature" product.
Intake system
If you stay with the stock air box, or add a better filter, or add the K&N intake system to your HHR SS, there will be nothing to "tune". The stock settings in the ECM, will be fine with these improvements, nothing to change. Most of you will go this way, as there really isn't anything better than the factory setup, as it is a, "cold/fresh", air intake system.
If you do decide to go some other type of air intake system, such as the ZZP, or any other aftermarket system, including "homemade" systems, you need the best "tuner", that you can find, as it will take an all-out, effort, to get it "dialed" in right.
Exhaust system
You can do whatever you want to the exhaust system, including changing out the DP, to either a catted, or catless one, & there's really nothing to change in the ECM. No 'tuning' needed here.
Intercooler & charge pipes
Same here, nothing to tune for.
So what gets "tuned", when "tuning"
The HHR SS uses a "torque" based ECM.
"Tunes" basically adjust the "torque", how much, & where, & "torque management".
We want more "torque", which means, more boost.
We want to control the "torque", which means, torque management.
So every "tune", including the stock "tune", has limits, & control, including what
is called, "learn down", which just means that any/all, ECM "tunes", have limits.
So, with a so called "budget" tune, which Trifecta calls their "base" tune, & the GMPP tune,
which can also be considered, a "budget" factory "tune", there is a, "conservative", increase in
torque, which is "boost".
With a good "tune", from Trifecta, or from an HPTuner, you get a bigger increase in "torque",
which means, even more "boost".
With the best "tune", up to the "max" of "torque", or "boost", which comes with concerns,
that, living on the "edge", can, or may, cause failure, if your're not always being careful.
With all "tunes", be it, "budget", "good", or "all out":
All the normal, common, & little things are addressed, as with any "tune".
Such as better PE, rev limiter, speed limiter, timing, ect, ect...
So really, any "tune", is for your needs, or budget.
So, a "budget" tune will satisfy the needs of most, & are really awesome, &
can put our "buggys", into the high 13s, at the track, if you have good traction.
These "budget" "tunes" will put a smile, on everyone's face...
A "good" tune will put you well into the mid 13s, & cause your "buggy" to
be a handfull of fun...
With the "best", all out tune, your "buggy" will be a low 13 second rocket ship...
Mods, mods, which mods...
Our "buggys" really don't need any mods, just a "tune", will do...
Most every mod, is really, just for personal reasons, or satisfaction, or because, "race car".
If your into serious street racing, or looking for the best ET, than you need the traction mod, sticky tires, or slicks.
Besides a "tune", the next best mod would be a better engine mount, as the stock one on our "buggys", really sucks, it causes a lot of engine movement, which means massive "torque-steer" problems. A better engine mount will also give you better throttle response , & better "plant" the torque, to the ground.
To improve the exhaust system, simply "coring" the 2nd "cat", is all the needs to be done.
To improve the intake system, you can't go wrong with the K&N intake system, as it makes the stock setup, the best that it can be.
Our lightweight "buggys" are so cool & powerful, for their size, enjoy them, & kick @ss...
First off, the HHR SS, is an easy platform, to "tune" now, as it is a " mature" product.
Intake system
If you stay with the stock air box, or add a better filter, or add the K&N intake system to your HHR SS, there will be nothing to "tune". The stock settings in the ECM, will be fine with these improvements, nothing to change. Most of you will go this way, as there really isn't anything better than the factory setup, as it is a, "cold/fresh", air intake system.
If you do decide to go some other type of air intake system, such as the ZZP, or any other aftermarket system, including "homemade" systems, you need the best "tuner", that you can find, as it will take an all-out, effort, to get it "dialed" in right.
Exhaust system
You can do whatever you want to the exhaust system, including changing out the DP, to either a catted, or catless one, & there's really nothing to change in the ECM. No 'tuning' needed here.
Intercooler & charge pipes
Same here, nothing to tune for.
So what gets "tuned", when "tuning"
The HHR SS uses a "torque" based ECM.
"Tunes" basically adjust the "torque", how much, & where, & "torque management".
We want more "torque", which means, more boost.
We want to control the "torque", which means, torque management.
So every "tune", including the stock "tune", has limits, & control, including what
is called, "learn down", which just means that any/all, ECM "tunes", have limits.
So, with a so called "budget" tune, which Trifecta calls their "base" tune, & the GMPP tune,
which can also be considered, a "budget" factory "tune", there is a, "conservative", increase in
torque, which is "boost".
With a good "tune", from Trifecta, or from an HPTuner, you get a bigger increase in "torque",
which means, even more "boost".
With the best "tune", up to the "max" of "torque", or "boost", which comes with concerns,
that, living on the "edge", can, or may, cause failure, if your're not always being careful.
With all "tunes", be it, "budget", "good", or "all out":
All the normal, common, & little things are addressed, as with any "tune".
Such as better PE, rev limiter, speed limiter, timing, ect, ect...
So really, any "tune", is for your needs, or budget.
So, a "budget" tune will satisfy the needs of most, & are really awesome, &
can put our "buggys", into the high 13s, at the track, if you have good traction.
These "budget" "tunes" will put a smile, on everyone's face...
A "good" tune will put you well into the mid 13s, & cause your "buggy" to
be a handfull of fun...
With the "best", all out tune, your "buggy" will be a low 13 second rocket ship...
Mods, mods, which mods...
Our "buggys" really don't need any mods, just a "tune", will do...
Most every mod, is really, just for personal reasons, or satisfaction, or because, "race car".
If your into serious street racing, or looking for the best ET, than you need the traction mod, sticky tires, or slicks.
Besides a "tune", the next best mod would be a better engine mount, as the stock one on our "buggys", really sucks, it causes a lot of engine movement, which means massive "torque-steer" problems. A better engine mount will also give you better throttle response , & better "plant" the torque, to the ground.
To improve the exhaust system, simply "coring" the 2nd "cat", is all the needs to be done.
To improve the intake system, you can't go wrong with the K&N intake system, as it makes the stock setup, the best that it can be.
Our lightweight "buggys" are so cool & powerful, for their size, enjoy them, & kick @ss...
Last edited by 2005HHRauto; Mar 16, 2014 at 08:08 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: 03-09-2014
Posts: 104
From: Wisconsin
I'm new to the hhr ss as I picked one up a couple days ago,I've looked around the forum but I couldn't get the understanding that if I pull the trigger on factory gmtu tune would it be a waste if right after I got a can or custom tune.
I'm all factory but want a tune,will the factory gmtu benefit my hhr at all if I got a trifecta tune???can I get feedback as I'm a noob looking for little more hp.
I'm all factory but want a tune,will the factory gmtu benefit my hhr at all if I got a trifecta tune???can I get feedback as I'm a noob looking for little more hp.
Banned
Joined: 01-20-2014
Posts: 83
From: iowa
If you have an auto, sub 13 second pass is doable with good traction/launch. The 5sp doesn't launch as well/consistently as the auto. You should consider coming to Mid-America Motorplex on April 4th. It's their season opening Friday night Street drags event. Run wut ya brung. I'll be there and you can see how mine performs with the full trifecta tune and get baseline times for yours before you mod to see how much it improves.
any chance you'd be willing to save some time slips and OR videos of your runs for me!!! you have no idea how much id appreciate that! I have been in a very long PM convo With CJ Krause and i will be Trifecta Tuned on or about april 15th, I just need to submit payment and wait for the cable to arrive!Do you go to Cedar Falls raceway in Cedar falls IA or Cordova Dragway in IL at all? we seem to be pretty close and yet pretty far away from each other, Mid America is doable for me but id have to arrange sitters for my younger kids and have funds to go that far :) that can be a bit tricky!
Ill definitely make a post comparing the completely stock Auto VS stock parts on trifecta tune as soon as i can. The nice thing with the trifecta is i can select it on and off via cruise control so i can do some runs stock and then do runs on trifecta for comparisons for others in my situation who want some numbers! Also if i can save for some dyno time ill do a stock VS trifecta dyno reslut as well :)
Banned
Joined: 01-20-2014
Posts: 83
From: iowa
I'm new to the hhr ss as I picked one up a couple days ago,I've looked around the forum but I couldn't get the understanding that if I pull the trigger on factory gmtu tune would it be a waste if right after I got a can or custom tune.
I'm all factory but want a tune,will the factory gmtu benefit my hhr at all if I got a trifecta tune???can I get feedback as I'm a noob looking for little more hp.
I'm all factory but want a tune,will the factory gmtu benefit my hhr at all if I got a trifecta tune???can I get feedback as I'm a noob looking for little more hp.
NO you dont want both you want one or the other, GMTU and superchips canned tunes from my understanding are the same a step up from stock. super chips is MUCH cheaper and MUCH safer
Trifecta "budget" tune is for all stock vehicles and is a step above the other canned tunes. (this is waht im getting after HOURS upon HOURS of research)
Trifecta full custom tune or HP Tuners custom tune are the big final option but from what everyone has told me if you have stock parts and dont plan to mod the car past the tune then its not worth the extra money unless you really want to go crazy and squeeze every bit of power you can with your tuner out. These require doing data logs via email or actually going to a tuner and doing it with them in person.
For me im staying stock but want more power and the Trifecta budget tune is perfect, its designed for our cars stock and gives them a major power increase, it also has a feature so you can select the tune whenever you want! this was the selling point for me! so example if your cruise control is on then your on the stock tune, think of it as a daily drive tune. BUT if you turn cruise control off then your on the trifecta tune instantly and are boosting 21-25psi and just increased your power a ton!
hope this helps and ill make my own thread showing my results of stock vs trifecta as soon as im tuned!
Senior Member
Joined: 03-09-2014
Posts: 104
From: Wisconsin
@Nightwalkerhemi im a bit new as well but i have been doing a TON of research and picking the brains of a lot of members here! so heres what i gathered so far
NO you dont want both you want one or the other, GMTU and superchips canned tunes from my understanding are the same a step up from stock. super chips is MUCH cheaper and MUCH safer
Trifecta "budget" tune is for all stock vehicles and is a step above the other canned tunes. (this is waht im getting after HOURS upon HOURS of research)
Trifecta full custom tune or HP Tuners custom tune are the big final option but from what everyone has told me if you have stock parts and dont plan to mod the car past the tune then its not worth the extra money unless you really want to go crazy and squeeze every bit of power you can with your tuner out. These require doing data logs via email or actually going to a tuner and doing it with them in person.
For me im staying stock but want more power and the Trifecta budget tune is perfect, its designed for our cars stock and gives them a major power increase, it also has a feature so you can select the tune whenever you want! this was the selling point for me! so example if your cruise control is on then your on the stock tune, think of it as a daily drive tune. BUT if you turn cruise control off then your on the trifecta tune instantly and are boosting 21-25psi and just increased your power a ton!
hope this helps and ill make my own thread showing my results of stock vs trifecta as soon as im tuned!
NO you dont want both you want one or the other, GMTU and superchips canned tunes from my understanding are the same a step up from stock. super chips is MUCH cheaper and MUCH safer
Trifecta "budget" tune is for all stock vehicles and is a step above the other canned tunes. (this is waht im getting after HOURS upon HOURS of research)
Trifecta full custom tune or HP Tuners custom tune are the big final option but from what everyone has told me if you have stock parts and dont plan to mod the car past the tune then its not worth the extra money unless you really want to go crazy and squeeze every bit of power you can with your tuner out. These require doing data logs via email or actually going to a tuner and doing it with them in person.
For me im staying stock but want more power and the Trifecta budget tune is perfect, its designed for our cars stock and gives them a major power increase, it also has a feature so you can select the tune whenever you want! this was the selling point for me! so example if your cruise control is on then your on the stock tune, think of it as a daily drive tune. BUT if you turn cruise control off then your on the trifecta tune instantly and are boosting 21-25psi and just increased your power a ton!
hope this helps and ill make my own thread showing my results of stock vs trifecta as soon as im tuned!
Banned
Joined: 01-20-2014
Posts: 83
From: iowa
no problem at all! ive received a ton of help and knowledge in the last month from other members im just trying to pay it forward! ill toss you a PM with a link to my tune review thread comparing it to stock and ill keep that thread updated with my track days and any dyno days :) hopefully some videos and timeslips soon to come!
hope that post had kind of the answer you were looking for, i couldnt find a straightforward answer myself but after lots of research and numerous PM's to forum members i compiled quite a lot of info :)
Senior Member
Joined: 12-04-2009
Posts: 463
From: Port St Lucie, Florida
Well if you want to boost your trifecta above 22psi the map sensors from the GMTU will allow that. Just a thought. I think you can order just the sensors but many run the trifecta without the sensor swap
Banned
Joined: 01-20-2014
Posts: 83
From: iowa
You can boost above 22 psi with the stock 2.5bar just have to get the full tune. However I don't see the point it's been proven that passed 21-22psi the stock turbo is out of it's efficiency range, but I suppose if you want every bit of power then yeah you can go crazy :)