New to Turbo
10-18-2017, 11:21 AM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 10-18-2017
Location: AZ
Posts: 51
New to Turbo
I’m looking to get a HHR SS sometime soon when I find the right vehicle.
Ive been around cars/ motorcycles for many years but never owned or worked on turbo cars.
Ive been looking at this 2008 SS with 125000miles.
I dont think ita too too many of miles considering its a 8 years old car.
Would I need to replace (new/ rebuilt?) the turbo unit soon?
I also read about timing “chain” needs to be replaced sometime soon? I thought they switched back from belt to chain.
(I inderstand “how it’s been driven and maintained” makes huge difference in when things needs to be replaced.)
I’d like to hear from you guys “what to look out for” when looking for a HHR SS.
By the way, it going to be my daily driver.
So I want to keep it as reliable/ dependable as possible. (Stock performance of the SS should keep me happy, at least for awhile..)
Thank you in advance.
Ive been around cars/ motorcycles for many years but never owned or worked on turbo cars.
Ive been looking at this 2008 SS with 125000miles.
I dont think ita too too many of miles considering its a 8 years old car.
Would I need to replace (new/ rebuilt?) the turbo unit soon?
I also read about timing “chain” needs to be replaced sometime soon? I thought they switched back from belt to chain.
(I inderstand “how it’s been driven and maintained” makes huge difference in when things needs to be replaced.)
I’d like to hear from you guys “what to look out for” when looking for a HHR SS.
By the way, it going to be my daily driver.
So I want to keep it as reliable/ dependable as possible. (Stock performance of the SS should keep me happy, at least for awhile..)
Thank you in advance.
10-18-2017, 11:32 AM
#2
Technical Moderator
Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 24,697
It is a chain, listen for cold start rattling. Turbos don't normally fail. Have a GOOD mechanic check out the front suspension, parts are a pain. Check for stored OBD codes.
It may already have the GM performance upgrade, check for labels under the hood. I think there is also a "93 octane required" sticker on the fuel door.
It may already have the GM performance upgrade, check for labels under the hood. I think there is also a "93 octane required" sticker on the fuel door.
10-18-2017, 11:37 AM
#3
Platinum Member
Join Date: 12-06-2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 11,099
Welcome to the site.
My opinion. If you're looking for a daily driver, find one with fewer miles on it. There are a number of low mileage SS's out there.
Mine is a 2010, 51k miles (but not for sale)
P.S. Your math is off.
A 2008 is around 10 years old.
My opinion. If you're looking for a daily driver, find one with fewer miles on it. There are a number of low mileage SS's out there.
Mine is a 2010, 51k miles (but not for sale)
P.S. Your math is off.
A 2008 is around 10 years old.
10-18-2017, 01:10 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: 09-16-2013
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 1,408
If you are looking for a daily driver, I would say look at a 2.4 HHR LT. The SS, though fast and fun, is going to naturally be more finicky, you will not quench your thirst for mods/more speed once you get one, and they are harder to maintain and find parts for than a LT or LS model. SS for fun, LT preferably with 2.4 for daily, IMHO.
10-18-2017, 01:37 PM
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 10-18-2017
Location: AZ
Posts: 51
If you are looking for a daily driver, I would say look at a 2.4 HHR LT. The SS, though fast and fun, is going to naturally be more finicky, you will not quench your thirst for mods/more speed once you get one, and they are harder to maintain and find parts for than a LT or LS model. SS for fun, LT preferably with 2.4 for daily, IMHO.
my question, then, is how does LT drive?
i live in Phoenix and go up to northern AZ pretty often and I-17 has done pretty long and steep up hills.
It gues up to 7000ft (flagstaff).
I don’t want a cat that would be “struggling” to go up the hills...
maybe I should go look at an LT/LS and test drive one myself....
but ita hard to get mind off of an SS....
10-18-2017, 04:26 PM
#9
Member
Join Date: 04-02-2016
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 56
Yes, I wouldnt even consider and LT or LS totally different cars in my opinion. Keep looking! I live in Gilbert, so I know the PHX market doesnt have many SS's. I actually had to go to CA to get mine, but I love it!
10-18-2017, 08:13 PM
#10
Moderator
Join Date: 05-01-2014
Location: California
Posts: 7,810
Hi Yamahhr, 
to the forums!!
While it's true that turbos are not particularly prone to failure, one could be on it's last legs. They are lubricated with the engine oil and cooled by the cooling system. So if either system was badly neglected, the turbo could really suffer.
Also be prepared that you may need to pull the intake manifold so that you can shell blast the intake valves. Direct injection engines can get a lot of gunk built up on the valves, and being turbocharged makes the problem worse. A couple of good threads to read about that.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/2-0l...tch-can-54350/
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...lves-ss-56184/
Mine is a daily driver, and it's fun! You should go over it before buying, a compression test at the least.
to the forums!!While it's true that turbos are not particularly prone to failure, one could be on it's last legs. They are lubricated with the engine oil and cooled by the cooling system. So if either system was badly neglected, the turbo could really suffer.
Also be prepared that you may need to pull the intake manifold so that you can shell blast the intake valves. Direct injection engines can get a lot of gunk built up on the valves, and being turbocharged makes the problem worse. A couple of good threads to read about that.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/2-0l...tch-can-54350/
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...lves-ss-56184/
Mine is a daily driver, and it's fun! You should go over it before buying, a compression test at the least.
