I have a question about the no lift shift feature. I’m sure most of us have experience driving manual transmissions, we were always told that no lift shifting is extremely damaging to a clutch and transmission, and never to do it. However, since the system on the HHR SS is designed to for this practice does this make it ok do on regular basis? I understand that any high RPM WOT shift is stressful regardless, but is not lifting not as damaging since the car since system allows for it?

 

It is not advised to nls if you are tuned, gms1, etc. it puts a lot of strain on the tranny. when you complete a regular high rpm shift the revs and power level drop down, when doing a no lift shift the revs and power level remain at peak and are an immediate hit on the driveline. I did it all the time stock but have never done it tuned. also the 1-2 shift is the hardest on the driveline fwiw

 

OK, here's my take on this. As you indicate, the Owners Manual explains the NLS feature as well as Competitive Mode and Launch Control. So, yes, the car is DESIGNED to do these things. Shifting using NLS from 1-2 will break the wheels free a bit which RELIEVES driveline load. Continuing up through the higher gear changes using NLS will put INCREASED load on the driveline as the wheels are not breaking free and dumping full power to the drivetrain. That's how I see it. Yes, you are overcoming the inertia of the car being at rest when you take off, but you are still overcoming those forces as the acceleration continues. I would assume that most everyone using the NLS is primarily doing it through 1-2 and some brave souls risking speeding tickets doing the 2-3 or higher shifts. But I know nobody goes above the posted limit right?! So if your warranty is still intact and a drivetrain component fails GM does the repair. The SS is pretty tough, but using it in a semi-race car mode will increase some maintenace events as is common with race cars. I have the GMS1 and have used the launch control, competitve mode, NLS features. Note that NLS shifting works with or without being in Competitive mode, but if you are in Competitive Mode, ESC is activated and traction control is turned off. That makes control of the torque steer much easier if the road gets a bit bumpy and causes the wheels to break free. Have fun with it!

 

Interesting, thanks. I've only use the NLS twice and I went from 1-2-3. I just got the car so I had to test it out. Its a nice feature to have, but I don't see myself useing it that often.