I am new to the site and a new HHR owner. I have searched on these and found some answers, but the answers were dated, lacking, or not specific enough. I am getting the stage 1 kit put on this week. That and the exhaust and intake were part of my deal when negotiating the car. Come to find out the GM performance parts for the catback and the open air intake are for the cobalt and do not work with the HHR SS. So they are cutting a check back to me and I will go aftermarket through a store I really trust...at least to put it on. It seems the Hahn, which I'd have to order or the Magnaflow, which the store can order appear to be the best options for the HHR SS. I've read a brief thread debating the two, but everyone bragged on the Hahn and said to go that way, while no one actually had the magnaflow. By now, some may have on the board. The magnaflow site lists 10hp additional and 10 torque, shows the curve and the has the sound/video. So that's legit. Any comparative numbers on the Hahn? I do want to not sound to ricey or loud. Its an everyday driver. It seems many said the Hahn is a bit more reasonable soundwise. Also what intake would pair up with either best? I will have both put on after the stage 1 kit, which someone said is a decent thing to do (in that order). I did make the deal with this dealership and supposedly they've got "a guy" that's put on a few of these kits (probably on the SC cobalts) that will do it. Reading the GM blog it sounds like this can not be screwed up...they talk about the step by step they have and how easy it is to do and test...I am hoping this is the case. I don't know if I can do it elsewhere. I could dyno it after if need be. Does the stage 1 remapping need to be "recalibrated" for the addition of the exhaust and intake afterwards? Or is that not necessary? If the exhaust adds 10hp, the stage 1 adds 30hp, what would the intake add to the equation? That'd be over 300hp regardless...so that's cool.

Lastly, what else can I do to increase performance, but not void warranty? I am getting a rear sway bar put on btw.

Anyway, thanks for all the help. I am not a gear head just a driving enthusiast that loves my new HHR SS.

 

leave it alone do the stage kit. then leave it alone

 

I have to say, I DO have the magnaflow exhaust currently; I really can't compare to any other because I have never heard any other in person besides the stock. I do have to say, the magnaflow exhaust kicks a$$; it was very worth the money. Its is not ricey AT ALL. Very deep. loud sound at the same time. But, at no RPM does it get like a weed-eater. I do have a you tube of the sound, but my camera really did no justice to the sound. I am going to try it again with my cell phone to see if I get a better result. Yes, I do have the Stage1,stock air box with k&N also.

 

I just removed the Cat. and it sounds alot different...

 

Not following your own advice I see. lol

 

not after what I was told by GM... So it belongs to my bank and I will do with it as I want to.... LOL, If you could just see the parts that are stockpiling up...LOL Evil sinister laugh inserted here. And you correct but his question was what could (HE) do to get more power not what I do? thats the difference Capische?

 

Why wouldn't improving horsepower by 10 and adding additional through exhaust, while improving MPG be worthwhile?

Any intake thoughts of what's good out there?

Any thoughts on the Hahn exhaust?

 

Any dyno numbers? What do you think of the K&N vs. other options for intakes?

 

Because, they are being very picky about what they will and won't warranty. If the motor is making more power than it is suppose to and you break an input/output shaft they will pin it on you. Then you'll have to try and argue in court that it wasn't the fault of the extra power that broke the part.

Rob

 

I have it in writing that aftermarket intake and exhaust will not void the warranty...afterall they wanted me to add GM performance parts of the same nature.