WantanSS

Hi guys, I’ve been around the forum for a while, but am planning to buy an 2009 HHR SS Auto this Saturday. It is bone stock with 61,000 miles. I am wanting to upgrade the performance, but am looking for the most bang for the buck. I like the formula that a few of the members have had good results with, using primarily a tune, k&n intake tube, and possibly modifying the exhaust, or coring the second cat. I was wondering how coring the second cat would compare to a 3" off-road down pipe, and has anyone ran the Megan one that is said to fit a Cobalt SS on an HHR auto.I have not checked on the availability of Ethanol near me, so I may just want to stick with a pump gas tune. Do y’all have recommendations for tuners within driving distance of Northwest TN?

I am also curious how much difference changing charge pipes and the intercooler would make, and if a 3 bar map sensor is needed? I see that a lot of the people here do these type of mods, but from what I can tell the fastest auto hhr SS hasn’t done any of that stuff, so I’m wondering how beneficial or necessary it is. Again I don’t really want to invest a ton in mods. I had prefer to stay under $1,000, and the more under that figure I could stay the better off. I do understand that you have to pay to play though. My mechanical knowledge is rather limited, and I am not really interested in learning to tune myself, not at this point anyway. Thanks guys!

Ohiocruiser

If you want to stay under $1000, just get a 3bar map sensors and hp tune. Should put you in 300hp range.

Cat Man HHR

Trifecta tune does the same, from 14 to 23 psi boost. HP tuner people get in to it more with modifications. If your stock and just want some easy power, Trifecta is the way to go.

Casa Del Gatos

Is that this one, where you have to buy the $400 flasher gizmo in addition to the 3-bar sensors?
https://www.trifectaperformance.com/...hhr-20l-turbo/


What happened to the MUCH cheaper ZZP tuner kit?
I swear they had a deal on the upgraded MAP sensors, and then would do a swap for an already-tuned PCM. All for under $300.

Is that not a thing anymore?

Ohiocruiser

Zzp tune is a base canned tune. Unless you can actually drive there and get a dyno tune for 325. And they use hp tune.

Casa Del Gatos

Yeah, it was basically a GM Stage 1 tune, with some more "oomph."
I am down with that, but can't seem to find a link anymore.

boost8d

I was working close to ZZP, dropped the car off and they did a road tune. Car has performed flawlessly and drives like a stock car but with far more power. Add a downpipe and intake and you will have a fun car!