Just got back from purchasing a new HHR SS, 2009 Manual car. Going to try and swap as many mods as I can from the current 08 Auto and then sell the Auto car.

The 09 actually might have the GMPP Stage Kit installed, the guy really didn't know what he was talking about but it seemed to be better than just a stock car.

What are the best mods/best "kits" for the Manuals? This is what I have so far:
1) Tuning, going to prob do ZZP again but no Dyno
2) TTR Upper motor mount (Should I do the tranny mount??)
3) Short throw shifter kit (best all around kit for short throws and "stiffer" shifts, some stock parts are plastic?)

What am I missing besides the standard mods? (exhuast, intake, IC & Piping)

I'll check the map sensors' part number to see if the Stage 1 is done!

 

I'll let the SS guys hop in with the answers to your questions, just wanted to say on your new ride!

Be sure to post up some pics when you can.

 

Thanks, I'll put some up of both cars, its funny seeing them both in my driveway!

 

Congrats on the new ride.

Really no need to check the Tmap sensor numbers. Just do a visual. The stock sensors are black with GM lettering. The GMTU Bosch sensors have a blue/silver sticker like below.

 

Stock GM Tmap sensors.

 

Yes they need the lower mounts, and a bigger turbo to be as quick as the auto's.......

 

Best keep both the '08 and the '09 just for fun, auto one week than stick the next!! It'll cost you more to buy another one than keep both!! congrats on your new SS

 

tranny mounts and rear sway bar from TTR too would be good for the 5spd

 

Awesome guys thanks for the info. I do indeed have the GSM1 on the car, I didn't get a chance to thoroughly inspect but I do know it was done by the dealer, the ECU has definitely been flashed and it looks like they used the harnesses instead of the cut and solder method.

What exactly will the GSM1 provide. From all the reading I've done it is basically a canned tune (supposedly with the learn down feature disabled or toned down) with 3 Bar sensors that will only help is a situation where I add more than 25-28lbs of boost. I came close to needing that on the Auto car. ZZP mentioned that if I did get the upgraded MAPs they could dial in the boost better especially on the higher side.

So far I have de-badged it, removed some crap the previous owner left on there and installed the ZZP Billet Top motor mount. I also purchased but didn't install yet (waiting to purchase the short throw) a set of billet shifter base mounts that stiffens up my shift game (removes the rubberized/rubber infused stockers)

Going to swap over my Sway Bar as soon as I get back from this business trip, also have Stainless steel brake lines (w/body lines too!) that I want to install on the brembos.

I understand the lower tranny (or are they motor mounts) align the axles correctly? That sounds like a must do and the sooner the better correct? One thing I have noticed but it seems to be somewhat normal is when the clutch is engaging I am hearing a click or clunk noise. If the shifts are absolutely perfect (this is my first manual car so I am far from perfect) it is either inaudible or just goes away. Very noticeable when backing the car up, since I am constantly back and forth on the clutch. Should I be worried about that? Is a tranny flush something I should do and fill back up with primo juice?

 

Mine does that too.
Seems the lsd grabs after your on hear a second.

There is some play