Taxpayers may (are) paying for this, but we pay for everything our government does.

The president is still the one that signed this into play.

 

I'm against this program, but I'm for the SS's being purchased!

 

Congrats on the purchase.

 

Not getting rid of the 13 sec grocery getter... hell no. When the Pres. is driving a smart car, I might consider it. Going for the 6.0.

 

Walking away from that truck was the toughest thing I've ever done, particularly after I learned what they were going to do with it once the deal was closed. Even worse was that the six sales guys working at this obscure Chevy dealer (where they don't up-charge anything including the ZR1) came up to me at one time or another and said they'd give their left one to own my C1500. "$8k and it's yours" tended to pour cold water on the situation. So it goes.

 

Can anyone pass along the GM official parts for "stage one" and how/where the best place to have the upgrade installed is? I live southern California and don't trust most of the high-end guys except Jimmy at Cormier Chevrolet. Other options based on SC experience? GM part numbers would be helpful.
Thanks.

 

Congrats on the purchase! I'm now 2 weeks owning mine after giving up my 92 S10 Blazer w/ 350,000 miles on it to the "program" as well. Yeah, I cried over my Blazer, but I'm SOOOOOOOO in love with the new HHR SS!!!

 

I gave up my 1993 S10 Blazer with 145k miles and a bad trans for the clunker program (it only had 1st and 2nd gear left). I gave mine to my son so he could by a 2009 Cobalt LT today. We looked at the Cobalt SS, but they only offered $3500 cash back. We got $4500 back for purchasing the LT. And it was more affordable for a young kid.

I'm usually the guy paying, not getting tax money, so at least there is some return for once.

And at least we bought a Chevy, since our tax money is bailing out GM. Some are taking our tax money to buy from Japanese manufacturers, which do not help us as stockholders in GM or Chrysler.

 

Thanks to all for the help for an HHR SS newbie! The replies and PMs have helped a ton. Now, some serious questions:
1. Reputable dealer in the southern California South Bay that can handle a Stage 1 installation?
2. Is there a CAT back option that doesn't make a four cylindar engine sound like a rice rocket?
3. I have mirror whistle syndrome like everyone else. A home fix job or dealer only?
4. Inner-cooler upgrade? Pipe or full unit?
5. Not a bling guy, but what's the best paint treatment for adding accents?

As always, my deep appreciation for your help. I can build a house from the ground up but changing oil is a challenge!
John MacAllister

 

The turbo upgrade is not a turbo installation. Its a very, very simple process from what I understand and GM has support that step by steps the employees through it and tests it when its done. It really doesn't require what the prior "stage kits" did. If your replacing blow-offs, intercoolers, etc. etc. that might be different, but this is basic...basically remapping.

The cat back option is subjective. Hahn and Magnaflow do not sound ricey to me. You can look them up on youtube...on any LNF engine. There are a few HHR SS videos, but the cobalt SS videos are plentiful and it'd be relatively the same. CIA, according to a member here makes a very subdued sounding one. GMPD may be coming out with 2 versions of a performance exhaust, one is called "tour" that is subdued. Often the subdued ones are at the expense of power. Not always the case, but often the case. HAHN is considered by most the gold standard, especially when paired with a downpipe (catless would offer the most HP).

I have no idea about mirror whistle syndrome and not experienced this issue. Look at TSBs here and see if that one listed, if it of high occurrence it'd be a TSB.

Intercooler. HAHN. That's pretty much it. I don't know what else to look at. They have charge piping. The HHR SS has an intercooler (look from the front in the lower grill), the HAHN one is more productive and larger. But unless you go past the turbo upgrade and move in to the 300's WHP it may not be a necessary upgrade ( a nice one, but not necessary). The charge piping on the other hand...maybe be. Its ugly and plastic stock. Some have had it crack under consistent pressure. Hahn's charge piping may trump even the exhaust for a good upgrade. If you've got the cash...get them all. :)

Another upgrade if you get above 300 would be a spec clutch from TTR. the 3+ is nice. The clutch is kind of crap in the SS and many people get slips in 4th and 5th...and when NLS is added to it...you'll need to hold more power at some point and the better clutch is welcome. And if you're like me...its just too mushy and not tight at all stock...reminds of a clutch thats almost gone...when its new. I hate it. Spec has a flywheel. And if you're in a standard the TWM short throw shifter is a nice addition as well. High marks on the board.

Paint treatment? Not sure. If I wanted to add "accents" I'd do it with custom vinyl. They even make a clear vinyl to top it and protect it. You can do anything with vinyl, without damaging your paintjob.