This may be a long shot but, I am looking to replace the engine in my 2008 HHR SS. I am located in idaho but am able to travel to surrounding states if I can locate a used/rebuilt/something in better shape with less milage engine.
Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!

 

What’s the story on the car? Miles? Manual or auto? What happened to the engine? Is there any chance you’d go for a rebuild or upgrade? Build/tune shops might be a source. Your ability to get it replaced might be influenced by what’s wrong with the one you have.

 

Emily
Buy a LNF engine if need be.
ISO is a general reference to a internal combustion engine.

 

Welcome to the site, your best investment, if you’re keeping the SS is a LNF or LDK long block , ZZP is a very popular source and you GM dealership parts department, are online GM warehouses.

 

Hi Emily, to the forums!

Here is the link to the ZZP engine referenced above. https://zzperformance.com/products/ldk-long-block

I am installing one now, and it's a pretty sweet deal. There are many new parts that are included, and pre-installed. Oil filter, spark plugs, coil packs, crank pulley, serpentine belt tensioner, oil cooler, thermostat, as well as every sensor on the engine.

I didn't order a new turbocharger, but I think if you do, you get a new exhaust manifold also, as the turbo appears to be installed in the pictures.

It's nice to have a new engine, not have to worry about how hard someone beat on a used one, or what collateral damage an engine may have from a collision.

 

It has almost 200,000 miles, a blown head, a few other things that could benefit being replaced, 65% compression and has been sitting for almost 2 years.

The mechanic I took it to recommended a junkyard engine, get it running, trade it in. But I would like to find a good used engine with some life left to it (or purchase a rebuild or even a new engine) so I can continue driving my car. I still owe $5-6,000 on it and it really blows paying for a broke down car.

 

You are at risk for throwing good money after bad. It’s counterintuitive and seems impossibly wrong, but what you owe should not influence your decision. It’s what economists call “sunk cost.” History. You must instead look at what future decision will cost vs. what you can afford.

It may be cheaper to sell the HHR and buy something unattractive and old but reliable. Easily said, done, not so much, especially if you can’t pay off the HHR and get the title.

Part of the problem is that with 200K, even a well-running car, after being parked outside for two years, will likely need repairs. And unless you’ve been able to keep it shiny and clean, the value is very low and dropping by the day.

That said, driving an old HHR SS is way cooler that a boring beater, so it may be worth it to you to fix it if you can afford it. If you do, I think it’s a bad idea to source the engine yourself. If you do that, the mechanic can will blame the motor for any problems. Find a mechanic who will find an appropriate motor and take responsibility for the results.

You didn’t say if it is an automatic or manual. You will get better responses if you take care to answer all questions asked, even if you don’t understand why they are relevant.

Telling more about the car won’t necessarily get you a solution here but it might elicit some useful insights. Everyone always wants pictures. Lots of them. In particular, consider posting a picture of the label with all the numbers that’s inside the glove box.

 

Seeking clarification, please. Do you mean buy an LNF if you can? As opposed to... a later Ecotech 2.0 turbo like an LDK? Or as opposed to an old 2.2 or 2.4?

I took “ISO” to mean “in search of.”

 

My comment to ISO has been moved to the lounge.
She can start by trying to find a good used LNF if available, but there are other options.

 

If purchasing a new engine go with the LDK