Chevy HHR Network - Joined after lots of CHHR-inspired upgrades!

Hey everyone, I wanted to write an introduction post now that I’m doing more than just lurking. I roll in a 2007 2LT, White ext., Gray int, 17" stock rims, 2.4L, Auto. I bought this car from my dad after he upgraded to a Dodge Challenger to lift his spirits during chemo (he’s fine now). I got it with about 16k miles on it in 2009, and after several trips between Kansas, California, and Colorado, I’m up to 116k.

After all this driving, I had a pretty good feel for the weak links in the car, so I ended up here to find parts and instructions for upgrades. That was about 2-3 weeks ago, now I’m elbows deep in getting this thing into better-than-ever shape. Here’s everything I’ve got in it or sitting in my living room right now. All of the mechanical work was performed by my actual mechanic neighbor and I in a driveway. All of the stereo work I did myself.

Pretty much everything I’ve done here was informed by the search bar on this website, so thanks to all that have contributed to this awesome knowledge base. Because of that, I’m not going to detail all this here, but I’m glad to answer any questions :)

Also, apologies for the conspicuous lack of pictures, she’s filthy right now with grease from an axle explosion and emergency nighttime repair. Full photo shoot coming after Surgery #2 this week.

Upgrades, in order of appearance:

Interior
•*JVC Head Unit
•*JL Audio HD600/4
•*JL Audio 250/1v2
•*JL Audio C5 653 3-way Components (front, mids mounted in door panel above 6.5's)
•*MB Quart QM130 2-way Components (rear)
•*JL Audio 8W3v3 inverted in reinforced factory sub box
•*Noico 167mil 1/6" Heat Insulation / Sound Deadener, over;
•*Noico 80mil Butyl Sound Deadening Mat

Surgery #1: The Front End Shutter
•*Brembo Big Brake Upgrade in front (they fit with original brake lines, but absolutely need to be upgraded)
•*Timken Hub Assemblies (front)
•*6mm Wheel Spacers (stock 17"s wouldn't fit otherwise; also def need longer lug studs even though stocks hold)
•*Moog Sway Bar Links
•*Moog Lower Ball Joints
•*Prothane Front LCA Bushing
•*Prothane Rear LCA Bushing

Surgery #2: Brake and Suspension Clean-Up [forthcoming]
•*Advanced Auto Parts Axles (blew stock driver side on pothole shortly after Surgery #1)
•*Timken Hub Assemblies (rear)
•*Longer Lug Studs (front and rear)
•*H&R Sport Lowering Springs
•*KYB Struts and Shocks
•*KYB Coil Spring Insulators (front)
•*Moog Strut Mounts (front)
•*Moog Front Strut Bumper Bellow
•*GM Rear Spring Seats
•*GM Rear Jounce Bumpers
•*Prothane Rear LCA Bushing
•*Prothane Front Sway Bar Bushings
•*Goodridge Stainless Steel Brake Lines (front and rear)
•*Raybestos Rear Brake Drums
•*Raybestos Rear Brake Shoes
•*Raybestos Rear Brake Hardware