New HHR SS Owner
Thread Starter
Joined: 04-06-2012
Posts: 1
From: Houston Texas
New HHR SS Owner
Greetings from Houston Texas! This is such a great forum as I have referred to many posts here when I had a question regarding my HHR. I've always loved the HHR vehicle since its introduction in 2006 and had talked to my wife about one day owning an HHR because it looked so retro and I figured customizing it would be quite simple.
A few years later I happen to see the SS model and I knew I had to have one. So many people do not even know the SS model exists because there are so few of them around which is another reason to own one. I bought an '08 SS, black and just plain mean. I started wanting more horses right away so I grabbed a K&N cold air intake and filter.
Then I got bitten by the "speed bug" and went ahead and purchased the Superchips programmer and the difference that made was night and day! My truck literally launches and begs for more. Tonight I realized that Secret Service Auto is located here in Houston and not too far away from me and am considering letting them do a little work on it as well.
Is the turbo upgrade worth it or should I just go with a bigger turbo? I noticed that Hahn makes a larger turbo. I do want to go with the Hahn intercooler, exhaust, and charge pipes as well as a BOV for good measure. Out of curiosity how many horses can be gotten out of that engine? I'm right around 360-370 now and would like to get right at 500 just because.
Anyway, it's a pleasure to be the newest member of the HHR community and any and all input is very welcomed! Now for my login name. Yes Blackhat does mean what it says but it's also what I'm calling my truck complete with a Redhat Linux sticker on the black glass and red neon underneath. Believe it or not the neon is very tastefully done and not in your face.
Plus black and red just go together.
A few years later I happen to see the SS model and I knew I had to have one. So many people do not even know the SS model exists because there are so few of them around which is another reason to own one. I bought an '08 SS, black and just plain mean. I started wanting more horses right away so I grabbed a K&N cold air intake and filter.
Then I got bitten by the "speed bug" and went ahead and purchased the Superchips programmer and the difference that made was night and day! My truck literally launches and begs for more. Tonight I realized that Secret Service Auto is located here in Houston and not too far away from me and am considering letting them do a little work on it as well.
Is the turbo upgrade worth it or should I just go with a bigger turbo? I noticed that Hahn makes a larger turbo. I do want to go with the Hahn intercooler, exhaust, and charge pipes as well as a BOV for good measure. Out of curiosity how many horses can be gotten out of that engine? I'm right around 360-370 now and would like to get right at 500 just because.
Anyway, it's a pleasure to be the newest member of the HHR community and any and all input is very welcomed! Now for my login name. Yes Blackhat does mean what it says but it's also what I'm calling my truck complete with a Redhat Linux sticker on the black glass and red neon underneath. Believe it or not the neon is very tastefully done and not in your face.
Plus black and red just go together.
Senior Member
Joined: 12-14-2007
Posts: 2,964
From: Toronto ON Canada
500 is possible, but you are looking at a major teardown and rebuild of the engine using some expensive parts. Have a read at www.gmtunersource.com
to the forum Blackhat!
Senior Member
Joined: 10-19-2011
Posts: 1,553
From: N.Y.
Welcome to the forum blackhat and Congrats on the new ss.
Stock they are at 260 HP you mention you are well over that?
Not sure how much the super chips programmer bumps the HP up but someone will be along to help you out
With more mod info.it appears that HP tuners is the way to go to make big HP.
But as I mentioned hang on plenty of great people on here with great info that will come along to help.
I myself am still learning, use to building and working on big HP v-8,s with nitrous or blowers.
So I am on a steep learning curve here.
Any pics of your new ride?
Stock they are at 260 HP you mention you are well over that?
Not sure how much the super chips programmer bumps the HP up but someone will be along to help you out
With more mod info.it appears that HP tuners is the way to go to make big HP.
But as I mentioned hang on plenty of great people on here with great info that will come along to help.
I myself am still learning, use to building and working on big HP v-8,s with nitrous or blowers.
So I am on a steep learning curve here.
Any pics of your new ride?
Premium Member
Joined: 10-09-2010
Posts: 14,420
From: Tacoma
Welcome to the forum and the SS bunch, you should look up Eric, he is building one for the ages. His wife has been keeping us advised on the progress.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/2-0l-performance-tech-46/hubbies-new-toys-arrived-today-40143/
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/2-0l-performance-tech-46/hubbies-new-toys-arrived-today-40143/
to the forum
Senior Member
Joined: 01-02-2012
Posts: 334
From: Livermore, CA
Welcome to the site!
No offense bud but you are far from 360–370hp. You'd be lucky if the superchips got you 15HP over stock.
You should be able to hit 500 crank HP easily with a bigger turbo and full bolt ons. Once you go over 450whp you need to worry about your internals.
Post some pics of your rig!
No offense bud but you are far from 360–370hp. You'd be lucky if the superchips got you 15HP over stock.
You should be able to hit 500 crank HP easily with a bigger turbo and full bolt ons. Once you go over 450whp you need to worry about your internals.
Post some pics of your rig!
