fst100

hey there, new member. I am on the fence at the moment on whether i'd want to sell my 03 Pontiac vibe gt (2zz motor with 6speed manual) DD and looking at getting something with about the same storage capacity with more useable power and an auto (so wife can drive it to the grocery store). I've done some searching but not thorough searches yet. my main concern is how durable and strong is the 4t45e trans when adding more whp? I was in the wbody community for a few years and understanding the ins and outs. one of their weakest links in that platform was the trans, 4t65e. I also am familiar with the fbody know when the 4l60e would let go but is a lot more forgiving than the 4t65. what would be the weakest link(s) for the hhr, such as timing chain, trans, valvetrain seals?

if I get rid of the vibe and get a hhr ss my plans for the ss power-wise is aiming for 330-350whp. will the 4t45 handle it at that level? i'll be using hp tuners since I'm currently using it in the fbody.

I saw a red one at the local dealership for $5k with 172k miles in an auto.

Oldblue

Welcome to the site, not very many SS owners have posted about transmission failures with the Automatic.
Perhaps they aren’t abusing them.
I recommend a new timing chain and balance shaft chain , to be sure at that mileage.
A set of TTR mounts will help , along with a solid upper engine mount, and install one of their rear sway bars.

fst100

so the timing chain and balance shaft chain are routinely maintenance every 100k miles or so? so when shopping around i'd need to verify if they were changed at some point.

firemangeorge

That's a lot of miles. With that much usage, not only engine maintenance is needed but the entire suspension is probably due some work.
I would look for something with lower mileage. Especially if you're going to put your wife behind the wheel.

Oldblue

I wouldn’t put much stock in their answer, they might have cheaped out and only replaced the chain.
replace the guides and tensioners and chains .
I recommend installing a front guide upper bolt also.

fst100

hmm ok. I checked the thread about those over the 100k miles and only on the first few pages did I noticed not one mention of replacing the timing chain and balance shaft chain?

I browsed the fb market in my area and saw some high mileage private sellers ranging between 3K-4k in automatic.

RJ_RS_SS_350

I see a question mark, but is there a question here?

Oldblue

I can only suggest by my experience, take it or leave it, I replace mine at 120,000 miles, why? So, I can still drive my HHR at 470,000 kilometres or 292,044 miles without bending the valves or damaged pistons . It’ s a suggestion, nothing more.

You’ll have to ask yourself, “Do I Feel Lucky”
Well do ya?

A couple of hours and a Hundred bucks , insurance.
don’t change the chains and take a chance that the front guide didn’t crack or break.
that pesky front guide upper bolt didn’t break.
That would possibly cost $2,000 to $4,000 for a new engine.

firemangeorge

Well you can do what you want as far as timing chain repairs. We're just giving you an opinion of being on this forum for years and listening to people have repairs needed or out right failures. If you're looking to buy a high mileage performance based car, and want to add some years and mileage to it, you really should "freshen" up some things.

Sorry, but as far as FB and a $3k-4k SS. Doubt you'll get anything but a worn out vehicle. Might be good for a project car.

Blue_SS

I just saw a post for a nice-looking one in CT right before I saw this. Maybe that would be a match. A maintained one will not be under $4000. I got $2000 for mine with a blown engine, and the engine figured to be around $3000. It was clean, and a 5MT.