Last nite I got out the Griots DA and worked on the rear end of the HHR just to see what the paint really looks like, how hard it is, etc. I use Meguiars Ultimate Compound or #105 to remove swirls, Ult. Polish or #205 and Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant. I have to admit the metallic blue paint looked great afterwards...the paint detailing really brought out the metal flakes in the paint. Now I just gotta pick away at the reast of the vehicle.

I know the battery is in the rear somewhere, but where?

I know premium gas (91) is recommended, but manual says lower grade is acceptable. What do you guys think? I know if I run less than 91 in the Lightning it pings badly.

Will a performance air filter or CAI really help much?

What oil filter works good for this vehicle? Don't say Fram.

Oil? Manual specifies Mobil one, but what else works?

Performance tuners? Anything work? I know the factory has a chip available, but it's kinda pricey.

Jim

 

You can run lower octane gas, it will run a little less power. No pinging.

CAIs are pretty and make noise, that's about it.

Any full synthetic oil will work, but there's no reason to switch from Mobil 1.

The factory tune is pricey, and most people seem to have problems with it. There's an afermarket one around here that's much cheaper, and seems to have a better reputation. Trifecta? Sorry, haven't been here in a while..not sure I have the brand right.

I recommend driving it for a while before dumping money into power mods. I thought my stock automatic would be begging for improvements, but honestly, the thing goes like hell as it is. Outside of competition, I'm not sure the extra juice is that big a deal.

 

For performance a tune like Trifecta and downpipe will really wake it up to the tune of 300WHP + depending on how aggressive you want the tune. Nice thing about the Trifecta tune is it's selectable so I cruise around in stock GM upgrade tune and at the press of a button can put it in kill mode. :)

 

Welcome and congrats on the HHR SS! Your Lightning is looking great!

 

Battery is next to the spare under the floor. Remove the rear floor panel and you will find another removable panel that covers the spare, and the battery - undo the wingnut to remove the cover.