You're correct Snoopy, the eighth digit indicates the engine fitted, but there is no VIN digit position assigned for the transmission type.

 

Odd. I went to one of those VIN decoder sites and popped in my VIN.
All the info came up correct, INCLUDING it showing my SS with a 5 speed.

So. Do those sites just (1) show all HHR's with a 5 speed. (2) The site just made a lucky guess. or (3) there actually is a trans. code in the VIN.

 

I suppose it would depend on the VIN checker, every one that I've looked at is convinced that all 4 of my HHR's have 5-Speed transmissions, when in fact they all have 4T-45E slushboxes between the fenders.

Now when the dealer pulls them up, they have the proper transmissions indicated.

Here's the VIN decoder that I use, just click the link below, then click the appropriate model year.....

http://service.gm.com/dealerworld/vincards/