Does anyone have experience with supercharging the LE5 motor? I've heard about it being done on other cars with this motor, but I don't know the logistics of putting one in the HHR.

Are there space constraints? What kind of computer mods would I have to do? Would I need to put in an aftermarket clutch?

 

Yes. It looks like the easiest (but more expensive) way to do it is to buy the kit from ZZP Performance: http://shop.zzperformance.com/store/...arger-Kit.aspx

Note that the kit doesn't include a computer tune which is required. On the link above, they recommend a tune from Trifecta Performance which is another $300.


You can also do it cheaper by buying a used take-off supercharger set from a factory supercharged Cobalt SS ('05-'07) or Ion Redline ('04-'07) and then adapting it.
See the thread below.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/2-4l-performance-tech-14/injection-nice-but-35607/

 

The 2.2l version does not come with a tune/ecu but the LE5 2.4l does. You can either send yours in and have it programed or pay a core charge and send in your stock one when done.


There are a couple threads on here of those that have sc'd their HHR. Just use the search feature at the top.

 

Where are you in WI Daytona?

I'm over in Eau Claire until late next year. I will be supercharging my 06 2.4 in March or May depending on my spring work schedule. I have done great research with the mechanic who will be helping me mod everything so I can answer your questions to some degree.

No experience yet but I will be threading my supercharger build step by step on here with pics.

As for space constraints on the LT 2.4 the only issue is the intercooler(heat exchanger)



I was told by someone here and someone at ZZP that some custom body work may need to be done on the front fascia/bumper in order for it to be secured back onto frame after the intercooler has been installed. I was also told there is a smaller intercooler, it's called "stealth" I believe, that will also resolve this issue so no body work needs to be done. Not sure if going to a smaller heat exchanger would effect the performance or not, I doubt it. But on the ZZP site they are OUT OF STOCK currently and I have no idea how well the Werks one fits(in picture).

As already stated you do need to tune after install. This can be done a few different ways. Trifecta is the main one I've heard of but there are others. $300-500. Or if you have a local dynotune shop hit that, but they are rare to find in most areas.

A BIG YES. With any serious power mod you will have to replace the factory clutch with a performance one. $300-500.

http://www.jdmengineimports.com/EXED...HR_p_3763.html

A performance flywheel wouldn't hurt either.

http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/part...t_Racing/19689

 

Can and has been done on several HHR's now. A few of us are currently in the install stage or collecting parts or cash for getting the Kit or our own parts.

My parts are collected and I was planning on starting my install on Jan. 11th. But I may hold off until the end Feb. We get Snow in Feb and March and some in April has happened.

With Winter here and threat of Snow/Salt on any given day I am better off just waiting a bit longer to Avoid any salt on the roads since I have my HHR Parked for the Winter.
Even tho I know the Salt is BAD for Morticia, I would be tempted as ever to go out on the road with her after the install, can't trust myself and know it even tho I want to Avoid all Salt contact .

I'm dying to get going, but the Winter and Salt just F*cks everything up, Days spent removing it and Detailing everything from top to bottom all over again is Not fun. Did it last Spring, and that made me decide to just Park Morticia in the Winter to Avoid all that crap.

My thread link was already posted here, but here it is again, have a look.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=35607

 

Thanks for the correction. I had misread that. So it looks like $2600 gets you everything for a 2.4L but for the 2.2L, the supercharger kit is $2500 and you have to get the tune yourself.

Regarding the intercooler. I wonder how necessary it is, especially for people like me who have no plans for racing, but just
want a little extra oomph.

 

The heat exchanger, intercooler as you called it, will help keep pull heat from the intake manifold below the screws of the roots blower. The roots blower does not compress the air itself. The compressing of the air is done in a chamber in the manifold that is just below the screws inside the bolwer body. That chamber gets really really hot and the water that flows thru it pulls some of this heat and then gets pumped to the exchanger where outside air pulls some of that heat. On the larger pully it may or may not be completely necessary but condisering that GM used one stock on the Cobalt and Ion sc motors might suggest that it is better to have then not.

 

Good info. Thanks 07azhhr.

 

Winters FUC*ING suck!

It's the only reason I'm not jumping into the supercharger mod, exhaust upgrade, tires and wheels and other fun stuff. I actually regret doing my suspension work and wish I would of waited until spring. I did do my short shift install, love it. It's just agony waiting out this snow and salt crap. Thankfully where I am in WI they just use sand and a low percentage salt type mixture, but the roads here are just horrible. My side of town they didn't even scrape the snow/ice down to the pavement so now for the rest of winter I'm driving on a few inches of packed snow and ice. My summer tires just ssppinnnnnnnnn.

What do you suggest? Not washing the HHR underneath or washing it consistently underneath? I forgot the winter rule.

 

It's necessary to keep heat down, period.