No. Most likely not.

Not every time. We have found a setup that sounds great and gives some additional power. It is a muffler/tip combination that welds onto the HHR's stock 2-1/4" tubing. This setup sounds deeper than stock (almost "throaty"), and does not have the resonation build so typical of "ricey" exhausts. It is barely noticeable while driving "lightly" - but gives a deep sound of power upon hard acceleration. I personally witnessed strong 2nd gear chirps as well!

I'm working with the vendor right now and hope to have them available on our site as a "package" soon. Any local muffler shop can weld them on in under an hour (old removal/new install).

 

Mike,

Do you have dyno tests to back up the claim of "gives some additional power", other than "I personally witnessed strong 2nd gear chirps as well!"?

As asked before, sound clips would be nice.

Another question: Is this potential muffler stainless like the factory one? That would be nice!

A good sounding and looking exhaust that can't be heard inside during normal cruising would be great. I really doubt any worthwhile power gains would be had though.

Last year my Mercedes had a (way too expensive!) muffler rust out. In looking for alternatives, I got lucky and found one on eBay. It was stainless with double outlets (slanted rectangular), close to the AMG ones. Looks fantastic and can't be heard unless you get into the throttle. I'd be tempted to put the same on my HHR, if (expletives deleted) GM can ever get it delivered! It's 2-1/2 weeks overdue now.

 

While we don't have any dyno tests to substantiate power gains at this stage, there is a little more development than "I got lucky and found one that fit on eBay" to it. Kenny (one of our customers), has installed 3 different mufflers on his HHR:

1) Magnaflow
2) Flowmaster
3) Our "chosen one"

He has put driving time in on all three and told me his findings. For what we're offering, I think "seat-of-the-pants feel and real-world "how loud it was while driving" input is much more valuable than marketing hype. In all honesty, I would only expect horsepower gains of 5-7hp max - and I would never claim any more. This muffler is much more free-flowing than stock (it is a "turbo" design), and is made by a reputable company. the tip will set this exhaust apart from stock as well.

While the HHR does have a galvanized heat shield under the stock muffler - I've never seen a stainless steel version as you mentioned? I have a 2.4L and mine is certainly not stainless...

We will have sound clips soon.

 

2LTs have an entirely stainless exhaust. I can back that up.

 

I have a 1LT - so I guess that explains it.

 

Just like I needed the speakers explained to me.

 

MY RIDE QUAILITY DID NOT CHANGE IT STILL RIDES GREAT! I'VE HAD MANY LOWERED VEHS AND THIS ONE RIDES FINE.

 

Thanks for the responce. Everyone with the Goldline springs seem to be very happy with them. Maybe I shouldn't wait for Eibach and just jump on the Goldlines.

 

UPDATE: I just came back from the dealer and looked under several 2LT's. ALL have the same exhaust and muffler I have on my 1LT with 2.4L. I suppose the tubing might be "stainless" (although a very cheap mixture - not hardly a quality polished tubing), the muffler is not. It is the same funky aluminized heat shield covered "turtle" my 1LT has.

Putting on this replacement muffler will definitely increase the looks back there too. I will record sound clips of my stock HHR at idle, revving, and on a run through the gears this weekend. I plan to have the new muffler installed next week, so once that is done, I'll record the new sounds and post them on our site for your listening pleasure.

AEM has my stock dyno figures, so if I can just get it dyno'ed afterwards there should be some confirmation. The only problem: for accurate figures you need to use the same dyno and same techniques. Running on another dyno won't be a fair comparison...and I'n not ready to drive all the way back into LA to AEM just for this.

Stay tuned...

 

i wish you lived closer, i'd let you drive mine. i think you'll be suprised. btw i think a good clean ext sys like magnaflow will let the eng breath better thus a small hp increase. mine sure seems to rev quicker. and be more resposive.

i used to own a small mini truck shop in lompoc CA. back in the early 90s so iv'e tried alot of car goodys, some good some bad. but it's fun and better than a drug habbit. cheeper too. try stuff! my2c. later,