BigRedGoat

Back story: Bought my 2010 manual HHR SS used (650 miles on it) from a dealer over 600 miles away about 2 months ago. Before I went to pick it up, I had them install the GM stg. 1 kit. I noticed after perusing these forums that stock cars boost about 15-17 psi, whereas the stg. 1 cars boost about 20-23psi. That surprised me quite a bit since my car has never been over 17psi.

Fast forward to today: I took the HHR to my local dealer (since I'm still under warranty) and told them that the car was not making the boost it should be, and I suggested that the tune could have not been properly installed, or not installed at all. They checked over everything and said both the tune and MAP sensors were functioning properly, and there was nothing else they could do. I took the car, drove it home, and it still refuses to boost over 16-17psi in any gear. I know it's not an accurate reading, but when the horsepower gauge is on in the digital display, it wont go over 255hp. This is all leading me to believe that the car is still running on the stock tune.

Anybody have any ideas on what this problem might be?

hyperv6

Check the Map sensors on the intake and lower tube. They boths should be Bosch.

Also look under the hood and you should have a new emissions sticker for the Turbo Upgrade kit. Also the gas door should say Premium Requires not recomended as it did stock.

Almost sounds to me like the kit was not installed.

The Maps also should have new connectors spliced in too.

Mine will see 17 pounds with out even trying.

It sounds as if they did not install the kit.

THE BATMAN

The weather plays a big part in how high it will boost, Last winter without the upgrade i was seeing 7-9 psi in freezing temps, In the summer 12-17

With the upgrade this winter in freezing temps i'm seeing 15-18 Can't wait till summer.

I'm thinking it's pretty cold in NY, Did you get to drive it in warmer weather since having it ?

The stickers were handed to me to install if i desired, So stickers won't tell the tale.

Just a thought.

Gas Man

Does the cold weather really effect the boost numbers that much? My stage 1 HHR is doing about the same as yours batman.

My old motor was doing 21-23 then it all went pop. Hell it even had more power on the gauge I believe... but I know sometimes things perform better just before they go boom.

2010SilverIceSS

I agree with Batman, weather plays a big factor. I haven't been over 19 psi since the beginning of November. But, I'm seeing the same numbers on the hp/tq mode as before November. I know densier air requires less psi to achieve the same numbers. I can't complain with that... Same power, less boost. I would call your dealer ASAP. Get documentation from them that they ordered the parts and installed them. They will have a log if they installed it. As for the decals, I requested my dealer not install the stickers and their still sitting in the bag with the old sensors in my garage.


Dave

c2vette

Sort of a "butt dyno" unscientific test, but with tires warm on good pavement, if you are going along at steady throttle in second gear maybe 2500 rpm and you stand on it, will it practically smoke the tires. If not, definitely no stage tune.

SS fan

Nice looking car mine boosts 18 to 20 around freezing temp

THE BATMAN

It's the barometric pres. and temps that will dictate your boost levels.

SOMBERSHARK0714

Yep, seen it my stock SS, in single digit temps, boost gauge only goes to like 10-11 lbs. Warmer weather goes to 17-18 lbs.

bartSS

Thats another reason i love my HPTune on top of the kit. I still see 24psi steady :)