Good day - it's been awhile since I have paid attention to my 2008 HHR SS project - had some health issues that sidelined me - I'd appreciate some opinions on my project - I have a mechanical background so I am pretty savvy on how things work. I have a daily driver 2007 2.4 HHR with 174k that aside from the usual front end and brake issues has been a good little car. I bought a collision damaged 2008 automatic SS - I pulled the engine and transmission and K member to facilitate a clean front repair and do a little engine maintenance. The transmission wiring connector was destroyed so I had the local transmission shop (incredible shop in Rancho Cucamonga should anybody need one) take the transmission apart and replace the internal harness and replace the water pump for good measure. The car is a super clean well maintained 80k car. I am thinking I should freshen / service or replace the turbocharger while the package is on the ground. Obviously hoses / plugs / belt and tensioner will be replaced also. I'm darned near 70 and still a bit of a car nut but not real aggressive anymore. I am thinking of buying the ZZP inner cooler and piping and having them reprogram both my computers. Somebody already upgraded the exhaust. And adding front Brembos and new struts. I wonder if I am missing anything and which is the best way to go on the turbo? - I simply want a bit more zip and extreme reliability and long life. Any opinions ? - thanks - Jeff

 

Well, it's going to have a lot more zip than your 2.4, so you don't have to upgrade anything. You certainly can if you want to.

There have not been a lot of reports of a turbo going bad, but again, you may decide to service/replace it now.

The 1 area I would for sure look into is the effects of the PCV system. You should shell blast, and clean up the intake valves. And think about installing oil catch cans to help prevent further fouling.

Oh, and replace the timing and balance chain sets.

 

Welcome to the site, X2 on the above ideas.

 

Ok - pull cylinder head to clean intake valves ? - do I read you right ? - I would think that would only be a problem if there was a turbo oil leak ? - today’s fuels should not carbon the intake valves ? - the chain I thought had a very long service life but heh thats why I’m asking - want to deal with any potential issues while the engine is out

 

Pull the cylinder head ? No. Just the intake manifold to gain access to the valves. There is a write up somewhere on the ways to do this and clean the valves.

The 2.0L, LNF is a DI (Direct Injection) engine. THUS, no fuel passes by the intake valves to "wash" them clean. The injectors spray fuel directly into the cylinders.

The chains are known to stretch over time but the real weak area seems to be chain guide wear and/or failure. You went as far as doing the water pump correct ? Those seem to be more durable than the timing chain system. Since the chains and pump are connected you should do all of those.

 

Actually if the engine is on an engine stand, pulling the head would make it a lot easier. to clean and service the valves and the DI injector seals.