I got my SS back a week ago with a new head and valve train. It once again ran great. There was no further cold start valve train noise and it ran smooth....

Update, I had to take it back in this past Monday (10th) because it was still sipping Dexcool. The upper hose with the cap would be totally empty every other morning as well as the overflow tank. I told him that I read on this forum that one member had a crack in the block that allowed coolant to flow into the oil pan.

Not able to figure any other causes, he called GM. They instructed him to heat soak the engine, pull the oil pan, and pressurize the coolant system to look for a possible leak somewhere near #2 & #3 cylinders... BINGO!! The block had the telltale crack just below the #3 cylinder as evidenced by the small stream of Dexcool trickling down the inside of the block.

GUESS WHO HAS A NEW MOTOR ON THE WAY...????

 

@ScroogeSS, I apologize on behalf of Chevrolet about the crack in the block. However, we are very happy this was found and a new engine is its way to the dealership. Please, let me know things are going once the repair is complete and you have your HHR back.

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

 

It's nearing 2 weeks since my LNF was diagnosed with a cracked block. The engine arrived yesterday morning and this afternoon my mechanic, Ken, texted me that "it's alive!"

The engine came complete with spark plug coils! Only the turbo, manifolds, and accessory drive system needed to be swapped over...