Your right, you can breath on them wrong and throw a code.

I am positive it's all in the torque managment protection.

For us that don't have connections with GM, the answer is Vince at Trifecta.

He can work around most of the issues.

I have the K+N, have no problems with the filter and get 25 lbs of boost.

Then again I was conservative in the small amount of oil I put on the filter and except for the torque management killing the boost in the 1 2 shift, my HHR will pin your ears back.

IMO

 

Man ok I am making it a point to contact vince tonight!! I have talked to his buddy CJ extensively, I am surprised that some cars dont have issues.....hmmm....I have re-installed paper filter, will now go drive around for bizz and see if it helps...if not I will pull maf and clean again, re-install paper. If it STILL goes LIMP than I give up!! LOL If he paper does fix it, and I will have to run a few days to assess this than I will try to dry up the k&N and just to make absolutely sure the thing is basically DRY and than I will try it again wow so much work for something as simple as a filter, the biggest PITA is those damn Torx on the lid they are in there tightttttt.

 

Vince will make it go zoom, you need one of these, 12v lithium impact, this little sucker will back the luggs off if you want. Zip, zip lids off.

 

hahahaah

yea ran stock filter and no problems, didnt even try cleaning the MAF

Who has vince's contact so I can get this damn thing tuned!! :)

 

I deal with many KNN warranty issues. But then again we sell more than anyone else too. They do have issues on some kits and even with their testing some still reach market before they show up. I have seen were you can take the same vehicle and put the same kit on and one be effected and one not.

The fact is all of todays cars are sesitive and some more so than others. No matter the mod you will run the risk of a light coming on.

KNN is good with working with people. I had one guy who had issues with a Full Size Chevy truck trowing a code with the system on. THey kept sending him parts etc. He finally gave up as while he had a gain it was so small it was not worth it to him.

I have used their products and most are good but the one real key is the oil in the filter. I do see many MAF taken out. Many are because people over oil a lot of the time but it also can happen on new system. That may not be your issue but it is the most common we see.

More air is fine if you car can adjust to it but today some cars do have issues.

Of all the systems we sell the KNN is the one I do recomend most.

As with any mod the risk is all ways there something may happen and you may have to make adjustment to get it to work. Some people can handle it some can't. The lack of system knowledge as MFG do not hand this out and the lack of tools to check some functions in the system make it difficult for the guy at home to figure this out.

In some respects it is easier to change a tranny in the driveway than to solve check engine lights. It is not easy for some dealers in some cases.

KNN trys to learn what works and what does not and dyno test them to make sure they work. They do not list a kit for any year till they haves tested it. But keep in mind this is bases on one vehicle only in many cases.
I have seen some model Chevy trucks in the past use three different computers in one year. Todays flash computers can also have untold different programs and even a different one after each dealer visit since they can flash it with updates. This just makes making kit all the more difficult today.

Like I said at times I think many companies try to make performance a simple plug in but even then it is not always that easy and some people are unable keep working to make it work. [Not saying you but the many other I deal with]

The fact is today the risk of a light is not an isolated issue with any mod anymore on any vehicle. For me a couple HP is not worth all the risk of trouble. If I may have issues I will make the gains worth the risk. But that is just me.

 

Since most new cars are as computer dependent as they are hardware specific, you'd think if you bought something like a K+N filter it would come with a software upgrade to match.

That's the way our computers run. If we add an editing suite, we get the software and the manufacturer has a firmware update to make it all work.

It's almost laughable that I can buy a $300 Iphone or $800 Ipad and get 1 million different apps that do everything from change the device to a gps unit, a movie camera, or a networking video chat system. All 3rd party, all manufacturer approved.

For some reason the car companies have no interest in this, which would be fine if they would make certified upgrades that would achieve the same results. Instead they stick with proprietary systems in performance and use. Try to find an app for Ford's sync, or for on-star to customize it to your liking.

Put a K+N on and you do so at your own risk and I love their product. I added just the filter and went from 22 lbs of boost on my HHRSS to 27 lbs, Hell of a cheap upgrade.

I somehow have the feeling that in a few years, with government regulations and the proprietary stance most car companies have, that all you'll ever be able to adjust or change on your car is the seat position.

Of the younger kids I hire, the ones that are gear heads, none have any real desire to mod their cars. Most of them love unique cars and own mostly German, but given their way, they'd all buy a M-3, or AMG way before they'd buy a CTS-V or a Shelby Mustang.

I've always loved high strung 4 cyl. cars with utility and hence the reason I think the HHR is unique. I just wish chevrolet had followed Mini-Cooper's lead and constantly upgraded the brand with owner specific customization.

We hear that retro is dead, but looking at the number of mini's I see on the street, I really believe that modernizing and upgrading the HHR could have been a profitable halo brand for Chevrolet, rather than a one off.

Then again, I don't run a car company.

IMO

 

Vince is great, but can't fix the 1-2 shift issue where the power is cut on a 2008. He can on a 2009 because they have different firmware.

In other words, coming hard off the line, when the transmission in either I or manually shifting goes from 1st to 2nd the dreaded torque managemnt cuts the boost, then flick it back on in a somewhat violent transition.

That is the biggest problem I have with my car. You almost always have to go from a rolling start and keep the wheel spin at a bare minimum.

If anyone knows where to get a transission flash for the hhr ss auto with the stage 1 let me knwo so we can modify it.

Thanks

IMO

 

There is also something that all KN users need to know.The Kn filter is death to your motor in dusty conditions.This is a fact,fine dirt goes right past this filter.I do have one on my 08 ss so far no problem,but if Im in a dusty area.With a car in front,I shut it down and wait.They do make a pre filter for the KN,but than you would be better off with stock filter.

 

Want to fix the 1-2 shift in a '08 Auto?
HPTuners.

 

trying to get Vince to give me a damn call back!! soon enough my friends, have full K&N FIPK kit as well as Hahn Charge Piping ready to go!!