So I need to get the Air filter housing off in order to replace the engine mount Reading what I can find it seems like it should just pull off, but it doesn't move at all. Should I just unscrew the 3 bolts holding it on or would destroying the rubber grommets be a better approach?

I'm assuming there are grommets inserted into the 3 mounting holes in the housing and they press over the studs and in theory pull back off but 16 years and 100,000 miles have turned them solid and they will no longer flex to allow removal.

 

Assuming no modifications, those screw heads are the top of studs the grommets live on the air box. King Kong would have trouble pulling them up. They can be unscrewed.
Has it really been 16 years on the air filter?

 

Your assumption is exactly correct. So it's up to you, fight the screws removing them, and then fight them again reinstalling. Or buy new grommets. P/N - 25920906.

Or not, my 2 front ones have been destroyed for quite a while. It does present some other small issues. One comes to mind, the housing rubs on one of the vacuum lines for the bypass valve solenoid. I need to get some new grommets(insulators).

 

The air filter is accessible without removing the housing.

 

Uh-oh. Another discontinued part. It's really getting difficult to maintain these SS HHRs.

 

I forgot it was SS.

 

Sorry, you can get to the air filter by just popping the top, I need to get the whole housing off so I can replace the engine mount. There's been no reason to take it off before.

 

???
Front engine mount ? Why do you think you have to take off the air filter housing to change the mount ? I replaced that mount on my SS years ago. Don’t recall having to remove the air filter housing.

 

Well, it seems you need to remove something to get the mount up off the bolts and have room to wiggle it out. Or am I doing something wrong? The service manual indicates remove both the air filter housing and the windshield washer tank.

 

Just the windshield washer reservoir. A jack under the engine to support it when you R and R the mount.
Here's a picture of mine when I put in the TTR mount. The complete job only takes 15-20 mins..
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/atta...1&d=1717475660