RobSSTurbo

If want somethin done right do it yourself and when I got the ss, it came with a stg.1kit on it already but whoever did the install was crap. I rather solder then using connectors.

Chief

Good to know. Thank you. I appreciate it. I'll have to stay on top of my dealer to make sure it is done right. I don't want no problems here..lol. One more question, Can I use a different downpipe with cats and would it work with the Stg. 1 or throw codes? I can get a great deal on Stainless Works..

russruth

OK.

After a year of messing around with the stage 1.

Going back for recrimps. Having the connectors sealed up, taped up, inspected.

After moving the IC up an inch with washers, adding stiffer top motor mounts, adding a trifecta tune and still putting up with surging, bucking, good power, low power an overall a feeling of disconnect, I gave the dealer in Santa Monica another shot.

I asked very politely but firmly that the wiring be all redone. I then asked if they would take it out on the highway and drive the hell out of it so they put their best specialist on it, he soldered the connectors and did an immaculate job of sealing everything and guess what?

IT RUNS GREAT. It's like a new car and finally I see the full benefit of the stage 1.

Just turn it on to comp mode, put the gearshift in I and hang on.

Today I pulled 20 psi in first 25 psi in second and third. The only issue is it just spins the tires at will, but even with that when it hooks up there is no shut off or stalling.

About 4 hours after getting the car back, some not some polite gentleman in an Audi S6 dangerously cut me off then tried to out run me and I know a v-10 S6 should just eat the lowly HHR SS, but I was on his bumper by inches and actually tapped the brakes twice not to run into him.

It was like a bad Nascar race that every time I'd switch lanes to go around him he would change lanes and dive in front and well, a 435 hp S6 should have run off and left me and instead I ran up beside him.

That's with only the Stage 1 tune and no trifecta add on.

So my final and only recommendation is absolutely have all the splices soldered and resealed. Don't ask, don't suggest, don't wait for a year full of problems. Just have it done right and you'll greatly appreciate the car.

It's been a wild and frustrating year with this car but in a way I blame myself. I should have just stayed on the dealer until it was done right and done right on these cars means soldering.

IMO

hyperv6

Note too that while soldering may solve some of these cases that the joint needs supported. They originally used the connectors because if done right they will take the vibration with out damage.

Solder on the other hand can shake and crack leaing to a wire coming appart. We have not seen this yet that I am aware of as it is a case that would happen over time.

It is suggested that you used heat sleeves over the joint to support them and tie off the wires to protect them.

russruth

The tech took this into consideration and did support them. The connections are as solid as a rock and everything looks professionally sealed and supported.

He said he did it like he did to his own car (I assume he has a cobalt) and he's had no trouble, just fun.

I hope he's right.

IMO

hyperv6

I am glad you have it solved and let hope it stays that way.

russruth

I think the thing we have to realize on modern cars the days of looking down at a motor and even changing out the air filter can cause problems, because all vehicles are so computer and electronic sensitive.

The HHR SS with any modifications as proven on this forum is very, very sensitive to any modifications, (third party or official gm) so the final fix the dealer did, if it is done in a substantial manner will probably work, if not then as you mentioned I might see more issues in a year.

I think it's a balancing act between performance and the manufacturer trying to lower the stress on major components, i.e. lower warranty claims.

That's a hard act to pull off, build a screaming, tire smoking sedan, build it for a low price, but make it bulletproof.

And as much as I think GM has dropped the ball in a lot of areas, especially in their response to this issue, I have a neighbor with a new bmw 5 series that's been in the shop at least 5 times in 6 months, this time to replace the heads, so reliability is not just a chevy/government motors issue.

The difference between my neighbors bmw issues and mine are her bmw dealer has given her an equal or better loaner, made absolutely sure that she is not inconvenienced and never ducked the responsibility. That is the exact opposite of my experience with Chevrolet.

Personally I am surprised to see so much power from this 2.0 liter motor, now that the wiring is done correctly and honestly would have been happy with a little less power if it increases the reliability.

The HHR SS is an interesting car, quite fast, though has some strange torque steer, traction control responses, but for the price, for the uniqueness and for the utility there is nothing foreign or domestic that comes close, at least anything that's sold in the U.S.

It's going away, but so are all chevy based performance sedans (which is one of the reasons I also bought an impala SS and a Trailblazer SS) because it seems the days of chevrolet producing any high performance 4 door seem over.

Maybe I'm wrong and if so I will be happily surprised.

hyperv6

Well the bleesing and curse of todays cars are the electronic on all brands. But with out them you would never see the MPG, low emissions and 290 HP out of 2.0 liters.

The only thing GM really messed up on with the Turbo Upgrade kit was they should have had plug in wire connectors or redesigned 3 bar maps sensors to make it a plug and play deal. As it is they used a Bosch Map from a Alfa Romeo that was off the shelf.

The whole thing was to keep the cost of the kit down and the investment from a GM that was bankrupt they had to do what they did to get the kit out. If it were done today post Chapter 11 it would be much different.

I don't know about your dealer but I have always had no issue with a free loaner and a good one at that. Most times it is a HHR and I even got a new Nox one time. Like I said before the quality of the dealer you work with makes all the difference. They have treated me fair and always took care of any issues with no hassles. Same on my mothers Chevy we also bought there. The only negitive is the old building but they are just starting now to build a new building and improve the facility.

As for the torque steer they did very well to get it as good as it is. For the most part for the HP this car is tames as well as most or better. MY GTP and SSEI both were much worse. In fact the SSEI would just make a right and want to head for the ditch with only 240 HP. FWD is difficult to tame and for the most they did as well as could be expected for not using any reall expensive electronic aids.

As for the future you will have some very interesting cars to come yet. GM is not done and there will be plenty of performance to come. Just some of the things friends from GM have hinted to me about has got my interst. Also if they do not have a last second change of mind the upgraded Zeta sedan will be back this time as a RWD Chevy performance sedan. We also will get the new ZL1 Camaro in the fall as well as a Z28 model to split the SS and ZL1.

Also look for more power from the new DI VVT V8 and also look for the Turbo V6 to join the new generation of Ecotech engines that will be here soon. They will also have a new Gen Ecotech Turbo coming.

To be honest you will see things that will make you happy to trade in you Impala SS in the future.

Watch unless something changes we will see a jump in HP in the ZR1. I know the engine was tested to 725 HP with no warranty or emission issues.

The next area of performance gain will be weight loss. This not only helps MPG but handling and braking in ways more HP never would.

russruth

I don't doubt that chevy will come out with some performance versions, though as of today if you want anything that even gets close to performance at a chevy dealer it's a corvette or a camaro or you go to the used car lot.

Nothing with 4 doors and nothing to really compete against the germans and japanese where the golden 25 to 45 year old group resides.

They could take the G8 and rebadge it, though last notice from gm was it will be 2014 until a new Impala comes out.

2014 and they killed the SS at the end of 2009?

That's what's frustrating about GM and chevy. The Impala SS is a good car and the fastest impala ever made off the assembly line.

From 2006 to 2009 it was virtually reengineered and shows almost no torque steer at any speed. Chevy redesigned the engine carriage, the interior, made the seams tight, made new sound absorbing metal, etc. etc.

It's not perfect but it sells for much less than the charger and the Taurus, weighs 700 lbs less, is almost as fast as the charger, is as fast as the taurus, has a huge trunk and with the unique way folding down the rear seats is almost station wagon sized for cargo.

With a light trifecta tune, magnaflows, expensive tips (that fit perfectly in the cutouts) and tinted glass, it draws a lot of positive questions and is fun to drive. Leans a little, is not perfect but for the price I could buy two for every Taurus Sho or Charger RT/srt8.

It even has displacement on demand and though I'm not that concerned over fuel mileage you can cruise at above legal speeds and get 25 mpg easy, so it's much more viable than anyone would know.

Still, in typical GM style they killed it off rather than run any advertising and let anyone know it exists.

Even my dealer said he's only seen a few of them. Same with the HHR SS. Go figure.

bad03xtreme

I love driving my Mom's 08' Impala SS, they have a more throaty exhaust than the new Camaro's/Corvette's. They run very well when you put your foot in it.