Whats up with Stage 1
Senior Member
Joined: 09-07-2008
Posts: 237
From: NorCal
Before they replace any more lock actuators, make sure they have performed the driver's door lock TSB. It just involves removing a small plastic tab from inside the door panel that prevents the knob from moving correctly. Details are in the TSB thread on this forum.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2008
Posts: 5,464
From: Akron Ohio
I had two issues with my Stage kit install and neither were related directly to the kit itself.
After my accident [not my fault] they put a new intercooler and tubes in my SS. The Intercooler was fine with the stock T map but the kit has a different angle. Well once installed the intercooler was spaced a fraction of an inch too far back. The intercooler was spaced forward and no more clearance issue.
Also the tube they replaced my original with was a very very early build and the plastic weld was not correct and the extra boost blew out the T map.
As of now I have had this 1 year an not a single issue other than too much fun.
It is the best thing you can do to any HHR.
Most issues I see here are related to poor connections by dealer techs that just did not get them right and down load issues for the new flash program. They are not that common but account for 1 out of 10 kits installed.
The key is deal with a service department that knows what the kit is and how to install it.
After my accident [not my fault] they put a new intercooler and tubes in my SS. The Intercooler was fine with the stock T map but the kit has a different angle. Well once installed the intercooler was spaced a fraction of an inch too far back. The intercooler was spaced forward and no more clearance issue.
Also the tube they replaced my original with was a very very early build and the plastic weld was not correct and the extra boost blew out the T map.
As of now I have had this 1 year an not a single issue other than too much fun.
It is the best thing you can do to any HHR.
Most issues I see here are related to poor connections by dealer techs that just did not get them right and down load issues for the new flash program. They are not that common but account for 1 out of 10 kits installed.
The key is deal with a service department that knows what the kit is and how to install it.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-06-2008
Posts: 1,761
From: Grand Haven, MI
What he ^ said
In this forum, people will complain about problems, but rarely do people take the time to say "everything went well" The stage kit is an exception, people that had them installed have started or added to threads that basicallt say something like "I can't get this silly grin off my face".
Believe me, the kit adds a lot of fun, and is warranted to boot
In this forum, people will complain about problems, but rarely do people take the time to say "everything went well" The stage kit is an exception, people that had them installed have started or added to threads that basicallt say something like "I can't get this silly grin off my face".
Believe me, the kit adds a lot of fun, and is warranted to boot
Senior Member
Joined: 06-30-2008
Posts: 272
From: Graham, WA
I still have issues randomly, but it appears to only happen now when the car is down to 1/8-1/4 tank of gas, but it acted up more in the summer since its hotter. Been too cold to have that problem anymore.
Senior Member
Joined: 04-12-2008
Posts: 527
From: Cedarburg, WI
I am also another very satisfied customer or the CrateEngineeringDepot and Rockenbach Chev. 
They are very knowledgeable and had the best price on the install of the kit IMO. I have had mine for about 9 months with no problems at all. Can't wait till spring so I can get her out and crank it up again! 
They are very knowledgeable and had the best price on the install of the kit IMO. I have had mine for about 9 months with no problems at all. Can't wait till spring so I can get her out and crank it up again!
Banned
Joined: 06-20-2008
Posts: 1,682
From: Chi-Towns burbs
After reading the "won't boost thread" I'm terrified to put the GM stage 1 kit in. I am picking up my 2008 HHR SS this Friday and had already spoken to my Chevy dealer re: intalling it. They have already done some and seem comfortable instaling them. BUT, if I am going to have problems all the time due to the kit, forget it. Are there any HHR SS owners out there who have had the kit installed and have been problem free? I want to enjoy the car, not spend all my time in the shop. Thanks 
Senior Member
Joined: 04-26-2008
Posts: 292
From: Vancouver
I had installed at a dealership that didn't have experience but I did mention to them that mistakes have been made to others in the past just to put in the back of there head and I haven't had issues so far after over a year.
