Purchased the used GMPP CAI from GDZHHR pics as purchased:





Received in mail yesterday and painted it tonight:



Will post pics after install!! Can't wait to get it on the HHR!

 

Installed the CAI last night. Had to do some minor engineering due to the fact that the rear bracket had rusted through and broke but I got it installed. The butt dyno says about 5HP improvement

 

Looks real good.

 

Thanks... I may have a friend of my who paints at a local body shop color match it to the car later. I think that would be a nice touch.

 

This is the only horsepower-enhancing performance modification I have ever considered for my HHR. My thought process is:
1. I hate the stock air filter. It works very well and is quiet. It is also an absolute bear to get to it.
2. I like the look and the performance increase, mild as it is, with the GMPP and that it is a GM product that will not void the remaining powertrain warranty.
3. There is significant cost to purchase (used ones like the above are rare) and install.
4. I don't like my vehicle to sound like a hot-rod. This does add noise.

So, I am fence-sitting on whether to make an effort to do it. Meanwhile, I am trying really hard to get HIDs!

 

I've heard it said that those add 3-5 hp. The K & N drop in claims 1-4 hp. I really don't think that you can feel either of those increases. The K & N FIPK claims a 9.33 hp increase and costs less that the GMPP. Since the HHR is my wife's car, I went for the drop in. If it was mine, I probably would buy the FIPK. To me, that GMPP kit looks too much like some type of factory setup.

 

Although each vehicle is different (and each owner has their own OPINION), I'll state categorically the highlighted statement above is absolutely NOT TRUE.......at least in my car. It's was slightly less than 1HP.

I had participated in a large number of air intake/air filter tests and the change of a filter, with 2 exceptions, does very little, if any, for the performance of a vehicle. Those that do contribute a RECOGNIZED increase WILL NOT PASS GM's particulate filtration rate. Thus allowing dirt INTO the engine. Only recognized name brands were tested.

As for complete air intake systems, they ALL, within certain qualifying guidelines, provide SOME benefit. The real question(s) when considering this is an installable option is, "What am I really trying to do and for what kind of money?"........looks/appearance, quality, mileage, HP gains, cost, simplicity of service....or any combination(s) of the above. But remember what JoeR reminds....GM did a hell of a job with engineering the intake and exhaust. Can it be improved upon....you bet....but be realistic in expectations.


One final not....ALL my testing was done on a dyno in a closed chamber that controlled temperature, humidity, barometric pressure. The hood was closed, to duplicate REAL WORLD CIRCUMSTANCES, and the wind pressure/velocity was computer controlled to match the speed of the vehicle.



Disclaimer: I have a GMPP installed. AND as per my agreement, I cannot reveal exact performance data for each unit tested. So, please don't ask which is the best (kindly reread MY 3rd paragraph).

 

Overall I know the addition of HP buy adding ANY bolt on engine mod will be minimal at best. I really don't expect a night and day difference and didn't receive one. I just enjoying working on my ride. It was a fun project and I can't wait to start my next one. :)

 

My air box just got a pretty paint job, I wish I had pics, follow the Tom's Farm GTG link in SoCal this weekend pretty sure pics will appear. Any way lid was hit with Dupli Color red annodizing spray, box followed after insulating it with fat mat material to block engine heat, with metal flake under same annodizing red paint, looks sharp. Just a little input from So Cal.

 

Great job panting the GMPP. If I had the scratch, I would have looked at it myself.