Hey guys, I purchased an 08 SS in Cincinnati this weekend. I'll do a proper introduction soon with plenty of pictures but there's one small issue that's been bugging me that I haven't had much luck searching for.

There's no boost gauge on the a-pillar.


Was the boost gauge an option? If so how can I go about adding one in.

Thanks!
---Wes

 

Does it have the 2.0L under the hood? It would something similar to below...

 

Speedo goes to 140, looks like an ss
maybe pop off the trim and see if there's an empty plug? There's a torx screw at the top, takes some wiggling to get out.

 

Boost gauge was not an option. The SS's came with one from the factory. But, there were 2 ways the gauge could be had. Either the pillar gauge or some of the later models had the RPD in the center dash which contained the boost gauge. If it had the RPD, then there would be no pillar gauge.
Since your's has neither one, well that's just a mystery. Maybe it was deleted by a previous owner ?


Hate to say this, but first thing to do is make sure this car is a true SS. There have been a number of SS clones or fakes out there. A picture from under the hood should answer the question. If it looks like the picture Kev posted above, then it's most likely a real SS.
Also, some interior and exterior pictures may shed some light on this.

 

Welcome to the site

I have never seen an ss without a boost gauge.

 

Yeah my first thought was a fake as well but if its fake its a good one. Has the proper engine, turbo is there, body is right, comp mode and launch control are there.

Just no boost gauge, my guess is the previous owner removed it?

Just seemed odd to me.

Edit: The car is a Jan 08 by the way ... Could it be possible that someone on the assembly line forgot to install the proper A pillar and gauge?

 

Welcome. Congrats on the engine being there. Now find a boost gauge and pod to install. Or download the Torque Pro app for your smartphone and a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner and you'll have all the gauges you need.

 

No. Cookie cutter for 08. All had them. PO must have removed it. You can probably go a few different routes. Standard Boost Gauge, Digital Boost Gauge, and or maybe if you're lucky and with the right connections, an RPD could maybe be there. Not sure on the last..

FWIW, I had a friend with a VW GTI, she had modded to heck and back, and got the boost set just right to how she wanted it, and was able to adjust the boost under the hood, so she removed the Boost Gauge in the cabin to give it a Sleeper appearance.. Perhaps the PO felt the same...

Good luck!

 

My guess is the previous owner had an aftermarket a-pillar gauge pod with aftermarket gauges. He probably sold his stock gauge and a-pillar. When he decided he wanted to sell the car he removed his gauges and gauge pod, sold them and just sourced a regular a-pillar. The stock a-pillar with a gauge pod and the boost gauge probably cost more than he wanted to spend on a car he was going to sell. Kinda chinsey if you ask me. with Also, I thought I remember seeing someone selling gauges and the gauge pod on this site a while back. You could search the classifieds and see if you find that specific thread.

 

Something to consider... Maybe you could find a second gauge you would like to add in..There are some 3 slot ones as well.. take a further gander on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-52mm-Chevy-HHR-Boost-Guage-OEM-Electric-/251678201140?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a99309534&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-11-Chevrolet-Chevy-HHR-SS-Dual-Gauge-Pillar-Pod-Fits-two-52mm-Gauges-/131092882127?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e85bea2cf&vxp=mtr