jonboyb

I had to fill the void best I could. The original mini-SUV 1989 Dodge Raider (Mitsubishi Montero) that runs an old Mitsubishi 2.6 N/A carbed. However, I've been building the fuel injected turbo 2.6's from the Mistsubishi Starion/Chrysler Conquest since 1993 so needless to say I have "plans"

843de

Man its been eons since I've seen one of those little beasts on the road, but I do remember the turbo engine transplants being a common mod once upon a time.

jonboyb

LOL....it took me eons just to find one that hadn't been used as a full-on ATV. I felt sorry for 90% of them I looked at. Really cool little vehicles with extreme off-road capabilities with the short wheelbase and dang near vertical approach angle :)

DwHhr2LT

i was expecting to see a pic of a lifted HHR. . . . ~

ATLsilverSS

this guy just has ridiculous luck finding cool toys for pennies

damn you!!!!

bltkmt

Nice! I have a friend in VT that still drives one - great snow vehicle.

Zagohhr

4WD... could be better an integral traction. I think that the HHR is designed mainly for city driving.

jonboyb

FWIW.....yes, I got it cheap but it was a basketcase. I bought it because of the straight body and clean undercarriage. I never thought the engine would have been worth saving but after a little digging it turned out to have a rebuilt engine with a very desirable aftermarket head. At that point I tore it down and put it back together right. The more I've dug the more "good news" I've found on this one. While the chassis is high-mile, the only thing that appears to be original in the driveline is the rear end (and I can't confirm it's originality either). Everything under the hood, the transfer case, tranny, etc are either rebuilt or replaced. All axles look refurbed as well. AC system turned out to be functional too but PO cut the belt due to a frozen idler pulley. Now a powerhouse it isn't.....but showroom new it only had like 114 hp (146 torque) at 3300+ lbs. and turning 30" tires And with a 23 year-old Mikuni carburaetor it's probably down quite a bit from there. Will truck along just fine on the interstate but getting to speed takes a while.

Been daily driving it back and forth to Atlanta for a few days nows without a single hiccup (knocks wood). Leaves a couple drops of oil after driving that appears to be from the rear main seal but that's kinda a calling card for the 2.6 to begin with. PO stated it had done that since he got it several years ago. I wish I knew more of the history because someone put some serious love into the vehicle....but it's mine now and that's what is important...LOL.

And this was my other recent road-side find "for pennies" that has AtLsilverSS's panties in a wad 1985 Mitsubishi Starion Turbo "flatsider" 5-speed with 89k miles. I love my HHR SS but I just have a soft spot for the 70's and 80's Japanese cars.

diskullman

I once wrote to the folks at Extreme 4X4 on the Spike channel about the HHR being designed after a Suburban, sans the 4 wheel drive. They seemed interested in converting one, but not one with Amsoil stickers all over it, as Royal Purple is their sponsor. Anyone live near Tennessee?