Is extra horsepower a potential problem

[RED BARON]

I have been considering options that will increase the "get up and go" in an SSR like the change of gears and adding a super charger but wondered if the automobile is designed for this extra power and torque. The drivetrain specifically is a concern. I'm not very mechanically oriented so I am curious to know if GM included enough design and engineering to support the above mentioned changes. It must be OK as so many owners have changed gears and added a super charger but I want to make sure before I take the plunge.

Thanks in advance for the auto shop 101 lesson.

[BluDragon]

Hunmm... I've heard of several that have made the changes you've mentioned without any downsides. My assumption is you're good to go! However, I do see your concern... is the frame, tranny and such designed for the extra gitty-up and go?

I'm sure you'll hear plenty back from members with the changes you plan on going for.

[hdflstf]

The gear change actually reduces the drivetrain loads. Supercharger is going to stress parts more than stock but the design is such that you are not going that far. Frame is a shortened trailblazer frame which is rated to tow something like 12000 lbs - it's plenty strong.
Is yours a 6 speed or auto?
6 speed has the big 14 bolt rear end - no issues.
auto is a lighter duty but not one that is easily broken unless you are really pushing alot of power. Trans needs a few mods to survive long term.

There are a bunch of threads on these topics that a search can turn up.

[RUN ROD RUN]

I don't think their any potential problem with our SSR taken on more get up and go power.
The real question is can the driver handle the additional get up and go power?
With the addded extra power, keep in mind the chance of spinning out whenever you get that rare heavy rain storm in the Henderson area.
Check this thread
SSR rear end broke loose on wet road - poll

[BlastfromPast]

Originally Posted by RED BARON

Is extra horsepower a potential problem? . . .

It sure is!!! Not having ENOUGH extra horsepower is a terrible problem and should be avoided at all costs!!!


Blast

[JimGnitecki]

The gearing change, as mentioned already above, actually reduces the loads on the drivetrain components. It is a "no brainer" that GM should itself have done.

The Magnacharger kit is very well engineered, and will not hurt anything EXCEPT, and only IF you accelerate wide-open throttle quite often, the AUTOMATIC transmission will need a complete streghtening (I recommend Phoenix Transmission - do a search using "Phoenix" on this forum). If you have a manual, no issues.

Once you start going beyond these basics, you need to ensure that you are working with a shop or advisor that is experienced, in order to ensure that mods are done in a way, and in an order, that ensures you get value out of them and that protects the reliability and durability of the vehicle.

Jim G