Chevy SSR Mods, Performance Upgrades & Gallery

The Chevy SSR is a very unusual and distinctive convertible pickup manufactured for a short period of time in the 2000s. The truck had only 2 doors and seating for two and was very light, at the same time it employed a very robust power plant – 5.3 L V8 good for 300 hp for two first years of production and 6.0 L V8 rated at 390 hp (the same as the Corvette) for two last years. The truck was very fast – the original version reached 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and a V8-powered one did the same in 5.29 seconds. For the last year, the power unit was modified and the SSR became capable of generating up to 400 hp. Despite a long list of standard features, great performance and both manual and automatic transmission options, the model was in production for 4 years only, from 2003 to 2006.

chevy ssr tonystires black

Why modify your Chevy SSR?

Whatever version of the Chevy SSR you own, it surely delivers at least solid performance and looks excellent from the factory. But there is always room for improvement – either to push performance even further, add some personal touch or increase the level of comfort. Especially, if you own some rare version, you can make it totally unique. Three main types of modifications are performance, exterior and interior upgrades. As the name implies, performance ones will help you push your SSR to the limits, exterior mods will make it look special, while exterior upgrades will add comfort and convenience to your regular driving.

What are performance mods / Common Performance mods

Simply speaking, performance modifications are aimed to make your car faster or more powerful. They mainly include engine tuning but can also affect other systems of your Chevy SSR. Today, the range of upgrades you can do is virtually countless, from almost invisible from the outside performance chips up to installing a more robust turbo or supercharger. You can make your vehicle run faster, deliver more revs, respond faster and more accurately, sound louder, and much more. The range of mods is huge, but take a look at some of the most common ones.

    • Air intakes
      A quite straightforward modification, it can also improve efficiency of the vehicle along with a throttle response. Compared to other engine upgrades, installing aftermarket air intakes is a more budget-friendly way of upgrade and it will still make a notable difference.
    • Turbocharger/superchargers
      In case you want some solid power enhancement, take a look at intercoolers – turbochargers and superchargers. They will increase performance of your four-wheeled friend significantly, but both installing such a unit or upgrading your existing one will lead to some serious expenses.
    • Performance Exhausts
      Upgrading the exhaust, you’ll kill two birds with one stone. First of all, the sound of your SSR will be significantly better coming to a whole new level. Plus, thanks to different bends, gas will be better removed from the system resulting in lower backpressure and hence better performance.
    • Performance tuners/chips
      Current-time vehicles depend on computer systems more than even before. It not only makes driving easier and more comfortable, but also provides an opportunity to upgrade your vehicle in one more way.

    chevy ssr silver grey

    What are exterior mods / Common Exterior mods

    Of course, clothes do not make the man, but if your car will not only perform excellently but also look excellently, it will impress much more.

    • Custom LED lights
      Lighting is crucial for your safe driving, because it helps your vehicle stay visible in dark and during bad weather conditions. At the same time, thanks to the latest technology and an incredibly wide range of aftermarket units available, installing custom set of lights is a great way to add some personality to your four-wheeled friend, make it more stylish and attractive.
    • Body kits
      Whether you’re planning a complete makeover or just want to change certain body parts, today getting the job done is easy like a breeze. Numerous bumpers, hoods, diffusers, widebody fenders, spoilers, are offered for your choice.