They are the same. I was at a Saturn dealer today looking at a Vue for the wife and checked the RPO codes. FE3 and my 2.4L SS has FE3.

Just thought you'd like to know

 

FE3 is a pretty universal suspension code for GM it has been around for quite awhile.

 

I have to disagree. Yes I am sure FE3 has been used before--many RPO codes have been reused.

LS6 in 1970 was a 450hp 454 (2001-2004 it was a 405hp 5.7L)

LS1 was a 370hp 455 HO Pontiac (98 and up 305hp+ 5.7L)

But FE3 is being used by two very similar cars at the exact same time here. The ION RL has the same suspension as the 2.4L SS. Only the tires are slightly different.

In fact, I will e-mail GM just to make sure.

 

I've been told that's correct as well. Also, The Sunfire GT/Cavalier Z24 used an "FE2 Sport Suspension". So naturally the evolution is FE3.

 

Interesting. I noticed the Saurn ION with the 2.4L has FE2.

 

The number has almost nothing to do with age or performance order.

There is also FE9, F41, FE2, FE3

Alot of GM platforms use the same numbers.

Go look at a 88-91 Oldsmobile some of them even have a FE3 badge on the trunk lid if they ordered the FE3 suspension.

Just like the WS6 code on F-Bodies, in the late 80's and early 90's WS6 was just a suspension code. Now it's a whole option package.

Even though FE3 is used as the suspension code for both cars it does not mean they are the same.

 

the IRL should not be the same suspension as in the 2.4 ss if anything it should be the same as in the 2.0 ss/sc, since the IRL and the ss/sc are almost exactly the same car

 

not sure if you read my post at all. Yeah I know RPO codes have been reused and don't mean they are the same. The examples I illustratedrted prove that.

But now we have the same RPO code on the SAME chassis and model year of car. Are they different or the same? Prove it, I am trying to.

 

Then Why does it not have FE5 like the S/C????

Makes no sense it doesn't expect if the suspension is not the same.

One guy says just because RPO codes are the same doesn't mean hardware is the same.

ANother guy, says the hardware is the same but RPO codes are different.

You can't both be right here.

The 2.0 S/C SS was not done at the same time as the RL---I think they did more with it.

 

FE3 has been used many times to indicate a sporter suspension than the stock suspension. It doesn't make they have the same components.

I am pretty sure the SS/SC has different suspension component than the IRL. Like the IRL has steel lower control arms the SS/SC has aluminum. Thats the only difference I can think of right now.

 

i said that the ss/sc and the rl are ALMOST the same car. they were based off the same platform. yeah i know that the ss/sc wasnt built at the same time as the rl the rl was out a year before the ss/sc i was just saying that if anything that the ss/sc SHOULD be closer to the same package as the rl compared from the 2.4 ss to the rl ................ am i wrong? i mean i can see the 2.4 ion (told to have been just released) to be closer to the 2.4 ss package than the 2.4 ion to the ss/sc ........ right?

 

I don't know if your wrong.

I just don't buy it when you and others say that the RPO code FE3 isn't the same--when we are talking about SAME model year and SAME chassis. 06 RL, Delta VS 06 Cobalt 2.4L SS Delta.

As for the ION 2.4L it has FE2--I am supposed to beleive that it is close to FE3? That car has drum brakes, 4 lug axles and 16" tires. Mines far different.

Lots of things should be but they aren't.

I e-mailed my contact at GM and we'll have a 100% certitfed GM answer in a few days.

I think this is turning into some kind of ego match. Some people cannot stand the 2.4L SS--they think its a dressed up 2.2L witha bigger engine.

Fact is GM Perforamnce divsion did the development on the 2.4L SS.

Now to save costs it is entirely possible they tool the ION Redlines FE3 and dropped it in.

 

Hey i never said that the code was wrong i was just saying that i thought they would have been a little different. i thought the 2.4 ss/sc and the 2.4 ion were just cosmetic upgrades not performance enhancers also ............. i could be wrong who knows.......... but just my .02............ i wonder if there are sub models to these models of suspension???????

 

Who cares about FE3 2 5 6 9 who gives a crap. check the p/n on the struts, springs, sway bars, etc then tell me they are the same setup. For one they cant be cuz the cobalt is a 3 lug strut bolt pattern and the ion has a 1 lug so go fig

 

the IONs have a different strut mount in the front , it uses a single mounting nut , where the cobalts use a 3 bolt mount to the body

 

OK this one I know for sure - the SS/SC does have a different suspension setup that was heavly revised throughout it's extra year at the Nurburgring (spelling).

 

That used to bug me when people said that but to hell with them. We both have the car and we know what it can do so let them have their "opinions".

 

touched a nerve did I? Well I care for one--and if you don't--do't post!

 

No one posting cares if you have a SS 2.4 or not, don't take it as if we feel threatened or as if we are better who cares?

 

Heres the reply I got from Product Communcations

"I hope you had a great holiday and a happy new year.

To answer your question, both vehicles have the same suspension components,
but they are calibrated slightly differently.
There are a few factors that contribute to the differences in calibration,
such as: vehicle weight, tire size etc.

Essentially, the suspension on both vehicles is a performance type
suspension.

Let me know if you need anything else".

Thanks,

George Saratlic
Product Communications

Sounds like maybe shockvalving and alignment to me. Damn near the same. So there you go

 

They basically told you that RPO FE3 is universal around GM for performance suspension.

I would say there are more differences than valving and alignment.
- springs
- sway bars
- control arms

 

I would say that the guy from GM knows more about it then you. Read it again.

 

your post makes laugh. GM just told me the SAME components but you cling to thought there is a major difference. He said NOTHING about this being a universal RPO code between the ION RL and the 2.4L SS. Keep living in denial if it makes you feel better!

 

Well laugh at yourself because FE3 is a standard RPO designation for a suspension level. It has nothing to do with year or model.

Quote from GM expert:

To answer your question, both vehicles have the same suspension components,
but they are calibrated slightly differently.


A) What the hell is " slightly differently "
B) Weight and tire size isn't a calibration

So does that mean a 1988 Oldsmobile Delta 88 with the FE3 shares the same parts to, but of course they might just be slightly differently.

 

I tried but it didn't work.

I don't know why you keep harping back to the Olds FE3. I know what your saying but you seem to ignore my points or don't even debate them.

Fact # 1. I agree RPO codes have been reused. (my IROC had FE2! Obvioulsy zero to do with Cobalts)

Fact # 2. FE3 is now being shared on the same chasiss and model year. Could FE3 be currntly used on another car? Sure and it would have zero to do with Cobalt. But I am not talking about a different car. The chassis is the same.

Fact # 3--you suggested earlier that 2.4L SS FE3 is actaully what Saturn uses for their 2.4L but thats RPO code FE2.


So your saying that FE3 does not equal FE3 all the time
But FE2 does equal FE3 sometimes. Did I get that right? Then why wouldn't they call the 2.4L FE2??? Because it isn't.

Fact #4-- GM often raids the parts pins from other models and puts them in other cars.
The Solstice has a rear axle from a CTS, a transmission from a Colorado, back up lights from an Envoy.

The 1987 Camaro RS had the Z28 steering box.

Anyways they do this to save money on development of a completely new part thats model specific. I am sure they did this with the 2.4L SS.

GM Perfromance divsion looked at the ION RL suspension and decided t use it in the 2.4L SS. Saved time and money and it works prett damn good.


They same the same components---different calibration. The ION RL does have a slightly different, sticker tire (215/45/17)

Think about all the components in a suspension. Springs, shocks, sway bars, busings, control arms ect. When GM says they are the same.....they are.

To recap: I went to the Saturn dealer and discovered the same RPO codes.

I then emailed GM asking for an answer, to be sure and not just assume. I got an answer that confirmed my findings. I don't see any investigation by you.

I have a feeling that if a guy from GM came to your house and told you that it is the same you would call him a liar. I just can't convince you, so I won't try anymore.
Have a nice day