Halfcent
07-18-2005, 07:20 PM
I will be doing some suspension work on my 05 LS. I need a little knowledge from a tech guy. I am aware of the aftermarket options out there. I'm trying to learn about the SS suspension.
I know the SS has stiffer springs, something I definitely want. What I don't know is if they are any lower. If so, how much? And can they be directly swapped into the LS?
I know the SS has aluminum lower control arms. My question is, so what? What does that do except for weight savings?
I don't know anything else about the differences. Any specific help would be great. I will probably be getting one of the aftermarket kits, but I like to be as informed as possible before spending the cash.
codyss
07-18-2005, 10:09 PM
The springs, shocks/struts and sway bars are all different.
The aluminum arms just help to get the 50/50 weight ratio.
I am pretty sure springs are .25" shorter and the rates are way higher. The shocks/struts are matched to the spring rates and height also.
dj4all
07-18-2005, 10:43 PM
Eibach says that the SS/SC is lowered .50" from the factory vs. the LS. That's all I know.
b-spot
07-18-2005, 11:34 PM
The springs, shocks/struts and sway bars are all different.
The aluminum arms just help to get the 50/50 weight ratio.
I am pretty sure springs are .25" shorter and the rates are way higher. The shocks/struts are matched to the spring rates and height also.
We don't have a 50/50, and the weight difference isn't that big, I thought it was so the control arm had less momentum so it would move faster when the forces changed.
zinner
07-18-2005, 11:37 PM
We don't have a 50/50, and the weight difference isn't that big, I thought it was so the control arm had less momentum so it would move faster when the forces changed.
Lower control arms are unsprung weight. So it makes sense to try to make them lighter.
codyss
07-19-2005, 12:14 AM
The Cobalt SS has a 50/50 weight distribution!
b-spot
07-21-2005, 04:49 PM
The Cobalt SS has a 50/50 weight distribution!
No dude, not even close.
Gumby
07-21-2005, 05:01 PM
the control arms are only have unsprung weight but reducing the weight of suspension arms allows the car to not be as disturbed in the corners. The wheels are allowed to respond faster and thus stay on the road for a longer period of time.
And remember is you switch to coilovers for your suspension it night be a good idea to beef up the spring perches/towers since they will be seeing almost twice the force.