First of all, I'll introduce myself on here. I am an 18 year old college student near Atlanta, GA and just purchased my first "new" car, a 2007 silver 2 door Cobalt LT 2.2. Now my previous cars were a 99 Grand Am GT, full bolt-ons, and full suspension. And then sold that for a 94 Camaro Z28, with full suspension, and bolt-ons. My main passion though is auto-cross and open-track racing. And nearby, they have a FWD class for the import and domestic 4-bangers to race in auto-cross. Now to my questions:

I am looking into doing a good-handling suspension setup, but not wanting to slam the car. From my previous F-body knowledge, I know how it all works, just need to know what parts are out there for these cars... and ya'll seem to be on top of that quite well!
I know I'll need a bigger rear sway bar (since it's FWD), some stiffer springs, good dampening shocks, and a good brake setup. Here's what I've looked at so far:

- Koni struts
- Eibach Pro-kit springs
- SSBC rear disc conversion
- SSBC front rotors and pads
- Progress rear sway bar

I believe that should set me up well as far as suspension goes. Any thoughts?

 

OK, obviously this isn't SCCA auto-x cause of the classing. Are there any restrictions? Stock/modified/prepared/etc. That will make a difference with what you want to buy.

I am a regular auto-x'er and I have:

DC sports front STB
Progress rear sway
Stock rotors with Hawk HPS pads
Bwoody front sway bar links (not on car yet)
Will shortly be purchasing full coilovers

Honestly for a 2.2 I would also look into upgrading to components from the SS/SC suspension, which you can find on www.crateenginedepot.com. Lots of upgrades can be had through that site. I had the chance to take a 2.2 out on a course and it's a night and day difference in handling. You can skip the struts/springs since you're replacing yours but I'd definitely consider upgrading the control arms.

The the cherry on top - 4 Kosei 17" wheels (17lbs each) with Avon Tech Rs

If it's strictly an auto-x car, you should be good. Most important purchase will be tires and brakes with a rear sway and springs/struts. If you really want it to be an open track car, you're going to want the GM performance upgraded steering knuckles. Honestly depends on how serious you are about the track days - if you want to be semi-competitive, even with a great suspension on a 2.2, you're going to want to put a good bit of bolt ons on the car.

 

The performance aspect of the car will be handled with bolt-ons, and a possible supercharger in the future (class restrictions pending). I really need to look into the class more, but this car will still be a DD street car, but with more of a focus on auto-x, not open track. And yes the wheels will be 17" with good tire (another HUGE aspect of handling in any car). And thanks for the link for the SS/SC stuff. That 22mm sway bar looks promising.

 

id opt for a 15" wheel on the non ss model cobalts, less rotating mass= quicker acceleration

 

Exactly, non-SS cars can run smaller wheels - take advantage of it. Plus if you've got one of the ones with the 4-lug pattern, you can get light wheels cheap since you share a bolt pattern with Civics and Integras.

 

what i would do, and what i plan to do eventually
(all links are just refrences, but also reliable companys to get this stuff from)
gravana tuning coil overs, they use bilstien parts so you know its good stuff
http://www.gravanatuning.com/applica...avana_PRE_SALE

suspension teqnuques (sp?) sway bars
http://www.gravanatuning.com/applica...22mm_Rear_19mm

dc front strut bar
http://www.gravanatuning.com/applica...ront_Strut_Bar

braided brake lines
http://www.tntautosport.com/index.ph...products_id=53

and ebc green stuff pads
(also on gravana's site)

 

Agree with all the other things (although should note ST stuff is no good for 2.4 and 2.0 suspensions)......but WHY EBC greens? Not flaming or attacking, just wondering, because especially for auto-x there are WAY better pads available on the market.

 

crap i ment to type yellows