cruisn

3. Knuckles are the same on every suspension up through 2007. In 2008, the FE5 knuckle was updated with various improvements. It's still completely interchangeable, and a cheaper alternative to the GM Racing knuckles.

why you think I asked... LOL

Maven

iTrader: (1)

I didnt write that.

cruisn

lol, well then, you never led me astray...

Halfcent

Yup, thats the same info I read. Okay, well good to know now.

Maven

iTrader: (1)

The knuckle physically bolts onto the strut, lower control arm and tie rod.

It uses a unique hub though, which requires TC axles and only works with 07 and up ABS.

cruisn

damn axles.. I could really careless about ABS

Maven

iTrader: (1)

Yeah and even if you could get a custom end for transmission on the drivers side, and a custom shaft for the passenger side you still wouldnt want them, they are heavy as ****.

ls1fbody

maven doesn't like beefy axles?

Maven

iTrader: (1)

No, i dont like heavy ****, LOL.

awesome sig.

ls1fbody

you don't want to know how long that took to do cleanly in MS paint haha.

i need my heavy ****. i guess you make compromises.

psychoboots

hey guys how do i find out what kind of suspension i have? to be honest i dont know anything about cars and i have to replace the two front control arms. when i went to see prices they were asking me what kind of suspension i had...no clue... i have an 05 chevy cobalt LS with the sports package(if it makes diffrence).

also if anybody can tell me where would i be able to get some aftermarket parts for it, if any. THANK YOU VERY MUCH IN ADVANCE.

Maven

iTrader: (1)

You have FE1.

What kind of aftermarket parts do you want?

Try talking to Josh(fast98) at OTTPerformance.com or any of the other fine vendors here.

psychoboots

well some one was telling me that energy is a good brand but the place i went to look at them told me that there is no aftermarket parts and that i have to get it through the dealer. Those guys are charging about 250.00-350 each. depending on my suspension. im just looking for something that is good and that is affordable at the same time.

psychoboots

well some one was telling me that energy is a good brand but the place i went to look at them told me that there is no aftermarket parts and that i have to get it through the dealer. Those guys are charging about 250.00-350 each. depending on my suspension. im just looking for something that is good and that is affordable at the same time.

Maven

iTrader: (1)

Energy makes mostly polyurethane bushings as far as I know. WHAT products are you looking for? What do you want to replace?

psychoboots

well the whole control arm with the bushings for an 05 chevy cobalt LS. apparently its one whole piece, the bushings are welded on to the control arm thats why i cant just replace the bushings. what im looking for (if possible) is for an aftermarket part for the bushings and both (passenger & driver) front control arm. i apologies again im not car savvy, its been stressful

Maven

iTrader: (1)

There are no aftermarket bushings available for the FE1 cars to my knowledge, you CAN buy factory ones though, they are replaceable, but only with new stock ones.

You should be able to upgrade to new aluminim FE3 or FE5 control arms for under $300 easy.

psychoboots

so what do you recommend the FE3 or FE5 and what the diffrence?

Halfcent

If you are going to replace them, then get the FE5's. I believe the difference is in the stiffness of the bushing. FE3 wasn't even available for the 2005 model year actually.

xtank13

this is kinda of a newbie question, but here goes

I have a 2005, built may 05, SS/SC. I am hoping to do a few auto x's this year, maybe a total of six races. then if it goes well more next year at local events. How well does the ss/sc suspension hold up and would it be worth changing over to the ss/tc set up? any help would be welcome. as well as any suggestions

Maven

iTrader: (1)

It holds up very nice, but if you ope to be competitive youll need to upgrade to AT LEAST the TC stuff, its definitely worth making the change. SS/TC struts and shocks, Sportlines or Pedders springs if you wanna go lower, SSTC springs if you dont, Hawk HPS or similar pads a rear antiroll bar, like Eibach or the forthcoming OTTPerformance Time Attack bars.

xtank13

thanks maven, i will keep my eyes open, thanks for your help

BigBrother

It depends on what class you want to go into. In GS, you can't change the suspension over, and teh '05 FE5 setup will make you quite competitive.

In STX, the SS/TC suspension setup is legal, the axles, hubs, and knuckles are not. STX is dominated by WRX's (non-STi), BMW 330's, and this year probably the RX-8, but our cars should be very competitive.

In SM, FWD get pwned for the most part; but a new supplemental class SM-F (street mod FWD) just came into existence this year, and the "GM Twins" should be VERY competitive in that class. What's more, the SS/TC setup would be legal - hell, you could swap in the LNF, lol.

xtank13

yeah the races i am running in wont be in a class, just kinda of a run what you brung kinda deal. i travel for work so i dont really have time to play with the big boys... but it should be a ton of fun either way.. my end goal is to get some experiance doing auto x and someday end up with a auto x play toy, either a balt or a 03 cobra mustang. but i have a ton to learn between now and then

BigBrother

Get some stock size wheels and some wider R-compound rubber, get an "autocross" alignment done, and run in G-Stock (assuming you haven't done other mods to the car beyond a catback exhaust or drop-in filter). You could also get the Koni Yellow adjustable shocks and some Hawk HPS or HP+ pads. Stock class is the best way to learn, and the both SS/SC and the Redline are quite competitive in this class.