Ok. I just got a set of FE3 springs and shocks. Now I want to get good handling out of them, and i think i want to upgrade to the FE5 sway bars.
I would need the front and rear correct?
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...P1661C188.aspx
However i think these are just the front.

I also see these.
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...P1662C188.aspx
and
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...P1663C188.aspx
I assume that i would need both of those things as well.

I'm just trying to get my barrings about this, for it is my first real mod to my car and i do not want to mess it up. All help appreciated

 

That's just the front bar, ss/sc rear is 24mm. You might be able to use stock clamps, etc, IDK. Ask Tom at CED.

 

front sways are an uber pain in the ass. they are a 4 hour job if you have all the tools, a lift, and know the directions in and out. the rear sway is easy. I would suggest going aftermarket for that one.

I currently have the suspension techniques sways, but only installed the rear one so far.

 

ss/sc dont have rear sways bars at all,they only have the front..u need a after-market sway bar for the rear...i reccommend the progress sway from turbo tech racing..110 bux i beleive

 

I read somewhere that for base bolts however you shouldn't mess with the rear, unless you upgrade the front. Is that true?

 

I have the stock front sway bar. suspension technique rear sway, eibach pro-kit springs, and the mrz strut bar. let me tell you, the car handles amazing now. it got a little backend happy on me the other day during a close call but i was NEVER out of control. If you talk to some of the hardcore autocrosser's they actually unbolt their front sways so that there is nothing holding there (i believe it was either blacktrx or bluebaltjim that did this)

I love the setup i have now and definitely suggest it for anyone who wants to improve the handling.

 

Honestly go aftermarket for both. I think Suspension Techniques makes a set that's both front and rear. Why upgrade halfway if you really want the most performance out of it?

Actually we're still seeing too much body roll in the front. Under advisement of a MULTI year national champ, there are actually benefits to be had on the Cobalt with going to a larger front bar. Most cars are the opposite, the front should be left alone and/or removed, but some of us are still in the process of fiddling with stuff. My next step is stronger end links for the front, and we'll see how much that tightens it up.

 

Either the progress or suspension techniques are great bar kits. They will help the handling of your ride more then the oem style bar.

Here is a link to them.

Progress Cobalt Rear Sway Bar

Suspension Techniques Cobalt Sway bar Kit

 

alleycat, did you install the front sway yourself? I have mine sitting in my extra room but I just dont have the time or the know how and dont feel like paying anyone at the moment. I got other things I want before I go that route.

What setup do you have on your car?

 

So at least the rear i know i should get but what about the front? And how much work would that be?

 

It's a long install, I think you need to drop the frame, etc. Search there's definetly a thread on it.

 

with all the tools, the manual, hydraulic lifts to get the car over your head, and someone who knows what they are doing....

4 hours minimum.

 

ok, so front is out of the question. I need to be able to do it in a day and have it running to get home.

 

I dont think front is necessary unless you are getting into the hardcore autoX. im telling you now.... springs, rear sway, new wheels, and front strut bar... and you will love the feel. I have taken turns at 65 that i used to brake at 40


...we're talking on-ramps people... not street turns

 

The rear is a very simple install. It shouldnt take that long at all to do it.

 

Sweet, I got springs and shocks from a ss so im good with that. I just didn't want to half ass it and get some good performance out of it. For sure im going with the rear sway, likely from you cobaltperfoamceparts.
Front struts? that important?

 

The rear sway bar is very easy to install, 4 simple bolts

 

Thank you turbotechracing.

So struts?

So rear sway bar (need to buy now) front and rear springs and shocks. How long of an install are we talking? And yes i know i need to get an alignment the next day.

 

Struts are going to be a very high expense if your looking to go aftermarket. I would try out the struts and springs the way they are before you go and invest more money into the suspension system. Everyones opinion on handling and how the ride feels is different. You may be perfectly happy with the springs and struts the way they are. If your just looking for a good all around improvement the stock ss sc struts and springs should suit you fine. If your looking to make a large handling upgrade then after market would be the way to go.

As far as install time. I would say 2-4hours depending on your tools and experience.

 

So I'm going to say 4 to 5 hrs of work, haha. But i think I'm just going to get the after market rear sway, and put it all on. Thanks for everything guys.

 

No front sway bar for me, the SS/SC is the biggest bar out there. I only have end links to put on, that's a 10 minute job if that.

Like they said, struts are expensive, but if you went that route, I'd recommend Koni Yellows.

 

Thanks ally

 

Being someone that has the Front FE5 bar installed, its a bitch.

We, a GM tech and myself, did it in a lil less than 2 hours and thats on a lift with air tools.


However I still advocate doing the front and rear bars at the same time, the body roll is just about gone. Much much more stable at speed.

 

Well, it would be myself and my friend installing. So I think im just going to go with the rear. Thanks though Blkrax.

I was just looking at sway bars. And this one site said that a 25mm will fit the rear. Is that true? I think thats crazy.

 

Ok here goes, I know I type a lot but I want to help and all I have is information. I read the post and there is a lot of information that is very spread out, I'm going to try and condense it. jigyflyuk07 what you are trying to do is exactly what I have done to my own LS. I installed FE5 struts, shocks, front sway bar, Eibach sportline springs and a Progressive rear sway bar. First off I can say I have driven the car with both the stock FE1 front sway bar (18mm) and with the FE5 sway bar (24mm). I would recommend not upgrading the front bar. Typically front wheel drive cars have significant understeer under throttle in a corner, by adding the Progressive rear sway bar you stiffen the rear suspension. That stiffness will change the balance of the car and introduce oversteer. Also as long as your steering wheel is straight do not immediately get an alignment, allow the springs to settle for a week or so and then get a 4 wheel alignment. The alignment on mine was pretty involved because I dropped mine with the sportlines (2.5"). I had to significantly adjust everything, by the way don’t waste money on "lowering alignment bolts" that some companies sell. NAPA sells the same bolts for about 8 bucks each. My car rides tight like a (insert number here) year old and I love it.