So this is the first new(ish) car I've ever had. Most of my other cars were around 20 years old and were beaters. Seeing as how I'll have this car for the next 3 years at least I want to make the ride a little more comfortable. I'll admit -- I know absolutely nothing abut suspensions. I'm looking for a setup that will give me a smoother ride when going over bumps and feel a little better in turns.

Where would you guys suggest I start?

 

best bet is to read up on some of the sticky's at the top of the suspension like https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/susp...m4-jl9-137064/ and https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/susp...s-101-a-34641/

but what kind of car do you have... LS, LT, LSJ, LNF? i personally have eibach pro-kit springs with Moog sway bar end links on my LS and it handles nicely but i'm looking to upgrade myself sooner or later, if you have the money to spend and want absolutely the best suspension package without coilovers look into this but just the Pedders springs alone will be an improvement...

Cobalt FE5 Struts and Shock with Pedder Spring Pkg TCSS - Crate Engine Depot

hope that helps a little bit...

 

I have a 2006 Cobalt SS/SC. I don't want to screw with the suspension myself on my DD so I'll have my family mechanic install it.

 

i did all of mine myself, it's actually not all that hard if you have some mechanical skills. just search the how to section like i did and i'm sure you'll find numerous threads on how to change suspension, otherwise your mechanic will be able to do it for you no problem

 

the smoothest riding setup you will find for any cobalt will be its stock setup

 

This, aftermarket companies typically don't make parts to make the car more comfortable. If you wanted a comfortable car you probably shouldn't have bought a cobalt.

 

yea i have to agree with tommy and padlock thou too, the stock suspension is definitely the smoothest riding... pedders is about the closest aftermarket spring to stock settings thou

 

What I would suggest if you really wanna just improve ride is buy a set of 16" wheels, and all season tires built to be comfortable. Idk that much about all seasons so I can't help you on which tires, but a taller sidewall will improve ride comfort.

 

So it wouldn't be worth it buying an aftermarket set of struts or whatever? I've heard nothing but bad things about the SS/SC suspension and that its essentially a regular Cobalt suspension. I plan on doing the Stage 2 upgrade in the future and I don't want to add all the extra power and have it ride like crap. I just want it to be able to handle a little better around turns and whatnot.

 

If you want it to handle better my suggestion is Pedders springs. Ride won't be a whole lot more stiff and you will see a large upgrade in handling.

 

Thanks, I'll look into it. The link for the Pedders springs and struts listed a few posts up says its only for the 2008+ Cobalt SS/TC so I assume it won't fit my SS/SC?

 

no they will fit just fine. All cobalt suspension is swappable with no issues. Those struts listed above will give a nice handling increase as well.

 

Pedders are a very mild handling upgrade. Also mild in terms of roughness though. Pretty much all the others lower the car too much and cause it to hit the front bumpstops, which will feel awful.

 

What about the FE5 springs compared to an 06 stock lt..? Im looking into upgrading as well since my suspension needs work soon

 

step 1. Call John Powell, ask him where to send the check
step 2. Send check to Gloria
step 3. Stand at mailbox awaiting UPS
step 4. Attach parts received via UPS
step 5.