Hey guys,

So, sometime this summer, I will more than likely have a full new suspension set-up.. I'm going to first put on a set of springs because I'm getting sick of the stock 4x4 height.. So here we go..

1. What kind of spring will offer me the lowest drop AND best handling with stock FE3 struts..?

I heard the Eibachs are really good, but they're also quite costly.. Both of my friends have Tenzo springs on their LS's and they like them, but there's also a few more companies as well.. I don't mind spending the money, but if I could go cheaper and get similar results.. FAN-TASTIC..!

2. What strut is the best for the money..?

I heard that Tokico was making struts for our car, but they've been "in construction" for like two years now.. I like those ones because they're solid struts, but reasonably priced as well.. I'd get some Koni Yellows, but they're MAD costly and don't you have to use something from your stock suspension anyway..? WTF..?

3. What front AND rear sway bars would be the best improvement for the money..?

I already have the stock FE3 sway bars (a tad skinnier than the FE5 ones), but if there's another set out there that offers a good increase in handling but won't kill me cost-wise, please let me know..

4. Bushings..?

I've heard alot about bushings for suspension, engine, etc. but I have no idea what they'll improve or where you use them.. Any help..?

I appreciate the help.. I have never done ANY more suspension work than adding a strut bar, so this is all new to me.. I'm trying to have a solid set-up for both performance and drivability (since this is a daily driver), but still do it for a reasonable price.. Any help is appreciated..

 

My question for you would be what is your budget. Cause that usually is THE factor interms of what you are gonna get.

 

my combo is SSC springs and konis. Amazing. CHeck my gallery for pics. But as for the konis ebay there cheap and there a GB for them right now as well. Honestly people make a big deal about how you use the konis in teh stock housing...its the same damn housing used if it was a full setup. Your jsut removing old insert and installing a new one. Easyer then a oilchange on a ss/sc .

 

Well.. For the budget.. I was thinking like 200 (better if less) for springs, like 400 for struts, and like 200 for bars.. No clue how much bushings are..

 

Koni and sportlines are an awesome bang for the buck, but if you bump your price 300 for the springs and struts you can get full Ksport coils.

 

$600 for a set of coil-overs..? How will that help over, let's say, the Eibach's and Koni's..?

 

my quick thoughts

EDIT: stay away from coilovers, extra money and hassle for features you wont use and maintenance you probably wont like or do

 

Hmm.. So, as a recap:

No bushings.

Stock s/c front for the front and what for the rear? Eibach makes bars for our car? Cost for that?

I thought the FE3 and FE5 suspensions only mainly differed by sway bars? I thought the struts were the same..?

And stick with big name springs..

Sound about right? I'm confused though at the strut issue..

 

No bushings.

Stock SS/SC front bar and Eibach rear bar(theres another bar coming......but i am not sure if I am at liberty to discuss it.....I'll show you when i get mine though....soooon) Eibach bar is like $165-170 area

Only significant parts FE3 and FE5 share are rear SPRINGS and axle beam.

Does that clear it up? what else would you like to know about struts?

 

Hmm.. Would I be better buying aftermarket struts or the FE5 ones? I just don't want to blow them as will happen with the FE3 ones.. Does GMPD still sell that FE5 complete bundle..?

 

Yeah I am pretty sure they do, but then youd be spending $700+shipping and you be buying springs you dont need, control arms you dont need...........

Besides Koni no one offers an aftermarket performance strut for our cars. KYB has stuff for our car, KYB makes decent stuff(they actually make the LNF struts!) but the stuff they sell over the counter is designed for ALL cobalts, so its gonna be a big compromise on a lowered SS. because they need to make them so they ride close to stock for people with rental car LS's.......Id avoid them unless your budget wont let you get better.

There are many guys who have 10's of thousands of miles on SS/SC struts with lowering springs.

 

Hmm.. So probably get a set of lower mileage FE5's instead of the Konis and save a few hundred? Plus, it's a direct bolt on..

Let's recap again:

- stock LE5 struts
- Eibach springs
- LE5 front sway bar
- Eibach rear bar
- no aftermarket bushings

 

Maven knows what he's talking about especially when it comes to suspension. I personally went with the Koni's but as he mentioned they are a bit more money than a set of FE5 shocks.

 

you got it. perfect. you will be happy.

 

Now how about for wheels? I noticed that when I went from 17 to 18 that my ride sucked.. How about 16?

How about overall lowering? Will each wheel size add an inch to the overall height or would it be .5? That's one of the reasons I don't want to run 18's anymore..