Suspension Springs, Shocks, Brakes

Suspenson basics 101.

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Old 08-14-2008, 01:06 AM
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Originally Posted by scampbell
I keep readin about this FE5 what is it and where does it come from?
FE5 are the suspension parts that are on the SS/SC and TC. FE3 are on the 2.4L and FE1 are on the 2.2L. The FE5 are the best out of the three and can be put on the other two models. They should be able to take more strain than the FE1 parts. You already have the FE5 components on your car.

Koni's are the best for lowered Balts.
Old 09-17-2008, 10:37 AM
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I get it that the stockers will die...but the FE5's I 've heard of folks putting quite a few miles on with say Eibach sportlines and not killing the struts and shocks.....anybody have testimony that kills this?

How are the Cobalt-Addiction Springs? Anybody install and run these just yet?
Old 09-23-2008, 08:16 AM
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Just a bump on this....also with the Cobalt-Addiction Springs is a camber kit necessary for an SS/SC?
Old 09-23-2008, 08:24 AM
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camber kit isn't really necessary for the SS/SC's. regardless.
Old 09-23-2008, 11:35 AM
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Cool...thanks.....so do I need to worry about my shocks and struts on an ss/sc with the lowering kit?
Old 10-17-2008, 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by blackjack hotrods
In all fairness, I grew up in NH and I know the roads up there ane FAR from smooth. I would never think of lowering something there. Most cars with stock suspension wear out fast there due to the salt used in the winter and huge dips, bumps, potholes and such that are on all the roads. I moved back there in 2004 and for the 3 years I was there, everywhere I drove the roads were like washboards. I would dare to say they are some of the worst roads in the country.
come to Illinois! We pay ridiculous taxes, have tons of toll booths, and our roads make the roads in Wisconsin look like driving on glass!
Old 11-21-2008, 09:56 PM
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springs

can i put ls or lt lowering springs on my ss im looking for springs with the most drop without rubing in the front
Old 11-21-2008, 11:06 PM
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Originally Posted by cobaltaddict05
can i put ls or lt lowering springs on my ss im looking for springs with the most drop without rubing in the front
All Cobalt take the same springs. If you put "LS" drop springs in your SS you wont get the same drop listed for the LS, thats because your car is already lower.
Old 11-24-2008, 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by cobaltaddict05
can i put ls or lt lowering springs on my ss im looking for springs with the most drop without rubing in the front
To answer your question simply, yes, you can.

What Maven is saying is that the aftermarket doesn't make different springs for LS's versus SS's. Eibach Sportlines are quite low and have been proven to work well.
Old 11-24-2008, 04:06 PM
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Originally Posted by CobaltSSilver
Cool...thanks.....so do I need to worry about my shocks and struts on an ss/sc with the lowering kit?
Just checking to see how long stuts and shocks are lasting with the Eibach lowering springs on an SS/SC. I've heard of folks not having issues while others say you need to upgrade. Thoughts......
Old 11-25-2008, 02:20 PM
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thanks
Old 11-26-2008, 10:44 PM
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Originally Posted by CobaltSSilver
Just checking to see how long stuts and shocks are lasting with the Eibach lowering springs on an SS/SC. I've heard of folks not having issues while others say you need to upgrade. Thoughts......
They will last a good long time. I'm at nearly 40K miles on my original FE1 struts and shocks, but they will be due in spring.
Old 11-26-2008, 10:54 PM
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tag this
Old 03-29-2009, 10:23 PM
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Okay so coilovers would be the best investment?
Old 03-30-2009, 11:10 AM
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How do you plan to drive the car? Coilovers are for racing cars where adjustability is desired. If it's a street car, just stick with springs. Coilovers are very expensive for a car that just drives on the street and will never adjust anything.
Old 03-30-2009, 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Halfcent
They will last a good long time. I'm at nearly 40K miles on my original FE1 struts and shocks, but they will be due in spring.
That is good to know. Hopefully with the SS/SC suspension they will hold up for twice that if not more.
Old 05-11-2009, 08:44 AM
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Hey, Why are Konis so expensive?! They are struts correct?
also, if i get some koni's i should also get some lowering springs?

bump... did some more research. So Koni sport struts and some springs are lookin like the way too go.. for less than a set of coilovers, and giving better day to day drivability and easy adjustment
i think i know what ill be ordering very shortly....

Last edited by Hunter2Hitman; 05-11-2009 at 08:44 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Old 05-11-2009, 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Hunter2Hitman
Hey, Why are Konis so expensive?! They are struts correct?
also, if i get some koni's i should also get some lowering springs?

bump... did some more research. So Koni sport struts and some springs are lookin like the way too go.. for less than a set of coilovers, and giving better day to day drivability and easy adjustment
i think i know what ill be ordering very shortly....
Which car do you have? FE5 suspension?
Old 05-12-2009, 07:45 AM
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Will the front sway bar links break with just lowering springs on an SS/SC? I see bwoody has a set that are bigger and stronger but I don't know why I would need bigger front sway bar links.
Old 05-12-2009, 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by CobaltSSilver
Will the front sway bar links break with just lowering springs on an SS/SC?
No.

I'm actually kind of curious why you would even think that. Since both sides are dropped evenly, there is no load on the links.
Old 05-12-2009, 06:37 PM
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Just in my mind it is lowered and stressing all of the suspension I would think, also for harder cornering I thought it would have a bigger stress on them.....so why are there bigger/thicker sway bar end links out there? I.E what is the benefit of the mod? Add them when you are pushing more power?

Halfcent thanks so much for answering all my questions too man! :-)
Old 05-14-2009, 08:12 AM
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You have a misconception. Lowering springs do not cause any additional stress to the car. They can wear out your dampers a little faster, but that's it.

Heavier sway bar parts are designed to reduce the amount of body roll in cornering. Bigger bars means less sway. They also mean a less comfortable ride when not cornering. Its a balance between comfort and performance.
Old 05-14-2009, 10:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Halfcent
. Bigger bars means less sway. They also mean a less comfortable ride when not cornering. Its a balance between comfort and performance.
You have a misconception, a bigger sway bar doesnt affect wheel rate/ride quality when you arent turning or are on smooth pavement.

Very uneven pavement can "activate" the bar, but driving straight doesnt.


Bigger front endlinks are stiffer, they flex less, less flex means the antiroll system works better.
Old 05-14-2009, 01:43 PM
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Got it.....thanks!
Old 05-14-2009, 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Maven
You have a misconception, a bigger sway bar doesnt affect wheel rate/ride quality when you arent turning or are on smooth pavement.

Very uneven pavement can "activate" the bar, but driving straight doesnt.


Bigger front endlinks are stiffer, they flex less, less flex means the antiroll system works better.
speaking of endlinks. can i run fe1 endlinks with fe5 suspension. just wondering because i am supposed to install my suspension friday.


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