Suspension Springs, Shocks, Brakes

What to replace with..??

Old Jul 16, 2010 | 11:39 AM
  #1  
averagewhiteboy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: 10-23-05
Posts: 8,761
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
What to replace with..??

Hey guys,

So, I've got my stock FE3 struts, and I'm currently on Sportlines. The car looks amazing, but I'm tired of my car riding like a Little Tykes car. The harshness on our lovely PA roads is often enough to wake the dead. The struts aren't totally blown probably, but they're definitely not "good". So, I'm gonna replace the set-up.

I'm not looking for "mad handling skillz", or "VW stance". I'm looking for a tad lower than stock SS, and still keep optimum ride quality - if possible!

First off, are there any reasonable "cheap struts" out there that'll serve this purpose? You know, the ones you get suggested to you at Sears or a tire place. Monroe, etc. Will anything of that nature be anything similar to my former FE3's? Again, not looking for insane handling - basically just looking to go to a mostly stock set-up. What kinda price would I be looking at here?

Next, would you just go with the FE5 t/c struts instead? CED has them cheap enough.. I did the springs in mine, but I might just have the dealer do the suspension this time if it's not too insanely expensive.. Any idea on installed price for FE5's?

Lastly, springs. I have Sportlines now, and don't have any other ones. With either a "cheap strut" or the FE5's, would you run those, stock FE5 springs, or something else? Once again, I'm choosing ride over stance at this point.

Any suggestions or images of reference would be kick ass.

Thank you!!
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2010 | 11:44 AM
  #2  
countrySS's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: 07-23-07
Posts: 1,706
Likes: 0
From: cordova, Maryland
i have a SS/SC on sportlines and i've been told that the TC struts are much better than the SC just what i've heard
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2010 | 11:50 AM
  #3  
csementuh's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: 12-20-07
Posts: 3,055
Likes: 0
From: Jeannette, PA
SS/TC struts and shocks with Pedders and rack spacers

~$600 now from both CED and OTTP. Both places have ~10 sets in stock.

Just bought the Pedders for my other TC suspension parts.

I'm pretty positive nobody else makes any struts and shock for Cobalts. At least not for FE5 pieces. Those Koni Yellows are great, but about ~$300 a piece. KYB may make a stock replacement for FE1, but it's gonna be junk anything else.

I already have the Sportlines, TC struts, shocks, rach spacers, OTTP SCABs, etc, etc, and the car handles pretty damn good, but as you said rough as hell. I heard the Pedders were the bee's knees, so I just bit the bullet on them. I'm realllllllly looking forward to a nicer ride and great handling.

Originally Posted by countrySS
i have a SS/SC on sportlines and i've been told that the TC struts are much better than the SC just what i've heard
They are. But still bad lol. That's the setup I'm on now. The extra dampening of the TC struts helps a good amount, but when you're in pothole city, you need more.

Last edited by csementuh; Jul 16, 2010 at 11:50 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2010 | 11:51 AM
  #4  
averagewhiteboy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: 10-23-05
Posts: 8,761
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Tell me about it. My ride is probably on par to a horse and carriage..

So you're suggesting FE5 t/c's and some type of spring.. Likely either FE5 springs or Pedders? What do you think a dealer install price would be on suspension? I really don't want to mess with it anymore.. lol

I'm mostly just looking for a stock ride, but preferably slightly dropped..
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2010 | 12:07 PM
  #5  
csementuh's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: 12-20-07
Posts: 3,055
Likes: 0
From: Jeannette, PA
Dealer would charge out the ass for install probably.

If you don't mind the drive to Delmont, Fran (BoostedYards86) owns a shop there now called FRJ Performance, and I believe he is pretty cheap.
Reply
Old Jul 18, 2010 | 11:38 AM
  #6  
averagewhiteboy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: 10-23-05
Posts: 8,761
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Word. Fran seems to be a good guy.

I'll have to see if my friend with a t/c wants a free lunch to help me with them.. haha
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2010 | 02:28 PM
  #7  
2006CobaltSS12's Avatar
New Member
 
Joined: 02-01-09
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Grafton, WV
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...P2599C514.aspx

There is a direct link for the SS/TC shocks/struts with Pedders. Not a bad deal.

http://www.racepages.com/products/?N...485+9900+11921

There is a link with stock replacements if that's the way you want to go.
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2010 | 02:30 PM
  #8  
coopercharge's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: 01-27-10
Posts: 1,233
Likes: 0
From: Omaha, Nebraska
Coilovers!
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2010 | 02:52 PM
  #9  
averagewhiteboy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: 10-23-05
Posts: 8,761
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Would those KYB's in the link be basically like stock FE3's?
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2010 | 03:01 PM
  #10  
2006CobaltSS12's Avatar
New Member
 
Joined: 02-01-09
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Grafton, WV
yes, the KYB's are basically like the stock FE3's.
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2010 | 03:04 PM
  #11  
05Slowline's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: 06-03-10
Posts: 6,918
Likes: 0
From: HBG/Hanover
They're really easy to do yourself bro just gotta take off the wheels unbolt the tie rods/struts. Spring compressor and taking the wheels off is prob the most annoying part.
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2010 | 02:28 PM
  #12  
averagewhiteboy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: 10-23-05
Posts: 8,761
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
I know. I installed my Sportlines. I just don't FEEL like doing it.. haha
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2010 | 03:33 PM
  #13  
05Slowline's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: 06-03-10
Posts: 6,918
Likes: 0
From: HBG/Hanover
Oh ok I know that feeling .
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2010 | 10:20 PM
  #14  
Nighthawk243's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 11-20-07
Posts: 2,961
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh, Pistolvania
Yeah, that "Meh... too ******* humid out" feeling. Thats why I have yet to detail the paint.
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2010 | 10:57 PM
  #15  
brickloaf's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 08-29-08
Posts: 1,792
Likes: 1
From: STL
might as well spend 20 extra dollars from the KYB struts and get FE5 struts
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2010 | 01:37 AM
  #16  
northvibe's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: 06-07-06
Posts: 14,121
Likes: 11
From: Minnesota
Get the tc/ss shocks and struts with pedders you will love your self and us for recommending them
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2010 | 09:16 AM
  #17  
averagewhiteboy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: 10-23-05
Posts: 8,761
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Originally Posted by northvibe
Get the tc/ss shocks and struts with pedders you will love your self and us for recommending them
Yeah, that's probably what I'll end up doing. That, and go for these local SS chrome 18's.. I think that'll have a slick look..
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
agentirons
Electronics, Audio, and Video
2
Oct 16, 2015 02:11 AM
justinchinn
General Cobalt
3
Oct 2, 2015 12:18 PM
Trav3480
Problems/Service/Maintenance
0
Oct 1, 2015 08:17 PM
DANRICKARD
Problems/Service/Maintenance
8
Oct 1, 2015 12:08 AM
importkiller
Problems/Service/Maintenance
11
Sep 30, 2015 07:18 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:26 AM.