I'm getting 18 inch rims and was gonna do the lowering spring kit too but now I hear that will cause such a bad ride that I will regret it. I have a 1LT. So.......

1. Opinions on ride and handling with the lowering kit...is it that bad?
2. Pics of unlowered 1lt or ls's with 18's as example so I can see the gap and what size tires
3. What size tire is good ride and look for 18's lowered and unlowered.

I know that's a lot but my budget is tight and I wanna get it right the first time. Thx

 

I have fe5 suspension. Put in pedders, looked great, ride was bumppy to me. Took them out, happy with what the GMPD did. My sugestion would be switch to Fe5, its an inch lower than yours, add a TTR rear sway bar, and you will love the suspension and reduce the wheel gap, on a budget. There should be a few with stock springs to sell, and I will sell my TTR sway bar to you for 80.00 and you will be on your way.

 

1LT. These are 225/40's. I'm now running a slightly taller 225/45. No drop. The 225/40 were slighly shorter than the stock 215/55R16 and the 225/45's are slighly taller.

 

Lowered with progressive Springs. 2 3/4" rear. 2" front
18" Wheels and tires
Rear Sway Bar

Way better ride than stock, in my opinion.

 

If that is stock 1lt suspension...that looks good!

 

What would install on something like that cost?

 

I don't even think I had the sway bar on in this shot. So yes, it's totally stock.

 

here's my 1LT on SS Cobalt springs. Cost me $65 for the springs shipped (bought them on here) on stock 16's. Handles better, but a tad bouncier than stock...I think the ride it better. Not super low but does flatten the stance. Had it aligned and put new struts in while I was there (it REALLY needed them come to find out) which may have helped the ride vs stock anywho. Hope this helps!


Stock set up when I bought it. Looks SOOOO much higher now that I look at the pic

 

Just did this change.

FE5 Delco parts......

$200 for the pair of frt. struts (if you can get them)
$140 for the rear pair of shocks
$130 for the frt and rear springs

All prices new at shipping point. If you don't do the labor yourself, add that cost.

I purchased my frt and rear SS springs from a member here and installed them immediately. Noticed some difference. Yesterday I reinstalled the springs with the new struts and shocks.

This combination is better than the FE3 but, imo, not by a lot or up to my expectations/requirements. This may be the result of the FE3 larger frt anti sway bar and the Progressive rear bar.
I'm looking for additional items to provide better handling.

 

Yeah 18's with stock suspension may be way to go for me because that looks good and I use my hhr for utility and as a loaded to the roof beach buggy with 4-5 people plus a FULL cargo area so lower may not be good