Lowering with GM parts
09-29-2009, 09:59 AM
#111
Senior Member
Join Date: 09-12-2009
Location: Charlotte NC
Posts: 143
Wow... a lot of back-and-forth on here. I see some good info... I also see some "old timers" who are very technical and way too concerned about spring rates and shock matching and etc.
Let's start with a fact here. The HHR is not a track car or a racer... it is a wagon. I very much doubt many people are going to be autocrossing this vehicle. Most folks are just looking for a slightly better stance with good daily-driver performance.
I know several Cobalt SS / Ion Redline drivers who are slammed on the stock shocks... things seem to be holding up fine for them... so I wouldn't really worry about overloading the HHR shocks by dropping it just an inch.
I did some checking on Motor Trend and C&D... the curb weight of the HHR is about 200lbs more than a Cobalt SS Coupe and about 150lbs more than a Cobalt SS Sedan. HHR owners using Cobalt SS springs should be aware of this difference... but it is really not that big of a deal.
All this said. I am going to be picking up a set of 06 SS/SC springs from a local friend in a few weeks for $50. I'm really just looking for about 1" of drop all around and maybe a little less body roll. We'll see how it goes.
Let's start with a fact here. The HHR is not a track car or a racer... it is a wagon. I very much doubt many people are going to be autocrossing this vehicle. Most folks are just looking for a slightly better stance with good daily-driver performance.
I know several Cobalt SS / Ion Redline drivers who are slammed on the stock shocks... things seem to be holding up fine for them... so I wouldn't really worry about overloading the HHR shocks by dropping it just an inch.
I did some checking on Motor Trend and C&D... the curb weight of the HHR is about 200lbs more than a Cobalt SS Coupe and about 150lbs more than a Cobalt SS Sedan. HHR owners using Cobalt SS springs should be aware of this difference... but it is really not that big of a deal.
All this said. I am going to be picking up a set of 06 SS/SC springs from a local friend in a few weeks for $50. I'm really just looking for about 1" of drop all around and maybe a little less body roll. We'll see how it goes.
10-07-2009, 04:30 PM
#112
Platinum Member
Join Date: 01-09-2007
Location: SE USA
Posts: 15,976
Well, just got this message from GMParts online:
"Part number 25821162 is currently on backorder with GM and GM does not have an ETA for the part to be released off backorder".
Certainly did not make my day... Anyone have any suggestions ?? I only want to 'level my ride'..
And try to not void the warranty, also..
"Part number 25821162 is currently on backorder with GM and GM does not have an ETA for the part to be released off backorder".
Certainly did not make my day... Anyone have any suggestions ?? I only want to 'level my ride'..
And try to not void the warranty, also..
..... How About this Part Number: 10390024
10-07-2009, 07:43 PM
#114
Senior Member
Join Date: 09-12-2009
Location: Charlotte NC
Posts: 143
Well, just got this message from GMParts online:
"Part number 25821162 is currently on backorder with GM and GM does not have an ETA for the part to be released off backorder".
Certainly did not make my day... Anyone have any suggestions ?? I only want to 'level my ride'..
And try to not void the warranty, also..
"Part number 25821162 is currently on backorder with GM and GM does not have an ETA for the part to be released off backorder".
Certainly did not make my day... Anyone have any suggestions ?? I only want to 'level my ride'..
And try to not void the warranty, also..
10-07-2009, 08:22 PM
#116
Platinum Member
Join Date: 05-09-2006
Location: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
Posts: 6,805
For those who would like to know.......
The HHR SS rear springs will drop the car about 3/4 inch. I haven't installed the fronts yet, so I can't provide any info.
Also, the "wire" diameter is the same between the two, approximately .568 thick (measured at the middle coil). A side by side comparison of the 2LT springs and the SS reveals about a 1 1/2 inch difference in height. The coil is wound a little tighter, which probably accounts for additional stiffness.
Oh and forgot to say....it took about 1 hour 15 minutes for the install., on my hoist. But I cleaned and polished the wheel wells and accessible undercarriage.
The HHR SS rear springs will drop the car about 3/4 inch. I haven't installed the fronts yet, so I can't provide any info.
Also, the "wire" diameter is the same between the two, approximately .568 thick (measured at the middle coil). A side by side comparison of the 2LT springs and the SS reveals about a 1 1/2 inch difference in height. The coil is wound a little tighter, which probably accounts for additional stiffness.
Oh and forgot to say....it took about 1 hour 15 minutes for the install., on my hoist. But I cleaned and polished the wheel wells and accessible undercarriage.
10-08-2009, 12:05 AM
#117
Platinum Member
Join Date: 01-09-2007
Location: SE USA
Posts: 15,976
DLVRNIT wrote: Sand Bags ..... How About this Part Number: 10390024
I'll have to check on that...Thanks Kevin. & yes I have weighted a vehicle to see what a particular drop would look like...
Is that for all 4 springs ?
Mr. Marc, you can have em if you want.. & Thanks for the courtesy of first dibbs..
Snoopy-
Appreciate the info, but the HHR SS springs cost double & are a bit too stiff in comparison for my needs, imo.
Billy
I'll have to check on that...Thanks Kevin. & yes I have weighted a vehicle to see what a particular drop would look like...
Mr. Marc, you can have em if you want.. & Thanks for the courtesy of first dibbs..
Snoopy-
Appreciate the info, but the HHR SS springs cost double & are a bit too stiff in comparison for my needs, imo.
Billy
Last edited by sleeper; 10-08-2009 at 12:51 AM.
