I've been going through all the threads in this section for the last hour or so, but still didn't really see a definitive answer

I think I'm understanding that the LS has a more "touring" set-up, and then the LT has the same set-up as the SS?

KYB's products are based on the LS? Usually KYB makes products that are a step up from stock?

So if all this is true, the stock LT/SS shocks and struts are the best that I can do?


AND NO, I'm not going the coil-over route

Thanks for any concrete help that you guys can throw this way

 

I think if you do a re-search, you'll discover the HHR has 3 levels of suspension....level 1, the LS, ....level 2, the LT...and level 3, the SS.

I believe a few people stated, during the discussions in the previous threads, that the KYB's are equal to the level 2 (2LT) and would provide no additional benefit (as far as lift, stiffness, etc.).

I'm sure you will get more answers from other members.

 

So then the SS does have better shocks/struts than the LT or KYB's

The reason I'm wondering all of this is because I have a full Pedder's suspension in my GTO, and their GSR struts and Big bore rear shocks really compliment their springs. night and day difference from running the stock shocks with their springs

I am going to get the Pedder's springs for my HHR and want to find the best shock I can to balance out the set-up

 

Slight correction....

Level 1, Level 3, level 5.....same related models as indicated.

You want to look the parts up on an OEM web site, such as GMPartsHouse.com, and see what the differences are.

 

dont forget Koni shocks which are great...if you have deep pockets

 

This is correct. I don't know what the LS suspension is called but the 2LT is an FE3 (sport suspenssion) and the SS is an FE5 (performance). Cobalts are basically the same way. I just installed a set of Cobalt FE5 shocks on my 2LT with Goldline springs. You can definately feel a difference.

 

OK

That's where I got confused in the other threads. It seems pretty clear here though. I'll have to look into the FE5 set-up. I'll take a peak at Koni prices (I have fully adjustable Konis in my '69 Camaro)

thanks again!

 

Just looked at Koni prices.

I guess I'll be going with the FE5 set-up.

If this was a toy of mine I would buy the Konis, but I just can't justify laying out the cash on a vehicle that is mainly my bad weather beater, while my other toys stay in the garage

 

so for us SS owners, unless we go the coil-over route, there is nothing other than the ACDelco OEM's... The KYB's aren't rated for the FE5 set-up, neither is Monroe, Koni's, etc.

Anyone know of a strut/shock upgrade for the SS? vette, camaro?

 

Koni is an upgrade and they have the adjustability built into them. Koni makes a great product but I just can't justify the cost for my situation