I recently installed 06 cobalt ss springs on my hhr. They lowered it about an inch in the front and 1 1/2 inches in the rear. I know its probably a bad idea but I am looking for an extra 1/2 inch drop, would heating my springs kill my ride quality? If so.. how much?

It takes the tempering out of the steel and will kill the ride. How much cannot be answered as " ride " is so subjective. Flip a coin dude!

I hear that you are better off cutting rather than heating. If you heat one side more than the other it will not sit even, and you loose the temper of the steel.

Or maybe a couple of spring clamps. Cheap and easy.

Are you still running the stock 16" Tire and Wheel Combo ? If so I would consider leaving the SS Springs as is and when it comes time for a Tire or Tire and Wheel upgrade think of a Larger size as to help fill the Wheel Well!

Are you still running the stock 16" Tire and Wheel Combo ? If so I would consider leaving the SS Springs as is and when it comes time for a Tire or Tire and Wheel upgrade think of a Larger size as to help fill the Wheel Well!

I have already upgraded to 20's.. my tire size is 225-35, and yes it did fill in the gap alittle, I was just wanting to go alittle lower... without spending the money on a complete setup for only a 1/2 inch.

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/8/1/2/9/100_9764.JPG

get a set of goldline springs it will drop it alot more than your pic shows with the ss springs here is a set for sale http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=20791

I wouldn't heat them, thy will crack over time.

Looks Pretty Sweet! IMHO there probably isn't a proper and budget way of getting it that extra 1/2"! Maybe when the Tires need replacing you could go with 235's? Also if going much lower than you already are I would be concerned with it being to low (Tire Rub)! The way it sits with the 20's is probably your most practical for a Dailey Driver! Looks Pretty Sweet as Is!!!

cutting them is a better idea. if you heat them it will sag over time, which can be good cause you will always wish it was lower. with heat they will always be lower!

Let's see.Install different springs to lower car 1 to 1 1/2 ".Install 20" wheels with 225/35-20 tires which are .9" taller than the stock 215/55-16s.There goes your rear height reduction and cuts your front reduction to .6".Seems like a lot of effort for no almost no change in the back and just under 5/8" in the front.What am I missing here?

.Seems like a lot of effort for no almost no change in the back and just under 5/8" in the front.What am I missing here?

What am I missing... If I lower 1/2 inches all the way around... wouldnt it lower the car??? All I am after is to shorten the wheel gap.... And as for the new 20's being almost 1" taller... I compared them side by side.. It only looked about 1/2" ... but I could be wronge....

You'd only lower the back by .1"-hardly perceptible.You'll notice the front lower but you still have a forward rake,not a level car.

just take the springs out and cut them. take some pics and post them. then say look what i did instead of asking permission. i went a little lower than everyone thought i could.looking at your pic it could go a lot lower
i cut the springs on mine just before i bagged it and had no trouble at all. be sure you cut less than you want then put it together and ride around a week. if it needs to go lower repeat the process

plus if the tire was 1 inch taller side by side it would only make 1/2 inch difference when its on the car. 1/2 inch taller would be 1/4 inch which makes almost no difference depending on psi in the tire

Don't qoute me on this but as I recall when I installed our Eibach Pro Kit the Front Springs would be Cut-a-bull? The Rear Springs sit on Flat Perches Top and Bottom and are Wound to accomadate this! IMHO you would be happier to install the correct lower springs and sell the SS Springs!

Don't qoute me on this but as I recall when I installed our Eibach Pro Kit the Front Springs would be Cut-a-bull? The Rear Springs sit on Flat Perches Top and Bottom and are Wound to accomadate this! IMHO you would be happier to install the correct lower springs and sell the SS Springs!

I'm leaning toward just buying a new set..