Silverfox

Well ... Here I am, still questioning which springs and shocks to install even after reading tons of threads on the subject.

I just bought my 8th HHR.

A Beautiful Silver 2010 1LT 2.4L Auto with only 14,500 miles on it.
One Owner .. Non Smoker .. GM serviced since new.

So to be clear ... It has the FE-1 smooth ride suspension.
My wheel clearance difference front to rear is 1 3/8" on both sides sitting on a level concrete slab with a full tank of gas. No cargo. Just compact rear spare tire.
This measurement leaves me very uncertain whether to use the SS/SC or SS/TC springs.
Yes, in the end it is a personal decision and only I can make it but the largest majority of posts on this subject are incomplete in their information and that does not help.
For example .. When you just say I have an LT, that does not tell me if it is a FE-1 or FE-3 suspension and depending on the year could also effect which spring and shock combo you started with, so your final opinion of the switch does not tell me the information I need to make a correct evaluation.
Some post do not even tell which SS cobalt spring they used.
Then we have posts using different shock applications without telling what suspension/shock they started with.

To help others going forward from this point I am going to list what info I have found. Most of it is already out there but not always organized or in one spot.

The Standard Factory Equipment is as follows;
LS & 1LT = FE-1
2LT = FE-3


OEM GM Rear Shocks
2006 - 2011

FE-1 15780243
FE-3 15806888

OEM GM Rear Springs
2006 - 2007

FE-1 2712222
FE-3 2712221

OEM GM Rear Springs
2008 - 2011

FE-1 2712222
FE-3 2712222

Cobalt SS for lowering HHR's.

OEM GM Rear Springs
2005 -2007
SC/10390024 Drop Approx. 1 1/2" Softer

2008 -2010
TC/25821162 Drop approx. 1 1/4" Stiffer

One other Unexplained note.
The upper Jouncer Bumper part numbers for the HHR and the Cobalt SS are different.

HHR Part # 25993737
Cobalt SS # 25993736

I see no mention in any prior posts that these different part numbers are a problem with the HHR bumper used on the Cobalt springs .. but there is the question in my mind are they actually different and how ??

As far as my decision on which spring/shock combo?
Still working on it.

Silverfox

lasater

Yikes!

Oldblue

Lots of info! I'd go with the T/C rear springs and bumper ( it's shorter)

Cat Man HHR

I put used T/C rear springs in my SS. Both the SS and T/C spring had the same number of coils and the same static height. The only difference was the wire diameter. The SS is .650" and the T/C is .550"
When I had my 2010 LS I installed the "103" spring and it leveled the rear out more than what I did to the SS.
Would like to know the wire diameter, number of coils and static height of the "103". Considering installing them to lower the rear a little bit more.

Silverfox

Because I Can .....

As I recall ... That was Billyboy Clintons answer to the Monica Lowinski affair.

Great job on your V-8 install by the way....

Silverfox

Oldblue

But Cat Man HHR , Silverfox has a 2010 1LT to lower so I advised on that basis.

Silverfox

Thanks for the bumper info.
Now that I know, I am leaning toward the TC and cobalt bumper.

I would think it would be an even better idea to use the Cobalt bumper on the SC spring as it is a softer application.

With the SC app. at 1 1/2"drop plus maybe it bit more as time goes by it would/could put me slightly lower then the front.
Especially as you add some extra stuff to my bare bones measurement test point.
I am also thinking FE-3 OE Shocks since Sleeper and a couple others started with a 2LT and then the TC Springs to get what they claim works perfect for them.
The other confusing option is the KYB shocks 349043 Excel G.
Many like them but there HHR application is one shock for both FE-1 and FE-3.
Not sure what that means for a reliable performance comparison.

I plan to test the car without a 1" rear sway bar to see if it performs the way I want it too.

Silverfox

Oldblue

I have a set of 1 1/2 inch lowering springs , a new set of Canuck Motorsports. PM me if you are interested.

Silverfox

Thanks Blue for the Offer but I am confused enough.

Think the TC application will be best taking into account all possibilities going forward.

Sitting at that 1 3/8" starting threshold leaves me with a "could go either direction" choice.
In the end I think I will be better off safe then sorry if I decide to tow a small boat or ???

Silverfox

Oldblue

Cool, don't forget to remove the bolts for the brake hoses before you remove the lower shock bolts.