If I buy the SS bumper cover, I know it will bolt on to my LS model BUT will it work with my absorber or will it not fit until I get an absorber off of an sS?

Best way is to get the correct foam absorber.
Take a look at this thread. Post #6 has a picture that shows the parts needed for a complete front swap.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/hhr-...se-help-52982/

Did the SS mod a few years ago. This is what you will need. Got it all from Rock Auto.

RF2 do you have any part number from Rockauto for that kit.
I haven’t seen it on EBay in a couple of years. Oh sure EBay make me a liar

https://www.ebay.com/itm/06-07-08-09...1102014?_ul=CA

Guess you have to get the fog lights separate. Don't see them in the pic.
(SS fog lights are different from the regular HHR ones. They don't interchange.)

I’m doing a budget build lol. One piece at a time. On eBay just the bumper cover is only like $280. That’s another reason I’m thinking I could put the bumper cover on first then find all the little nit-picky pieces to complete it.

My main question would be if I order the bumper cover on eBay for $280, could I install it with my stock absorber? I’m having an issue finding just the absorber. I’m not as concerned with the air dam or other minor plastic pieces at the moment.

Depends on how legal you want to be. Technically speaking that chunk of foam is the bumper.

Maybe you are not using the correct search term, I got Amazon,eBay and several others with the part number in GoOgle. 25809883

You have to look up all the parts. They had the lights too. This is what it turned out like.

I’m thinking one part at a time will work out to obsolete parts and hard to find pieces adding up to way more than $999.00. Plus all those prices have a shipping cost , I like the one shot , one order , get everything you need. I’m not a fan of fog / driving lamps , so those can wait.