Has anybody installed the Bilstein rear shocks, and if so, were they worth the (considerable) extra $$ to you? Back in my Porsche/Alfa Romeo days, I would use nothing but either Koni or Bilstein, but back ten, shocks were doing well to last 40,000 miles.

 

 

You may find shocks as good as the Bilsteins, but I doubt you find any thing better. When I replaced the shocks on my motorhome I was able to find an outfit (online) that sold me some Bilsteins for not much more than everything else.

 

Hmm.
I looked on the Bilstein site. They list the same shock number for all the HHR models, LS,LT,SS.
B6 Performance 24-118576.
Not sure how a "one size fits all" would work.

 

Just looked up that number you posted. It's the rear only. What is the one for the struts ?
Edit: Just went on their site. They only offer rears only.
Years ago when struts were a new thing you could take the thing apart and install a shock cartridge in the body of the strut . Monroe was a company that offered it. Did many when I worked in automotive repair shops. I guess today for safety reasons, or price, the company doesn't offer that no more.

 

Koni still does that for a lot of struts. I was afraid to do it when I was competing, so I went with KYB adjustables. Weak.

Now that I work in warranty and have been sprayed a few times by an oil/gas mix coming from a shock or strut, I would say it's no big deal. The cartridge or shell solves all fit issues, and the improved damping is worth it. I am a Chassis geek, but adjustable is my preference, if you want to spend for it. The difference is considerable between bottom and top of the range. You can also stiffen the rear and soften the front, then watch your FWD rotate in turns. Toss in some air pressure changes, and you could autocross your HHR.

BTDT.

 

woooo hoo auto cross and an hhr !!!!! yea baby !!