I know cutting the springs is the "bootleg" way to lower a car, but I cut two turns on my previouslly owned Altima and installed GR-2 struts and it worked out pretty good. On my HHR though, I'm wondering if the weight will be a factor. I know it weighs alot more than my Altima did. Has anyone tried this or has some input on this?

 

Agree about bootleg cutting springs.

But won't work on rear HHR springs, If you see a picture you will know why.. They are wound tight on each end to hold bump-stop & upper stop & locator as well..

 

How do you propose to cut the springs? AND as stated above....may be difficult with the HHR rears.

 

Can possibly cut the fronts, but will need to heat and bend the cut end (which needs to be beveled also) to set flat in the perch..forget the rears...
As far as weight..no problem as when you cut they automatically increase spring rates...but may be TOO much and too stiff...............

 

Get goldlines for 200 and keep stock struts..... or heat em up... No go GLs

 

I think my experience, from way back, revealed that heating the springs removed the temper. Thus, making them "spongy". Maybe I'm wrong though.

 

I've riden in two cars with cut springs...rode like donkey carts. They both handeled ok and held up, but ride quality was AWFUL. Spend the $$$

 

'Zactly..you have no control over spring rates this way...but then, those that do the chop shop looky me thing don't care.....do it right and 'spring' for the right parts.....(snicker)

 

I agree with you, heating springs is not a good practice..

Lot of stuff done back in the day, is just crazy today..Maybe I'm getting older & value my life more..

 

I took everyone's advice and went ahead and ordered the Goldlines with the kyb GR-2s. I'm looking at the 18's off the Saturn Sky for it but my question now is, will I need a camber kit to keep the tires from wearing un-evenly or do the HHRs come with some kind of camber adjustment stock?