Difference between "Touring" and "Sport" Suspension?
09-21-2011, 10:41 PM
#1
New Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 09-10-2011
Location: western Kentucky
Posts: 25
Difference between "Touring" and "Sport" Suspension?
I've searched, and can't find a definitive answer, so I'll ask it here.
I'm looking to buy my first HHR, and have tracked down one that's "Oh so close" to being IT.
I've been looking for a black panel that has the 2.4 engine and a sun roof. Figured I'd get a 2LT. Well, I found a 1LT that has the 2.4, sunroof, heated leather seats, power windows and seats and running boards.
Basically everything I would like except the roof rack and the sport suspension. I know I can add the rack whenever I want, so my thoughts turn to the suspension.
I asked the dealer if it had the sports suspension and if it was a 2LT.
He emailed me back that it was a 1LT and it has the "touring suspension".
Can someone give me a quick primer on the difference in the two?
I plan to lower or at least level it, so I'll probably be swapping out the springs, so what else, just sway bars, or are the shocks different enough that I need to change them, too.
My hot rod years are in the past, but I'd like something that handles decently (and won't wallow like a pig).
Teach me, oh gurus!
I'm looking to buy my first HHR, and have tracked down one that's "Oh so close" to being IT.
I've been looking for a black panel that has the 2.4 engine and a sun roof. Figured I'd get a 2LT. Well, I found a 1LT that has the 2.4, sunroof, heated leather seats, power windows and seats and running boards.
Basically everything I would like except the roof rack and the sport suspension. I know I can add the rack whenever I want, so my thoughts turn to the suspension.
I asked the dealer if it had the sports suspension and if it was a 2LT.
He emailed me back that it was a 1LT and it has the "touring suspension".
Can someone give me a quick primer on the difference in the two?
I plan to lower or at least level it, so I'll probably be swapping out the springs, so what else, just sway bars, or are the shocks different enough that I need to change them, too.
My hot rod years are in the past, but I'd like something that handles decently (and won't wallow like a pig).
Teach me, oh gurus!
09-21-2011, 10:47 PM
#2
Deceased
Join Date: 06-30-2010
Location: Kannapolis NC
Posts: 25,739
The touring suspension is a good everyday setup, not too firm, not too soft, just a good compromise.
The sport suspension is calibrated to take advantage of the lower profile 17" tires used on the 2LT, its a bit tighter and just a little rougher on broken pavement.
Both setups benefit greatly from the addition of a rear sway bar and premium tires, the stock Firestones leave a lot to be desired on ether setup.
And to answer your question in more detail, the shocks and springs do differ between the FE1 touring suspension and the FE3 sport suspension. You shouldn't need to replace shocks with leveling springs.
The sport suspension is calibrated to take advantage of the lower profile 17" tires used on the 2LT, its a bit tighter and just a little rougher on broken pavement.
Both setups benefit greatly from the addition of a rear sway bar and premium tires, the stock Firestones leave a lot to be desired on ether setup.
And to answer your question in more detail, the shocks and springs do differ between the FE1 touring suspension and the FE3 sport suspension. You shouldn't need to replace shocks with leveling springs.
09-22-2011, 04:18 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: 03-06-2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 6,869
Yeah...... gas charged shocks and struts seems to be the big difference besides the 17" wheels. There may also be a slightly shorter set of end links on the front sway bar for the FE3, but we haven't had enough guys measuring theirs and reporting back..... That's not a very big deal and end links is something you will probably be changing out at some point anyways. Same for shocks and struts, at first replacement due to wear use KYB and you will have the "sport" package........
09-22-2011, 08:30 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: 08-03-2011
Location: Western MD
Posts: 683
Yeah...... gas charged shocks and struts seems to be the big difference besides the 17" wheels. There may also be a slightly shorter set of end links on the front sway bar for the FE3, but we haven't had enough guys measuring theirs and reporting back..... That's not a very big deal and end links is something you will probably be changing out at some point anyways. Same for shocks and struts, at first replacement due to wear use KYB and you will have the "sport" package........
09-22-2011, 08:37 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: 07-17-2006
Location: Dallas, GA
Posts: 6,050
I test drove both back in 06, and to be honest, it both had the same wheel/tire setup, I really don't think you would notice much differance. Slight dampening difference on the 2LT is about it (other than tires).
???