Thank you all very much for the info.

I still want to get more peoples opinions, and info.

But again, thanks to all!!

 

Here's one more,,, I put the pedders in and it looked good. I didn't like the lack of travel, it was mildly bouncy. I took them out put the F5 back in, it rocks fine I'll fill the wells with more tire.

 

I used the Eibach Pro kit on my '09 2LT Panel. Looks great and handles great with the HHR SS wheels and Continental ExtremeContact DW tires.

 

H&R springs part # 50740. 1 1/4" drop on front 1 1/2" drop on rear. KYB shocks, TTR sway bar. Rides nice for a lowered car, haven't bump stopped yet, loaded, 4 passengers. Spring were about $ 230 from Jeg's.

 

With a 2" difference in wheel diameter (and mentioning rake), I am assuming you are doing this more for looks than performance?

If that's the case, just go with the cheaper drop-type springs instead of paying more money for a performance based drop spring and strut.

 

'09 SS here lowered on Pedders springs re-using the stock FE5 struts. 18's fit fine front and back and it's daily driven in New England. If you're just going for looks H&R springs should give you the lowest drop, keep in mind that the ride will be 'bouncier" the lower you go. I'd also suggest a set of steering rack spacers if you go 2" or lower to align the steering rack and reduce bump steer on hard road bumps.

Later
Allex

 

Rod Run to answer your question/statement, yes I am doing it more for looks. But performance is not being left out. Yes having the different diameter wheels, and a raked stance will not be the absolute best for performance. But I still feel that with the right springs, and the right struts & Shocks, also sway bars, I feel I can still measurably improve handling over factory.

I do thank you very much for your advice, as well as everyone else for theirs. I am very happy that this forum is not one that is negative, and rude to those who are not as knowledgeable as them.

Also, please keep the advice coming. Even after I decide on my springs and shocks & struts, this thread can still help others.

 

if that's the case, just spend the money and go with Pedders springs and FE5 shocks and struts also. That will solve both things that you are looking for

I have Pedders on two of my vehicles (including the HHR) and have no issues with them. The HHR sits perfect and with their springs, but after reading everyone's reviews on here, and knowing how Pedders works with my other car, I was definitely expecting a little more on the handling end.

If you really want ot get crazy and have all kinds of height adjustibility options, along with the best handling possible, spend the money on Pedders coilovers. Not really worth it for a DD, in my eyes, but definitely gives you all the options you are looking for

 

I am really diggin' the Eibach pro kit after getting a few more miles in on them. The daily driving is close to the same. Though when you hammer a corner they really stand out as you utilize the progressiveness of the springs. The HHR has been a lot more fun to drive since I installed them. The car is very flat around corners. I would like to go lower for looks, but these handle great and the ride is smooth. From what I understand these lower/handle similar to the stock SS springs. I had the SS rear springs installed for a bit in the rear and the Eibachs are not as stiff over smaller bumps.

 

I agree 100%. I have had the same set up for five years. I love the way it handles! Todd (Uma)