As previously stated by others, there is NO viable replacement for the OEM FE5 struts and shocks. The were valved better than the FE1 or even FE2. Downside is that you are still dealing with GM low bid quality unfortunately.

I've had the Konis on my '06 2LT for about four years now and love them! The Konis have been tested and proven to be superior to the FE5. And, they will not wear out anytime soon! I'd highly recommend them and the front insert install is not that big of a deal. The rear are a straight bolt in. Had them on a few cars and never regretted the decision.

That said, I'd like to see Bilstein come out with something, but doubt they will for our platform. I've had those on a few cars and loved them.

Finally, Monroe is junk.

 

Again, someone who upgraded from FE3's is praising the Koni's. But still no response to someone who switched from FE5's. Until I can afford coilovers OEM is ok, or until an SS owner chimes in and changes my mind. If there was a major improvement with different shocks, I would like to think we would have already made the switch, TTR would have had a group buy, and we would not be discussing this..

 

Id be curious just how much difference there is between models...I think its more the spring then anything..factory is known to compromise on the good stuff so grandma can still drive it. My LS with just a GL spring change feels great with just the stock shocks..so just perhaps the KYBs which are supposd to be 15% better then F3 might actually be 5% better then F5...yes, I know all about valving and damping, but you get my point. Anything KYB made was always better then stock. We all know F1-F3 and F5...but, what are the hard numbers.....

 

There's some people over on CobaltSS.net that do a lot of autocross and road course events. One actually had the FE5 and Konis tested on a shock dyno. Biggest difference was in rebound characteristics and the Konis are even adjustable for rebound. Their conclusion and experience was that the Konis are superior to the FE5s.

Coilovers are a totally different issue.

IMHO, FE5s are fine for most, but with a limited life that some are discovering due to quality. Konis have a long history of quality.

So.... Only two viable choices for struts and shocks right now for the SS crowd.

 

Off topic, but FE1 and FE3 share the exact same springs and sway bars. Only difference is that FE3 shocks are a gas filled whereas the FE1 are not. Not sure of the any differences in valving.

 

It still is not an HUT, the only thing we share with the 'balts is the drivetrain, there is a weight difference, center of gravity, etc. I'm not saying the Koni's are bad, just not tested on an SS versus OEM

 

It still is not an HHR, the only thing we share with the 'balts is the drivetrain, there is a weight difference, center of gravity, etc. I'm not saying the Koni's are bad, just not tested on an SS versus OEM

 

Not sure what you mean about "HUT", but the chassis is essentially the same, too. Yes, some minor weight differences, but characteristics should be the same.

I doubt anyone here would do the shock dyno testing nor serious track testing mentioned above.

That said, get Konis. Install. Compare. Report back!

 

Getting Konis are easier said than done. Most ppl don't have 1200 to spend on the Konis.

 

Not that expensive. PM TTR for a good price. Not cheap, but "you get what you pay for".