Very new to the hhr and nodding and before I get to it. I've pretty much read that coilovers are a bad investment for this particular car and was wondering what your guys recommend for struts and springs just looking to lower a little bit nothing crazy. Thanks

 

coils are not a bad investment..what matters is your road conditions, age and how stiff a ride you like/can handle.
the lower you go the firmer the ride will be!
by your profile it shows that you have an LT, so you either have fe1 or fe3 setup..fe3 is nice but you can either swap the springs to fe5 (found on the SS) and it will lower you some...or you can go aftermarket such as the YYZ springs from Powell racing (which a lot of members on here will say are excellent)
Also if you want the illusion of being even more 'low' , try upsizing the rim size to 18" or 19" ..just remember, like i said earlier, the lower you go the more firm and bumpy the ride will be compared to what you have now...so best bet would to get the YYZ springs and see how u like it (sure u will) and then in the future upsize tire if your not happy with drop yet

 

If you just want to lower it, then go with just some lowering springs. There are several companies that make them.
If you want to lower it and improve the handling/performance, then swap out the struts/shocks/springs. Once again, several companies make them.

Coilovers a bad investment? Not true. If you're looking to really upgrade the suspension to a top tier item, then coilovers would be the way to go.
Now if your HHR is a family/grocery getter/daily driver, then no, coilovers are not for you.

 

Welcome to the site.

Actually struts and springs as well as coilovers has been a constant hot topic here, and has pretty much been discussed to death. Give the SEARCH tool a try at the top of the page and look for STRUTS and/or SPRINGS. I'm sure you will find some great advice there.

Keep in mind though that if you say you like BrandY, you will definitely find 6 other opinions stating BrandA thru BrandF are the best.

 

Easy answer, tried at least a dozen different set ups

Coilovers...KWv2

Springs....YYZ

Just for kicks the best sway bar is the Hardcore, by far........

 

Welcome to the site, there is nothing wrong with Canuck Motorsports springs, KYB struts, and making sure your front sway bar links are the shorter ones, the bushings are Energy Suspension Polys, the LCA rear bushing is in good condition, and the Turbo Tech Racing rear sway bar is also a good way to go for the daily driver! I have been on this set up for 4 years now and no major issues.

 

great advice. i live in Michigan so roads are pretty ruff. looking for a more aggressive look but still ride nice. will be buying 18" for it. i will not buy coil-overs. this car is a daily driver and will make several hundred mile trips a year.

 

If you put 18's on, then you will have a shorter sidewall, which will result in a stiffer/harsher ride.
That will kind of eliminate your wanting it to "still ride nice".

 

yes that is a consideration, and that is why I stayed with the 18 hole 16" steelies for the winter, what with ice and snow and salt chewing up the roads, and pot holes and train tracks, frost heaves, you get the picture!