Shock/strut upgrade
11-08-2006, 07:52 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: 06-23-2006
Location: Northeast Ohio in the Lake
Posts: 578
I just noticed that the easystreet air ride kit has the same part number for an hhr, cobalt, and ion. Does this mean you could swap the aftermarket adjustable struts for the coalt onto the hhr?
11-08-2006, 09:29 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: 03-06-2006
Location: DETROIT
Posts: 304
Originally Posted by -md- HHR
I just noticed that the easystreet air ride kit has the same part number for an hhr, cobalt, and ion. Does this mean you could swap the aftermarket adjustable struts for the coalt onto the hhr?
I haven't had much time lately to check out the Ecotec forum, and know there are a couple HERE that are common there... so maybe they have better knowledge. As for me, I'd have to actually physically SEE the products for an accurate comparo (in my mind)... that is, until a manufacturer actually list's the part #'s as swapable. My initial thoughts are that mountings are different (thus resulting in a different travel than originally intended)
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Originally Posted by 06ChevyHHR
is there any aftermarket shocks available for the HHR yet?
PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE POST BEFORE RESPONDING!!!!... your asking the SAME question as the originator of this thread!!!
11-08-2006, 10:14 AM
#16
Platinum Member
Join Date: 05-09-2006
Location: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
Posts: 6,805
Originally Posted by SCOOT
IMO, new shocks (aftermarket units will ALWAYS be 100% better than OEM in my book!!!) will handle dampening and rebound better, and may also be adjustable (KYB units) to stiffen up the ride even more. Of course- this has nothing to do with compression, nor riding around with 4 people in the vehicle, although better/more efficient valving typically caters their products to the lowered vehicle masses.
We'll see... since there are none on the market, one can only guess. I've had GREAT results on my Mustang when I dropped and swapped the OEM units with KYB adjustables. Almost felt as smooth as a Caddy (well- not really).
We'll see... since there are none on the market, one can only guess. I've had GREAT results on my Mustang when I dropped and swapped the OEM units with KYB adjustables. Almost felt as smooth as a Caddy (well- not really).
Pretty general statement,..."aftermarket shocks will ALWAYS be 100% better....". While that is probably true for your shocks of choice, KYB (and Bilstein), it is not for some others. Several years ago a comparison was done on aftermarket "replacement" shocks like Gabriel, Monroe and several others. It was discovered that most did not meet compression rates (not sure if that is the correct term) or overall quality levels of the OEM. KYB, Bilstein, and a couple of other "specialty" shocks met or exceeded the requirements (particularly over a period of time).
Of course, that was several years ago, and it may have changed. But, my point is....you need to be careful, and selective, when purchasing any aftermarket part......because it fits, does not make it right.
11-09-2006, 08:29 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: 03-06-2006
Location: DETROIT
Posts: 304
Originally Posted by Snoopy
Hey Scoot.....
Pretty general statement,..."aftermarket shocks will ALWAYS be 100% better....".
Pretty general statement,..."aftermarket shocks will ALWAYS be 100% better....".
I guess I should have stated something along the lines of what "I've used". Then again, I did say "IMO" (maybe it should've been "In My Experience"). Sure, OEM's do the job- but not for long (no longevity). And this is where the aftermarket shines- but I guess I'm only referring to 'high(er) end or specialty products' specifically designed for a particular product. In all honesty- I'm not familiar with your readings, but it sounds like a pretty interesting article!! The exact kind of information I like to absorb...
Disclaimer: I, as I'd assume 'most', have an 'obsessive disorder' that makes me try to purchase only THE BEST of anything for my money; well- within my means.
I know, I know- some people live beyond their means, my means might be low, and some really don't care... so
To sum it up- "Champaign taste on a beer budget!"
12-11-2006, 08:00 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: 03-23-2006
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Posts: 286
Hey Mike, any new news? I gotta keep asking so this thread doesn't get buried. I'm in desperate need of new shocks / struts and don't want to replace stock for stock if they are going to go blow out in another 6 months.
