There is no way to know what they based there struts on because that part number fits 2006-2008 hhr's (which covers three different types of suspension) and 2005-2008 cobalts (which covers four types). It doesn't necessarily mean they're an FE5 equivalent.

 

True, but KYB has been around along time, I have personally have had a set of them on a previous car that was lowered, they worked great. I have no way of saying for sure if they are equal to the FE5, but when I get a little extra cash I will give them a try. They realesed them a good year after the SS was out so it wasn't like they developed them just for the regular HHR.

 

KYB shocks are high press units,,what this says is they willl add some height(but all depends on the vehicle..like an air shock).Also in cornering, why would you want a shock to "help lift" the inside corner of the car? A low press shock would be better or a non pressurized one.I havnt had alot of luck with stock replacement KYB's on my truck,they always go away after a year.And be wary of the "what they will fit " as yes they will fit all the HHR's but as mentioned,it doesn't men they are exactly correct for your configuration.

 

I am getting the SS struts installed as we speak.

I will let you know how they work. I put on alot of city miles so this should be a good test to see how eibach springs and SS struts work together.

I already went through 3 sets of factory struts, its a good thing they were all covered by warranty. My HHR has over 95k miles, mostly city driving.

 

Being in the shock business myself, "High pressure" means (nitrogen) 'gas' charged. It is not an 'air shock'. There is no extra 'lift' in corners. The gas pressure helps to push fluid back through the shock during the rebound stroke. It also minimizes oil cavitation (foamy oil). The stock HHR shocks are not gas charged so the KYB's would be an upgrade. Not a huge upgrade like a Koni or similar high-end aftermarket shock, but better than the low end product (stock shocks). In suspension you have different levels of quality & performance. Pay more, (usually) you get more! Common misconception: I dont race or push my vehicle hard so I dont need high-end (read: expensive) shocks. True but how important is safety to you? Good shocks will help stick the tires to the ground better. Tires in contact with the road is always good & this makes a safer ride (at any speed).

 

Then tell me why its a bad idea to remove the plastic tie on those pressurized shocks before installing them,is it because theshocks will fully extend and they are a b***h to collapse once in this position? This tells me when unloaded they will PUSH that corner of the vehicle up..another note..I did some height comparrisons on other vehicles and they do indeed raise the vehicle up( air shock was used as an example because most people understand this term), it may not be much and after a month or so may settle back down again, but they do. I'm not saying this because I'm guessing. You have grocery getters and you have those who use their vehicles for what they were intended,,choose your shocks wisely, they make a difference when the driver makes a mistake in judgement...

 

thanks HHR style, you really explained how things work, i thought the kyb's where an improvement but a lot of people on this forum dissmiss them as just "stock" replacement.

 

I got the FE5 suspension struts. I have almost 30k on them so far so good. Good choice guys, i appreciate it. I would recommend the eibach springs and FE5 struts to anyone.

 

Just 2 add my 2 cents I installed Eibach Pro Kit springs and KYB shocks/struts with 20 inch wheels and I really like the setup feels way better than stock (2006 LT1 FE1) but I do not want to stiff of a ride so I think the KYB are ideal upgrade unless you really have a need for alot more performance and as HHR Style says generally the more you spend the better equitment