Ok,
The bad news is there is a limited selection of parts for the HHR so you better like what's out there, the good news is there is a limited selection of parts for the HHR so its easy to research. I'm looking to fill in the blanks and get a few word comment on the part

Strut/Spring (cheapest <$1000)
Struts:
Monroe: similar ride to OEM
Koni: stiffer than OEM and rebound adjustable
OEM (double check cobalt and HHR parts):
1) LS/1LT/soft, 2LT/firmer, SS/firmest

Springs:
Eibach: Pro-Kit for appearance only
Gold Line:
OEM sprints LS/1LT/2LT, SS
Cut OEM springs at your own risk

Coilovers (middle of the road cost - $1200):
Pedders - softer than SS with better handling after tweaking

Air Bags (most expensive - $1500 w/fabrication)

Rear Roll Bars ($150-200):
Progress
Turbo Tech

Front Roll Bars:
OEM

Bushings:
OEM quietest

Strut Tower Bars

Bump Stops:
Koni

Mounts:

Seth

 

Hi Seth, I may be wrong, but it is my understanding that the 2LT rear springs are the same as the base springs....the difference being simply the upgraded Sachs shocks on the 2LT. Also, there is a level between the standard/2LT rear springs and the SS rear springs.....the supercharged Cobalt SS rear springs. I hope this helps. God Bless, Marc

 

There are a couple aftermarket sources for frnt anti roll bars
Koni costs more then Monroe
KYB makes a shock /strurt about 15% stiffer - factory replacement,, nothing for SS
Can use the Cobalt SC/SS springs ( anybody ever check if the impala springs will work?? )

 

Ok,
I made the updates. Are the Koni's adjustable? Which model shock is it?
Also I want to confirm that simply changing the springs only does nothing to the ride or load carrying ability.
Only the coilovers/airbags or a strut change with the spring will do that.
A higher spring rate will make the ride bouncier with no shock change.
Does cutting the OEM spring by the amount necessary for the 1" drop affect the spring rate in a major way? How much material is needed to cut?

Thanks,

Seth

 

Seth,

The Konis are adjustable, rebound only. BTW, they DO fit the HHR.

The way the springs are designed they cannot be cut to lower.