FE5 struts
 

I have an '08 SS with the FE5 suspension package, and it needs front struts. My understanding is they are HHR specific and they are NLA from GM. From what I can tell, the FE3 doesn't fit and nobody makes aftermarket FE5. Rock Auto has the right side but nobody has the left.

What are my options for a replacement?

I’ve seen some install the KYB struts and they do fit. Might just have a little different valving. OEM are hens teeth and there’s no way of knowing what you’re getting for your 16 year old SS .
I have the KYB struts in my 2LT they are stiffer than the FE3 struts. Kinda FE4.5 I’d say.

OTP shows Koni Yellow struts for our cars. No clue how they might work but since the Yellows have easily adjustable rebound damping you can probably get them working, but $420/pair. But I've sent a couple of inquiries to OTP with an $700 list of parts I want to confirm fit my 08 SS and they don't answer so no idea how to even ask if they make sense.

All HHR shocks and struts "fit" the same. Any POS generic strut or shock that "fits" any HHR will "fit" your SS. And it will suck. That includes many items that "fit" FE1/FE3

"Fits" is a parts industry weasle word. Just because it "fits," i.e., you can get it installed, doesn't mean it's appropriate for the application.

I agree with Oldblue's above comments.

I would also go with the Konis mentioned by Ianzaino in a flash.ino

Why are you replacing your SS struts? The originals were pretty good and last a long time. My SS is 100K+ and the strurs are still great, but I squirreled away a set of OEM's anyway. Last I checked, the OEM right was available from one source, and the left from another. There are GM p/n'and different AC Delco p/n's. Pretty sure Sachs made them, but I doubt they still do. Have no idea what their p/n are/were.

If you need shocks, SS OEM were Sachs #030871. They can still be found, not too expensive. A monotube shock and a very good value.

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