Interesting. I am sold to the FE1 suspension. So the main difference between an FE1 and FE3 suspension is the spring ? When it gets time to replace that FE1 suspension, I want to make sure I get the exact same ride again. Is that possible?

Most all aftermarket parts are FE3

Ok so which parts I should buy to keep the suspension raised by about 1 inches and keep that smooth SUV-style ride? Is there a solution like a separate kit strut + spring or maybe I should try to raise the suspenson with coil spring spacers ? The whole physical integrity of the vehicule feels much safer with the FE1 suspension as well. I would not go without.

* and I live in Unicorn Land (Canada) where the state pumps all it can from the taxpayers and gives back as little as possible : the roads are dangerous with holes and bumps everywhere.

I think I found these FE1 soft ride suspension https://www.piecesgm.com/search?sear..._id=&page_url=

I am definitely gonna get them regardless of the price asked. Doesn't look like they come with springs though...

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...4a3e1e6e5e.png

In the listing for HHR it states FE3.
I’m here in Canada also, I’ve had a very comfortable ride with KYB shocks and struts they don’t change the ride height, that would be the springs , Moog or KYB or Monroe.

Customer: "Are those struts FE1 or FE3 ?"
Seller: "Uhhhhh......Yes."

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...9451d40434.png

Those struts aren’t gonna lift the HHR .

I quite enjoy that little extra height. Does the KYB have good longevity ? All the aftermarket struts I used they last about a year, and during the colder day in winter they usually fail after some road bumps and potholes. I drive something like 700 km every week.

I owned Oldblue an LS with FE1 suspension, for ten years put on 400,000 klms , installed the KYB struts and shocks at 80,000 klms replaced those at 350,000 klms .
a smooth comfortable ride, I installed a set of KYB’s on my 2011 2LT replacing the OEM FE3 struts and shocks a very comfortable ride also.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...db498b6e2.jpeg
The BlackSwan, 2011 2LT on the left and Oldblue, 2007 LS on the right

I need to double check, just to be sure, you live in Ontario where I suspect roads are nicer. Queerbec ranks bottom for road quality. Have you ever test your suspension daily on roads that look like this?

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...9bd87b80f1.jpg

There is segment of roads that are in worst condition with potholes that even trucks might want to avoid. And I drive a lot there. Of course I do my best to avoid all these but when it's darker and the roads is wet or covered with snow you never know when the surprise will happen.