The MacPherson strut independent front suspension uses SS-specific gas-charged twin-tube struts, unique steering knuckles with optimized geometry, 28 N/mm linear coil springs with specific damper tuning, stiffer control arm handling and stabilizer bar bushings, and a direct-acting, 23-mm solid stabilizer bar. At the rear, the SS`s semi-trailing twist beam axle uses monotube gas-charged shocks with specific damper tuning, a 24-mm solid stabilizer bar, stiffer axle bushings and multi-rate coil springs (30-40 N/mm).

Most upgrades are something like 23/24mm on the front and 27 or so mm on the back, so as you can tell, for stock, they are fairly hefty.

 

The rear shocks leave a lot to be desired........ WW

 

I recently traded my '07 Solstice GXP for a '10 HHR SS. I loved the way the Solstice handled with the 4 wheel coilovers.
Is there something you can do with the HHR SS suspension to get some of that handling?

 

I added a OTTPerformance "Hardcore", 1 1/4", rear sway bar on my SS, and Believe me it really makes a difference from stock. Very little body lean now, and makes SS handle like a slot car. Very little difference in ride quality over bumps. Looking to tune up your suspension, then this is what you need. Lists as a Cobalt bar, but bolts right up to SS, in about ten mins. "Moon"

 

The SS and non SS models have the same bolt up positions for sway bars so the current ones on the market (Progress, Eibach, TTR, ect) will fit on the SS as they do on the non SS models. ( 2bolts per side in the pre drilled factory holes)

 

Isnt that a bit steep compared to the front? That comes out to a 33 mm bar!..Hmm maybe not too much..the 27 seems a bit soft anyways...front wheel drive makes it different anyways......hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

I have the TTR sway bar on mine n like it. It got stiffer n such while cornering but now i have coilovers as well and LOVE those

 

Thanks for the info on the sway bars. I will have to look into them.

bartSS, whose coilovers do you have and how difficult are they to install?

 

I have the Stance coilovers and they are cake. You just have to some measuring so the front is the same height on both sides as well as the back. But its real easy

 

I also have the TTR bar and love what its done for the handling... Although now that my wife has an LS I may switch the TTR to hers and pick up an OTTP hardcore to compare a bit.

After seeing Barts car first hand... I can say It looks awesome on the coilovers