what springs with the lowest drop can the HP series handle?
"still want to smash that like the fist of an angry god"
i still say they are oem replacements so i would say only stock. some say they can handle a 1.5" drop so if thats the case any spring that not lower than 1.5" (ie prokit or tein h tech)
well what i relle want is the best bang for my buck. i wanna have a good drop so it doesnt look like a 4x4. but i dont need anything adjustable. what suspension set-up would u guys recommend that isnt cheap nor expensive?
"still want to smash that like the fist of an angry god"
the only struts for J-bodys meant to handle a drop are adjustable.
the cheapest quality setup will either be the Tien basic coilovers or the AGX's wih a prokit
I went with the ST Suspensions 1.2" springs. This is about, if not, the smallest drop available and I prefer linear rate springs. I needed springs that lowered the car and firmed up the ride but did not want to lower it too much since I would be taking the car into Mexico from time to time with their humongous unannounced speeds bumps, holes, and what not. I didn't want to slam the car either. I tried OEM replacement struts since the sticky indicates that they may work OK. Well it did not work. I ended up getting a set of Tokiko D Specs after a lenghty road trip.
In fact when I got to my desired location on that road trip I tried to get the D Specs locally since the ride was so damn bad on the OEM (Monroe) replacments. I did not have any luck so I had to wait until I got home which made for the same disgusting ride home. One OEM replacement was bad after about 3k or 4k miles. I did not want to mess with installing Koni yellows although these would have been an acceptable option also. I most likely could have gotten the KYB AGX struts which are cheaper than the D Specs but i am happy with the D Spec purchase.
Once the struts are adjusted the ride is very comfortable and controlled without being harsh. I also have F/R Addco sway bars, some kind of strut bars, and OEM 16" wheels with cheap but firm sidewalled BFGoodrich g-Force Sports.
The first trip into Mexico went very well with less bottoming on the speed bumps than with the factory springs and the car handled roads through the mountains as fast as the rest of the family would stand for.
I could of purchased one of the spring/strut kits (Koni, Tokiko, etc.) with similar drops for about the same price and they could of very well provided the same or better ride quality with a very slightly lower drop but I am happy with what I have since it suits my purposes. The car handles very well and any trade off in handling vs. lower/stiffer springs is easily made up in the everyday driving comfort.
Perhaps you may want to look into the TOKICO HPK291 HP kit. It has a 1.4" drop and uses the HP struts. Since it comes as a kit from Tokiko it should be a well matched kit for a reasonable price. Hell for the price I just saw I should have looked at this when I was spending money since these look like linear springs from the pics. Since I have no intention of swapping the suspension out and trying this kit I have no further comment on it. I have my eye on the 2009 Cobalt SS 4 door anyway so the Cav will become my wife's car.
In the end there may be no way around adjustable struts if you want to lower a Cavalier/Sunfire and have any reliablity/control/comfort although some may disagree and they are certainly free to so. This comes from someone who wants it all and would prefer it to be cheap but cheap just isn't going to happen with this car when it comes to struts IMO.
PeteH wrote:I could of purchased one of the spring/strut kits (Koni, Tokiko, etc.) with similar drops for about the same price and they could of very well provided the same or better ride quality with a very slightly lower drop but I am happy with what I have since it suits my purposes. The car handles very well and any trade off in handling vs. lower/stiffer springs is easily made up in the everyday driving comfort.
Perhaps you may want to look into the TOKICO HPK291 HP kit. It has a 1.4" drop and uses the HP struts. Since it comes as a kit from Tokiko it should be a well matched kit for a reasonable price. Hell for the price I just saw I should have looked at this when I was spending money since these look like linear springs from the pics. Since I have no intention of swapping the suspension out and trying this kit I have no further comment on it. I have my eye on the 2009 Cobalt SS 4 door anyway so the Cav will become my wife's car.
B & G has a S2K sport susupension kit as well. 1.6" drop for $600 at shox.com with non adjustable struts that are allegedly valved for the springs. Haven't heard them mentioned on this forum though.
Read the sticky at the top of the page really good info there.....from there its just search the web for the best deals... ive heard good things about the kyb agx and pro kit set up im going that route...also the mantapart struts are supposed to be really good and the price is good too....but if you dont live close enough to go pick them up good luck on waiting on the shipping i guess.....its really your preference on what you like when it comes to the ride of the car.....but anything OEM that i have had with my eibach prokits have blown within 10k miles rides really nice untill they blow then the ride goes to hell and the car bounces all over the place....i found kyb agx struts all 4 on ebay brand new for under 400 and summit racing has them for around 450....but again stay away from OEM struts when lowering a car if your gonna do it do it right the first time saves you from doing it again in 10k miles or so
the TOKICO HPK291 HP kit is a great setup even with the 1.4 inch drop that is whats on my car right now and its a night and day difference over stock something that you should more then likely take a look at, once it settles its a much nicer and stiffer ride, and alot less bounce something you should look into if you dont want to adjust but want the car lowered
"As I lay rubber down the street, I pray for traction I can keep, but if I spin and begin to slide, please dear God protect my ride." -Amen
The Hp struts will take a 2 inch drop...As long as you cut the bump stops..I have had mine in for 1 year now and loged 60 thousand KM on them..they do not bounce and no leakes any where on them..if you dont belive me call tokico will tell you what to cut of of the bump stops....That what I did..very happy with them..
your suppose to cut the bump stops anyway. tokico shouldnt have to tell you that.
I know to cut them..But there are lots of people that dont know about it or do it for that matter..So I am just putting it out there for people..
