The most cost effective alternative are GM PPV struts or Monroe Gas-Magnum severe duty PPV struts, and for the last couple weeks I was satisfied with that until I read lots of different threads on both forums about the mixed feelings car owners had about combining PPV struts with either FE2 springs or aftermarket lowered springs.
In the back of my mind, the notion of installing struts designed for a different car, no matter how similar it is to the G8 bothers me.
So today I did some research. It's pretty easy to find other choices that are only available in Australia and yes they cost more. The fact that a place like Spare Box AU advertises Monroe GT Sports shocks designed for lowered Holden Commodores motivated me to do research on Monroe AU.
VE, VEII with FE2 or Equivalent Lowered Suspension (Excluding FE3 SS Redline Edition), Sedan
http://www.monroe.com.au/trade-corne...m_used=sidebar
FRONT
Monroe GT Gas Front Strut 35-0632
Monroe GT Gas Front Strut 35-0633
REAR
Monroe GT Gas Rear Shock 35-0740
Note, there is a difference between Monroe GT Sports and Monroe GT Gas.