An alternative to FE3 struts and shocks

[Executor999]

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.

[WhatNext]

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.

Well, Fe2 struts that came on the GTs sucked and should have come with the PPVs or Fe3s from the factory (my opinion). But really, PPVs with Fe2 springs are fine (poly strut bushings too). They really glue the G8 down without a harsh ride. I only have poly strut bushings and the PPVs, everything else is stock. I use my G8 almost exclusively for road trips and couldn't be happier (but likely to go with grand touring tires instead of high perf tires the next time).

I do understand that if you have a lot of poly installed and/or wheels bigger than 18s, stiffer dampers may push the ride over the edge. As per my tire style comment (grand touring vs high performance), I am right at my edge and even decided not to go with the rear cradle inserts. So I understand its a tough call.

About the Aussie Monroe GTs - Thought I read way back that they like their dampers real stiff in Australia and the GTs fit that bill. So check into that before you commit.

[Executor999]

Well, Fe2 struts that came on the GTs sucked and should have come with the PPVs or Fe3s from the factory (my opinion). But really, PPVs with Fe2 springs are fine (poly strut bushings too). They really glue the G8 down without a harsh ride. I only have poly strut bushings and the PPVs, everything else is stock. I use my G8 almost exclusively for road trips and couldn't be happier (but likely to go with grand touring tires instead of high perf tires the next time).

I do understand that if you have a lot of poly installed and/or wheels bigger than 18s, stiffer dampers may push the ride over the edge. As per my tire style comment (grand touring vs high performance), I am right at my edge and even decided not to go with the rear cradle inserts. So I understand its a tough call.

About the Aussie Monroe GTs - Thought I read way back that they like their dampers real stiff in Australia and the GTs fit that bill. So check into that before you commit.

Thanks for the info and I will definitely take my time. All the bushings in my car are poly but am glad to hear you like the PPV struts with FE2 springs. You are actually second owner I've come across using FE2 springs instead of aftermarket lowered springs.

Also agree with you about grand touring tires. Going to buy those next time too. Although pricey, Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus Tires received rave reviews on Tire Rack.

[Unavowed]

Just get H&R coilovers and be done with it.

[Chewy]

I would NEVER want my current G8 as a DD, but it's far from being uncomfortable. Actually we took it to WI 3 hours and it was quite comfy. It rides on 100% poly, has FE3's and Eibach springs. The tires being UHP Summers are stiff, but I need something that sticks as well. I wouldn't put coilovers on a DD if driven in the great white North. All that aluminum will take a beating with the salt!

[Napalm]

it's been discussed a few times but I thought it was pretty solid that the Gt and GXP have the same springs - different dampers.

there is no FE2 spring. per se.

And of course the sway bars are stiffer on the GXP model.

[J Wikoff]

Only the rear bar. Gt and GXP have the same front bar.

[Executor999]

it's been discussed a few times but I thought it was pretty solid that the Gt and GXP have the same springs - different dampers.

there is no FE2 spring. per se.

And of course the sway bars are stiffer on the GXP model.

You are correct. Look up coil springs for the GT and GXP, and the part numbers are identical, and they are referred to as FE2 coil springs. It's just the struts and shocks that have different part numbers.

GT
http://www.cheapestgmparts.com/auto-...omponents-scat

GXP
http://www.cheapestgmparts.com/auto-...omponents-scat

[Executor999]

I found nothing but positive feedback on the King Springs/Monroe GT Sports Struts combo that JHP offers.
http://www.g8board.com/forums/7-susp...n-results.html
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=381765
http://www.g8board.com/forums/7-susp...-gt-sport.html


Right now with the Pedders Track II springs and struts, my hub to guard measurements are:
front: 14 9/16" or 370mm
rear: 14 1/16" or 362mm

King Springs KHFL-150 and KHRL-152 will raise the car back to FE2 factory lowered height
front: 390mm
rear: 395mm

I'm sure my car has settled over the last 7 years after driving 44,000 miles on them.

One thing I discovered today is that the Pedders struts and shocks on my car are not shortened and I'm surprised since the lowering springs included in the Pedders Track II package are lower than stock FE2 height (factory lowered). After learning what a shortened strut is and how it works, I want the benefit of that. The Monroe GT Sports are shortened and will work with FE2 height and lower.

[WhatNext]

See new post on the other board about poor ride with Eibachs/Monroe GTs.