Lowering Coils Review

[laborsmith]

I have been asked about my experience with the Pedders lowering coils and decided to post a review. I had the coils installed April 10 at Rodgers Chevrolet in Michigan and since then have driven about 750 miles.

I had not intended to use lowering coils but when I discovered Pedders had installed a few sets in the US I started the normal practice of inquiries so I could get a set when they became generally available.

I picked Pedders because of their reputation in the Camaro community.

Since the install there has been a slight change as the coils have settled and they now measure about 1&5/16 inch drop in the front (was 1&3/8) and 1&1/8 in the back (was a hair over 1 inch) and presents an even stance from front to back. I suspect any more would have adversely affected shocks.

Biggest change: handling. The Sonic rides firm, holds curves and turns with precision, and even the steering feels better (psychological I am sure because the steering is electronically powered thus reducing feedback).

Cross winds on the freeway are no longer noticeable, probably combination of firmer ride and lower center of gravity. The ride itself is not any harsher compared to before install, but I am riding on Z speed rated low profile tires.

I just took some pictures which I will add to this post in a few minutes, once I get them on Photobucket so I can put them here.

So, in summary, I like the results very much including the ride and the improved appearance. The shark fin is installed which is why there is no pointy antenna marring the roof line.

Laborsmith

 

[rdss]

Looks nice! I am leaning towards just springs when Eibach releases theirs, but the adjustability of the Pedders is nice as well. Are you having any problems bottoming out on pot holes or driveways?

 

[AndrewGS]

Well, there goes more of my money. lol

Nice review.

 

[Cadillac74]

Rdss I think laborsmith has just the coil springs not the coil overs shocks and have they gave any idea when this product will be release to the public?

 

[Eric Smit]

Good ol' UofM. Neat review, too.


-Eric Smit

 

[RIZNOSS]

How much Labor smith? Also, does your lowered front end help your drag Cd (mpg at all)

 

[laborsmith]

No problems with pot holes, which Michigan seems to grow better than any other state. No scraping on speed bumps so far. My driveway gets me about half the time if I don't get the angle right but I can neither see nor feel damage on the air dam.

I am told a batch of coils is on the way (they come by sea from Australia) but no date. JusticePete will be able to give a more accurate answer when he sees this thread.

I have lowering coils, not coilovers.

Laborsmith

 

[rdss]

Thanks Cadillac and Laborsmith. I could lean towards Pedders Spring then. I think I am going to work on tuning and bolt on motor parts first then will work towards handling.

 

[SSpeckerwood]

I spoke with pedders last week and they told me approx 60 days before they release them.

 

[TIEfighter]

Hey Laborsmith, is your hood carbon fiber or you paint it black? Also what type of rims are those? Sick ride man!

 

[laborsmith]

Seibon Carbon Fiber hood and DRAG DR-33 rims.

60 days? I wasn't told specifics as to time but was definitely left with the impression of a couple to a few weeks, which would be less than half of sixty days.

Source for hood: Carbon Fiber Hoods, Trunks, Fenders, Spoilers and Body Kits
Source for rims: Discount Tires

Laborsmith

 

[mitdr774]

Looks good. Not sure where you are located, but I will have to keep an eye out for your car.

Based on what you are saying I think I know what springs I will be going with. Had to make an "emergency" maneuver the other day and found some "limits" of the car.

 

[Eric Smit]

Sounds like you swerved to avoid a hooligan and spun! :O

Or did some spirited driving and performed a little drift! :O


-Eric Smit

 

[wingman]

I love the look of the front, but the back has to come down another 3/4" inch at least to match the front wheel gap. At least thats how I want mine to sit, but to each his their own. Not a level drop since the front is already lower in the front stock. Nice review though.

 

[Ridethesky84]

Nice Review!!

 

[laborsmith]

Another 3/4 inch for the rear would require, I believe, a different shock absorber. I suspect that since the HB is considered to be a station wagon the designers had to account for the possibility of heavier loads when compared to the sedan. To me, admittedly I only have one eye with usable vision, the rear of the sedan is lower than the rear of the HB.

Hmm, if that is true, could one put the sedan rear shocks on the HB? I wonder if there are different part numbers?

Laborsmith

 

[wingman]

I wonder what the weight difference is over the rear tires of the sedan vs. hatch

 

[laborsmith]

The LT sedan weighs 33lbs and the LTZ sedan weighs 30lbs more than their HB counterparts and I would say that weight is over the rear tires, for the most part. Does not seem like a lot but to me there is a difference between the sedan and the HB when looking at the rear tire well. I would hesitate to play with it because the ride itself is so much better compared to before the installing and I would think putting too much pressure on the shocks could affect the ride.

Laborsmith

 

[mitdr774]

Would there be any issue with warranty with these coils? I would assume its okay since they are offered through the dealer, however having worked in dealers before I know that things used to be quite strict.

 

[laborsmith]

Those elements directly related, such as the shock absorbers as well as the coils themselves, would no longer be covered by the GM Warranty. The rest of the car would be covered. This would be true for all lowering coils. Some coilovers, if installed by an authorized installer, do not, and these are labeled GMPP Approved.

If considering lowering coils one should bear in mind not all are created equal. There are inexpensive coils just as there are other inexpensive suspension parts, and the usual disclaimer applies: you get what you pay for.

Laborsmith