Shocks and struts for FE2

[Scooter79]

I just picked up some FE2 springs to replace the original standard ones. The FE2 springs I got are from a V6.

I was wondering whats shocks and struts I should be using with FE2 springs considering FE2 isn't really a 'low' spring. If I went with Lowered KYB's is there a possibility they could be too low for the spring or should I just use standard height struts and shocks?

Cheers.

[centy]

It is a factory option so shocks are very easy to get.
there are listed right beside standard in the fitment books.

Ie fe2 sports and police are all the same shock.

yes v5w uses the same shocky as fe2

[Scooter79]

Had some time this morning to give Holden spare parts a call and they confirmed that FE2 had different shocks and struts to suit the springs. They also confirmed that rear FE2 (IRS) shocks were $130 each and front fe2 struts are no longer available.

[jazza15]

Had some time this morning to give Holden spare parts a call and they confirmed that FE2 had different shocks and struts to suit the springs. They also confirmed that rear FE2 (IRS) shocks were $130 each and front fe2 struts are no longer available.

Gee, a lot changes in a couple of weeks.
I just bought a pair of front Fe2 shocks from Holden at $130 each the other week.
The rears I got in 'as new' conditionfrom a place that sells parts taken off cars when they are uprgaded to HSV spec (new).
V8's and V6's as well as the sedan, wagon (and i think ute) variants all have different springs with different spring rates etc.
Between the Ford Falcon and Territory, there are around 10 different types of springs that go into the various models.
Suspesion is model specific.

[danja]

Why not just use FE2 shocks with FE2 springs? Will probably be cheaper too.

[Scooter79]

Jazza15, you're talking about VT which are still available through Holden and online as you said.

Why not just use FE2 shocks with FE2 springs? Will probably be cheaper too.

Isn't that what I'm talking about? Bit hard to do if Hoden no longer make FE2 VS struts.

[danja]

Isn't that what I'm talking about? Bit hard to do if Hoden no longer make FE2 VS struts.

Sorry I thought you were talking about switching to KYB, didn't realise Holden production had ceased.

KYB low should be about right. I tried super-low in my VZ with FE2 springs and they were a bit too short and could bottom out at extremes. With low you should be about on-par with FE2.

KYB have a good phone support line, you can talk directly to their engineers who should be able to answer any questions you have. Suggest giving them a call.

[Scooter79]

I downloaded the Monroe catalogue to compare and the Sensatracs and GT Gas (not the GT Sport) have different part numbers for front standard and FE2 but the rears are the same shock for FE2 and standard.

I tried super-low in my VZ with FE2 springs and they were a bit too short and could bottom out at extremes. With low you should be about on-par with FE2.

Don't you mean you tried super low springs with FE2 shocks? If thats the case I can understand how it could bottom out but my theory is with shocks that are designed to suit super low springs, but fitted to a car with FE2 springs, would not be allowed to fully extend. Kind of the opposite of bottoming out.

[gslrallysport]

I just picked up some FE2 springs to replace the original standard ones. The FE2 springs I got are from a V6.

I was wondering whats shocks and struts I should be using with FE2 springs considering FE2 isn't really a 'low' spring. If I went with Lowered KYB's is there a possibility they could be too low for the spring or should I just use standard height struts and shocks?

Cheers.

Hi mate,

Sorry about the late reply! We were closed Thurs/Fri for stocktake, and I'm trying to catch up on all the emails now rather than be swamped tomorrow!

KYB do a specific shock for FE2. The 'lowered' one you're thinking of is the new 50mm shortened shock for superlow and lower, but they do one between that and standard for FE2 or low springs.

They're $140 each for the front, and $69 each for the rears.

Regards,
Greg

[danja]

Don't you mean you tried super low springs with FE2 shocks? If thats the case I can understand how it could bottom out but my theory is with shocks that are designed to suit super low springs, but fitted to a car with FE2 springs, would not be allowed to fully extend. Kind of the opposite of bottoming out.

Nope, FE2 springs and SL shocks. Yes the shocks were too short and "reverse bottom-out" (whatever that's called).

[anarklov3r]

What would happen if i were to swap out the springs in my stock standard VXII with some FE2 springs from a VX? Would i 'need' to swap out my shocks?

[gslrallysport]

Wouldn't need to as far as being captive is concerned, but if they're the original already flogged out struts in the car, matching them with slightly hard springs is going to throw the handling out the window.

[anarklov3r]

The struts are stock spec ones, but are Monroe GTS or something like that and have been replaced prior to me buying the car. Ive got a mate thats replaced his FE2 springs with some SSL's and SL's and wanted to slap his into my car

[gslrallysport]

Yep, FE2 will be fine then. Monroe aren't the best shock getting around, but provide they're in decent condition they'll be fine!