SSV WAG
New Member
Hi to all,
I wanted to post details of my recent experience lowering my VE SSV Wagon to help anyone looking to do the same.
My standard wagon needed new shocks at 130,000kms so I installed Bilstein shocks with my FE2 springs and was very impressed with the comfort and ride quality, however, the ride height increased by 10mm front and rear which wasn't ideal visually (415mm HTG front, 405mm HTG rear). After much deliberation, I then installed H&R springs which now have my wagon sitting at 375mm HTG front and 365mm HTG rear and I am absolutely wrapped with the outcome.
The ride with the H&R/Bilstein combination is like factory, super smooth and comfortable, to the point where I forget it's been lowered when I'm driving it. I only get reminded in two instances. Firstly, on really rough potholes where the thump is approx 20% harsher than FE2 and secondly, when I physically see it and go "wow', that sits perfectly. There is still approx 35mm gap between tyre and arch so it's the perfect stance in my opinion, basically how you would ideally expect an SSV to come from the factory. The stance is now in keeping with most European sports wagons, neat and hunched, beautifully highlighting the sleek lines of the VE without being over the top. I have driven on dirt roads, taken the family on holidays (2 kids and boot full), towed and fully used the car as before with the only drawback being the additional harshness on really rough potholes as previously mentioned. The car doesn't rattle or shake either, in fact, I had more internal rattles and door seal creaks with the old shocks. The car feels beautifully planted and very comfortable.
I must say i was very reluctant to install the lowered springs as it's our family car and I am not a fast driver, I simply enjoy the effortlessness of the SSV more than anything else. I'm also very fussy and generally keep my cars original but this suspension setup has far exceeded my expectations. This is the first time I have lowered a Commodore with the H&R/Bilstein combination and put simply, I'm amazed. I did not think it was possible to achieve the neat, lowered stance, whilst maintaining practicality and the superior ride comfort, but this H&R/Bilstein setup is superb. The ONLY way to lower a Commodore in my opinion.
Hope my post helps.
Cheers
I wanted to post details of my recent experience lowering my VE SSV Wagon to help anyone looking to do the same.
My standard wagon needed new shocks at 130,000kms so I installed Bilstein shocks with my FE2 springs and was very impressed with the comfort and ride quality, however, the ride height increased by 10mm front and rear which wasn't ideal visually (415mm HTG front, 405mm HTG rear). After much deliberation, I then installed H&R springs which now have my wagon sitting at 375mm HTG front and 365mm HTG rear and I am absolutely wrapped with the outcome.
The ride with the H&R/Bilstein combination is like factory, super smooth and comfortable, to the point where I forget it's been lowered when I'm driving it. I only get reminded in two instances. Firstly, on really rough potholes where the thump is approx 20% harsher than FE2 and secondly, when I physically see it and go "wow', that sits perfectly. There is still approx 35mm gap between tyre and arch so it's the perfect stance in my opinion, basically how you would ideally expect an SSV to come from the factory. The stance is now in keeping with most European sports wagons, neat and hunched, beautifully highlighting the sleek lines of the VE without being over the top. I have driven on dirt roads, taken the family on holidays (2 kids and boot full), towed and fully used the car as before with the only drawback being the additional harshness on really rough potholes as previously mentioned. The car doesn't rattle or shake either, in fact, I had more internal rattles and door seal creaks with the old shocks. The car feels beautifully planted and very comfortable.
I must say i was very reluctant to install the lowered springs as it's our family car and I am not a fast driver, I simply enjoy the effortlessness of the SSV more than anything else. I'm also very fussy and generally keep my cars original but this suspension setup has far exceeded my expectations. This is the first time I have lowered a Commodore with the H&R/Bilstein combination and put simply, I'm amazed. I did not think it was possible to achieve the neat, lowered stance, whilst maintaining practicality and the superior ride comfort, but this H&R/Bilstein setup is superb. The ONLY way to lower a Commodore in my opinion.
Hope my post helps.
Cheers
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