FE1 is the base " soft ride" suspension, FE3 is the " sport ride" suspension.

 

The FE3 dampers are no longer available, and as far as I can tell all of the aftermarket OEM replacement parts (Monroe, etc) are intended to be FE1 replacements.

 

Which one will give the best feeling ride? I found a couple replacements on AutoZone one is for FE1 and one is for FE2, not sure if they are OEM or not

 

Ride quality is very subjective. What does "best feeling ride" mean to you?

FE1/2/3... is more than just different dampers. Springs and sway bars are different as well.

Based on previous discussion here, and on the online parts database, the sway bars are not different. Regardless of whether the car is FE1, 2 or 3, the front is 23mm and rear is 16mm.

Looks like front springs are not different, but rears are. I have no idea what the rates are, but I'd be surprised if the difference was big enough that the FE2/3 springs couldn't be used with FE1 dampers.

 

I
love my FE5, nice, stiff, Sporty ride. Great on the on ramps & corners.

 

I got the Ksport coil overs :thumbsup:

 

I take it you like them ?

 

Which one will give the best feeling ride? I found a couple replacements on AutoZone one is for FE1 and one is for FE2, not sure if they are OEM or not

FE1/2/3... is more than just different dampers. Springs and sway bars are different as well.

OEM is AC Delci. And stay out of AutoZone, their house brand parts are GARBAGE, and you can get any other part they sell, cheaper online.

 

FE3 struts and shocks are still available. Just ordered them through my GM dealer. $100 each. Sway bars are the same, but FE3 and FE5 have different spindles and control arms as well as springs too. There is a lot more than different shocks and struts.

 

I'd like to get ahold of your dealer for that price on fe3 rears. My local dealer is 494.00 each and I can't find much online under $250.00 each.

 

Good to hear the FE3 dampers are still available; I thought I had read here before that they were discontinued.

As for the comments about other differences, what do you base that on? I'm not trying to be antagonistic, I'm honestly curious if you've seen different part numbers for the various suspension bits. There's no listing of separate spindle or control arm part numbers according to the parts database site I linked before. Even the Vs use the same parts - just the dampers, springs and sway bars were different. The only different control arms I've ever seen were the (very limited) GMPP front upper arms (with modified mounts for more negative camber) and rear upper arms (with firmer bushings).

 

One advantage of being a tech and having a commercial account, even list is $170 each. Call Broadway Automotive in Green Bay, WI 920-490-4800

 

Thanks for that info ill be giving them a call. I was to the point where I was just gonna put fe1 or 2's on simply because I'm not trying to pay that much for the nivomats.

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My rears are shot and when I have people ride in back my tires are rubbing.

 

Front fe-3 only like $80 on amazon. Acdelco 540-500

 

I know I'm late to this thread, other than softer ride is there a down side to take off fe3 shocks and struts and install fe1 shocks and struts? Thanks