Urgent Help Required Regarding FE2 For VE

[DevilMayCare]

Hi all,

I need an urgent question answered.

I recently bought a second hand FE2 setup (springs and shocks) which came out of a SSV, to fit to my 2006 VE Calais V V8. I didn't think twice about it, but when I booked the car in to the mechanics, he told me the SSV FE2 may not fit the Calais as they might have had different FE2 setups from factory.

Can anyone confirm this and tell me if the SSV setup will fit, like for like, into the Calais?

It's really important because the mechanic told me the only way he could tell is once the Calais setup is removed, and obviously that's gonna cost me unnecessary labour costs if they end up being different, and he has to replace the original set.

[CalaisBoy]

All aftermarket springs and shock for VE's fit any model so I can't see how you would have a problem.

[Micks]

That's the problem there's mechanics & there's mechanics! take the punt & have them installed anyway ;)

[CLUBRED]

Would have thought they'd be identical to what's currently in you car.

[AD07]

I have a 2006 Calais V 6.0L and it has FE2 suspension AS STANDARD !!!!!
Did you check to build plate......??? It will show FE2 or FE1.5.
My understanding is that the early models had FE2 and that was changed in the later models to FE1.5 to make the
suspension feel a bit less harsh.
And...your mechanic obviously needs to do a bit of reasearch on suspension !!!!

[Drizt]

I have a 2006 Calais V 6.0L and it has FE2 suspension AS STANDARD !!!!!
Did you check to build plate......??? It will show FE2 or FE1.5.
My understanding is that the early models had FE2 and that was changed in the later models to FE1.5 to make the
suspension feel a bit less harsh.
And...your mechanic obviously needs to do a bit of reasearch on suspension !!!!

My Calais V says 'STD' for suspension.

[DevilMayCare]

Thanks for the comments so far fellas.

AD07, I think you might have misunderstood my original post, maybe because I didn't explain it well enough.

I know my Calais definitely has FE2 as standard.

I started getting a creaking noise coming from the rear so decided to replace the lot. I picked up another FE2 set second hand which come from a '08 SSV. I was always under the impression that all models had the same FE2 suspension so didn't think twice about buying the replacement set to fit my Calais. That was until the mechanic I spoke to put the element of doubt in my mind.

So my question is basically, can a FE2 suspension package from a SSV be fitted to a Calais without any dramas?

I thought they shared exactly the same FE2 setup until my mechanic opened his mouth.

[Wonky]

Sounds like your mechanic got his certificate from a cornflakes packet! :doh: I'd be looking for a new mechanic...........

[Plenty]

Sounds like your mechanic got his certificate from a cornflakes packet! :doh: I'd be looking for a new mechanic...........

Yep, i'm with you there Wonky.

[DevilMayCare]

At the threat of sounding stoopid, but with the need of being certain, I take it you are all saying there is absolutely no difference between the SSV and Calais FE2 setup, and the two can be interchanged between each other?

Sorry to have to confirm, but like I said, I don't want to have to pay someone to dismantle my current setup, only for them to have to put it back in because the SSV setup isn't suited.

Thanks again for the advice guys, and yes I will be finding a different mechanic. The hunt for a reliable mechanic continues :(

[AD07]

Fe2 on a SSV or a Calais WILL be the same mate.:)

[Wonky]

At the threat of sounding stoopid, but with the need of being certain, I take it you are all saying there is absolutely no difference between the SSV and Calais FE2 setup, and the two can be interchanged between each other?

Sorry to have to confirm, but like I said, I don't want to have to pay someone to dismantle my current setup, only for them to have to put it back in because the SSV setup isn't suited.

Absobloodylutely the same!! In fact ignoring the electronics involved with HSV MRC all VE suspensions are interchangeable plus there is a myriad of aftermarket stuff out there. If it's suitable for any model in the VE range then it's suitable for them all! Whereabouts do you live?

[DevilMayCare]

Thanks guys, scary thought when you have to rely on the kind advice of strangers on a forum, instead of a so called 'honest' mechanic who you are PAYING for honest and reliable advice and service.

Wonky, I'm in Salisbury, South Australia mate. You wouldn't possibly know someone trustworthy here would you?

Thanks again fellas, massive help!

[Wonky]

There are a couple of forum and ex-forum sponsors over there. Martin_D (AKA Street_Tuna) has unfortunately moved away from Commodore stuff to more exotic otherwise I probably would have recommended him, but I'm sure other forum members over there can advise on where to go for good honest advice.

[DevilMayCare]

Cheers Wonky, and I was checking out your ute before. Farrrking sweet! When I'm in Vic next time I'll have to come take it for a test drive ;)

Yeah, might have to start a 'Do Honest and Reliable Mechanics Exist in SA' thread.

Cheers for the good advice as always.

[DevilMayCare]

Hi all,

Just thought I'd throw in an update on my suspension.

I decided to take someone's advice from my other thread that was shut down, and I scrapped the mechanic and went to a suspension specialist. Went and saw John at Stable Suspension and was very happy with his service and recommend them to anyone in SA.

As soon as I got there he had a listen to the creaking sound and first thought it may not be the suspension. He said he would have a proper look because he didn't want to charge me the $350 installation unnecessarily if it wasn't even the shocks causing the issue. He then put it on the hoist to inspect it further and found the noise was coming from the shocks but couldn't pin point the problem.

I then had a long convo with him regarding the best setup to go for if I wanted to lower it etc down the track. I found John to be honest, up front, and at no time did he ever try to push his own products on me looking for a sale. While we were having this conversation one of his workers came in and said it could even be the rubbers are worn as was apparently a common problem with my model car. They checked this also to try to save me some cash but it eventually wasn't the issue. I just found it very refreshing to see two blokes do all they could to pin point the problem and possibly save me some cash, as they could have easily just bullshitted me and gone for the cash grab as I wouldn't know any better.

Anyway, went to pick up the car, and John told me the noise was coming from the rear spring rubbing hard against the shock. The shock looked like it was pretty shot too, as it was stuck in the cylinder when he gave it back to me. They replaced it with the FE2 I picked up off Bearwood (thanks mate), gave it a 4 wheel alignment, and it now drives like a dream.

So big thanks to Stable Suspension and I can guarantee I'll be going back there for any future suspension upgrades or issues, highly recommend them.

Also thanks to you guys for the advice.