Mk3 Cavalier Owners Club | Vauxhall Cavalier Dot Com

Hi all,

Are shocks on the 2.5 V6 the same as the rest? Is it just the Turbo 4WD model which is different?

Thanks.

I would be very surprised if they were also used on smaller engine models, as the weight difference is significant on the V6.

I would expect that the 2.5 V6 suspension is different to all other versions.
The V6 is a big heavy, powerful lump requiring uprated suspension.
Even the front sub-frame is different / stronger.

All 2.0 litre, 1.8 litre and 1.7 diesel equipped cars share the same mid-rated suspension,

And - the 1.4 and 1.6 litre units share the lightest specification of suspension.

At the rear end, the 4x4 and GSi have different (independent rear suspension) to the rest of the models.(same as the Calibra).

All standard models have a rear beam suspension.

Hi. Thanks for the replies. Reason im asking is im after new shocks front and back with lowering springs, however i assume performance shocks fit all models? Or was V6 a different type of shock?

I think that aftermarket shocks will fit on all models, as the V6s have the same front and rear setup as all other FWD models. But let someone confirm for sure, don't quote me 100% on that.

Yep, after market shocks for a cavalier will fit a V6.
They were different from other models in that they were fitted with gas pressure dampers rather than oil but they were the same fitment.
If it says they fit a Cavalier you should be fine.

I recommend Bilstein shock absorbers. The B4 ones should be good for up to -40mm, anything over go for B6 or above:

https://www.bilsteinsuspensionstore.co. ... %7C06%2F94

Thanks lads! on the hunt i go.. $$

James McGrath wrote: I recommend Bilstein shock absorbers. The B4 ones should be good for up to -40mm, anything over go for B6 or above:

These are what I fitted to my Cavalier along with Spax 30 / 40 lowered springs.

The car feels a lot more precise on the road, with just a bit more harshness than the standard GM set-up.

I got mine from Demon Tweaks...

Does anyone know if the brake line layout is the same on a 2 litre sri cav and a 2.5 v6? I see a copper brake line kit at a good price which is plug and play but they only do it for the 2 litre sri. Would the lengths and fittings be the same??

Cheers lads.

I would have thought so, don't quote me, the only thing I'm not sure about is the brake pipes going from the master cylinder down to the bottom of the chassis for front/rear routes, as the V6 is totally different in terms of how things are arranged in the engine compartment. Under the body it should be the same.

So i got new shock inserts and new springs recently gathered up and was looking at getting new top mounts while im at it but cant seem to find any really on the web.. does anybody have a link or a part number for them (V6)?

Also what else should i get to refresh the front suspension?

Thanks.

Can't help you with part numbers unfortunately but if you're doing the suspension then it's well worth checking all the bushes, anti-roll bar, wishbone, track rod ends, etc, if there are any worn bushes or cracked rubber that you can see, it's worth replacing them, obviously by the pair.

As a rule of thumb.

Working from the top down..
And using your VIN.

Strut Top Bush. - 90 468 477
Strut Top Bearing. 90 245 479
Dust Boot (for looks) - 90 236 990
Damper bumper - 90 279 302
---------------------------------
Track Rod Ends. -
Tie Rod Joint Right - 90 369 705 or 90 350 448
Tie Rod Joint Left - 90 369 704 or 90 350 447
----------------------------------
Looks like you have the old style anti-roll bar with press-on drop links.
Anti-Roll Bar bushes. - measure your anti roll bar diameter.
I suspect 22mm diameter, so - 90 447 867

Drop-Link / Pendulums / Bearing
measure your anti roll bar diameter.
I suspect 22mm diameter, so - 90 278 579

The other options are for 18mm diameter roll bar, which sounds silly for a V6 vehicle.

Are you looking for factory ride, or crisp precise handling.?
Some people fit poly-bushes rather than GM / Febi rubber bushes, although this can be too firm for some people.
-------------------------------------
Wishbones complete,
Right - 90 495 157
Left - 90 495 156

(Or the Bushes and sleeves)
Vertical bush - 90 495 046
Sleeves - 90 250 709
M12 Bolt - 11 091 643 or 11 091 641

Horizontal bush - 90 288 232
M12 Bolt - 11 092 273 or 11 091 271

Bottom Ball Joint Kit - 90 444 858
----------------------------------------
Dare I say it? - Wheel Hub Bearings.
Hub Bearing Kit - 39x74x39mm - 90 510 542
----------------------------------------
Oh and as daft as it seems - the free upgrade.
Correct tyre pressures!!
Assuming you have good wheels and tyres that are properly balnced.

Here are some of the parts from my W.I.P.
Page 46 onward.

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=4069&start=1125

And here is a break-down of a typical suspension leg - see my post further down the thread.

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=16281&p=164174#p164174