GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I know the Matrix and Vibe are basically Corolla wagons. Are their shocks and struts interchangeable? That is, can you use Corolla struts on a non-AWD Matrix, Vibe, or Voltz 2003-2006?

Like these Bilstein HD shocks and struts:
http://cart.bilsteinus.com/search/mmid=1432914

on a similar note, has anyone tried the Koni inserts for the Corolla? These are the ones that require cutting the original strut and inserting the Koni cartridge. Again, Koni makes them for the Corolla but not the Matrix/Vibe. But you can probably cut an OEM Matrix/Vibe strut open and install the Koni insert, if the OEM Matrix/Vibe struts are the same diameter as the OEM Corolla struts.

If they would fit, then you wouldn't have to do anything to a Matrix or Vibe that you wouldn't have to do to a Corolla.

If you install the Bilsteins on a Vibe, you need to widen the two bottom holes since they use bigger bolts than the Corolla uses.

So, will either one fit?

Wow. I messed up last time I looked at the Bilstein website. Turns out they have made parts for the Corolla.
https://us.bilstein.com/en/product-sear ... 8667319091

So... https://www.monkeywrenchracing.com sells Bilstein parts for Lotus, I wonder if they are able to get the Corolla struts.

Love Bilsteins. On my Supra. Let us know what you come up with.

I did some more research, and found that the rear struts are the same for Corolla and Vibe/Matrix FWD. However, the front struts are different in small ways.

but will they fit?

It's unfortunate that this topic hasn't been followed up on. so...


Koni will do batches of custom suspension kits.

what are the differences between our cars and the Corolla struts? Can they be modified?

What are the OEM dampening specs between our cars and the the Corolla? If they are the same, and mods can be made then we have a shot.

..this post is 6 years old. Corolla struts do fit, they need some of the holes widened a bit because they use smaller diameter bolts to mount the struts.

zbyers wrote:..this post is 6 years old. Corolla struts do fit, they need some of the holes widened a bit because they use smaller diameter bolts to mount the struts.

That's great to hear. Do you know of anyone on here that did the Bilstein or other performance suspension install? I couldn't find someone who did it and would like to hear some reviews.

99% I've seen get KYB struts or Tokico (spelling?) though the latter are hard to come by now.

Can someone post pictures of the modifications to the suspension ? I'd like to have a look at this. And see if there is a better smarter option to use instead of OEM stuff

These are 15+ year old cars. If these were an option, someone would have used them by now....