Z06JPB

Title pretty much says it. Is there a way to convert the F45 suspension system on a 96 corvette to a FX3?

I just bought a 1996 LT4 with F45 with 18K miles on it. The car is pristine and the car was well maintained by the original owner. I have yet to take delivery of the car.

I just wanted to know for down the road when I will need to replace shocks if there is an option to keep the selectride. The F45 shocks are not serviceable and I think they cannot even be purchased anymore. People who have replaced thier F45 shocks went with fixed Z51 shocks and have disabled the electronics of the F45 system.

Let me know what you all think.

Thanks

PLRX

I'm no expert on F45. I do know that 1996 Vettes, F45 are OBD II. The FX3 1995 < is a OBD I system. The F45 is a complete different system, starting with the shocks etc. I'm not sure but I think the shock's mounting brackets for the FX3, Regular and F45 are different. Think before you do this, just each actuator for the FX3 (4 ea) is very expensive.

The F45 is newer technology, why would you like to switch it?

Z06JPB

Thanks for the advice and info but please read my post again...

Looking at it being an option for when my F45 shocks need replacing later down the road and I want to keep the selectride option.

96GS#007

Other than the selector switch and the "Service Ride Control" light, everything is different. You'll need to find a complete FX3 setup (computer, wiring, etc) and then do a total swap.

Should only take a few weeks and a couple thousand dollars....

Z06JPB

That's about what I figured. The cost would be the same if I found a set of new in box F45 shocks too ($600 a piece) so the conversion might be worth it when the shocks actually need to be replaced.

Nice thing about FX3 shocks is they can be rebuilt pretty cheap.

Aurora40

Actually, they cost about as much to rebuild as they do to buy new, since they generally need a new shock rod. They don't cost $600 though.

F45 was a Delphi product, FX3 was a Bilstein product. So like was said, you'd probably have to swap pretty much everything. I don't know how easy it would be to find the controller and such? I'd think four new shocks at $600 each would still be a lot cheaper and easier.

c4cruiser

Because FX3 went away after 1995 and was replaced with F45, al of the FX3 system went away. The controller, the portio of the programming in the CCM sensed and displayed trouble codes, and the components all disappeared and replaced byt the F45 system.

This description of F45 shows how much more technically adavanced it wa over FX3:
While the FX3 system seems to be similar inoperation, F45 just took things to the next level. IIRC, further refinments to the system took place when it was offered on the C5 platform.

I would at least check to see if there are any real differences in how the F45 shocks mount to the suspension compared to base shocks or Z51 versions. If a standard-type of shock is a bolt-in, then you might want to consider going that way and save the F45 shocks for later.

But given the ability of F45 to change shock stiffness, I would think that the shocks will last a long time before you sense that theyu have worn out. Failure (like a loss of oil or internal failure) of the shock may be something else. I would drive the car now as it is and start looking for another set of F45 shocks to store until needed.

96GS#007

Regular shocks bolt right in place. I replaced my F45 shocks with Koni adjustables.

While F45 was good in theory, even when new I could barely tell the difference between settings. The C5 setup was much improved but will not bolt in.

Z06JPB

Thanks for the info and pointers. I never realized how much more sophisticated of a system comprises the F45.

I'll have a while before I will need to change anything. I guess I will be on the lookout for a new set of shocks.

I've seen a website that sells modules to neutralize the error reading when a F45 shock is replaced by a standard shock. However these were for the C5 system. Would they work on the C4 system? If not is there a set for a C4? Couldn't find one.

96GS#007

No
No

Just remove the bulb from the DIC. The other systems in the car don't care.

jp289

how much to replace FX3 selectable ride control system in a 1995 C4 Corvette ? I would like to do apples to apples . Not just put new shocks on my 1995 and disconnect factory equipment.

WVZR-1

Damn, nearly a 10 year old thread but this I'd think applies to you with a '95......

You buy shocks if you need them and only replace anything else that's needing replacement. If you don't know what does and doesn't you need some diagnostics.

This is of course assuming you've a '95 w/FX3.

aklim

Depending on what is wrong. $800 for nee shocks plus labor to install FX3 shocks. Assuming nothing else is wrong