96VegasVette

The LT4 Im looking at purchasing has this option, how reliable is it? Is it a good upgrade over the previous FX3? Does it really make a difference in handling? Cost of Repair? Guess that covers it, thanx. By the way........how do I run spell check now?

Mez

The F45 Real Time Damping option uses the base suspension with computer controlled shocks. The shocks are individually controlled in contrast to the FX3 system. So, if only one shock senses an adjustment is needed, it can do it. The purpose of the system is provide a softer riding suspension, yet have shock damping optimized to the road conditions. They system was not designed to the ultimate corning system. That is for the Z07 or Z51 systems which have stiffer springs and bushings.

The real advantage to the F45 cruising at high speeds on the interstates over long distances where a soft spring is more comfortable but computer controlled shocks provide variable damping for improved control. I took a trip a few years ago from Dallas to Lubbock (330 miles) over the back roads while cruising at 100 mph and thought the system performed excellent. I have not had any trouble with it either.

For the way I use my 1996 LT4, this was the best choice. If you want to road race get the Z51. I understand if a shock or control module fails, it is expensive to replace.

JD's C5

Hib Halverson had done extensive research on this and the FX3 suspension. He has written some great articles and they are probably in the forum archives. It is very expensive if you have to start replacing items. The shocks and actuators are quite costly. Much less so if you go for rebuilding but overall if you have to start replacing I believe a shock and actuator will run about $450 new.

96LT4

I have this option on my LT4 vert, and I can't tell a bit of difference.

wake

How many miles on your car??? My F45 shocks were shot around 35K miles... I'm going to replace them later this year with another set... Right now I'm running cheapy Gabriels in their place until I get an order in...

The F45 shock has no external actuators like the FX3 shocks... Actually I should say a "non-removable" one... Also the F45 shock is a Delphi product and not a Bilstein, so they can't be reuilt like the older FX3 shocks...

I'm hoping that the next set will last longer than 35K miles though, it's a bit pricey to replace them that frequently when they average around $200 each...

96VegasVette

17000 on it.........hopefully I won't have to replace them too soon.