If you have an FX3 Selective Ride Control you must get the June issue of Corvette Enthusiast http://www.corvetteenthusiast.com/
I saw this article mentioned in a earlier thread and was able to get a copy today as the magazine has just arrived at bookstores here on the westcoast. (the website lists your local bookstore)

It has a great explanation of the FX3 system and tells you how it works so that one can finally understand what the system is and does. The article discusses the history of the system, how it works, the differences between the '89-91 and the '92-95 systems and gives you troubleshooting and installation tips. It has graphs (courtesy Bilstein) which show the different shock rates at different speeds for the 3 settings- Tour, Sport and Performance. If the Service Ride Control light comes on, the shock valves go to a default position (Sport settings) of 60 degrees on the '89-91 cars and 30 degrees on the '92-95 cars. This compares with the Tour position which is zero degrees (full bypass) for speeds under 45 mph. Since my Service Ride Control light has been on since I got the car last spring, I can now see why the ride is so harsh at low speeds.

Because it can be costly to fix I've been trying to make up my mind whether it is worth fixing or is it just a "mickey mouse" system that needs to be discarded. I've read the shop manuals and "101 Projects.." and all the threads on the forum about the FX3 system that I could find. I hadn't done anything as yet as I was still considering my options:
1. Fix the system
2. Put non-adjustable shocks on and pull the dash bulb.

However reading the magazine article I'm now convinced to go ahead and fix the system. It's apparently quite sophisticated and definitely not "mickey mouse" and when it's working properly, it seems to have a lot of benefits and (hopefully) a smoother ride.

 

i have FX3 in perfect working order (knock on wood), 74,000 miles, and its an absolute dream in performance mode when flying down the highway at 90+ mph. it hunkers the car down nice & tight, which is also especially good in open mountain roadway driving

contrary to what some others have posted, i can readily tell the difference in the 3 modes, VERY VERY EASILY so.

i've shuffled 2 ideas around that you're going thru, come the day when mine hit the dust too. i'm the type to try and stay on top of things, so i'm apt to fix the system as well.

 

I made copies of the article and will be glad to send you one. Just PM me with your street mailing address (NOT your e-mail address).

 

When I got my car FX3 was broke, I was the same way fix it or leave it. So I just kept an eye on the c4 parts section and ebay for decent used parts to fix it. Long story short, by the time I'd find the parts I needed and got around to installing them, some other shock gear or actuator selfdistructed.

4 years later I finally got it working. I can feel the difference, but just barely on the highway. I'm glad it's working, I would of never been happy knowing I pulled the bulb. But on the other hand there was no bang for the buck either.

Now if you autocross or do a custom program for 1/4 mile runs, I'm sure it's worth wild.

 

Glad you have decided to fix it

The previous owner of my 90 vette took the other option - one bad shock and he had ALL the adjustable shocks and actuators removed and replaces with cheap non adjustable shocks and had the bulb taken out. cause of one bad shock

Im going to restore the system back to the fx3. A forum member sold me a set of original shocks and actuators and are on there way with the car (its got to come across the pacific).

SAVE THE FX3!!!!!

 

You would think he would of just pulled the bulb. Just cause the little gear breaks doesn't mean the shock stops functioning correctly. Or at the very least saved the parts he pulled and passed it on (including the f'n bulb). I still have every stock part I upgraded from, provided it was still functional.

 

yeah, thats exactly what I thought. but the guy wasn't an enthusiast. Im sure the shop (a corvette specific shop) just wanted to keep them cause they knew what they were worth

I just need to hope they haven't cut the plugs off the wiring loom (for the actuator connections). I haven't checked my car yet..and Im dreading it.

 

When I bought the 92 the previous owner had carefully removed the actuators and shocks. He replaced them with some Monroe shocks. He saved all the old parts and gave them to me when I bought the car.

Next year at bonus time I'll be sending the shocks off to Bilstien to have them repaired and put the system back together.

 

My FX3 was inoperative when I bought my Vette, the ride was rougher than 'ell. I finally got the code and looked at my left front shock. The adjusting gear was spinning on the shaft it had broken the travel stop. Replaced the shock, the Service Ride Control went out, and what a difference. I really enjoy the ride now and can tell the difference between all of the three settings. When I want the extra shock dampping its there at the flick of the switch.

 

PM sent

 

The first thing that broke on my fx3 was the gear on the front right shock. I epoxied it and it has held for years.

When the right rear shock gera broke I could not get the glue to fix it and had to buy a new shock. At the same time, the gear inside the actuator broke. I tried carefully to fix the actuator but could not get it to hold for very long. I bought a new actuator.

When the left rear actuator gear broke I had a spare to play with, I managed to disassemble the actuator (read break) fabricate a new gear and glue it all together. That has held for at least a year. It turned out that the gear on the shock was also broken, epoxy worked on that one.

Now it is getting to the point where I think the three older shocks need to be replaced. Maybe the next owner can do that.

I was also given a spare actuator by a friend. These parts are expensive. $200 for a shock, which can be rebuilt for about $100. $250 for an actuator, if you can find one.

I'm stubborn too, gotta fix it, can't just disable it.

 

Bilstein rebuilt my right front shock (gear broken, that adds $45 to the rebuild price) so I have $145 in the shock and the actuator gear was broken as well. CaptainZ CNC repaired that for me for $125. I was back on the road for $270, not cheap, but not as expensive as buying new.

 

I got a set of original fx3 shocks and actuators from a forum member (great guy).
I contacted Bilstein in Australia and its going to cost me AU$700 to rebuild the set. It works out cheaper for me to buy a new set (US$680 for a set from eshocks with free US shipping - well nearly cheaper for a new set but at least they are new).
In the mean time (have to save the money for the new set) Im going to put the used Bilsteins on and see how they go.



Great stories people...keep them coming.