FX3 Actuators
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 854
Likes: 1
From: The burbs of Denver CO
FX3 Actuators
I thot I would pass along some info I couldn't find in my manuals. Aaron at Captain Z CNC answered my question of whether the actuators were corner specific, of whether they could rebuild one of each for me so that in the future I would have a quick fix when needed. He said the only difference from front to rear is the length of the pigtail, and there is no difference from side to side.
Now you have your trivia for the day.
Now you have your trivia for the day.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 174
Likes: 3
From: Yorba Linda CA
Beerman,
Thanks for the info. Like Craig, I'm also working on my FX3 system.
I'd recommend that anyone reading this that has an FX3 Selective Ride Control get the June issue of Corvette Enthusiast http://www.corvetteenthusiast.com/ (you can find where to get it near you from their website.) There is an article gives a comprehensive insight into the FX3 system and how it operates. I now understand the system much better than I did before; even after reading all the info on this forum and also in the shop manual. The FX3 system is much more sophisticated ride control than I imagined and if working right, should be very beneficial.
I've decided to "bite the bullet" and go ahead and fix it. If you have any other useful tips or sources please let me know.
Just ran across this when researching FX3 on the web- http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....php?qstId=503 Interesting history of Corvette adjustable dampening and it is mainly on the Mag Ride system but halfway down the page has a lot of the FX3 info that was included in the June Corvette Enthusiast
Thanks for the info. Like Craig, I'm also working on my FX3 system.
I'd recommend that anyone reading this that has an FX3 Selective Ride Control get the June issue of Corvette Enthusiast http://www.corvetteenthusiast.com/ (you can find where to get it near you from their website.) There is an article gives a comprehensive insight into the FX3 system and how it operates. I now understand the system much better than I did before; even after reading all the info on this forum and also in the shop manual. The FX3 system is much more sophisticated ride control than I imagined and if working right, should be very beneficial.
I've decided to "bite the bullet" and go ahead and fix it. If you have any other useful tips or sources please let me know.
Just ran across this when researching FX3 on the web- http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....php?qstId=503 Interesting history of Corvette adjustable dampening and it is mainly on the Mag Ride system but halfway down the page has a lot of the FX3 info that was included in the June Corvette Enthusiast
Last edited by Daddy J; Apr 7, 2006 at 10:21 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 2
From: Dumas Arkansas
Originally Posted by Craig's Polo '93
Just ordered two new front FX3 Bilstein shocks
from Shox.com. I hope this solves my error code.
Already had the front actuator rebuilt to find out
it's the shock.
Craig
from Shox.com. I hope this solves my error code.
Already had the front actuator rebuilt to find out
it's the shock.
Craig
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Fraser MI
FX3 issues
Hmmm, I had the exact same response from Aaron also.
Seems the shock gear is the weak link here. Did he send
you pictures also?
So now for one bad shock I'm replacing both fronts as this
would be prudent IMHO. This is starting to get expensive.
BTW, Shox.com had the lowest price for FX3's and actuators
I've found on the web. New of course.
Craig
Seems the shock gear is the weak link here. Did he send
you pictures also?
So now for one bad shock I'm replacing both fronts as this
would be prudent IMHO. This is starting to get expensive.
BTW, Shox.com had the lowest price for FX3's and actuators
I've found on the web. New of course.
Craig
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 89,144
Likes: 3
From: Life's tough, wear a helmet.
www.eshocks.com has great prices and free shipping on $200+ orders.
I got a set of 4 Bilstien adjustables for my '90 for $681.20
I got a set of 4 Bilstien adjustables for my '90 for $681.20
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Fraser MI
FX3 issues
Ok, I've ordered the 2 new bilstein FX3's for the front.
Do I need to order anything else? Spacers, washers et?
I assume I just put the old nuts/bolts/washers/whatever
back on with the new shocks.
I will hire somone to install the shocks, what would be a
reasonable amount to do this?
Thanks,
Craig
Do I need to order anything else? Spacers, washers et?
I assume I just put the old nuts/bolts/washers/whatever
back on with the new shocks.
I will hire somone to install the shocks, what would be a
reasonable amount to do this?
Thanks,
Craig
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 784
Likes: 0
You'll need FX3-specific insulators to install at the top of the shock. These isolate the shock from the frame and one of the two-part components for the front is unavailable. I've been looking since October.
See this thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1357379
See this thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1357379
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 784
Likes: 0
The 89-95 FX3 front insulators are as follows:
Upper pos - p/n 10157964
Lwr pos - p/n 10157965
The insulators for 91-95 NON-FX3 are as follows:
Upper pos - p/n 10157967
Lwr pos - p/n 10157966
As you see, FX3 insulators are definitely not the same as the insulators used for regular shocks.
Now, if you checked my other thread, you saw that VB&P is selling the wrong insulators. As a matter of fact, the insulator they sell in their front rebuild kit is (VB&P) p/n 31001, which, if you check their online catalog, is the insulator for the 68-82 Vette.
What about them apples.
Bottom line is, we're hurting for insulators for FX3 cars.
I haven't found a source yet, and, as I said in the other thread, I'm going to start talking to people like Lord Kinematics and others.
The 90-91 NCRS rep suggested I campaign MAM but I doubt they'll be able to gear up and bring them to market very quickly, or even if they are interested.
Upper pos - p/n 10157964
Lwr pos - p/n 10157965
The insulators for 91-95 NON-FX3 are as follows:
Upper pos - p/n 10157967
Lwr pos - p/n 10157966
As you see, FX3 insulators are definitely not the same as the insulators used for regular shocks.
Now, if you checked my other thread, you saw that VB&P is selling the wrong insulators. As a matter of fact, the insulator they sell in their front rebuild kit is (VB&P) p/n 31001, which, if you check their online catalog, is the insulator for the 68-82 Vette.
What about them apples.
Bottom line is, we're hurting for insulators for FX3 cars.
I haven't found a source yet, and, as I said in the other thread, I'm going to start talking to people like Lord Kinematics and others.
The 90-91 NCRS rep suggested I campaign MAM but I doubt they'll be able to gear up and bring them to market very quickly, or even if they are interested.
