Just wanted to thank everyone for the info, Paul is trying to talk me out of the FX3 suspension and Doug is trying to talk me into it so I'm still on the fence. But all the personal experience is a big help with the decision, when I make it.

Thanks again,
Greg

 

I had a 1984 stock. It rode like a TANK. Couldn't get my wife to even ride in the car. So, when I started looking for another, I HAD to have the FX3. Personally, it's difficult to notice a difference...but there is a difference, especially at real low speeds (like around town) and on the highway. I use touring almost all the time, but I never race. The ride is VERY MUCH BETTER than my 94...and best of all...my wife loves it!

 

emoshin, you get the "butt-O-meter" award of the month!

In the soft position, there's no valving change until 50 mph. In the medium position, the valving is rotated 60 degrees at "0" mph. In the firm position, the valving is rotated 110 degrees at "0" mph. The steps in the stock control map are *generally* changed by 20 degrees every 25 mph. That is a rule of thumb, because in the higher speeds in the softest position, there are larger jumps. In contrast in the medium and firm positons, the "steps" are smaller because they already start out firmer. (these comments are based on the original sytem used until they went to the 80 degree rotation valving.)


Soapbox mode: [ON]

It always amazes me when people who don't understand the system are so eager to disable it or change out the shocks to fixed valving units. (often the $19.95 KYB's no less) :crazy: That's tantamount to saying, "I'm not sure I'm getting any benefit from my fuel injection system, so I'm going to a carburetor". Is there a possible benefit from a carb in a drag car? Maybe...Is there a benefit to a good fixed valving shock. Not likely.
OK..I'm back down now;)

The FX3 shocks were some of the most sophisticated shocks that ever made it into mass prodution. If anyone is serious about maximizing the system, I'm happy to share what little I know about it. But please don't dump your FX3 shocks. If you're bent on doing so, I'll take them off anyone's hands...here's my address...;)


[Modified by h rocks, 8:16 PM 10/29/2001]

 

Exactly what is the valving change. Compression or rebound?

 

Both. How much and what mapping depends on how you use the car, what springs you have etc. etc. Bilstein has a pretty good databank.

 

Depends on which version of the FX3 you are talking about. It went from basically remotely adjustable shocks to a sophisticated real-time computer controlled suspension. ( I believe at the peak, it adjusted the suspension about once per foot at 60mph). I would suspect that a lot of the '96 technology went into the C5 traction control system.

To answer your question, you need to define what you need (or want, they can be different) then do more research.

Cheers,


[Modified by John Row, 12:28 PM 10/30/2001]

 

hrocks

Well, I certainly don't cherish that award. Guess I've been thoroughly straightened out.

Here's what I feel. The car is bearable around town ( I drive the car daily on my job)...the 84 was NOT. It was painful. I notice that the ride is much softer on the highway...while it doesn't bottom out, it certainly feels softer.

I don't know (and honestly don't care) about all the intricacies of the system. All I know is that I like...except that it is very expensive to repair. The number of times I've changed from touring, I can count on one hand...and to be honest, I couldn't tell a whole lot of difference. Maybe, mines not functioning correctly?