C4 Coilovers (1996)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 556
From: Tallahassee fl
C4 Coilovers (1996)
My brother and I have identical 1996 GS coupes... both have F45 suspension. The suspension at this point on both cars goes from soft to softer. Not terrible on cruises but are just not doing it for us at speed or the curves.
Looking at DRM which keeps the factory shocks and is priced seemingly really well but their site says it fits 1996 FX3 (didnt exist) so not sure on those
Vansteel I know are nice but $$$
Others? Any advice or opinions?
Looking at DRM which keeps the factory shocks and is priced seemingly really well but their site says it fits 1996 FX3 (didnt exist) so not sure on those
Vansteel I know are nice but $$$
Others? Any advice or opinions?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 80
From: Hawaii
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 1,676
My condolences on the F45 equipped car. Probably the worst suspension option as there are no replacement parts nor are there any rebuilding services.
The DRM coilover kit or Callaway, Exotic muscle or any of the shelf kits will not work, as the shock body has the sensing module on the side.
Your only option is to get a set of Bilstein shocks have cut for any of the previously mentioned kits. Or as mentioned in the post above, you can buy from After Dark Speed. And then you would need to do something with the F45 system brain. Somebody used to sell eliminating plugs for these and the C5 version of the magna-ride shocks.
The DRM coilover kit or Callaway, Exotic muscle or any of the shelf kits will not work, as the shock body has the sensing module on the side.
Your only option is to get a set of Bilstein shocks have cut for any of the previously mentioned kits. Or as mentioned in the post above, you can buy from After Dark Speed. And then you would need to do something with the F45 system brain. Somebody used to sell eliminating plugs for these and the C5 version of the magna-ride shocks.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 556
From: Tallahassee fl
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 556
From: Tallahassee fl
My condolences on the F45 equipped car. Probably the worst suspension option as there are no replacement parts nor are there any rebuilding services.
The DRM coilover kit or Callaway, Exotic muscle or any of the shelf kits will not work, as the shock body has the sensing module on the side.
Your only option is to get a set of Bilstein shocks have cut for any of the previously mentioned kits. Or as mentioned in the post above, you can buy from After Dark Speed. And then you would need to do something with the F45 system brain. Somebody used to sell eliminating plugs for these and the C5 version of the magna-ride shocks.
The DRM coilover kit or Callaway, Exotic muscle or any of the shelf kits will not work, as the shock body has the sensing module on the side.
Your only option is to get a set of Bilstein shocks have cut for any of the previously mentioned kits. Or as mentioned in the post above, you can buy from After Dark Speed. And then you would need to do something with the F45 system brain. Somebody used to sell eliminating plugs for these and the C5 version of the magna-ride shocks.
The 1996 F45 doesn't need eliminator plugs if we op to swap shocks. 1997 up does
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 1,676
DRM has an FX3 kit, says it fits to 1996 and it is different than the standard kit. I'm not opposed to giving it a shot on F45 if it actually fits... AND a normal shock can be replaced on the FX3 kit if the F45s still aren't up to snuff with the tighter springs in the future
The 1996 F45 doesn't need eliminator plugs if we op to swap shocks. 1997 up does
The 1996 F45 doesn't need eliminator plugs if we op to swap shocks. 1997 up does
The DRM kit does fit to 1996, but only cars with the non adjustable suspension. The difference between a standard shock and the FX3 is the rod diameter. The hole in the top hat for the FX3 has to be larger to allow the support spacer.
Regardless of any kit you choose, you will not be using a F45 shock with any coilover setup. You will be choosing a base bilstein or any of the other shock kits.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 81
From: Florence SC
St. Jude Donor '12
You could also source a set of Bilsteins, non FX3, and source all the necessary parts from Speedway Motors and then assemble them yourself. You'll need the shocks grooved for the snap rings. Not a hard job at all. Of course this want allow you to keep any adjustability in these, but should ride just fine and give you height adjustment.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 556
From: Tallahassee fl
Thanks for the replies. I'm cool with tossing F45. Still not sure on what kit to go with. The afterdark ones seem to have adjustable shocks and springs. They also just have an adjustable shock that might be enough. I'm kinda stuck in a spot where I'm in information overload.
Obviously I loved the price of the DRM kit. By the time I also get quality shocks I'm close to even on vansteel or the ones on afterdaaf's site.
Obviously I loved the price of the DRM kit. By the time I also get quality shocks I'm close to even on vansteel or the ones on afterdaaf's site.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
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
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 81
From: Florence SC
St. Jude Donor '12
Thanks for the replies. I'm cool with tossing F45. Still not sure on what kit to go with. The afterdark ones seem to have adjustable shocks and springs. They also just have an adjustable shock that might be enough. I'm kinda stuck in a spot where I'm in information overload.
Obviously I loved the price of the DRM kit. By the time I also get quality shocks I'm close to even on vansteel or the ones on afterdaaf's site.
Obviously I loved the price of the DRM kit. By the time I also get quality shocks I'm close to even on vansteel or the ones on afterdaaf's site.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 117
From: New Braunfels Texas
I replaced the F45 shocks on my 96 with Z51 Bilsteins. It improved the handling/ride considerably and was inexpensive. I bought the F45 simulators on Ebay. It worked but occasionally gave me a check suspension light on the dash. I would have added sway bars eventually but sold the car. I am enjoying the FX3 on my 91.