Could someone explain the differences in handling packages.
Thread Starter
Corvette ***** OG
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From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '05
CI VI Veteran
Could someone explain the differences in handling packages.
I'm confused which handling package is which. The option on my vert has the little active handling button and the switch with 3 settings. (touring, sport and performance, I think)
What is the difference between that package (I think it's an F45??) and the Z51 package and how do those packages compare to the mods you guys are doing by adding the Z06 swaybars and bilstein shocks.
Thanks in advance,
Mark
What is the difference between that package (I think it's an F45??) and the Z51 package and how do those packages compare to the mods you guys are doing by adding the Z06 swaybars and bilstein shocks.
Thanks in advance,
Mark
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From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Mark,
You have the Select Ride package or FE2 <edit>
It is a step up from base - FE1
Z51 or FE3 is a step above both select ride and base
Z06 or FE4 is the ultimate in factory options.
The Z51 front spring and the Z06 front spring are the same part.
Beyond that - there are Bilstein Sports shocks, VBP springs, Hotchkis sways, GM T1 racing sways, QA adjustable shocks, coilovers from Doug Rippie and LGM.....
A good compromise between handling, comfort and cost is Z06 springs, Bilstein Sports shocks and Z06 sways (with Z06 end links). It won't break the bank and the car will handle extremely well.
I'm ultimately going with the DRM coilovers and DRM T1 sways for max handling and adjustability. I need to get Grond in da weedz.
Stephen
You have the Select Ride package or FE2 <edit>
It is a step up from base - FE1
Z51 or FE3 is a step above both select ride and base
Z06 or FE4 is the ultimate in factory options.
The Z51 front spring and the Z06 front spring are the same part.
Beyond that - there are Bilstein Sports shocks, VBP springs, Hotchkis sways, GM T1 racing sways, QA adjustable shocks, coilovers from Doug Rippie and LGM.....
A good compromise between handling, comfort and cost is Z06 springs, Bilstein Sports shocks and Z06 sways (with Z06 end links). It won't break the bank and the car will handle extremely well.
I'm ultimately going with the DRM coilovers and DRM T1 sways for max handling and adjustability. I need to get Grond in da weedz.
Stephen
Last edited by EG@EnglandGreen; Jul 4, 2005 at 11:23 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Ghent
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by EnglandGreen
You have the Magnetic Ride package.
It is a step up from base - FE1
Z51 or FE3 is a step above both magnetic ride and base
Z06 or FE4 is the ultimate in factory options
Beyond that - there is VBP springs, Bilstein Sports shocks, QA adjustable shocks, coilovers from Doug Rippie and LGM
It is a step up from base - FE1
Z51 or FE3 is a step above both magnetic ride and base
Z06 or FE4 is the ultimate in factory options
Beyond that - there is VBP springs, Bilstein Sports shocks, QA adjustable shocks, coilovers from Doug Rippie and LGM
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From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by CCMC5
This is what EG actually posted, why didn't it show up???
Moderator???
Moderator???
Le Mans Master
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From: Ghent
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by EnglandGreen
I'm still editing it!!!
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From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
The F45 select ride package is basically a shock option. The springs and sways are same as the base suspension. The switch just controls the shock dampening.
The Z51 option included stiffer springs, shocks, and larger swaybars for more performance-oriented handling, with some degradation in ride quality.
You can certainly beef up the swaybars with the F45 pkg.
In order to switch shocks, you'll need to either have the F45 option programmed out of your computer (Tech-2 job), or use shock simulator modules (expensive).
EG - Magnetic ride wasn't introduced until 2003, that is the F55 option, although similar, the F55 is a bit more advanced than the F45 select ride was.
The Z51 option included stiffer springs, shocks, and larger swaybars for more performance-oriented handling, with some degradation in ride quality.
You can certainly beef up the swaybars with the F45 pkg.
In order to switch shocks, you'll need to either have the F45 option programmed out of your computer (Tech-2 job), or use shock simulator modules (expensive).
EG - Magnetic ride wasn't introduced until 2003, that is the F55 option, although similar, the F55 is a bit more advanced than the F45 select ride was.
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From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Corrected in my post. Thanks Tom 
Thread Starter
Corvette ***** OG
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From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '05
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Thanks guys, much appreciated.
Is there a big difference between the FE2 package and the F45 package? I could have sworn my option code said F45 but apparently not.
Thanks,
Mark
Is there a big difference between the FE2 package and the F45 package? I could have sworn my option code said F45 but apparently not.
Thanks,
Mark
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From: Mustang OK
Originally Posted by MyBlueC5
Thanks guys, much appreciated.
Is there a big difference between the FE2 package and the F45 package? I could have sworn my option code said F45 but apparently not.
Thanks,
Mark
Is there a big difference between the FE2 package and the F45 package? I could have sworn my option code said F45 but apparently not.
Thanks,
Mark
F45 Selective Real Time Damping
F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control (Replaced the F45 in model year 2003)
FE1 Base Suspension
FE3 Sport Suspension (Included with Z51)
FE4 Suspension System, Z06
Z51 technically is the RPO number for the Performance Handling Package which consists of the FE3 Sport Suspension and a power steering cooler.
You can find a little more on the C5 suspensions at the following link (As Y2Kvert4me mentioned above, the sways bar sizes and spring rates for the F45 are the same as for the FE1 base suspension.):
:
http://www.jakelatham.com/c5/misc/faq.shtml#2-1
Last edited by GrayC5; Jul 5, 2005 at 12:03 AM.
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From: Mustang OK
The following link also has more on the C5 suspensions with the exclusion of the F45.
2003-2004 Corvette Suspension Comparison
2003-2004 Corvette Suspension Comparison
Thread Starter
Corvette ***** OG
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From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '05
CI VI Veteran
Originally Posted by GrayC5
The following link also has more on the C5 suspensions with the exclusion of the F45.
2003-2004 Corvette Suspension Comparison
2003-2004 Corvette Suspension Comparison
Thanks Gray,
One question though, where does the F45 fall into as far as comparison to the other suspension options?
Is the F45 worth upgrading with different sway bars or are they pretty decent?
I appreciate everyone's time and answers.
Thanks,
Mark
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From: Twilight zone
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Mark,
definately upgrade the sway bars.I went with hotchkiss( which is a little heavier that the zo6 sways,but quite a bit more expensive!)I suggest z06 bars,best bang for the buck..and simple to install
Springs are a little more involved to put in,at least the front one is..
I suggest upgrading the bars,and see how it feels to you.It made a HUGE difference in mine with the base(fe1) suspension,much tighter in cornering..less body roll
Springs later,...even shocks if you wanna go that far..
definately upgrade the sway bars.I went with hotchkiss( which is a little heavier that the zo6 sways,but quite a bit more expensive!)I suggest z06 bars,best bang for the buck..and simple to install
Springs are a little more involved to put in,at least the front one is..
I suggest upgrading the bars,and see how it feels to you.It made a HUGE difference in mine with the base(fe1) suspension,much tighter in cornering..less body roll
Springs later,...even shocks if you wanna go that far..
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From: Mustang OK
Originally Posted by MyBlueC5
Thanks Gray,
One question though, where does the F45 fall into as far as comparison to the other suspension options?
Is the F45 worth upgrading with different sway bars or are they pretty decent?
I appreciate everyone's time and answers.
Thanks,
Mark
One question though, where does the F45 fall into as far as comparison to the other suspension options?
Is the F45 worth upgrading with different sway bars or are they pretty decent?
I appreciate everyone's time and answers.
Thanks,
Mark
Several people here in the past have reported on improved handling after upgrading their F45 suspension with either the FE3 (Z51) or FE4 (Z06) sways/spring. However, I can't speak to this.
We ordered our car with the Z51 package and love it. I have never driven a car with the F45 suspension, but personally I think the Z51's (FE3) handling is much improved over the FE1 Base Suspension. The Z51 really comes into its own in the twisties and turnies and I love it for it's flat roll response. The Z51's ride is somewhat firmer, but definitely not what I would consider harsh. My wife and I make several road trip of 1K miles or more each year and we have been very pleased with the ride of our car.
Hope this help and good luck with yours.
Thread Starter
Corvette ***** OG
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From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '05
CI VI Veteran
Originally Posted by flynbya2
Mark,
definately upgrade the sway bars.I went with hotchkiss( which is a little heavier that the zo6 sways,but quite a bit more expensive!)I suggest z06 bars,best bang for the buck..and simple to install
Springs are a little more involved to put in,at least the front one is..
I suggest upgrading the bars,and see how it feels to you.It made a HUGE difference in mine with the base(fe1) suspension,much tighter in cornering..less body roll
Springs later,...even shocks if you wanna go that far..
definately upgrade the sway bars.I went with hotchkiss( which is a little heavier that the zo6 sways,but quite a bit more expensive!)I suggest z06 bars,best bang for the buck..and simple to install
Springs are a little more involved to put in,at least the front one is..
I suggest upgrading the bars,and see how it feels to you.It made a HUGE difference in mine with the base(fe1) suspension,much tighter in cornering..less body roll
Springs later,...even shocks if you wanna go that far..
Joe,
Thanks man, that's a good happy medium for me. All of my end links need replacing anyways so that'll be a good reason to switch over to the Z06 stuff...
I appreciate your advice.
Originally Posted by GrayC5
My understanding is the same as Y2Kvert4me's above in that: 1) the sway bars and springs for the F45 are basically the same as those for the FE1 Base Suspension and 2) the basic difference between the FE1 and F45 is that the F45 makes use of the adjustable shocks and Selective Real Time Damping . However, I don't have links to sources now to totally confirm this. The following link to the 2001 model year specs though does show the front and rear sway bar sizes for the two to be the same: 2001 Corvette Specifications
Several people here in the past have reported on improved handling after upgrading their F45 suspension with either the FE3 (Z51) or FE4 (Z06) sways/spring. However, I can't speak to this.
We ordered our car with the Z51 package and love it. I have never driven a car with the F45 suspension, but personally I think the Z51's (FE3) handling is much improved over the FE1 Base Suspension. The Z51 really comes into its own in the twisties and turnies and I love it for it's flat roll response. The Z51's ride is somewhat firmer, but definitely not what I would consider harsh. My wife and I make several road trip of 1K miles or more each year and we have been very pleased with the ride of our car.
Hope this help and good luck with yours.
Several people here in the past have reported on improved handling after upgrading their F45 suspension with either the FE3 (Z51) or FE4 (Z06) sways/spring. However, I can't speak to this.
We ordered our car with the Z51 package and love it. I have never driven a car with the F45 suspension, but personally I think the Z51's (FE3) handling is much improved over the FE1 Base Suspension. The Z51 really comes into its own in the twisties and turnies and I love it for it's flat roll response. The Z51's ride is somewhat firmer, but definitely not what I would consider harsh. My wife and I make several road trip of 1K miles or more each year and we have been very pleased with the ride of our car.
Hope this help and good luck with yours.
Very helpful, as I said to Joe, definitely a happy medium. The car is a daily driver and I don't go to the track but I love to exercise her once in a while...
I appreciate everyone's help. Thanks all....
Mark
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From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
GM T1 is not just sway bars. It is a full road racing suppension.
Sway bars, end lincks, springs, shocks, negitive camber concentrics, A-arms with poly bushings.
great for high speed cornering, but for the street use, rocks would be softer on bumpy roads.
Blue is GM T1 front, black is 2003 Z51 / ZO6 front
Sway bars, end lincks, springs, shocks, negitive camber concentrics, A-arms with poly bushings.
great for high speed cornering, but for the street use, rocks would be softer on bumpy roads.
Blue is GM T1 front, black is 2003 Z51 / ZO6 front
Last edited by AU N EGL; Jul 5, 2005 at 02:47 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Twilight zone
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by AU N EGL
GM T1 is not just sway bars. It is a full road racing suppension.
Sway bars, end lincks, springs, shocks, negitive camber concentrics, A-arms with poly bushings.
great for high speed cornering, but for the street use, rocks would be softer on bumpy roads.
Blue is GM T1, black is Z51
Sway bars, end lincks, springs, shocks, negitive camber concentrics, A-arms with poly bushings.
great for high speed cornering, but for the street use, rocks would be softer on bumpy roads.
Blue is GM T1, black is Z51
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From: Jackson Tn
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Hey guys, I'm new here and just want to say this thread helped me a lot. I'm looking at a c5 with the Z51 option and was conserned about the ride being to harsh. I thought I wanted the F45 option but it sounds like the basic option with a bow on top. Thinking maybe I need to reconsider?
I love this site BTW!
I love this site BTW!
Thread Starter
Corvette ***** OG
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,776
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From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '05
CI VI Veteran
Originally Posted by vintage driver
Hey guys, I'm new here and just want to say this thread helped me a lot. I'm looking at a c5 with the Z51 option and was conserned about the ride being to harsh. I thought I wanted the F45 option but it sounds like the basic option with a bow on top. Thinking maybe I need to reconsider?
I love this site BTW!
I love this site BTW!
Congrats and welcome. You'll love this site. Very informative, very helpful and very addicting.
Mark