Maybe there's a new flock of readers who might be able to answer this.

There have been a number of posts about the magnetic damping switch and whether it really works or not (whether someone left the shipping pads inside the shocks, etc.). It's almost time to replace the shocks on my 2000 vert, so here's a question that came to mind when I read DIXZ's post about his Koni's.

Exactly what part of the suspension does the magnetic damping switch control? If I opt not to use GM's original equipment shocks, which brands will allow the damping control to still work, and which ones won't? I think I'd rather have the ability to select the ride instead of being locked into one particular feel.

 

Let me attempt to answer the questions:

First, per your profile you have an '00, and presumably the F45.

The F45 does work - but nowhere as 'good' (SOP) as the F55.

Different technologies/applications.

The "magnetic damping" is on the F55, not the F45. As I understand (in a nut shell) the 'fluid' is subject to electric charge - causing a effect on the fluid that provided better damping.

The electric current is in pico (I think) second application to the shocks fluid.

The damping 'switch' (F45) controls different levels of shock damping - Sports, Tour and Performance all have different specifications that reside in the computer settings (the computer is located in the drivers side trunk compartment) and the shocks are notified by the computer on how much damping is required per setting.

The damping 'switch' on the F55 does basically the same, but for two vs three settings on the F45.

If your Vette DID NOT come from the factory with the F45 - you can install the F45 shocks/switch - but be prepared to spend $$$$ since the wiring and computer will need to be wired.

You can elect to put aftermarket shocks in place of the F45's - but the switch will become inactive (the shocks will not accept the interface with the computer - the wiring is thus left idle.

Here is another thread that you may find interesting;

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1658837

I agree "....I'd rather have the ability to select the ride instead of being locked into one particular feel."

That is the benefit of the F45 (and the f55) options.

 

Thanks for the info. When I purchased the car it already had the 3-way switch on the console, but I can't feel much of a difference in ride when I change it. In the winter time the roads around here are so lousy with potholes that I would like to have a softer ride on occasion. I guess I'll have to see exactly what shocks are on the car. I don't know what the two previous owners may have changed.