Driving modes - no difference?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Driving modes - no difference?
On my 98 - the three switch driving mode doesnt make any handling different that i can tell. Would my suspension be old or is it a shock thing?
Thanks in advance!
Dave
Thanks in advance!
Dave
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
I can't tell at all when switching mine either. from what I understand that's just the way it is. apparently the newer F55 version which is found only in the latest year or two of the C5 is better refined, you can actually tell the difference in the car's handling ability when you flip the switch. on the older F45 systems, they all feel the same to me!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Here's an article that you might find interesting on the new for '03 F55 suspension - but it talks about the history of the cockpit adjustable suspension options including the F45 Selective Real Time Dampening.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...s+the+50th+Car
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...s+the+50th+Car
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,987
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From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I test drove a 99 Vert with the selective ride option. I couldn't feel any difference either. I thought it was just me. 
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,467
Likes: 8
From: 972 and 405
I also noticed that there is nothing in the DIC for when I change the settings. I was beginning to wonder if my actually has it or if the previous owner just swapped the panel to look cool LOL.
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 173
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From: Austin, Texas
Can't feel a difference? Try this...
There really is a difference. Not very noticeable, but it is there. Touring is softer, and performance is harder. To feel the difference for yourself, go out and find a series of decent bumps in the road... I've noticed it most on bridges where there is a pretty good size expansion joint that you really feel when driving over it... drive over the bridge in Touring, then do it in Performance. Performance is DEFINITELY firmer... the shocks simply do NOT cushion as well (ie. they are stiffer). Try entering the bridge on Perf., then switch to Touring while you're still on the bridge before you go over the other joint. There is a difference!
Now as for feeling a difference while spirited driving, well, I always have mine set to Perf, but I know its working. How much its actually doing (helping).... I can't say exactly. When I go out with Peter Pan and the rest of the Lost Boys out in the Texas Hill Country, I always switch it to Perf. But twice now, I've left the switch set to Perf. and noticed it was stiffer than normal on the way back home... both times I've noticed it when crossing bridges... switch it to Touring, and sure enough, its softer again.
Now as for feeling a difference while spirited driving, well, I always have mine set to Perf, but I know its working. How much its actually doing (helping).... I can't say exactly. When I go out with Peter Pan and the rest of the Lost Boys out in the Texas Hill Country, I always switch it to Perf. But twice now, I've left the switch set to Perf. and noticed it was stiffer than normal on the way back home... both times I've noticed it when crossing bridges... switch it to Touring, and sure enough, its softer again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 426
When I bought mine in October, I didn't see much difference in the 3 suspension settings. I figured it was just marketing hype. Then the dealer had to do some work on it and had to pull the battery cable. When I got it back WOW! Everything worked better; the 3 suspension settings, the speed volume in the radio and the dash lights. Even the heater worked better after a re-boot.
If you don't notice much of a difference in the suspension settings try pulling the negative cable off the battery for 10 minutes or so. It is the cheapest fix you'll ever do. I've done some other maintenance that required the cable disconnect and it still makes a difference.
If you don't notice much of a difference in the suspension settings try pulling the negative cable off the battery for 10 minutes or so. It is the cheapest fix you'll ever do. I've done some other maintenance that required the cable disconnect and it still makes a difference.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,325
Likes: 0
From: You can't get there from here NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I test drove a 2001 vert before I got my car which does not have the adjustable suspension option.I tried everything in that vert, on winding roads, over bumps, fast and slow, but I couldn't really see any noticeable difference. I thought it was just that particular car, but after seeing what everyone says here, maybe there really isn't much difference. Actually, I know someone who got rid of those shocks, and put in regular high performance shocks, and had to reset the computer to compensate, but seems to like the car better now.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 66
From: SoCal
There really is a difference. Not very noticeable, but it is there. Touring is softer, and performance is harder. To feel the difference for yourself, go out and find a series of decent bumps in the road... I've noticed it most on bridges where there is a pretty good size expansion joint that you really feel when driving over it... drive over the bridge in Touring, then do it in Performance. Performance is DEFINITELY firmer... the shocks simply do NOT cushion as well (ie. they are stiffer). Try entering the bridge on Perf., then switch to Touring while you're still on the bridge before you go over the other joint. There is a difference!
Now as for feeling a difference while spirited driving, well, I always have mine set to Perf, but I know its working. How much its actually doing (helping).... I can't say exactly. When I go out with Peter Pan and the rest of the Lost Boys out in the Texas Hill Country, I always switch it to Perf. But twice now, I've left the switch set to Perf. and noticed it was stiffer than normal on the way back home... both times I've noticed it when crossing bridges... switch it to Touring, and sure enough, its softer again.
Now as for feeling a difference while spirited driving, well, I always have mine set to Perf, but I know its working. How much its actually doing (helping).... I can't say exactly. When I go out with Peter Pan and the rest of the Lost Boys out in the Texas Hill Country, I always switch it to Perf. But twice now, I've left the switch set to Perf. and noticed it was stiffer than normal on the way back home... both times I've noticed it when crossing bridges... switch it to Touring, and sure enough, its softer again.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,285
Likes: 3
From: Fort St John B.C
I never noticed a difference until I moved, and right down the road is a section, about 100 meters long that is mildly washboard and so I tried the settings a was able to feel the difference.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: May 2006
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From: Fort St John B.C
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 5
From: Forsyth Illinois
There really is a difference. Not very noticeable, but it is there. Touring is softer, and performance is harder. To feel the difference for yourself, go out and find a series of decent bumps in the road... I've noticed it most on bridges where there is a pretty good size expansion joint that you really feel when driving over it... drive over the bridge in Touring, then do it in Performance. Performance is DEFINITELY firmer... the shocks simply do NOT cushion as well (ie. they are stiffer). Try entering the bridge on Perf., then switch to Touring while you're still on the bridge before you go over the other joint. There is a difference!
Now as for feeling a difference while spirited driving, well, I always have mine set to Perf, but I know its working. How much its actually doing (helping).... I can't say exactly. When I go out with Peter Pan and the rest of the Lost Boys out in the Texas Hill Country, I always switch it to Perf. But twice now, I've left the switch set to Perf. and noticed it was stiffer than normal on the way back home... both times I've noticed it when crossing bridges... switch it to Touring, and sure enough, its softer again.
Now as for feeling a difference while spirited driving, well, I always have mine set to Perf, but I know its working. How much its actually doing (helping).... I can't say exactly. When I go out with Peter Pan and the rest of the Lost Boys out in the Texas Hill Country, I always switch it to Perf. But twice now, I've left the switch set to Perf. and noticed it was stiffer than normal on the way back home... both times I've noticed it when crossing bridges... switch it to Touring, and sure enough, its softer again.
Try this and if everything is working you will feel the difference.If you can't tell, seat of the pants, there is something not working.
Mark
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 745
Likes: 12
From: Milton FL
Only time I've felt a diff. is when hammering down to pass on a 2 lane, car doesn't jump up as much, is firmer to the ground. I will try the bridge expansion joint thing tonight, new interstate bridge opened.
R
R