Pls. correct me if I am wrong. Did "Selective ride" first appear on the Anniv. Ed. '03 Vette's? Is it available on future models and on the C6's. Is standard equipment or optional? I love the ride options (sport or touring) and use it frequently, it makes a BIG difference. I think it would be a big selling point when buying a Vette but no threads on this topic. I love it especially on hi-way drives. What are your feelings on this option? Is it cost prohibitive to repace with same shocks when necessary? Greetings, Rob

 

Actually, the first car that the Selective Ride option came on was the 1989 Corvette (Option FX3). That lasted through the 1995 model year, and in 1996, Selective Real Time Damping (F45) became available. F45 lasted through the 2002 model year. In 2003, Magnetic Selective Ride Control (F55) and it has been available ever since. All of these items were options on the car.

The shocks are very expensive to replace if they go bad. Some owners have simply replaced the expensive components with regular shocks and had the optional shocks tuned out of the computer.

 

Thanks Jack, I am wondering what the life is of these shocks are..same as any shock or ? When you say very expensive would you know how much I would be looking at approx.? I would really miss them.

 

It's my belief that the MSRC shocks have a very long life and very low failure rate. Although people worry about what it might cost to replace them, in actuality I think that this is a much exaggerated concern. However, if I recall correctly the replacement cost may be in the area of $300 for a shock. Unless your piling up mega miles, an accident would more likely be the cause for needing to replace one.

 

I just priced out MSRC shock replacement. On Gene's site (Probably the lowest price you will find) it comes out to around $2400 for all 4. - An average of $600 per shock.

 

Very well put, my F45 shocks were fine until I slammed my Vette, got coil overs for less then new shocks

 

Here is a fun fact about the 2003 model and magnetic selective ride: They were shipped with yellow tags put in the shocks for shipping. The dealer was supposed to pull those tags to activate the system. There are some cars that still have the tags and the system hasn't been activated.

 

I'm a fan of the msrc, which was available from 03 on.

 

Am in the process of removing the msrc shocks and I can tell you it hasn't been pretty. Went in to get an inspection sticker and was told two were starting to leak and there is no way of rebuilding plus the cost was outrageous. Dealer wanted $2,400+ for two installed, and said it with a straight face.

Am now in the process of installing new shocks and decided to go with simulators to by pass the computer. Can't get them to fit my 2003. Guess my next option is to find someone with a Tech 2 to de-program the F55 - so far easier said than done. If someone knows how to do it please post.

So, my experience says - STAY AWAY - In doing research the average life is about 8-10 years. And then the process will start again.

 

I had a 98 Eldorado ETC and the front shocks were $1900 each plus $600 each for installation, this was just over a year ago. I figured the currents ones had a few miles left in them after hearing this.

 

My wife's 50th AE convertible had all four magnetic shocks replaced under GM original factory warranty at 4500 miles as they were leaking internally resulting in a very harsh ride. The car now has 31K and the shocks are leaking again. Each front shock costs MSRP $1170 (gmpartsdirect $608) and 100 installation. The rears are less by a couple of hundred. They will be replaced with Bilstein's at $83 each. The installer simply adds a jumper to each wire on one shock to make the computer see the connection as O.K. or use a simulator at each shock.

 

Yikes, thats a lot of cash for these shocks, cant believe that after 6 years they havent dropped in price any. Also wondering if they can be reconditioned somewhere? So far mine are holding out and praying they will for sometime. Who needs the grief?

 

I have a 01 so I have the F45? What's the difference between that and the magnetic?

 

By all accounts the MSRC works quite well. Don't know how you find it but changing the setting on my F45s changes the switch setting. I cant see any difference in ride quality. Poor system IMHO

 

That's what I mean I cant see the difference I though I had the MSRC but I'm reading different? Time to check the vin/build sheet

 

My selective ride switch has 3 settings (tour/sport/performance). I think the later system only has 2. Mag ride didn't come in until 03

 

Well let me tell you the difference between sport and touring selection (with MSRC) is exponential....two different cars! I would really miss not having it and probably wouldn't get my gf to ride in my car on long trips without.
(google Corvette magnetic ride suspension, high tech or what!?)

 

I found that on streets where you might scrape the air dam if you put it on sport you usually will not scrape.

 

Deleting the F55 option for the 03 and 04 has been covered a few times in the Tech forum. I copied the procedure below to be used by me when mine fail. IMHO NO shock system used on a street car is worth the replacement cost of the F55 shocks, let alone any of the electronic components... The procedure needs to be followed EXACTLY

I have finally deleted my F55 MagRideSelect after changing to Bilstiens. The Tech 2 procedure for the F45 delete will not work for RPO F55 suspension. For F45 delete you just remove the module in the driver side rear and follow the Tech 2 procedure.
After more than a few phone calls, and some points in the right direction ( thanks DirtyHowie ) I got it to work for me. Andy at A&A Corvette was super. He gave me some great tips which ultimately lead to my success.
Here is the procedure I used.
1. Hook up Tech 2, turn car ON, make sure module in the rear is PLUGGED IN. Do Not unplug the rear module.
2. use Tech 2 to delete the F45 option ( F55 did not appear on the menu screen on the Tech 2, use F45)
3. Save new configuration.
4. Do not turn car off, do not remove Tech 2, go to the module in the rear of the car, unplug the grey connector( the widest one) leave the center plug in and the smaller black plug in.
5. Turn off car leave Tech 2 plugged in.
6. Remove remaining plugs from module in the rear of car.
7. turn car on to verify the " Max speed 80 mph" is gone.
8. unplug Tech 2 and put tools away.

I know this quite a bit different from the F45 procedure, and I talked to a lot of people and tried many different methods and tips. Some people may have done it differently and easier, but this worked for me, so if you get stuck, try this out. Also, call Andy at A&A Corvette. He REALLY helped me out.

Hope this helps somebody

 

F55 was avialable as an option for all 2003's (except Z06). It was standard equipment on all 50th Anniversary Editions.

The Magnetic shock system was also offered on the 2002 Cadillac, but did not have the specs of the 2003 Corvette F55 system.

F55 shocks are very expensive to replace. Several of the Anniversary cars I know had leaking F55 shocks that were replaced during the warranty period. My 50th AE shocks have not leaked with 32K miles and 6 years later.

Most of the 2003's had shock stuffers (plastic spacers) on the shock rod for shipping purposes. Many dealers ignored the instructions to remove these spacers. Owners can check to see if these spacers were left on the shocks by pushing up the dust covers to look for a plastic yellow ribbon that is attached to the spacer.

The first months of F55 equipped 2004's also had the stuffers. GM decided they were not necessary for shipping and discontinued thier use.

See the 50thRegistry.com for the Notice that was placed in the passenger seat when the F55 cars were delivered. There are pics of the shock stuffers too.

http://www.50thregistry.com/technica...ks/shocks.html

There are cars out there that still have these spacers in place, limiting shock travel and creating a very harsh ride! Even some Car Magazine writers were given cars to evaluate with the stuffers in place! Its no wonder they weren't very impressed!!!

Its a great system. It greatly improves both handing and ride quality.