Ride control
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
Very expensive retrofit. Not many would consider it worth the cost. I have selective ride and enjoy the benefits of it. Especially with the bad roads we have in this neck of the woods. My GF would probably leave me if my Corvette did not have selective ride... (Probably the only switch she has complete control of) LOL Greetings, Rob
AKA "The CLOWN"
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 6,261
Likes: 13
From: Chicago South Suburbs
Mine took a crap at 23,000 miles, shocks are in the garbage along with everything else for the setup, except the computer module thing.
I still have it, you can have it for free!
I still have it, you can have it for free!
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,888
Likes: 382
From: Chandler AZ
I bought my 1999 Corvette in 2003, maybe it's just me but I swear the 3 settings don't do anything, my ex said she could tell, I always have it in the performance setting.
If it does anything, it's so subtle I cannot tell, maybe one has to drive on a real rough rode to notice.
If it does anything, it's so subtle I cannot tell, maybe one has to drive on a real rough rode to notice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
2003+ has a different shock/ride than the previous years. It is called magnetic ride system. It was an option. Big difference in ride between touring and sport (only 2 settings). I believe you are right in not noticing any change in ride in your 1999.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 352
From: Carson City Nevada
I've had the F-45 ride control in 3 of my c5's. Damn if I could tell the difference in any of them when I tried to use it. I don't even bother with it on my current 02. Use your money for something usefull.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 4
From: Bedford MA
Most do not like the selective ride control. The shocks are HEAVY and very expensive to repair/get replacements.
With that being said, I have the F45 on my '02 coupe and really like it. I don't notice a huge difference when in the "Sport" setting however the difference between "Touring" and "Performance" is quite noticeable to me. Especially on uneven roads or bumpy roads the Touring setting is a great thing to have! Until one fails or breaks I'm sticking with em.
With that being said, I have the F45 on my '02 coupe and really like it. I don't notice a huge difference when in the "Sport" setting however the difference between "Touring" and "Performance" is quite noticeable to me. Especially on uneven roads or bumpy roads the Touring setting is a great thing to have! Until one fails or breaks I'm sticking with em.
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IMO, not work the substantial expense to add that to the car.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
A few of the C5's I am looking at have it. Would you consider it a plus or minus when considering a purchase? I don't want something potentially expensive to replace should it crap out, but if it works, it would be very nice.
I had the FX3 system in my '94 and loved it, but I upgraded the actuators and got revalved shocks for better overall performance.
I had the FX3 system in my '94 and loved it, but I upgraded the actuators and got revalved shocks for better overall performance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5,715
Likes: 181
From: Pueblo, CO
my `03 has the F55 suspension and there's a noticeable difference between Tour and Sport.
Tour makes the car ride like a really nice touring car. It's very smooth and stable.
Sport makes the car ride like a really nice sports car. It's very taut and you feel every bump and ripple in the road.
You should test drive/ride a car with an F55 system to decide whether the ride is worth it to you.
Personally, I like the F55 system and knew about the potential costs when I bought the car.
When I was looking to buy, I test drove a `99 with standard shocks and didn't like how stiff the suspension felt all the time. It's nice to be able to smooth it out with a flip of the switch when I want a smooth ride.
Tour makes the car ride like a really nice touring car. It's very smooth and stable.
Sport makes the car ride like a really nice sports car. It's very taut and you feel every bump and ripple in the road.
You should test drive/ride a car with an F55 system to decide whether the ride is worth it to you.
Personally, I like the F55 system and knew about the potential costs when I bought the car.
When I was looking to buy, I test drove a `99 with standard shocks and didn't like how stiff the suspension felt all the time. It's nice to be able to smooth it out with a flip of the switch when I want a smooth ride.
Last edited by DanSavage; Oct 21, 2013 at 06:56 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 219
From: West Branch, MI
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 72
Likes: 3
From: West Bend Wisconsin
I have a 2004 with the F55 system. There is a huge difference between the two switch settings, at least there was after I removed the shipping spacers from the rear shocks.
If I wanted the F55 system, I would not even think about trying to add it to a car that did not have it. I would sell my car, and buy one that came with the system from the factory. I suspect the overall cost, effort, and odds that the F55 will work properly would favor simply buying a car that already has it.
If I wanted the F55 system, I would not even think about trying to add it to a car that did not have it. I would sell my car, and buy one that came with the system from the factory. I suspect the overall cost, effort, and odds that the F55 will work properly would favor simply buying a car that already has it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5,715
Likes: 181
From: Pueblo, CO
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 403
From: Horseshoe Bend ID
Whenever I buy my next new Vette, It will NOT have magnetic selective ride control. All the failure/repair/does not do anything stories have convinced me it's a bad idea made possible thru excellent engineering.
spend the money elsewhere