Heavy D HTV

Good morning and thanks for your time.

I'm seeking advice from anyone that changed from the F45 RTD to standard shocks such as Bilstein. I'm leaning toward Bilstein HD based on what I've read here.

I have a 2000 C5 convertible with 80k miles. My mods are: 3000 stall yank torque converter, 3.42 differential, headers, intake, and metal sway bar end links.

The car has the original F45 RTD system on it and with 80k miles, I assume it is getting tired. Replacing the composite sway bar end links has helped with the rear end skipping over bumps on the freeway. The rear of the car used to jump side to side by an inch or two on the highway when going over rough patches. It was an uneasy feeling, but not on the verge of losing control or anything like that.

I nearly had heart palpitations when I saw it was going to be over $2k to replace the original RTD shocks, so I searched the forums and the consensus was to go to standard shocks. The posts I read indicated most people were very happy and there was a significant improvement in ride and handling.

I have a neighbor that thinks he can get his hands on a Tech II (has to pull some strings to do it) and remove the option for me. I'm in the detroit area (rochester) if anyone nearby has one and is willing to assist.

My questions for the experts here are:

1. Would you keep the F45 and spend a small fortune or change out to Bilsteins?
2. When the F45 option is removed, I've read that the shocks will no longer function at all and you must immediately replace them. Is this true?
3. If you have done the conversion, are you happy with it? Is there a notable improvement?
4. Some people have complained that the ride is too harsh. What are your thoughts? I know that is very subjective. I don't want a floaty 1970 Cadillac ride. This is a sports car and should have a firm, but not harsh ride. I live in the Detroit burbs and our roads are terrible (Most third world countries I've been to have better roads). That being said, I don't want to blow out a disc in my back with a stagecoach like suspension, but a firm ride like a BMW Z4 is fine.


Thank you,

Dan

Sox-Fan

I had the f45 on a 2004 c5 that I owned. I have bilsteins on this one. I prefer the bilsteins BY FAR.

I don't find the ride harsh, though it is firm. The car is far more deliberate in how it moves. Given the choice of the f45 or bilsteins in Detroit I'd take the blisteins any day.

Kinda wondering though, if your car is skipping sideways 2 to 3 inches over bumps ... have the shipping plugs on your shocks been removed? And what kind of tires are you on? A proper working f45 on decent tires shouldn't do that.

dadaroo

Where are you located? If you are close to me and want to get rid on the F45 shocks I can remove the RPO code from the BCM so it will not throw the messages. Cheaper than simulators since I would do it for free. You can use resistors instead of simulators if you want to go the DIY route.

PS: Have your considered the C6 ZO6 shocks and sway bars? Not expensive at all and a BIG improvement in handing and ride.

Sox-Fan

Detroit suburbs is where he lives

dadaroo

Long drive to get here, but the weather is better.

Heavy D HTV

Thanks for the replies and the offer of help with the Tech II. The drive is a bit too far for an afternoon jaunt. I agree the weather is MUCH better there. It's just starting to suck less here.

Patches

I have a set of almost new F45 shocks (<8k miles) I removed from my '02 coupe. I can give you a smokin' deal on them if you want to stick with the F45 and not have to go through the disabling procedure. PM if you're interested.

Sox-Fan

You're correct, I was not. Thanks for catching that.

Vetteman Jack

Sounds like one heck of a good from a respected forum member.

BitchinV

I just removed my F45 shocks last week. Replaced them with Bilstien HDs and added C6 Z51 sway bars and Moog endlinks.

My friend at a shop turned turned off the F45 with his Tech II. Using the exact procedure from these forums it took 5 mins. I also went on ebay and got a center console section without the selection ****.

I used to leave my F45s in tour mode and now the ride is a little stiffer but not harsh at all and feels more controlled. The larger sway bars help in the turns. Im very happy with this simpler and better setup. Spending $2k on new F45s would be crazy.

I got my HDs from tirerack. Good price and free shipping.

johnson-rod

Those would be the 110v F45 shocks?

drseth

I usually keep mine on the softest setting, but am curious as to how it compares to having standard shocks and struts. What did you replace your F45 with?

Fastbird

When I bought my C5 in 2006, it had 51K miles and the F45. I got ridiculous bump steer from it. Didn't like it at all. When the APS Turbo kit went on, the F45 had to go due to cold side piping interfering with the sensor arms. I upgraded to Bilstein Sports since my car was lowered (consensus at the time was Sports were for lowered cars, HD's were for stock ride height). First time I drove the car after all was said and done I was completely in love. No more bump steer, smooth but firm ride without being hard and bouncy, and the responsiveness came up quite a bit too.

Personally, I say ditch the F45, find someone with or purchase a China knock off Tech II ($275, and very hand to have) to delete it, and be done with it.

Clancy209

Can you PM me4 a price for the F45 shocks>

drseth

I do not have any for sale. They are still on the car. If I had a problem, I think I would try to find an F55 system out of a junk car, computer and all. If the price was too outrageous, maybe replace an F45 that was bad. My 2001, with under 70K miles, still feels great, except some squeaks from end links I believe. I might upgrade with steel ones. With 3 fused vertebrae in my neck, a really harsh ride would cause me to sell the car. Touring setting, I can drive all day.

Patches

FYI

2-year-old thread, folks. I sold my F45 shocks two years ago so please don't PM me to sell them. Had lots of inquiries since this thread resurfaced.