I've found threads talking about upgrading from the F45 to F55 suspension system, but can't find any that talk about the difference.

I just bought an 02 vert with the adjustable suspension and thought that it was the same in all c5's but now realize there was a difference in 03 and 04 cars. The control on the council looks the same and I did not realize there was a difference.

What is the difference? They both have magnetic control shocks? Both shocks are expensive to replace?

 

Optional F45 Suspension offers selective Real Time Damping, a technology that reads the road surface at each wheel and adjusts shock damping to achieve a stable, flat ride.

F55 is a MagneRide ...


DESCRIPTION: Upgrade your 1997-2002 Corvette F45 to (F55) suspension system.
Upgrade your 1997-2002 Corvette F45 (only)Chassis Continuously Variable Real Time Damping (CCVRTD) suspension system with this MagneRide (F55) suspension system.

The resulting uncompromised comfort and handling with redesigned jounce bumper for superior wheel control and large impact feel, and automatic and independent adjustment of rebound and compression damping loads are a perfect upgrade to your C5 Corvette.

MagneRide shock absorbers utilize state of the art magnetorheological (MR) fluid, which is a complex, synthetic - hydrocarbon - based liquid having somewhere between 20% and 40% (by volume) Carbony Iron Particles (97% - 99% iron) to offer excellent electromagnetic properties.

The flow characteristics (rheology) change when subjucted to a direct-current - magnetic field stregth. The MagneRide controller is a powerful dual-processor device which is capable of making 1000 adjustments per second in each of the car's four shocks.

The controller receives each wheel movement in the vehicle via position sensors and according to the wheel movement data, the controller will determine the vehicle body motions (pich, roll, and lift). Utilizing the two mode F45 center console switch, in (tour) mode, the controller emphasizes the driver comfort, while in (sport) mode the road feel and steering response will be maximized.

This upgrade kit utilizes the existing F45 wheel position sensors, driver select switch, and main suspension system wiring harness.

DELETE them and put on C6 Z06 shocks....

 

We have the F55 system. At 66,000 miles no problems yet. When they start to leak I will probably go with the Z06 shocks. But, until then I'm not changing anything.

 

I haven't spent any time in either... but, I'm assuming the F55 was a great UPGRADE to the F45... it may be as good or better than the C6 Z06 shocks.... At least till it's time to replace them..

 

I have the F45s on my 98. I've honestly not noticed any difference in the ride when switching between modes. At 120K now on the car, I sure they are now shot and I'll be switching to C6Z shocks and sway bars. The F45 option must be programmed out or have bi-pass capacitors installed (can purchase them form an aftermarket Vette supplier for about $200 or buy your own capacitors from RadioShack (which is what I did) for about $5 for four. If you don't program out or override the F45, you will get a warning that you speed will be limited to 80 MPH. Replacing with original F45s is outrageously expensive, like $1600. Hope this helps. Zuti

 

My used car came with replacement shocks and a reprogrammed computer that used to control the shocks.

I mentioned to my very knowledgable alignment guy that I like all my cabin controls to work, and what did he think about restoring the system to original spec. He said I would be restoring an obsolete system, and just get coil over shocks if I need to upgrade.


works for me, and I am happy with the bilstean hd installed.

 

Are there any weight savings in deleting the F45 system and replacing with C6 Z06? Anyone know?

 

incorrect...

I did this and didn't need anything no tech 2 no resistors no simulators.

This isn't my idea I got it from here https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-on-c5.html..I also talked to rv13 earlier and he answered some questions for me. Thanks again man!!! Basically you unhook the shock and the plug so you have the whole thing in front of you..




and you take a punch or screwdriver and hit the holes in a counter clockwise position and it starts to unscrew. It took me a few wacks for it to break free. Unscrew it and wiggle the sensor out.You may have to pop that piece to the right off with a flat head. I did...





Once your done just plug it back up and ziptie the wires out of the way. You can actually attach the sensor rubber piece on the side of the brake line where you popped the other part off its a perfect fit. I have no codes and I sat there for 30 minutes unhooking it and hooking it up to see if it would throw any codes. the only time it did was when I disconnected it from the harness. SO I am a happy camper..

 

Yes, both shocks are expensive to replace. Seems that many owners decide to delete the adjustable suspension and go with something like the C6 Z06 shocks. Just depends on whether you want the car to retain its originality or save a bunch of money on the shocks.

 

I have the f55 on my '03 and really like it especially on the bad roads we have here. My GF loves it as it improves the ride dramatically, I catch her switching it to smooth out the ride sometimes. (Advice, never show anyone how it works, lol) I would never switch them out for any other shock. Will find some from a wreck or buy new, my back demands it! They are extreme cost prohibitive to change out from f45. Best to sell your current Corvette and buy one with already.

 

97 with 107K, they make small creeking noises on speed bumps but otherwise works ok.

 

i have the same perception. "seat of the pants" dyno changes day to day but feels about the same regardless what mode it's in. i'll roll on the exact same bumps on the road day to day and change the setting. no difference.same as well at 61k. will check sways and clean/grease as necessary to see if that solves the issue. otherwise have C6 Z06 shocks waiting in the wings

 

Chicago1, will your bypass work for a f55 shock system (2003 forward)?
rich

 

Two of my c5's came with the f45 system. I never could tell the difference between the settings. I bought a set of f45's off of a 10k mile car that I am going to put in my current (2002) vette one of these days. I still have a problem putting used shocks on my car. I think that's why I haven't done it yet.

 

The f55 is far superior to the f45 system. My 04 SE has it and I would never trade it for another. If you know your cars handling it is very noticeable by far. Just to cover my butt so I would not be unable to get replacement shocks for it down the road, I bought a full set from rock auto about two years ago to keep as back up for when the originals wear out. I think it was around $900 for a full set. The $ is not an issue to me since I want all my cars to remain as built. IMO I think that if I were to buy a used car with an option removed, I would pass on it. To each his own, but I love f55 and would never think of removing it. Then you have a dead switch on your console or have to replace it. The designers are not stupid.

 

Thanks, I’m not quite sure what’s happening with mine. I took the car in to have new rims installed. Within a couple days after that I’ve had my service handling warning light come on. Car sat for a couple days. I keep it in storage. Drove it nothing no messages come up. My 2003 Corvette only has 27,000 miles on it. So I’m thinking maybe there’s just a loose connection or they unplugged plugged it back in I’m not exactly sure what may may not happen there. I do agree 100% keeping the car as original as possible, I was able to buy an FM modulator with Bluetooth so I can use my phone in my maps on the car without cutting up the dashboard. However having a mid expensive car, a couple Cadillacs the shocks were basically $1500 each. I’m sorry I can’t agree that one shock cost $500. I mean these are not Lambo‘s these are not Ferraris which my friend has a couple. The whole idea for the Corvettes is American‘s sports car At an affordable price. Some people may not have a problem throwing $500 each for shocks, but it’s a little stretch for me on this vehicle. You certainly got a pretty good deal at 1000 for all four.