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Selective Ride Control a MUST?

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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 08:54 AM
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Default Selective Ride Control a MUST?

I'm looking at buying a 2004 Commemorative Edition convertible. There are a couple of really nice, low mile candidates within a 10 hour drive. Only one has selective ride control. How big of a deal is that? Is there a really noticeable difference?




The car that has it is the furthest away (of course). I'm wondering if it's worth going the extra mile(s).

As always, thank you for your input.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 09:23 AM
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I have it and wish I didn’t. Not that functional after 14 years and the shocks cost 2-3 grand to replace. You will end up just putting in regular shocks and rendering the whole system useless. Oh and not to mention you will have to either buy simulators or spend money tuning the feature out of your car since if you install normal shocks without simulators it will send the car into limp mode. My advise is buy one without it.

Nice choice btw, I have a 04 CE coupe.

Last edited by Sean_emory; Mar 19, 2019 at 09:26 AM.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 09:43 AM
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More like a “must avoid” for me

even the z06 doesn’t have a “rattle your brain” suspension, it’s more than comfortable enough for daily driving and commuting.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 09:46 AM
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Would not put the effort into buying it, but if you ended up with active ride on a car, I am sure you wont hate it

Wouldnt put the effort into finding a car that explicitly has it tho
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 09:49 AM
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I'm looking to buy a C5 too and I try to avoid cars with this option...it's just something else that can go wrong and is expensive to fix...
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 11:14 AM
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I really wanted it...

Then i eliminated it lol. wish it hadn't had it but it is what it is.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 11:55 AM
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my CE 04 has it or had it. Never could tell the difference between settings and this past year it was time for new shocks. 4K to replace all around so went with C6 Z06 shocks for less than $400 installed including reprogram to fool the computer into think the sensors are still operating etc..

So no you really don't need them, its a :: if the car already has it type option
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 12:08 PM
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As said above, very expensive to repair. I would actually look for a car without it...
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 12:42 PM
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I have it. Never used it.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 02:10 PM
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THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! This forum rocks. \

I knew those in the know had to have an informed opinion on this. Much appreciated.

The closest car is looking better and better. And it's only 4 hours away. I'll have an 04 CE vert in my garage by the end of next week for sure. WITHOUT the selective ride.

Last edited by Stroh; Mar 19, 2019 at 02:11 PM.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 02:58 PM
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Now...the way you pay us back is with pics!

We'll be waiting...
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 03:31 PM
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I took my F55 out and threw it in the trash. After 80k+ miles, it was complete garbage. I don't know if it was complete garbage when new, but from what I hear, they made it more for comfort than performance.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 04:23 PM
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I went to this forum before purchasing a corvette and was so happy i did. I found one without the stupid selective ride. Now I just need to find some to upgrade the shocks to bilsteins.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 04:37 PM
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I haven't noticed a difference between tour and Sport. Nice to push the button and turn off traction control just feels more real without traction control but other times I want it on. I say go for it and get the one with Selective ride
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 05:22 PM
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On my F45 system, I felt that having larger sway bars (C6 Z51 front and rear) made the different settings more pronounced. I plan to upgrade them to F55, which should be better.

F55 shocks new are about 1600 for the set. Many F55 Corvettes have shock stuffers that the dealer never removed, which make the ride harsh.

I like it because mine is (was) a daily driver and comfort with the ability to tighten up on the fly is worth it to me.

Last edited by Tsumi; Mar 19, 2019 at 05:26 PM.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 06:29 PM
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Not worth it because repair cost is high,there is a noticeable difference between the 2 settings.Just add C6 sway bars to a C5 to help in handling.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 06:42 PM
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I have all available options on my 2003 when I got it new. Ride control and heads up are a waste and don’t add value when you sell.Those two expensive options are just trouble waiting to happen. Just my opinion.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 07:33 PM
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Understand rockauto sells the oem shocks for around $380. each. Read on 03 AE Forum. Still pricey.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 07:42 PM
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Default F55 system

I have it on my 04 convertible and can easily notice the difference between the sport and touring mode. Touring mode reminds me of a car with worn shocks. It really softens up the rear. Front not so much. I only use touring mode when the roads are in bad shape, which is often in NJ. Sport mode is stiff enough and car handle's fine in that mode on the street. Plan on installing Z06 sway bars, will see how it helps the handling
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Pdbrains
I have it on my 04 convertible and can easily notice the difference between the sport and touring mode. Touring mode reminds me of a car with worn shocks. It really softens up the rear. Front not so much. I only use touring mode when the roads are in bad shape, which is often in NJ. Sport mode is stiff enough and car handle's fine in that mode on the street. Plan on installing Z06 sway bars, will see how it helps the handling
While you're in there, check to make sure your front shock stuffers have been pulled out. It wouldn't surprise me if the dealer pulled out the two rear ones and not the two front ones.
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