Harsh ride in 2003 AE
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 72
Likes: 26
From: Michigan
Harsh ride in 2003 AE
I have recently purchased a 2003 Anniversary Edition (red with grey interior) with the magnetic shocks. I was expecting a Corvette to have a somewhat stiffer ride than my current Focus ST (and the Mustangs that I have owned in the past), but the ride seems much harsher than those vehicles. My back still hurts from a 4 hour drive to Chicago and back last weekend. Unfortunately I have no other vettes to compare it to, so this may be normal. I'm trying to decide whether to get new shocks or just bail out and forget about my dream of owning a vette. From studying other postings it seems like Bilstein HDs are frequently recommended as replacements, as long as I can get the magnetic ride tuned out. Any thoughts or advice for a possibly regretful newbie?
Dan
Dan
Drifting
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Cincinnati OH
Cruise-In I Veteran
I wonder if you have something broken in the shock control system.
My AE coupe is very smooth with the switch in the [Touring] position. It stiffens up noticeably in the [Sport] mode but I still would not call it harsh by any means.
I don't have runflats on it which would make it stiffer.
My '97 with the F45 shocks ran runflats from Goodyear, Firestone & Michelin with a stiff but not harsh ride.
My AE coupe is very smooth with the switch in the [Touring] position. It stiffens up noticeably in the [Sport] mode but I still would not call it harsh by any means.
I don't have runflats on it which would make it stiffer.
My '97 with the F45 shocks ran runflats from Goodyear, Firestone & Michelin with a stiff but not harsh ride.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 72
Likes: 26
From: Michigan
I wonder if you have something broken in the shock control system.
My AE coupe is very smooth with the switch in the [Touring] position. It stiffens up noticeably in the [Sport] mode but I still would not call it harsh by any means.
I don't have runflats on it which would make it stiffer.
My '97 with the F45 shocks ran runflats from Goodyear, Firestone & Michelin with a stiff but not harsh ride.
My AE coupe is very smooth with the switch in the [Touring] position. It stiffens up noticeably in the [Sport] mode but I still would not call it harsh by any means.
I don't have runflats on it which would make it stiffer.
My '97 with the F45 shocks ran runflats from Goodyear, Firestone & Michelin with a stiff but not harsh ride.
Dan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Make sure the stuffers have been removed from the shocks. It is amazing how many dealerships forgot to remove them and people drive for years and 100K miles with shocks with no travel. I have magnetic ride and my car rides great.
Last edited by JR-01; May 19, 2019 at 02:11 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,511
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From: Punta gorda Florida
Can drive my AE 12 hrs a day, did on a 3600 mi trip. No back problems at all and I have a very bad back. Other cars need to use a cushion for back just going to store. Run on touring and non run flats by Cooper. Just saying, good luck.
flats
flats
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
By your description of the situation, this is likely what's happening.
Last edited by GCG; May 19, 2019 at 02:32 PM.
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: las vegas nv
we had the same issue, 3 of the 4 shocks were leaking oil, i tend to think thats why the previous owner sold it. replaced all 4 shocks and it works great.It only had 50000 miles on it but was 13 years old.
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From: Parrish FL
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Make sure the stuffers have been removed from the shocks. It is amazing how many dealerships forgot to remove them and people drive for years and 100K miles with shocks with no travel. I have magnetic ride and my car rides great.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQHiDcD_rkc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQHiDcD_rkc
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,441
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From: Buffalo Texas
Make sure the stuffers have been removed from the shocks. It is amazing how many dealerships forgot to remove them and people drive for years and 100K miles with shocks with no travel. I have magnetic ride and my car rides great.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQHiDcD_rkc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQHiDcD_rkc
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: Mont Belvieu Tx
I have had several Corvettes (92 through 2015 models)... And my AE 03 has an exceptionally pleasant ride even on crappy Houston roads while in touring mode (best ride of all my vettes). Sport mode is noticably more firm. Perhaps your system was changed to non magnetic solutions in the past?
Team Owner
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
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I can't speak for how the mag ride works but I would have guessed if your back hurts that it was from the seats, not from the suspension. My current vet has mag ride and it certainly isn't harsh.
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Racer
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I have an '02 coupe with new Michelin tires and it rides great! Make sure the 'stuffers' are gone and that you have good tires. Tires can make a huge difference, especially when going to non-R/F variety. Use tire rack tire evaluation results to compare ride quality of different brands.
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I’ll echo the comment on checking the shipping stuffers that were on the car from the factory. If they are still there, the ride will be significantly improved once you remove them.
