adjustable Chinese shocks from EBay
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 33
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adjustable Chinese shocks from EBay
Has anyone purchased the Chinese shocks for adjustable ride control for your C5 from Ebay? If so, were they any good? They are priced at under $400 for a set of four from numerous sellers. I know, you get what you pay for.
My OEM adjustable shocks are done and new to replace them. Would like to keep the ride control if possible.
My OEM adjustable shocks are done and new to replace them. Would like to keep the ride control if possible.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
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From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I went the Bilsteins route, but have read a couple forum posts where they were tried and the forum members were satisfied.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Port Orchard, WA
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St. Jude Donor '25
Has anyone purchased the Chinese shocks for adjustable ride control for your C5 from Ebay? If so, were they any good? They are priced at under $400 for a set of four from numerous sellers. I know, you get what you pay for.
My OEM adjustable shocks are done and new to replace them. Would like to keep the ride control if possible.
My OEM adjustable shocks are done and new to replace them. Would like to keep the ride control if possible.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,294
Likes: 482
From: Brea CA
A couple of notes for those with ride control equipped cars. GM had 2 systems for ride control in the C5's.
* From 1997 to 2002 the option F45 was available. This had a 3 position switch for adjusting the ride.
* For 2003 and 2004 the F55 system was installed. This had a 2 position switch. F55 was also known as Mag Ride.
Now the E-Bay shocks, not sure which version they were supposed to replace. In addition It looks like some of these Chinese shocks are not F55 or F45, they just have the simulator built into them.
From personal experience, the best way to go typically is to replace the shocks with standard shocks (my preference is the DRM valved Bilsteins) and using a Tech2 to disable the Ride Control option.
Gary
* From 1997 to 2002 the option F45 was available. This had a 3 position switch for adjusting the ride.
* For 2003 and 2004 the F55 system was installed. This had a 2 position switch. F55 was also known as Mag Ride.
Now the E-Bay shocks, not sure which version they were supposed to replace. In addition It looks like some of these Chinese shocks are not F55 or F45, they just have the simulator built into them.
From personal experience, the best way to go typically is to replace the shocks with standard shocks (my preference is the DRM valved Bilsteins) and using a Tech2 to disable the Ride Control option.
Gary
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
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From: North Coast
You can't write off Chinese stuff as junk with no real reference to real use.
The Chinese can make things just as good or better than we can if they want to. Odds are good you are reading this on a Chinese Computer or phone.
It will be interesting if they are any good as there is no real alternative yet from anyone else other than elimination.
The Chinese can make things just as good or better than we can if they want to. Odds are good you are reading this on a Chinese Computer or phone.
It will be interesting if they are any good as there is no real alternative yet from anyone else other than elimination.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 650
Likes: 349
From: San Jose CA
You can't write off Chinese stuff as junk with no real reference to real use.
The Chinese can make things just as good or better than we can if they want to. Odds are good you are reading this on a Chinese Computer or phone.
It will be interesting if they are any good as there is no real alternative yet from anyone else other than elimination.
The Chinese can make things just as good or better than we can if they want to. Odds are good you are reading this on a Chinese Computer or phone.
It will be interesting if they are any good as there is no real alternative yet from anyone else other than elimination.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
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From: North Coast
The only way to tell is someone using them. To be honest GM over prices these things so price is not always a good way to judge.
Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: ARIZONA
I bought aftermarket shocks w/o ride control and it's been a nightmare trying to get adapters so the F45 shocks will work with the computer in the 2003 50th Anniversary. It's horrible and I can't find a way to turn off the notification that says: shocks inoperable! The shocks work fine, the computer in the car is the issue!
If anyone has a FIX please advise me....
If anyone has a FIX please advise me....
.
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Oregon
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
I bought aftermarket shocks w/o ride control and it's been a nightmare trying to get adapters so the F45 shocks will work with the computer in the 2003 50th Anniversary. It's horrible and I can't find a way to turn off the notification that says: shocks inoperable! The shocks work fine, the computer in the car is the issue!
If anyone has a FIX please advise me....
If anyone has a FIX please advise me....
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: ARIZONA
My mechanic does and used it and reset the computer but as soon as you drive it the messages come back. Not sure he was following the exact instructions however so I sent him the steps I found here online. I sure hope it helps, I love my 50th Anniversary !! It only has 41,000 original miles and is in beautiful condition. Thanks for the response.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,325
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From: Missi'ppi... no mo' MO for me!!
Hmmm... no "first hand knowledge" here.. just a HEALTHY disdain for "made in China". I wouldn't use them if they were free--why take a chance on having to double up on the labor to R&R? I'd take all the time I needed to save for Bilsteins. My father would kill me for saying that; our last name is 'Fong'.