I have just never looked into this before now.
I take it the Acticve Handling was on ALL C5s?
There is no longer a button on the dash (like my C4) that says ASR?

If the car is outfitted with the Performance Handling Pkg, is this Z51?
Magnetic Ride Control?

Is the fastest method of confirming Z51 done by checking the RPO code sheet in the rear console lid?

Just digging for some definitions.

Thanks
Rain
--------------------------------------------------------


In mid-1998 a new feature called Active Handling was introduced on Corvette. It is a sophisticated stability control system that utilizes on-board sensors to measure yaw, lateral acceleration and steering wheel position, then brings into play the capabilities of Corvette's standard ABS brake and traction control systems to smoothly assist the driver in maintaining vehicle control in oversteer or
understeer situations.

For 2001 a Second-Generation Active Handling system, much enhanced over the original, becomes standard equipment on all Corvettes. With a new Bosch brake pressure modulator and many new or revised calibrations, Second-Generation Active Handling provides even more assistance to the Corvette driver.

Corvette engineers know how Corvette owners like to drive their cars, so a stability control system that would shut the car down too severely during enthusiastic driving was out of the question. Second-Generation Active Handling calibrations have been carefully developed to limit such intrusiveness. Aside from an "Active Handling" message on the instrument panel, drivers will not even realize they've been assisted in most situations.

Average drivers will find themselves capable of producing even lower elapsed times in autocross competitions. Above-average drivers will appreciate Active Handling's Competitive Mode, which allows them to switch off the traction control part of the system.

In addition to making all Corvettes more agile, Second-Generation Active Handling adds a cushion of safety given its ability to help out in emergency situations. It deftly senses both over- and under-correction on the driver's part and adjusts to help bring the car back into balance.

As good as it is, Active Handling cannot overcome the laws of physics. It is offered only as an assist - albeit an assist that makes Corvettes a lot more agile, and even safer - but it is not a cure-all for every situation. Ultimately, drivers must still take full responsibility for control of their vehicle.

In addition to Second-Generation Active Handling, Corvette suspension systems are also key enabler of Corvette's considerable agility. Coupe and convertible buyers have three outstanding suspension systems to choose from:

•The standard FE1 suspension is designed to please the majority of Corvette drivers.

•Optional is the Z51 Performance suspension. It provides a level of control "at the limit" beyond what the other packages offer while still maintaining enjoyable ride quality.

 

Rain - Some others will chime in with more details but I do not believe all C5s have Active Handling. Information in your post indicates it was introducted in mid 98. C5s started production in 97 so it is likely 97s and some 98 do not have it. On cars equipped with Active Handling Control, the system can be turned off by pressing a button on the center consol. Press once to turn off AHC and Traction Control and press again to turn on. You can also press the button and hold for 5 seconds to activate Competitive Driving Mode which turns off traction control but leaves the AHC on.

RPO Z51 is the Performance Handling Package on C5. This includes revalved shocks and heavier sway bars. There may be some other enhancements as well. I believe you can see the RPO codes on the rear consol lid. In later models, I believe these may have moved to the glove box.

 

... 10 seconds.

 

Thanks guys - yea, tossed the ALL C5s in there by mistake.. im shopping 99-01 and have brain freeze! haha

so the button is on the center console by the shifter? or up by the radio?

Thanks again
Rain

 

the button is on the console in between the console compartment lid and the shifter, it will say "Active Handling" if the car is equipped with it, if not it will say "Traction Control".

 

ok, and now the obvious questionmaybe a dumb one too)

Is one overly better than the other?

 

active handling is better than just traction control, traction control is also part of active handling.

 

Nope. They don't all have it. I've got a 98 and I don't have it.

 

It came out in mid '98, and it was an option up until 2000? I think? BTW.... all '98 pace cars came with it.

 

My 99 doesn't have it and i'm glad..I have the 3.15 perf axle and I never drive the car in any severe weather to need active handling..

 

It's just "peace of mind" having it.

I know that "IF" i ever get stuck somewhere in bad weather It's there to save my butt!

 

the Z51 package also has the powersteering cooler.

Swaybar sizes changed as well
Suppensions Front Dia. Rear Dia. Thickness
Base / FE1 23 mm 19.1 3.81mm/2.0mm
Z51 / FE3 - '97-'99 25.4 mm 21.7 ??
Z51 / FE3 - '00-'04 28.6 mm 23.6 4.15mm/3mm
Z06 / FE4 30.0 mm 23.6 4.5mm/3mm
Hotchkis 31.75 mm 25.4 mm 4mm/4mm
GM T1 38.4 mm 27.5 mm 6.35mm/6.35mm

Source: http://www.jakelatham.com/c5/misc/faq.shtml#2-3

 

My 2001 A4 coupe says active handling on the button on the consol.
I know how traction control works but dont quite understand how active handling works?

 

My other question is how do i know if i have tha Z51 suspenion?
I dont, think i have it.

 

If your car had the Z51 option at the factory, it'll be printed on the inside of the glove box.

AH works by applying the brakes individually to correct a spin. For example, if you are going around a right turn and the tail starts on come around on you, it'll engage the left rear brake to help you control the slide.

 

Active Handling is not just for use during severe weather. It can be just as beneficial during dry weather.

The Active Handling System, RPO JL4, debuted on the 1998 Corvette and became standard equipment on the 2001 model. IMO, Active Handling is a nice feature to have. Here's an article that provides some more detail on how it works:

Active Handling System

 

Technically, RPO Z51 is the Performance Handling Package which consists of the RPO FE3 Sport Suspension and a power steering cooler. If you have the Z51 option, both RPO Codes (Z51 & FE3) should show on your car's RPO label. For later model years, the RPO label will be on the inside of the glove box lid. For earlier model years, the label will be on the underneath side of one of rear compartment lids - left side Compartment I believe.

 

Thanks for the help!

Bought the one in VA

http://www.rainontheinternet.com/Corvette/c5webshow/

 

Sweet ride! Congrats!

 

My rotors look like they are Brass! HAHAHA

ah well - one of only a few things to work on
Rain