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difference in suspension packages

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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 03:32 PM
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Default difference in suspension packages

I am new to vettes and am in the process of looking to buy one.
These are definites that I want:

1999-2001
Red, Yellow, or White Exterior
Black interior
6 speed
HUD
Dual Tops

Not too sure on the suspension info. though.
What is the difference for the F45 and Z51 options?
Also the active handling JL4 and any other's?

I definitely want a 6 spd so that may narrow down those choices.
What other options are available for these cars?

Thanks.

Rick
rickgrebner@comcast.net
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 03:53 PM
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There are several different suspension options:

FE1 is the base suspension

FE3 is a part of the Z51 option

F45 is the first generation adjustable suspension with 3 positions, also known as Selective Real Time Damping. Not available on the Z06, this option was replaced in '03 by F55

F55 is the magnetic ride - officially known as the Continuously Variable Electronic Real Time Damping Suspension by Delphi. This option was available on all '03 and '04 cars except for the Z06. It was also standard equipment on the '03 coupes and convertibles with the Anniversary package (1SC) and on '04 coupes and convertibles with the Commenrative package also 1SC.

Z51 is the Performance Handling package

JL4 is active handling - here's a short article about it..... It was introduced mid-year 1998, and by '01 was standard on all Vettes.

http://www.idavette.net/facts/s1998/jl4k.htm

Hope this helps!

Last edited by blacksedan87; Dec 20, 2004 at 03:56 PM.
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 04:28 PM
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Out of the suspensions are there certain ones that you can only get for an A4 or a M6?

thanks...

Rick
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by 98taws6
Out of the suspensions are there certain ones that you can only get for an A4 or a M6?

thanks...

Rick
Nope - transmission choice is not an issue with any of the suspension options!
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 04:42 PM
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I had the F45 and in my opinion, its not enought suspension to handle the amount of power the car has... I'd go for the Z51 if I were you...
Unless, you're planning on doing suspension work anyways... then it doesn't matter. If you get a chance drive, all 3 suspension packages or at least the F45 and the Z51.
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 05:00 PM
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Originally Posted by blacksedan87
There are several different suspension options:

FE1 is the base suspension

FE3 is a part of the Z51 option

F45 is the first generation adjustable suspension with 3 positions, also known as Selective Real Time Damping. Not available on the Z06, this option was replaced in '03 by F55

F55 is the magnetic ride - officially known as the Continuously Variable Electronic Real Time Damping Suspension by Delphi. This option was available on all '03 and '04 cars except for the Z06. It was also standard equipment on the '03 coupes and convertibles with the Anniversary package (1SC) and on '04 coupes and convertibles with the Commenrative package also 1SC.

Z51 is the Performance Handling package

JL4 is active handling - here's a short article about it..... It was introduced mid-year 1998, and by '01 was standard on all Vettes.

http://www.idavette.net/facts/s1998/jl4k.htm

Hope this helps!
My MN6 04 CE Coupe has no 3-way console switch, and I can look to see on the sticker about F55 as an option code, but I was unaware it was there, if it is.

Does the 03-04 F55 option you mentioned also include the three position switch, and if so is it possible I have a CE coupe and don't have this? I've only got the same on/off(/comp. mode) button as my 01 did.

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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by 98taws6
Out of the suspensions are there certain ones that you can only get for an A4 or a M6?

thanks...

Rick
Nope - plug 'n play with either tranny.
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 05:05 PM
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I have the Z51 and although my car rides a little stiffer, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I drove a new C6 a couple of months ago and the standard suspension wasn't even in the same ball park when cornering hard.
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 05:08 PM
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Originally Posted by JiminFL
My MN6 04 CE Coupe has no 3-way console switch, and I can look to see on the sticker about F55 as an option code, but I was unaware it was there, if it is.

Does the 03-04 F55 option you mentioned also include the three position switch, and if so is it possible I have a CE coupe and don't have this? I've only got the same on/off(/comp. mode) button as my 01 did.

F55 is a two-position switch. It was standard on the 2003 1SC Anniversary Edition, but not on the 2004 CE 1SC.
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by JiminFL
My MN6 04 CE Coupe has no 3-way console switch, and I can look to see on the sticker about F55 as an option code, but I was unaware it was there, if it is.

Does the 03-04 F55 option you mentioned also include the three position switch, and if so is it possible I have a CE coupe and don't have this? I've only got the same on/off(/comp. mode) button as my 01 did.

The '04 CE should have a 2 position switch on the console, next to the AH/TC button. The F45 had a 3 position switch. If it says F55 on the RPO sticker - then there would be the switch. If not......
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by thevettenet CA
F55 is a two-position switch. It was standard on the 2003 1SC Anniversary Edition, but not on the 2004 CE 1SC.
I disagree..... according to the Corvette Black Book, 2004 edition on page 127.....

"1SC coupe and convertible equipment group included 1SB equipment plus Magnetic Selective Ride Control, Commemorative Edition LeMans blue exterior paint and trim, Shale interior and polished (QF5) wheels."

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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 05:20 PM
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If you don't mind a little stiffer ride and if you plan to do any competitive driving at all, go with the Z51 suspension if you can find one with the option on the car. The handling will be improved with this option. I have the base suspension and it is fine, but I don't do anything like autocrossing with the car.
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 05:26 PM
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Here is a little more info on suppensions

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

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Old Dec 21, 2004 | 08:33 AM
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This forum is great...
Thanks to everyone..

Now I have to wait until I hear about raises at work and then I will be getting a vette.

Rick
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Old Dec 21, 2004 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by blacksedan87
I disagree..... according to the Corvette Black Book, 2004 edition on page 127.....

"1SC coupe and convertible equipment group included 1SB equipment plus Magnetic Selective Ride Control, Commemorative Edition LeMans blue exterior paint and trim, Shale interior and polished (QF5) wheels."

I had a CE and I can say definitely it did not have the F55. It had the base suspension, one of the reasons I sold it.
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