MAGNETIC RIDE CONTROL question....
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Simi Valley CA.
MAGNETIC RIDE CONTROL question....
I'm comtemplating buying a very low mileage 2003 Anniversary Edition Coupe equipped with a 6-speed transmission. The only "uneasy" feeling I'm having is with the fact the car is equipped with Magnetic Ride Control.
My two concerns are the longevity of this system, and the cost of replacing these special shock units when the time comes. Are these "concerns / uneasy feelings" warranted?
Would love to get some feedback from owners who opted for the Magnetic Ride Control system about your experiences, both good and bad...
Thanks in advance!
My two concerns are the longevity of this system, and the cost of replacing these special shock units when the time comes. Are these "concerns / uneasy feelings" warranted?
Would love to get some feedback from owners who opted for the Magnetic Ride Control system about your experiences, both good and bad...
Thanks in advance!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 156
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From: Peoria AZ
I have a 97 with the Magnetic Ride Control and I love it. Car only has about 42,000 miles and so far so good. The shocks have out lasted other items (Driver's seat, Transmission, power steering pulley and the Serpentine belt tensioner) If you have a problem later on, you can always buy a good set of shocks to replace them and forget the Magnetic Ride Control. -Ed
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Pro
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From: Simi Valley CA.
Originally Posted by 1997C5
I have a 97 with the Magnetic Ride Control and I love it. If you have a problem later on, you can always buy a good set of shocks to replace them and forget the Magnetic Ride Control. -Ed
Not sure we're talking about the same thing. NCM information states that Magnetic Ride Control first appeared on the Corvette in 2003 as part of the Anniversary Edition Package.
Thanks anyway.......
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: GERMANTOWN TN
Originally Posted by 1997C5
I have a 97 with the Magnetic Ride Control and I love it. Car only has about 42,000 miles and so far so good. The shocks have out lasted other items (Driver's seat, Transmission, power steering pulley and the Serpentine belt tensioner) If you have a problem later on, you can always buy a good set of shocks to replace them and forget the Magnetic Ride Control. -Ed
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: GERMANTOWN TN
Originally Posted by 1997C5
I have a 97 with the Magnetic Ride Control and I love it. Car only has about 42,000 miles and so far so good. The shocks have out lasted other items (Driver's seat, Transmission, power steering pulley and the Serpentine belt tensioner) If you have a problem later on, you can always buy a good set of shocks to replace them and forget the Magnetic Ride Control. -Ed
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 156
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From: Peoria AZ
Thanks for the info. I thought it was all the same. Without trying to hijack this thread, what is the difference? Mine has 3 position switch Tour/Sport/Performance and shocks have wires going into them. I thought it was the magnetic ride control 
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
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From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
Originally Posted by c5coast
I have an 04 with 14k and so far so good. The wife loves the ride when in tour. I prefer the sport mode. Better feel for the road...best of both worlds 
Chris
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: GERMANTOWN TN
Originally Posted by 1997C5
Thanks for the info. I thought it was all the same. Without trying to hijack this thread, what is the difference? Mine has 3 position switch Tour/Sport/Performance and shocks have wires going into them. I thought it was the magnetic ride control
Hope this helps,
Blake
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 156
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From: Peoria AZ
Originally Posted by chevyc4
The Selective Ride Control uses electronically controlled actuaters to change the valving of the shocks. It has three driver selectable modes tour/sport/perf. The Magnetic Ride Control actually has little metal particles in the shocks oil and uses a magnet to change the position of these particles, thus changing the viscosity of the oil. It has two modes tour/sport. Keep in mind this is a very basic explanation.
Hope this helps,
Blake
Hope this helps,
Blake
-Ed
Thread Starter
Pro
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From: Simi Valley CA.
Thanks for all the responses .... I also placed a call to LAPD asking about the ability change over to standard shocks and they said it was no problem. All it took was LOTS of money.... JUST KIDDIN" 
Total cost quoted (labor & parts) was around $1000. Much less than the $2000 - $3000 cost of merely buying the shocks from GM according to LAPD.
A couple questions for DIRTYHOWIE:
- Notice any difference in the ride and/or handling quality of the car after doing the changeover? Which brand & model shocks did you have installed?
- What'd you do with the little "dial-a-ride" selector located on the center consol? Was thinking it'd look kinda silly just sitting there, after the system has been removed. LAPD said they could replace the console with one that doesn't have the switch.... I didn't ask how much, as I'm sure that would be expensive!
Thanks again for all the responses.... I'm not feeling quite as "uneasy" as I was before.
Total cost quoted (labor & parts) was around $1000. Much less than the $2000 - $3000 cost of merely buying the shocks from GM according to LAPD.
A couple questions for DIRTYHOWIE:
- Notice any difference in the ride and/or handling quality of the car after doing the changeover? Which brand & model shocks did you have installed?
- What'd you do with the little "dial-a-ride" selector located on the center consol? Was thinking it'd look kinda silly just sitting there, after the system has been removed. LAPD said they could replace the console with one that doesn't have the switch.... I didn't ask how much, as I'm sure that would be expensive!
Thanks again for all the responses.... I'm not feeling quite as "uneasy" as I was before.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 961
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From: Central Coast Ca.
Motor Trend June 2005 said, and I quote:
"The dual-mode magnetic ride control shocks are, frankly, a waste of money"...."If you like driving, go for the Z51 package; if you like cruising, stick with the standard suspension and save yourself nearly $1,700 bucks"
This article was in relation to the new C6's
My take on this is, if it were free, take it , why not,... but I wouldn't order it.
"The dual-mode magnetic ride control shocks are, frankly, a waste of money"...."If you like driving, go for the Z51 package; if you like cruising, stick with the standard suspension and save yourself nearly $1,700 bucks"
This article was in relation to the new C6's
My take on this is, if it were free, take it , why not,... but I wouldn't order it.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,743
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From: Arizona AZ
I have a 2003 and I HAD a 2000 and I LOVE the Magnetic SUspension. I think it is one of the greatest assets to the car. Of course I am 55 and like a nice ride but flip the switch and I can feel all the road I need. I got an extended warranty on mine so I feel good to go. I also changed out to Michelins runflats and between the suspension and the tires, I'm loving life and the ride. Now it's time for gears in the rear to wake the sleeping beast.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 248
From: Weatherford TX
Ditto for me on the above post. Will get on the C-6 when we trade the 03. I have extended warr from GM, but there is a question if it covers the
MRC shocks. They should last; some have had the electricial connector break off when fairly new. GM did replace shock under that circumstance. If the car is what you want, go for it IMHO.
MRC shocks. They should last; some have had the electricial connector break off when fairly new. GM did replace shock under that circumstance. If the car is what you want, go for it IMHO.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by azmusclecar
I have a 2003 and I HAD a 2000 and I LOVE the Magnetic SUspension. I think it is one of the greatest assets to the car. Of course I am 55 and like a nice ride but flip the switch and I can feel all the road I need. I got an extended warranty on mine so I feel good to go. I also changed out to Michelins runflats and between the suspension and the tires, I'm loving life and the ride. Now it's time for gears in the rear to wake the sleeping beast.
Same thing here. 2003 vert great ride and no problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,353
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From: Richmond Hill Ontario
Buy it, enjoy it and forget about it 
I have it on my 04 vert and would opt for it again. I installed a set of Z06 sway bars and in my opinion is one of the best mods I ever did to my car.
Tino
I have it on my 04 vert and would opt for it again. I installed a set of Z06 sway bars and in my opinion is one of the best mods I ever did to my car.Tino
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 3
From: Ventura, CA Fight On Forever
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05
Just quickly disregard DH ........................... he's OCD on a low ride, he changed his shocks because the MSRC doesn't drop the same as the other stock shock options. He has personally fender measured every Corvette in the Western United States and Canada
MSRC is the only way to go. Even DH says the sport mode is stiffer than the popular Bilstein Sport Shocks.
Upgrade your Sways and Springs and you'll have every suspension option surpassed by a long shock (shot)
Just Do It, Best,
mtv
MSRC is the only way to go. Even DH says the sport mode is stiffer than the popular Bilstein Sport Shocks.
Upgrade your Sways and Springs and you'll have every suspension option surpassed by a long shock (shot)
Just Do It, Best,
mtv