F45 function
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
F45 function
I am almost embarassed to ask this about my '98 coupe with F45 shocks:
I move the selector on the console and drive the car and there is no SOP difference in ride quality in either of the three positions. What changes on the shocks when the selector is moved and what does the change affect?
Because I don't know what to look for, I don't know if the things are working or not.
Charlie
I move the selector on the console and drive the car and there is no SOP difference in ride quality in either of the three positions. What changes on the shocks when the selector is moved and what does the change affect?
Because I don't know what to look for, I don't know if the things are working or not.
Charlie
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 731
Likes: 9
From: Ivins, Utah
Mine is the same way, can't feel any difference.
But I think it's working OK, no codes.
Many people have said the same thing, so it must just be the nature of the F45.
If that's the case then I'm sure it makes some difference when taking turns hard.
It's electrical so I think it moves a valve inside the shocks, exposing more holes or less, so the shock oil flows easier or harder.
But I think it's working OK, no codes.
Many people have said the same thing, so it must just be the nature of the F45.
If that's the case then I'm sure it makes some difference when taking turns hard.
It's electrical so I think it moves a valve inside the shocks, exposing more holes or less, so the shock oil flows easier or harder.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 83
From: . New York
Push it !
(j/k...but....maybe your not driving in the range that uses any more than a little bit of damping and travel).
I'm mixed about the magna ride (for the next vette). It was the only option that mine does not have that I want, but also read horror stories about replacement cost. Still, I think I'll be looking for them on my next vette
(pretty sure the way they work is that the fluid in the shock is engeneered so that it reacts to a voltage sent through it, more or less voltage (or is it current? probably cirrent) = more or less viscosity = more or less damping on the travel, computer keeps track of wheel movement and ride hieght (stupid fast adjustments made). Too friken cool
(j/k...but....maybe your not driving in the range that uses any more than a little bit of damping and travel).
I'm mixed about the magna ride (for the next vette). It was the only option that mine does not have that I want, but also read horror stories about replacement cost. Still, I think I'll be looking for them on my next vette
(pretty sure the way they work is that the fluid in the shock is engeneered so that it reacts to a voltage sent through it, more or less voltage (or is it current? probably cirrent) = more or less viscosity = more or less damping on the travel, computer keeps track of wheel movement and ride hieght (stupid fast adjustments made). Too friken cool
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The F45 Is a COMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY!!! Rip that crap out, deleate the option using a GM Tech II and install a set of ZO6 sway bars and 06 C6 ZO6 Shocks. The C6 shocks are $236 for ALL FOUR and they flat out work! There a direct bolt in!!!
Believe me,,,,you woll NOT look back.
BC
Believe me,,,,you woll NOT look back.
BC
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
The F45 Is a COMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY!!! Rip that crap out, deleate the option using a GM Tech II and install a set of ZO6 sway bars and 06 C6 ZO6 Shocks. The C6 shocks are $236 for ALL FOUR and they flat out work! There a direct bolt in!!!
Believe me,,,,you woll NOT look back.
BC
Believe me,,,,you woll NOT look back.
BC
The high tech features of C5 and even more high tech on C6 are neat gee-whiz things to have, but Mommy do they wear out a credit card limit when they break.
Charlie
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 886
Likes: 87
From: Largo FL
The F45 Is a COMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY!!! Rip that crap out, deleate the option using a GM Tech II and install a set of ZO6 sway bars and 06 C6 ZO6 Shocks. The C6 shocks are $236 for ALL FOUR and they flat out work! There a direct bolt in!!!
Believe me,,,,you woll NOT look back.
BC
Believe me,,,,you woll NOT look back.
BC
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
You liked that did ya? Yea, Im NOT a F45 fan!
Once you see how a real C5 suspension is suppose to work, that stuff is just a gimic. If I would have opted for a Z51 the first time out, I would have been $1300 richer and the car would have driven a LOT better. 
My ZO6 suspension made the 98 suspension look SICK!
BC
Once you see how a real C5 suspension is suppose to work, that stuff is just a gimic. If I would have opted for a Z51 the first time out, I would have been $1300 richer and the car would have driven a LOT better. My ZO6 suspension made the 98 suspension look SICK!
BC
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Lackey, my own dragstrip VA.
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NCM Ambassador
Push the car hard enough and you can tell..........I have it on my 97' and race it as is. I just got back from the NCM 2 day event and VIR......3.27 mile road course. Sometimes a soft suspension is better racing. If I am cutting 1.47 60's drag racing and hanging with Z51 & C6 Z06 cars in the corners and passing them in the straights 155+ and feels stable .........why change. I have 34K hard miles on the clock
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Elkton MD
Push the car hard enough and you can tell..........I have it on my 97' and race it as is. I just got back from the NCM 2 day event and VIR......3.27 mile road course. Sometimes a soft suspension is better racing. If I am cutting 1.47 60's drag racing and hanging with Z51 & C6 Z06 cars in the corners and passing them in the straights 155+ and feels stable .........why change. I have 34K hard miles on the clock
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,167
Likes: 11
From: Powell TN
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I am almost embarassed to ask this about my '98 coupe with F45 shocks:
I move the selector on the console and drive the car and there is no SOP difference in ride quality in either of the three positions. What changes on the shocks when the selector is moved and what does the change affect?
Because I don't know what to look for, I don't know if the things are working or not.
Charlie
I move the selector on the console and drive the car and there is no SOP difference in ride quality in either of the three positions. What changes on the shocks when the selector is moved and what does the change affect?
Because I don't know what to look for, I don't know if the things are working or not.
Charlie
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,004
Likes: 250
From: Tampa Fl
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
When cruising on the highway and not spirted driving is going to happen, Ill put it on tour. Its a softer ride than when its on performance. I can feel the differance between tour and performance, not I cant feel anything between tour and sport or sport and performance.
My car has 22000 miles, so shocks seem a long way off.
Please they are babied miles
My car has 22000 miles, so shocks seem a long way off.
Please they are babied miles
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 731
Likes: 9
From: Ivins, Utah
As Bill points out: The Z06 shocks are just better.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,088
Likes: 2
From: tampa florida
You liked that did ya? Yea, Im NOT a F45 fan! Once you see how a real C5 suspension is suppose to work, that stuff is just a gimic. If I would have opted for a Z51 the first time out, I would have been $1300 richer and the car would have driven a LOT better.
My ZO6 suspension made the 98 suspension look SICK!
BC
Once you see how a real C5 suspension is suppose to work, that stuff is just a gimic. If I would have opted for a Z51 the first time out, I would have been $1300 richer and the car would have driven a LOT better. My ZO6 suspension made the 98 suspension look SICK!
BC
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
F45 / F55 Suspension
I don't have Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC) on my car but I researched it pretty well when I was looking to buy my first C5 Corvette. Thought I wanted MSRC until I found out what it costs to replace the shocks.
Basically the shock damping is controllable by applying a magnetic field to the shock fluid. The magnetic field strength is controlled by an electric current passing thru electromagnets built into the shocks. The shock fluid has magnetic material in it that causes the fluid to have higher resistance to passing thru the shock valving when the fluid is magnetized. Higher resistance = stiffer shocks. Obviously the special fluid and the electromagnet built into each shock is what accounts for the hideous unit replacement cost.
Basically the shock damping is controllable by applying a magnetic field to the shock fluid. The magnetic field strength is controlled by an electric current passing thru electromagnets built into the shocks. The shock fluid has magnetic material in it that causes the fluid to have higher resistance to passing thru the shock valving when the fluid is magnetized. Higher resistance = stiffer shocks. Obviously the special fluid and the electromagnet built into each shock is what accounts for the hideous unit replacement cost.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,167
Likes: 11
From: Powell TN
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I don't have Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC) on my car but I researched it pretty well when I was looking to buy my first C5 Corvette. Thought I wanted MSRC until I found out what it costs to replace the shocks.
Basically the shock damping is controllable by applying a magnetic field to the shock fluid. The magnetic field strength is controlled by an electric current passing thru electromagnets built into the shocks. The shock fluid has magnetic material in it that causes the fluid to have higher resistance to passing thru the shock valving when the fluid is magnetized. Higher resistance = stiffer shocks. Obviously the special fluid and the electromagnet built into each shock is what accounts for the hideous unit replacement cost.
Basically the shock damping is controllable by applying a magnetic field to the shock fluid. The magnetic field strength is controlled by an electric current passing thru electromagnets built into the shocks. The shock fluid has magnetic material in it that causes the fluid to have higher resistance to passing thru the shock valving when the fluid is magnetized. Higher resistance = stiffer shocks. Obviously the special fluid and the electromagnet built into each shock is what accounts for the hideous unit replacement cost.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Florida
It may be mental, but I feel a difference. I'm not saying it's the best suspension in the world but I feel pretty confident in semi-spirited driving on my 99 coupe. One thing is for sure I can definitely HEAR the difference. When it's on Tour, I hear a squeaking sound (which I assume is coming from the shocks). When I have it on Performance or Sport, the sound goes away, so I believe it's doing something.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
F45 / F55 Options
I believe that the earlier F45 (Selective Real Time Damping) and the later F55 (Magnetic Selective Ride Control) both operate by changing shock damping, but my detail function description above is probably more correct for the F55 system. The F45 system may control shock damping in a different way. F45 has three switch-selectable damping settings while F55 has 2. There are probably some other detail differences I'm not aware of.
Last edited by RKMason; Jul 9, 2007 at 12:59 AM. Reason: New corrected info