Selective ride
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 18
From: Anderson SC
Selective ride
Has anybody replaced the ride control shocks with other performance shocks? Why, did you prefer non-ride control, and which is really better? By the way, I have a damaged shock and I'm wondering whether or not to buy simulators for the car and replace all shocks with a different style or just put it back like it's supposed to be.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: HOUSTON TX
i just replaced mine with bilsteins and got the sims. no problems but it is a rougher ride. I had no problems with my F45 shocks i just wanted a lower stiffer ride. i can sell you my F45's if you want. i am trying to get $100 for the set. let me know if you want them. oh yeah they got 80k on them but like is said no problems. 
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Another option is a GM kit that will upgrade the car from F45 to the "magnetic" F55 suspension system.
GM kit part number 12499507
You can see more details (and pricing info) here at ...
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com
just search on the part number.
GM kit part number 12499507
You can see more details (and pricing info) here at ...
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com
just search on the part number.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 1
From: Dayton Ohio
I really like the improved ride of my Koni FSDs. They are more expensive than most, but (IMHO) are well worth it.
I had the F45 option removed from the computer with a Tech2 during a tire install.
I had the F45 option removed from the computer with a Tech2 during a tire install.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 403
Likes: 2
From: Glen Allen VA
OKAY .. here's my story which I have ranted about sooo many times on the Forum until I found the gremlin sitting in my ignition switch. My 98-coupe, with 68k miles, F45 shocks, started dinging with "SHOCKS INOP" "SERVICE RIDE CONTROL". I replaced the shocks with Bilsteins and used the sims, the problem still persisted. After much head banging and $700 less in my pocket, the problem lay in the ignition switch, with bad electrical contacts. Thnkx to Bill Curlee's detailed instructions that he posted in late Feb this year about cleaning the ignition switch, all my problems went away. Alas!! my good F45 shocks are now lying in some dumpster or landfill 
The ride is definitely tight (esp on turns) with the Bilsteins as compared to the F45 shocks (when they were working)
The ride is definitely tight (esp on turns) with the Bilsteins as compared to the F45 shocks (when they were working)
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 18
From: Anderson SC
Maybe I should clarify. It's an 03 so it's F55 suspension. Also, it was in a wreck that wiped out the shock and ruines the electrical connector on top. I guess I'm asking for opinions on whether to put it back stock or change everything out. Also, if someone has any F55 shocks they would like to sell for a decent price I would be interested. Thanks.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Maybe I should clarify. It's an 03 so it's F55 suspension. Also, it was in a wreck that wiped out the shock and ruines the electrical connector on top. I guess I'm asking for opinions on whether to put it back stock or change everything out. Also, if someone has any F55 shocks they would like to sell for a decent price I would be interested. Thanks.
You may want to look at the prices of your various options ..... as best I can tell here are the replacement shocks for the F55 system .... note that there is only 1 part number for the front shocks (apparently they are interchangeable side to side) but there is a single part for the left and right rears .....
88952524 (front)
88952525 (left-rear)
88952526 (right rear)
Verify these part numbers .... the descriptions at some sites don't match (or make sense) ..... but judging by the prices these are the correct parts.
