Compared to Selective Ride...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Staunton Va
Compared to Selective Ride...
Hello Everyone, :seeya
My first and only C5 has the selective ride control option. I'm curious as to how that compares, when in the performance setting, to the standard and z51 coupe suspension. I've found the selective ride gives a squirrley feel to the car on a harsh road surface when in the touring position (softest). The Sport setting makes it behave ok, and the performance setting is pretty damn solid.
Later
:flag
My first and only C5 has the selective ride control option. I'm curious as to how that compares, when in the performance setting, to the standard and z51 coupe suspension. I've found the selective ride gives a squirrley feel to the car on a harsh road surface when in the touring position (softest). The Sport setting makes it behave ok, and the performance setting is pretty damn solid.
Later
:flag
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 3
From: Spring, TX
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (KMoney)
I have the F45 Selective Real Time Dampening Suspension as well.
Here are few tidbits of info that I have discovered from research or are just my opinion. I like the suspension overall but probably would not pay the premium again.
Compared to stock the touring setting is somewhat softer. Stock is closer to the sport setting. The stock and F45 systems use the same springs and swaybars. One of the best mods you can make is to swap for the Z51 sway bars. The difference is dramatic.
The F45 system is wired into the PCM. At full throttle applications it will recognize the torque increase and should automatically set the rear shocks to max and conversely under hard braking set the front shocks to max. This is what the service manual says anyways. This is done to reduce squat under hard acceleration or nose dive under braking.
The Z51 suspension is harsher than the performance setting(but not uncomfortable). Primarily due to the use of stiffer springs. Overall the Z51 will outperform a stock F45 system. However, several car magazines have published a article based on a C5 F45 car with upgraded swaybars, and better wheels and tires that handled very well.
Here are few tidbits of info that I have discovered from research or are just my opinion. I like the suspension overall but probably would not pay the premium again.
Compared to stock the touring setting is somewhat softer. Stock is closer to the sport setting. The stock and F45 systems use the same springs and swaybars. One of the best mods you can make is to swap for the Z51 sway bars. The difference is dramatic.
The F45 system is wired into the PCM. At full throttle applications it will recognize the torque increase and should automatically set the rear shocks to max and conversely under hard braking set the front shocks to max. This is what the service manual says anyways. This is done to reduce squat under hard acceleration or nose dive under braking.
The Z51 suspension is harsher than the performance setting(but not uncomfortable). Primarily due to the use of stiffer springs. Overall the Z51 will outperform a stock F45 system. However, several car magazines have published a article based on a C5 F45 car with upgraded swaybars, and better wheels and tires that handled very well.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Hammond IN
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (KMoney)
Hi,
I'm glad you brought up this topic. I recently traded in my '94 red automatic with standard suspension on a 2000 Millennium Yellow 6 spd with the F45 Selective Real Time Damping. I was looking for a C5 with Z51, but this one had everything else I wanted at a price I was willing to pay.
Prior to the '94, I owned an '86 with Z51. There was quite a difference between the two. I knew the early C4s with Z51 gave a "buckboard" ride, which I didn't have any problem with. I found the '94's standard suspension to be too soft for my likeing.
I've driven Z51 equiped C5s and found them to be firm handling while not bone jarring like the early C4s. To me the C5 Z51 is the best of both worlds.
I would say that the firmest setting of the selective suspension is a bit softer than the Z51.
What I would like to know is: what can I expect in handling if I change out the sway bars and install either Z51 bars or Z06 suspension sway bars? Inquiring minds want to know!
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:
Frank Mock
2000 Millennium Yellow 6spd coupe
I'm glad you brought up this topic. I recently traded in my '94 red automatic with standard suspension on a 2000 Millennium Yellow 6 spd with the F45 Selective Real Time Damping. I was looking for a C5 with Z51, but this one had everything else I wanted at a price I was willing to pay.
Prior to the '94, I owned an '86 with Z51. There was quite a difference between the two. I knew the early C4s with Z51 gave a "buckboard" ride, which I didn't have any problem with. I found the '94's standard suspension to be too soft for my likeing.
I've driven Z51 equiped C5s and found them to be firm handling while not bone jarring like the early C4s. To me the C5 Z51 is the best of both worlds.
I would say that the firmest setting of the selective suspension is a bit softer than the Z51.
What I would like to know is: what can I expect in handling if I change out the sway bars and install either Z51 bars or Z06 suspension sway bars? Inquiring minds want to know!
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:
Frank Mock
2000 Millennium Yellow 6spd coupe
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Staunton Va
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (gonbad)
Thanks for the info! This selective ride was a pricy option; myself and a friend refer to it as that $1700 switch in the console. :) I did test drive a 99 hardtop a ways back, and it was a damn solid riding car.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Hammond IN
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (FrankMock)
Well Gonbad, it looks like you've answered some of my questions. I suspected that I might hear a reply like that.
Let me ask this....if you set out to modify your F45 again, what things would you do?
TIA
Frank Mock
Let me ask this....if you set out to modify your F45 again, what things would you do?
TIA
Frank Mock
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 0
From: Rocklin CA
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (KMoney)
Z51 is the way to go! F45 adjustible suspension is to soft and floaty. In corners it doesn't stick like Z51. I've changed my sway bars and end links but Z51 has stiffer springs that help control the ride. Z51 also comes with a power steering cooler. F45 is not worth the money!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,326
Likes: 0
From: Taylor TX
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (C54TIM)
Z51 is the way to go! F45 adjustible suspension is to soft and floaty. In corners it doesn't stick like Z51. I've changed my sway bars and end links but Z51 has stiffer springs that help control the ride. Z51 also comes with a power steering cooler. F45 is not worth the money!
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (C54TIM)
I have the F45 with Z51 sway bars and I am very pleased. There is too much road construction and rough roads in my world to have the harsh ride of the Z51 package all the time. :smash: I agree that if you are an autocross enthusiast then the Z51 or Z06 are your ticket to success. If you are a normal Joe who occasionally gets to the track then the F45 with Z51 sways is ideal - it will hold its own on the autocross track in Performance mode and will lock up the traction on the drag strip in Touring Mode. If you drag race then the Z06 or Z51 are not the ideal setup - soft rear suspension gives more traction at the drag strip. :mad I have read several posts on this forum that agree that the F45 Touring is the best drag strip suspension setting. Just my $.02 but I have raced on both autocross and drag strip and without buying 2 cars you are going to have to compromise - and that is exactly what the F45 is.
0-60-IN-5
0-60-IN-5
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (silversport)
I have no complaints 'bout the "standard" FE3 suspension... :seeya :chevy
I don't race, however...
I don't race, however...
I have no complaints with the base system and drive my car fairly hard on the street. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 3
From: Spring, TX
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (FrankMock)
Well if I did this again and I am thinking about doing this, I would move up to the Z06 bars with metal endlinks, switch out all the rubber bushings for polyurethane and go from there.
You can't switch the shocks obviously and the only other thing is the two transverse leaf springs. I would think that the stiffer spring would reduce ride quality and probably not improve handling enough to warrant the cost. The only reason I would go for the springs is if I was going to lower the car. Some people with F45 and a bit of an aggressive lowering job have a problem bottoming the car on the bump stops which can damage the shocks.
My car has seen quite a bit of track time from low speed autocrosses to high speed road courses and I have not had any trouble hanging with a Z51 equipped car.
You can't switch the shocks obviously and the only other thing is the two transverse leaf springs. I would think that the stiffer spring would reduce ride quality and probably not improve handling enough to warrant the cost. The only reason I would go for the springs is if I was going to lower the car. Some people with F45 and a bit of an aggressive lowering job have a problem bottoming the car on the bump stops which can damage the shocks.
My car has seen quite a bit of track time from low speed autocrosses to high speed road courses and I have not had any trouble hanging with a Z51 equipped car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 6
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (KMoney)
The 99 Coupe I owned had the F45. My 01 Coupe has the Z51. I owned a 1995 RX-7 prior to the C5's. The RX-7 had a lateral acceleration around 1.0g. I loved the way that car handled. However, it was very rough during normal driving. The F45 was my next car. I could tell a difference between the settings and thought the car handled great. I did think it seemed to push out when taking a corner fast. I didn't get the Z51 on the 99 b/c I was concerned it would be rough like the RX-7. After reading on the Forum that the Z51 wasn't rough, I got it on my 01. I love the way the car handles. It feels like it is on rails. It is not to rough during daily driving. The only suspension change I would consider would be to add Z06 sway bars to the Z51. Also, the Z51 suspension was upgraded for the 2001 (I think 2001) year, so my Z51 is a little different than previous years. No matter which suspension you have, you still have a Corvette. That's the coolest part.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 227
From: N Cal
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (KMoney)
I have the F45 suspension on my 2000 Vert, I have changed out my stock sway bars for the factory Z06 bars with metal end links. It makes a HUGE difference in handling!!
:D
:D
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Staunton Va
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (l2vette)
I have the F45 suspension on my 2000 Vert, I have changed out my stock sway bars for the factory Z06 bars with metal end links. It makes a HUGE difference in handling!!
:D
:D
:cheers:
Racer
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, Ca 95131
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (KMoney)
Just completed the install of Z06 springs (thanks again Nasty) on my 01'
F45 coupe. These along with the Hotchkis stabalizer bars made a world of
difference. The car feels firmer and more planted on all settings. Soft setting
for crusing and firm for agressive driving. Fat Pilot Sports, 265 and 345, make
for some awesome grip.
Having you cake and eating it too!
JT
F45 coupe. These along with the Hotchkis stabalizer bars made a world of
difference. The car feels firmer and more planted on all settings. Soft setting
for crusing and firm for agressive driving. Fat Pilot Sports, 265 and 345, make
for some awesome grip.
Having you cake and eating it too!
JT
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 227
From: N Cal
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (KMoney)
Changing out the sway bars can be done in your own garage. You need to get the car up on jack stands and you will need a torque wrench for the correct reinstall. The proceedure does require patience though.
How hard is the change-over to the Z06 sway bars? Can the novice mechanic do it, or should a dealer?
:cheers: [/QUOTE]
How hard is the change-over to the Z06 sway bars? Can the novice mechanic do it, or should a dealer?
:cheers: [/QUOTE]
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 16
From: "Once you have flown, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward; for there you have been
Re: Compared to Selective Ride... (l2vette)
Z06 bars - metal end links with F-45 is great way to go... corners nice and flat and can still be driven on crappy road surfaces without knocking your fillings out in touring mode when you need it!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 4
From: Concord California
Just picked up a set of Z06 front and rear sway bars, I also have a 99 C5 coup with F45 suspension. I ordered the 4 aluminum sway bar links to replace the plastic ones from the stock setup. I think the F45 with Z06 sway bars will be just the ticket for the kind of driving I do. I enjoy reading all of the experience from others that have done what I am planning.. Thanks guys very much appreciated..
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 8
From: Hopatcong New Jersey
Just picked up a set of Z06 front and rear sway bars, I also have a 99 C5 coup with F45 suspension. I ordered the 4 aluminum sway bar links to replace the plastic ones from the stock setup. I think the F45 with Z06 sway bars will be just the ticket for the kind of driving I do. I enjoy reading all of the experience from others that have done what I am planning.. Thanks guys very much appreciated..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 426
Yes but it was interesting to read the reactions to the system when it was new. I kept thinking "Wow! These guys are really enthused about such an obsolete suspension system".