I just purchased a '97 coupe, I was wondering if it was possible to install an active handling system, considering I am going to drive it pretty hard. Someone told me if I could buy the unit from a junker I could do it with no problem. Has anyone does this mod before? Thanks!

 

I'd guess the cost would be so high that you'd be better off trading up.

Tom

 

It would be VERY complicated.
All of the driveline sensors that make up the active handling
are integrated into the parts, they aren't bolt on. So you would
have to add those and then the AH system. All of your computers
would have to be swapped out. The only way I can think to do it
cheaply was if you had a car that was a wreck to take parts off.
Even then I don't know how you would calibrate it.

I agree, better to trade in if you want AH.

I have it on mine and I like it, but my previous Vette and 95
Formula didn't. AH can save your bacon, but as long as you
learn the limits of your particular car and don't try and push
beyond those it's fine. AH lets you push the limits without
losing it. I am not entirely sure that is a good thing. No
substitute for a good driver who knows his car.

Good Luck!

 

Just curious, why do you feel you need active handling?
Come out and see the NVCC club run autox events at Old Dominion Raceway in Manassas, VA. I think you’ll change your mind if you are thinking it will make the car faster in the turns.

 

If you do try to attempt it. I would make sure you get all the correct parts for the AHS you get. There were a lot of changes made to AHS in 2001.

Check out the changes at the Corvette Museum

From what little road course experience I have. The drivers that went off the track were the ones that had turned it off. They were also the ones lapping me. :D

 

LS1KID Did you purchase your roll bar Plastic Jesus and Pampers yet?
It is IMPERATIVE you have these items before getting HEAVY into Dads
C5!!!All of us on the Forum support you we are looking out for your safety and well being.GOD SPEED!!! :jester :jester :jester :jester :jester
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:blueangel: :blueangel: :blueangel: :blueangel: :blueangel: :blueangel:
:chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy
:cheers: Dont Drink and Drive!!! :D :D :lol: :lol: :p: :p: :) :cool: :cool: :cool:

 

One of the big difference's between the 97s and later cars was the location of the ABS unit. All 97s have the ABS unit located in the back of the car near the diff. All the newer cars have the ABS unit located in the front. Supposedly one of the reasons this change was made was to implement AH. So you would have to completely replumb the braking system of the car. I am not sure but I think the 97s sensors can be used but AH cars have additional sensors that will have to be added. The EBTCM and associated wiring would have to be changed as well. These are probably only some of the changes required. To get everything correct at a reasonable cost you would have to get a complete system from a wreck that hadn't suffered any damage to the braking system. Even then it would be a daunting task.
Bill

 

Forgeta bout it! cheaper to get driving lessons or night job to get upgraded one.

 

After reading your statement and question, quoted above, I am definately worried about you and your association with a Corvette. You say you're going to drive it pretty hard. If you plan to do this on public roads. then you don't deserve to have a Vette. Not only would you be a danger to yourself but also the other people sharing that public road with you.

If you plan to take your Vette to a closed circuit track and participate in a high speed driving school, then I applaud you, for then you would be learning how to drive your C5 fast through corners without being a danger to others. You may still shash your Vette into a tire barrier or flip it over as you go sailing into a gravel pit, but you won't be a danger to others.

Please take your C5 seriously and learn how to drive a powerful car in a controlled and safe environment, such as a driving school. You will find that you will learn the limitations and capabilities of you car and, more importantly, of yourself, and you will have a ton of fun driving your car fast on the track, and leave the safe and sane driving to the public roads.

To answer your question about Active Handeling, this system is a small bandaid for "driving on the edge" of traction, and if the momentum, slip angle, speed, or steering wheel position aren't too far out of control, it can help the driver to regain control of the car. It CAN NOT save you from Poor Driving or driving to fast, or beyond the limits of Physics. It is a "nice" back up for a good driver, NOT a saving device for a poor one.

If you really want this option, then go buy a C5 with it. My best wishes to you for a responsible and safe future. :cool: