, finger mistake, thanks for your help. 
Need help with new front shocks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 130
Likes: 2
From: Saint Louis MO
Need help with new front shocks
Today I got my first work done on my "new to me" C5 which has a ton of issues to correct. Replacing tires with non-run-flats made a major difference in ride so far.
However, the front shocks are shot and need to be replaced. The car has the electronic ride control, which I believe is called the F45 option?
Because of this, I was told I must get the OEM shocks - the shop wanted $900 each, special ordered - no thanks.
GM parts house has them for a little over $500 each.
What are my options? Must I use these special shocks, or can I get others? Is this a DIY job? I want to do this myself if possible to learn.
My interest is in having a smooth, comfortable city/highway drive - not racing or extreme cornering or any of that stuff.
I searched the forums and found a post discussing the removal of the F45 option, but am not sure about that idea. The shop told me that if the OEM shocks were not used, then the computer would start throwing codes.
Please advise! I am fairly new to all of this, so I am very eager to learn.
-David
However, the front shocks are shot and need to be replaced. The car has the electronic ride control, which I believe is called the F45 option?
Because of this, I was told I must get the OEM shocks - the shop wanted $900 each, special ordered - no thanks.
GM parts house has them for a little over $500 each.
What are my options? Must I use these special shocks, or can I get others? Is this a DIY job? I want to do this myself if possible to learn.
My interest is in having a smooth, comfortable city/highway drive - not racing or extreme cornering or any of that stuff.
I searched the forums and found a post discussing the removal of the F45 option, but am not sure about that idea. The shop told me that if the OEM shocks were not used, then the computer would start throwing codes.
Please advise! I am fairly new to all of this, so I am very eager to learn.
-David
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
You can install normal shocks and then turn off the F45 option. It requires a Tech2 and someone who's willing to do it (maybe should rather say someone who's got a clue how to use it). The BCM has a bunch of options that can be turned on or off depending on if the car has it or not. That's how they can build one computer and use it in every car.
There are also resistors you can install but the better option is just turning it off. That way, something won't act up later and set a code. You could also pull the ride control computer (I think it's in the left hatch compartment) and the ride sensors too.
One other thing. If you do the above then you'll have to change all 4 shocks. Look at GM Parts House I think he's got 4 C6Z0z shocks for about $240 and they fit just fine.
Peter
There are also resistors you can install but the better option is just turning it off. That way, something won't act up later and set a code. You could also pull the ride control computer (I think it's in the left hatch compartment) and the ride sensors too.
One other thing. If you do the above then you'll have to change all 4 shocks. Look at GM Parts House I think he's got 4 C6Z0z shocks for about $240 and they fit just fine.
Peter
Last edited by lionelhutz; Mar 19, 2010 at 10:18 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Dyer, IN
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Laredo Texas
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota City MN
My car had the F45 shocks. I installed the Z06's and did the resister mod. One of the best things I did for my car. Down the road when I get a tune, I will have the F45 turned off. Replacing the shocks is a very easy thing to do in your garage or driveway.
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 can NOT eliminate the F-45 RPO thru "TUNING".... You can however do one of the following:
Install 10 OHM 25 watt resistors inplace of the shock solinoid valve.
OR
Have the stealership service department or someone local with a tech II eliminate the RPO code using the GM TECH II. The BCM (where the RPO Codes live) can NOT be access or changed thru tuning software.
Eliminating the RPO Code with the Tech II will allow you to REMOVE ALL the F-45 components.
Installing C6 ZO6 shocks, C5 ZO6 Sprigs and Sway Bars will be the best thing that you can do to the car. It will handle EXTREMELY WELL! You can purchase the springs, sways and sway end links used on the forum for a very good price.
Install 10 OHM 25 watt resistors inplace of the shock solinoid valve.
OR
Have the stealership service department or someone local with a tech II eliminate the RPO code using the GM TECH II. The BCM (where the RPO Codes live) can NOT be access or changed thru tuning software.
Eliminating the RPO Code with the Tech II will allow you to REMOVE ALL the F-45 components.
Installing C6 ZO6 shocks, C5 ZO6 Sprigs and Sway Bars will be the best thing that you can do to the car. It will handle EXTREMELY WELL! You can purchase the springs, sways and sway end links used on the forum for a very good price.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
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From: South Western Ontario
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
I as well have had them on my car for over 2 years. Contact Gene Culley if you dont believe us. He sells the parts and has them in his forum post as a C5 replacement part!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 6
From: Oilerville Edmonton
St. Jude Donor '08
Here is a link to a write up on shock replacement. you may have a few extra steps due to the F45 but this should give you a really good idea of what to do. I am going to do this shortly as I have new C6 shocks waiting to go on. good luck!
http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm
http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm
