Replacing MRC Shocks with Regular Shocks
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
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Replacing MRC Shocks with Regular Shocks
I have a C5 50th Anniversary Edition with the magnetic ride control. I auto cross and drag race it. I'd like to replace the magnetic ride control shocks with Bilstein Sports. Has anyone ever replaced them like that? If so, what all is entailed in it?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
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From: Flagstaff Az.
[QUOTE=8VETTE7;1577492343]A quick look at your profile says your car is a 97. If that's correct then you do NOT have the Magnetic Ride Control (RPO F55) but rather have the Real Time Damping (RPO F45) that was an option on 1997 - 2000 C5's. The two are completely different. F45 can be fooled by Simulators ( resistors) while the F55 that is on the 03 and 04 C5's cannot and must be deleted. You can search the forum for details of how to build your own simulators to fool the F45 logic in the computer. I think (do a search to be certain) that you buy 10 ohm 10 watt wire wound resistors at Radio Shack for a couple buckes each.
His post states he has a C5 anniversary which has to be an 03.
His post states he has a C5 anniversary which has to be an 03.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
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Thanks so much for your help! I figured that I couldn't just switch them out and that it would need to be reprogrammed but I wasn't sure how or if it was even an option. All 4 need to be replaced and man are they expensive and since I race it, I'd rather have the racing shocks anyway. Thanks again for your help!!
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
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A quick look at your profile says your car is a 97. If that's correct then you do NOT have the Magnetic Ride Control (RPO F55) but rather have the Real Time Damping (RPO F45) that was an option on 1997 - 2000 C5's. The two are completely different. F45 can be fooled by Simulators ( resistors) while the F55 that is on the 03 and 04 C5's cannot and must be deleted. You can search the forum for details of how to build your own simulators to fool the F45 logic in the computer. I think (do a search to be certain) that you buy 10 ohm 10 watt wire wound resistors at Radio Shack for a couple buckes each.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2017
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I have 2003 vettw mrc electronic oem shocks
Where can i get this done gm dealer wont what is most cost effective way get good ride without breaking bank.
You cannot just take out the MRC shocks and install conventional shocks without causing an error message to appear that your speed is limited tp 80mph. There are electrical connections at the top of each shock that are connected to a controller and that in turn is connected to the main computer. You have to go through a very specific procedure with the aid of a TECH II tool to delete the F55 option. Here are the specifics from a post I copied a couple of years back:
1. Hook up your Tech 2 (Driver's footwell), turn the car ON, make sure the module in the left rear storage compartment (pull back the velcro lining on the front of the compartment) is plugged in. DO NOT UNPLUG THIS MODULE
2. Now use the Tech 2 to delete the F45 option ( F55 option does not appear on the Tech 2 menu screen - SO - DELETE THE F45 OPTION
(use the screen captures - steps 2-14)
3. Save the new configuration
4. DO NOT TURN THE CAR OFF DO NOT REMOVE THE TECH 2 Go to the module in the rear of the car, unplug the GRAY connector - IT IS THE WIDEST ONE - leave the other 1 (F/45) or 2 (F/55) plugged in.
5. Turn off the car but LEAVE THE TECH 2 PLUGGED IN
6. Remove remaining plugs from module in the rear of the car - Never plug them back in again, if you do the F/45 turns on automatically.
7. Now the moment of TRUTH - Turn the car on and verify that the dreaded - MAX SPEED 80 MPH - is gone. This message was only present if you had already disconnected the shock sensors. Some people have had to disconnect their battery to allow the computer to reset to remove this message, but I would confirm with the Tech II that the F/45 was actually deleted first and if not reconnect everything and start again with step 1.
8. Unplug the Tech 2 - Get in the car and take it for a ride. Smile as you pass the DREADED 80 MPH.
With these instructions in their hands even the most inexperienced tech can do this. It took mine 5 minutes and they charged me $25. I would have spent much more time and effort getting and installing resistors.
If you haven't already changed your shocks drive home carefully as the shocks become very soft, not dangerous but as GM advises keep it under 80MPH.
You MUST follow the above instructions EXACTLY to delete the F55 RPO.
1. Hook up your Tech 2 (Driver's footwell), turn the car ON, make sure the module in the left rear storage compartment (pull back the velcro lining on the front of the compartment) is plugged in. DO NOT UNPLUG THIS MODULE
2. Now use the Tech 2 to delete the F45 option ( F55 option does not appear on the Tech 2 menu screen - SO - DELETE THE F45 OPTION
(use the screen captures - steps 2-14)
3. Save the new configuration
4. DO NOT TURN THE CAR OFF DO NOT REMOVE THE TECH 2 Go to the module in the rear of the car, unplug the GRAY connector - IT IS THE WIDEST ONE - leave the other 1 (F/45) or 2 (F/55) plugged in.
5. Turn off the car but LEAVE THE TECH 2 PLUGGED IN
6. Remove remaining plugs from module in the rear of the car - Never plug them back in again, if you do the F/45 turns on automatically.
7. Now the moment of TRUTH - Turn the car on and verify that the dreaded - MAX SPEED 80 MPH - is gone. This message was only present if you had already disconnected the shock sensors. Some people have had to disconnect their battery to allow the computer to reset to remove this message, but I would confirm with the Tech II that the F/45 was actually deleted first and if not reconnect everything and start again with step 1.
8. Unplug the Tech 2 - Get in the car and take it for a ride. Smile as you pass the DREADED 80 MPH.
With these instructions in their hands even the most inexperienced tech can do this. It took mine 5 minutes and they charged me $25. I would have spent much more time and effort getting and installing resistors.
If you haven't already changed your shocks drive home carefully as the shocks become very soft, not dangerous but as GM advises keep it under 80MPH.
You MUST follow the above instructions EXACTLY to delete the F55 RPO.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2017
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