2003 F55 suspension replacement?
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
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2003 F55 suspension replacement?
i have a pristene 1 owner 50th anniversary convertible. 32000 miles.
the shocks feel like they "bounce" or "float" over bumps.... id say they are worn and require replacement?
In tour mode they are super soft and the body just floats like a caprice.
In sport mode they are stiffer and cause things in the car to "rattle" more with no real dampning over bumps.
Is my suspension worn?
What is the replacement? expensive? alternatives?
the shocks feel like they "bounce" or "float" over bumps.... id say they are worn and require replacement?
In tour mode they are super soft and the body just floats like a caprice.
In sport mode they are stiffer and cause things in the car to "rattle" more with no real dampning over bumps.
Is my suspension worn?
What is the replacement? expensive? alternatives?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,341
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From: Hopatcong New Jersey
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 168
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i cant see C5 vettes being this bad.... the body of the car bobs up and down with no dampning to stop it.
F55 still works which is kinda neat as i can feel the difference, but the traits in either mode are still sub par. I cant see it being like that when new.
F55 still works which is kinda neat as i can feel the difference, but the traits in either mode are still sub par. I cant see it being like that when new.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 8
From: Hopatcong New Jersey
Has it always been like that or is it something recent?
It's hard to tell by your description without experiencing it firsthand but I can tell you on my F45 suspension in tour mode it's super soft when I go over a REALLY bumpy patch of road and when it's in performance mode it's super stiff and uncomfortable over bumps, but it handles much better.
All modes for the most part on my car feel the same in everyday driving, it's when I hit bumps or do some aggressive driving that the difference is noticeable.
It's hard to tell by your description without experiencing it firsthand but I can tell you on my F45 suspension in tour mode it's super soft when I go over a REALLY bumpy patch of road and when it's in performance mode it's super stiff and uncomfortable over bumps, but it handles much better.
All modes for the most part on my car feel the same in everyday driving, it's when I hit bumps or do some aggressive driving that the difference is noticeable.
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 cant just rip out the F55 shocks and replace them with standard corvette shocks. You have to Deprogram the F-55 out of the BCM using the Tech 2
I dont know exactly which sway bars and springs that the F55 option came with but if its the FE1 suspension, you will also need to upgrade to ZO6 or Z-51 springs and bars it get a better handling car.
There are also C6 upgrades that you can get brand new for a very good price. Visit Gene Culleys website www.gmpartshouse.com and see what he has to offer in GM Performance up-grades. New C6 ZO6 shocks drop right in and they are only $240ish for all four shocks.
Heres a post with his info:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...rts-house.html
OR
You can go with a kit:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...n-kits-c5.html
But,,,,,,,,,,,, you still MUST remove/deprogram the RPO out of the BCM first!
BC
I dont know exactly which sway bars and springs that the F55 option came with but if its the FE1 suspension, you will also need to upgrade to ZO6 or Z-51 springs and bars it get a better handling car.
There are also C6 upgrades that you can get brand new for a very good price. Visit Gene Culleys website www.gmpartshouse.com and see what he has to offer in GM Performance up-grades. New C6 ZO6 shocks drop right in and they are only $240ish for all four shocks.
Heres a post with his info:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...rts-house.html
OR
You can go with a kit:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...n-kits-c5.html
But,,,,,,,,,,,, you still MUST remove/deprogram the RPO out of the BCM first!
BC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 168
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suspension
thanks guys,
I ended up returning the corvette for a refund as the dealer couldnt produce a title after 5 months!
I have since purchased another 50th anniversary with only 8000 miles and the suspension is much better.. No floating or "bouncing" after bumps...
I ended up returning the corvette for a refund as the dealer couldnt produce a title after 5 months!
I have since purchased another 50th anniversary with only 8000 miles and the suspension is much better.. No floating or "bouncing" after bumps...
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
Glad that you were able to get a ligit car out of the deal!
