'99 "Selective Ride" question
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 3
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'99 "Selective Ride" question
Hello All
This is my first post ever. I did own a '02 Mag Red Convertible. which I loved. Long Story short - sold it to raise kids etc... I am now looking to get back into the Vette World. The Vette I'm looking at is a '99 convertible which has the three position "Selective Ride" control. I believe it is part of the F45 suspension package. My original Vette did not have this option so I am not familiar with it. Is it mechanical vs. electronic like the newer Magnetic Selective Ride. What are the issues, what should I look for - IE. codes etc. Is it expensive to replace? If I do have to replace, can you replace with "Normal Shocks"? Sorry for the length of the post. Any responses will be greatly appreciated.
This is my first post ever. I did own a '02 Mag Red Convertible. which I loved. Long Story short - sold it to raise kids etc... I am now looking to get back into the Vette World. The Vette I'm looking at is a '99 convertible which has the three position "Selective Ride" control. I believe it is part of the F45 suspension package. My original Vette did not have this option so I am not familiar with it. Is it mechanical vs. electronic like the newer Magnetic Selective Ride. What are the issues, what should I look for - IE. codes etc. Is it expensive to replace? If I do have to replace, can you replace with "Normal Shocks"? Sorry for the length of the post. Any responses will be greatly appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Columbia SC
Good and correct info from 8VETTE7, as always.
Where do you live? If you are close to me then I can reprogram the RPO code so you have no issues if you remove the OEM shocks for another option.
Lots of people go with the C6 Z06 shocks and sway bars to improve handing. The shocks are really good and just bolt in. They are also dirt cheap in the C5 world of costs.
Mr. Sam
Where do you live? If you are close to me then I can reprogram the RPO code so you have no issues if you remove the OEM shocks for another option.
Lots of people go with the C6 Z06 shocks and sway bars to improve handing. The shocks are really good and just bolt in. They are also dirt cheap in the C5 world of costs.
Mr. Sam
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Good info in both the two posts above. Good luck finding the car that's right for you.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2015
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F45 is electronically operated. If the shocks go bad and they eventually will they are very expensive to replace not unlike the F55 ( Magnetic Selective Ride Control) To replace the F45 shocks with conventional shocks you have to fool the computer into thinking they are still in place. Several ways to accomplish this:
Have someone with a Tech II tool program the F45 RPO out of the BCM.
Install a 10 watt, 10 Ohm resistor at the connection of each of the 4 shocks. Generally these get soldered to the factory wiring and then insulated and protected from the elements.
Install Syms. A Sym is a prepackaged plug and play resistor with the proper connector to just plug into the factory wiring at each shock location.
Here is a link to another solution that is not as pretty but works:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589885763
Failure to FOOL the computer will result in the computer limiting the vehicle speed to 80MPH.
You are aware that there are several parts for the 97 -2000 C5 model years that are no longer available as new replacements. Things like the EBCM (Electronic Brake Controller Module) and the SWPS (Steering Wheel Position Sensor).. Your ONLY choice for repair should they fail is USED parts and they are generally going a "what the market will bear" prices. Neither is repairable.
Currently, and that might not last forever, there are new parts available for the 2001 and later model years. Plus some of the EBCM failure conditions can be repaired.
Not saying don't buy a 99 or other early year C5. Just presenting info that you should be aware of ias you consider a purchase.
Have someone with a Tech II tool program the F45 RPO out of the BCM.
Install a 10 watt, 10 Ohm resistor at the connection of each of the 4 shocks. Generally these get soldered to the factory wiring and then insulated and protected from the elements.
Install Syms. A Sym is a prepackaged plug and play resistor with the proper connector to just plug into the factory wiring at each shock location.
Here is a link to another solution that is not as pretty but works:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589885763
Failure to FOOL the computer will result in the computer limiting the vehicle speed to 80MPH.
You are aware that there are several parts for the 97 -2000 C5 model years that are no longer available as new replacements. Things like the EBCM (Electronic Brake Controller Module) and the SWPS (Steering Wheel Position Sensor).. Your ONLY choice for repair should they fail is USED parts and they are generally going a "what the market will bear" prices. Neither is repairable.
Currently, and that might not last forever, there are new parts available for the 2001 and later model years. Plus some of the EBCM failure conditions can be repaired.
Not saying don't buy a 99 or other early year C5. Just presenting info that you should be aware of ias you consider a purchase.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Good and correct info from 8VETTE7, as always.
Where do you live? If you are close to me then I can reprogram the RPO code so you have no issues if you remove the OEM shocks for another option.
Lots of people go with the C6 Z06 shocks and sway bars to improve handing. The shocks are really good and just bolt in. They are also dirt cheap in the C5 world of costs.
Mr. Sam
Where do you live? If you are close to me then I can reprogram the RPO code so you have no issues if you remove the OEM shocks for another option.
Lots of people go with the C6 Z06 shocks and sway bars to improve handing. The shocks are really good and just bolt in. They are also dirt cheap in the C5 world of costs.
Mr. Sam
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: OK
