IMHO,,,, The F-45 System SUCKS! If you have the F-55, its a very good system. The ONLY bad part is the F-55 shocks are VERY EXPENSIVE if they have to be replaced.

YES! If you have the F-45 or F-55 systems you would have to remove that RPO Option out of the Body Control Module (BCM) before you can install a normal shock (of any brand)

To remove the RPO, you would need to use a GM TECH 2. It is the only way to communicate and program the BCM. The procedure is very straight forward and easy to preform with the TECH 2.

Bill

 

Awesome thanks for the response! So if I understand correctly, it is the electronic ride control? How do I check which I have?

 

If you look back at earlier posts you find that there is a year when they made the switch-over. Some feedback has indicated that it may have been done in the middle of a model year but that seems hard to believe. So check that out and you'll get your answer.

Another way is to look at the RPO codes in the glove box. There is a different code for 45 and 55. I'm not sure what they are so again further research on the forum will find you the answer.

Another way to go if you can't get access to a Tech II, which was my case here in Maui Hawaii, so I went with the plug in simulators which create a feedback loop to the Ride Control Module in the trunk which creates an artificial sensory condition of the basic ride setting. Then you can replace the shocks with anyone's setup. Several of the Forum supported vendors provide the simulators and they are quite reasonable. Only warning I'll pass on is be sure the shop is competent in doing this work and puts a tiewrap loop around the plugin. I had one of mine come off and it caused me to go into limp mode. That wasn't fun because I was at an autocross when it happened.

After doing the simulators, I then figured a way to replace the console switch to remove the dial. That, in essence, was creating a feedback simulator from parts you can buy from several suppliers. And replacing the switch cover with one without the dial.

Last points: Cultrag sells a nice package, but it's not the only one available. After comparing feedback: C5, Bilstein, and several others,; and since my car was lowered (which limits your choices), I chose the Pfadt Johnny O'Connell set up for my 02 C5. Very happy with choice for both driving and autocrossing, but not so good for drag racing. No real weight shift when coming off the line, so I use the traction control to avoid excessive wheel spin. Probably not as fast as I'd be with a set of 90/10 drag shocks, but it is consistent.

For certain you should pay heed to his recommendation of doing the sway bars as well. That's where you get the ability to "tune" your handling.

Hope this experience is helpful from an owner who faced the very same questions you have. Good luck.

professor jim

 

Suspension choices for the base model C5 were limited to the standard suspension (RPO FE1), with options for either the autocross-inspired FE3 Sport Suspension (included with the Z51 Performance & Handling Package and standard on the 1999-2000 FRC); or the F45 Selective Ride Control Suspension, which permitted "on-the-fly" driver selection of different ride characteristics (sport or touring). Late in the production run (starting with the 2003 model year), the F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control Suspension replaced the F45 as the third suspension choice. The racing-inspired FE4 suspension used for the Z06 is stiffer again than any offered on the base model C5, and is unique to that model with no optional suspensions offered.

 

Swaybar and spring rates:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s-97-04-a.html

 

I know old thread Bill but is this info still valid for the C6 shocks working on a C5?

Thanks

 

Yes it is. I just did my rears 2 weekends ago. Made a nice difference.

 

EXCELLENT, just what I needed to hear.

I have been checking prices, GM is double and their labor is high. My GM dealer also suggested a 4 wheel alignment, is this necessary?

THX

 

Not really necessary for just a shock change. I picked mine up on rockauto for pretty cheap. Rears took about 30 min each to change with a good extension and wiggle socket. Couple long zip ties helps.

 

Did the same to mine(C6 Z06 shocks, Z51 sways and new end links) and had the dealer lower mine to the bottom of the stock bolts. (they have a Corvette only tech ) Rides and handles great.

 

Mine has aftermarket sway bars and heim joint end links. I didn't lower mine at all. I don't really see the need to lower a car that already sits on the ground just above a speed bump.

 

I don't have plans to lower mine any, it's dragging the ground as it is.

 

I have researched the above part# and none have said they will fit a C5, I assume this is OK?

 

Yes it is. I used those exact ones on mine. The top mount on the rear is angles just slightly different but still mates up to the tower just fine.

 

There are NO electrical connections that I have to deal with?

 

Do you have the magnetic or electric ride control? I don't remember the exact terminology for it. If you do then you will need to program that out of the computer to run these shocks. If not they are simply pull one off put one on. No extra connections.

 

I don't think so. I have some type of traction control but thats it. There is a button on my console behind the shifter.

 

Sounds just like mine. If there are no connections on shocks either then your good.