C5 Selective Real Time Damping.
08-28-2018, 10:40 PM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
C5 Selective Real Time Damping.
Hey all,
Can anyone explain to me how "SELECTIVE REAL TIME DAMPING" in my 2000 C5 manual trans.( A $1695.option, 18 years ago!) differs from magnetic ride control in later models? Console switch has has Tour (soft) Sport (stiffer) and Perf. (feel every bump in road) on the fly selectable. Nice feature but rarely hear of it. Magnetic ride control same thing?
Can anyone explain to me how "SELECTIVE REAL TIME DAMPING" in my 2000 C5 manual trans.( A $1695.option, 18 years ago!) differs from magnetic ride control in later models? Console switch has has Tour (soft) Sport (stiffer) and Perf. (feel every bump in road) on the fly selectable. Nice feature but rarely hear of it. Magnetic ride control same thing?
08-29-2018, 09:01 AM
#2
Team Owner
I have it in my car, a 2001 C-5. I was reading a couple of road tests of C-5s, before I bought my car, and the "press cars" were so equipped, and since the press all raved about the handling, I ordered it on my car. So far, I've had no issues with the shocks, but today, thinking what issues could present themselves, and the cost to fix them, I regret ordering the option.
Having said that, it's my understanding that the cars computer system adjusts the shock's internal valving, based on what position the selector switch is in. I confess, however, that I seldom switch mine out of the "tour" position, other than once in a while, the thought being to "exercise" the shocks.
Having said that, it's my understanding that the cars computer system adjusts the shock's internal valving, based on what position the selector switch is in. I confess, however, that I seldom switch mine out of the "tour" position, other than once in a while, the thought being to "exercise" the shocks.
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2000 black c5 (08-29-2018)
08-29-2018, 03:32 PM
#3
Tech Contributor
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CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I had the F-45 system / suspension in my 98 MN6 Coupe. When you select that Build RPO, you get the BASE FE-1 suspension with the real time dampening shocks. The shocks have a solenoid controlled metering valve on the side of the shock that has THREE metering settings. There is ZERO real time metering or dampening adjustment other than your hand turning the adjustment switch. The F-55 system is actually able to regulate the current in an electron magnet around an orifice and that magnetic field is able to control the fluid that is able to flow through that orifice.
All in ALL ,,,, "IMHO",,, Flame Suit ON,,,,,,, The F-45 system SUCKED! I was NOT happy at all with the over all handling of the car. If you ever drive a C5 with a dedicated performance suspension, you will see what I mean. When I drove the ZO6, there was an immediate felt improvement in handling Any C5 with a better Z51 or ZO6 suspension or aftermarket improved suspension will hands down make you smile.
YES, I did regret that option on the 98. I sold that car and got a ZO6. I also purchased a C6 Z51 Coupe. Both car handled excellent.
Bill
All in ALL ,,,, "IMHO",,, Flame Suit ON,,,,,,, The F-45 system SUCKED! I was NOT happy at all with the over all handling of the car. If you ever drive a C5 with a dedicated performance suspension, you will see what I mean. When I drove the ZO6, there was an immediate felt improvement in handling Any C5 with a better Z51 or ZO6 suspension or aftermarket improved suspension will hands down make you smile.
YES, I did regret that option on the 98. I sold that car and got a ZO6. I also purchased a C6 Z51 Coupe. Both car handled excellent.
Bill
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2000 black c5 (08-29-2018)
08-29-2018, 07:28 PM
#4
Drifting
Supposedly the magnetic control responds quicker and better. Tour is softer, and sport is more sporty. For a daily driver Corvette, I enjoyed the F45 system in mine.
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2000 black c5 (08-29-2018)
08-29-2018, 07:55 PM
#5
Advanced
Thread Starter
I had the F-45 system / suspension in my 98 MN6 Coupe. When you select that Build RPO, you get the BASE FE-1 suspension with the real time dampening shocks. The shocks have a solenoid controlled metering valve on the side of the shock that has THREE metering settings. There is ZERO real time metering or dampening adjustment other than your hand turning the adjustment switch. The F-55 system is actually able to regulate the current in an electron magnet around an orifice and that magnetic field is able to control the fluid that is able to flow through that orifice.
All in ALL ,,,, "IMHO",,, Flame Suit ON,,,,,,, The F-45 system SUCKED! I was NOT happy at all with the over all handling of the car. If you ever drive a C5 with a dedicated performance suspension, you will see what I mean. When I drove the ZO6, there was an immediate felt improvement in handling Any C5 with a better Z51 or ZO6 suspension or aftermarket improved suspension will hands down make you smile.
YES, I did regret that option on the 98. I sold that car and got a ZO6. I also purchased a C6 Z51 Coupe. Both car handled excellent.
Bill
All in ALL ,,,, "IMHO",,, Flame Suit ON,,,,,,, The F-45 system SUCKED! I was NOT happy at all with the over all handling of the car. If you ever drive a C5 with a dedicated performance suspension, you will see what I mean. When I drove the ZO6, there was an immediate felt improvement in handling Any C5 with a better Z51 or ZO6 suspension or aftermarket improved suspension will hands down make you smile.
YES, I did regret that option on the 98. I sold that car and got a ZO6. I also purchased a C6 Z51 Coupe. Both car handled excellent.
Bill
Thanks i think. I've got f-45 apparently , just happened to be in the car when I bought it used. Great handling car to me as it is the first Vette I've ever owned/driven so nothing to compare it to. Ignorance is (was :-0) Bliss..
Thanks for the info for when I get my next one!
08-29-2018, 07:59 PM
#6
Advanced
Thread Starter
08-29-2018, 08:09 PM
#7
Drifting
Apparently GM thinks the magnetic ride suspension is now good enough to make standard on the C7 Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1, and is an option in the Z51 package. F45 was not that great, but F55 was a significant step up from F45 by most accounts. Shocks are still expensive though at $1600 from Rock Auto. For the C5, choosing between the two depends on how you use it and how much the ability to adjust is worth to you.
08-29-2018, 08:31 PM
#8
Advanced
Thread Starter
Apparently GM thinks the magnetic ride suspension is now good enough to make standard on the C7 Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1, and is an option in the Z51 package. F45 was not that great, but F55 was a significant step up from F45 by most accounts. Shocks are still expensive though at $1600 from Rock Auto. For the C5, choosing between the two depends on how you use it and how much the ability to adjust is worth to you.
Running down the coast (spiritedly when traffic allows) top down, rolling through the gears still puts that stupid grin on my face.
If shocks go bad, I'll have to weight the cost of replacing them to going to coil overs or something even with all the computer complications. 30k on car now so hopefully won't be making that decision any time soon.
08-29-2018, 08:53 PM
#9
Drifting
Computer complications are easy to get rid of with a Tech II. You're in San Francisco, and I have a Tech II. I can probably delete F45 from your car in about one hour, and you would have no computer issues.
No need to go coilovers. Just get some C6 shock variant that suits your needs (C6 base for comfort, C6 Z06 for best handling, and C6 Z51 for in-between) for about $300 or so. If you haven't upgraded your sway bars yet, I upgrade them to C6 Z51 with metal endlinks, even with F45 suspension. The plastic endlinks on the stock sway bars are likely completely shot. You will notice flatter cornering and crisper steering response, at least, that was my personal experience with it.
No need to go coilovers. Just get some C6 shock variant that suits your needs (C6 base for comfort, C6 Z06 for best handling, and C6 Z51 for in-between) for about $300 or so. If you haven't upgraded your sway bars yet, I upgrade them to C6 Z51 with metal endlinks, even with F45 suspension. The plastic endlinks on the stock sway bars are likely completely shot. You will notice flatter cornering and crisper steering response, at least, that was my personal experience with it.
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2000 black c5 (08-29-2018)
08-29-2018, 09:02 PM
#10
Advanced
Thread Starter
Computer complications are easy to get rid of with a Tech II. You're in San Francisco, and I have a Tech II. I can probably delete F45 from your car in about one hour, and you would have no computer issues.
No need to go coilovers. Just get some C6 shock variant that suits your needs (C6 base for comfort, C6 Z06 for best handling, and C6 Z51 for in-between) for about $300 or so. If you haven't upgraded your sway bars yet, I upgrade them to C6 Z51 with metal endlinks, even with F45 suspension. The plastic endlinks on the stock sway bars are likely completely shot. You will notice flatter cornering and crisper steering response, at least, that was my personal experience with it.
No need to go coilovers. Just get some C6 shock variant that suits your needs (C6 base for comfort, C6 Z06 for best handling, and C6 Z51 for in-between) for about $300 or so. If you haven't upgraded your sway bars yet, I upgrade them to C6 Z51 with metal endlinks, even with F45 suspension. The plastic endlinks on the stock sway bars are likely completely shot. You will notice flatter cornering and crisper steering response, at least, that was my personal experience with it.
Thanks!
08-31-2018, 04:50 AM
#11
I'll go one further: Either the F55 sucked, or it was completely worn out by the time I got it.
Overly soft, prone to wandering. Sure, it was nice to firm it up or soften it up for bumps, but ultimately it seemed a system designed for comfort rather than performance. Extraordinarily expensive to replace and annoying to disable.
If your roads are good, get C6Z shocks and be done with it. I got adjustable shocks from Viking which work well thus far.
Overly soft, prone to wandering. Sure, it was nice to firm it up or soften it up for bumps, but ultimately it seemed a system designed for comfort rather than performance. Extraordinarily expensive to replace and annoying to disable.
If your roads are good, get C6Z shocks and be done with it. I got adjustable shocks from Viking which work well thus far.
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2000 black c5 (08-31-2018)
08-31-2018, 01:27 PM
#12
Advanced
Thread Starter
I'll go one further: Either the F55 sucked, or it was completely worn out by the time I got it.
Overly soft, prone to wandering. Sure, it was nice to firm it up or soften it up for bumps, but ultimately it seemed a system designed for comfort rather than performance. Extraordinarily expensive to replace and annoying to disable.
If your roads are good, get C6Z shocks and be done with it. I got adjustable shocks from Viking which work well thus far.
Overly soft, prone to wandering. Sure, it was nice to firm it up or soften it up for bumps, but ultimately it seemed a system designed for comfort rather than performance. Extraordinarily expensive to replace and annoying to disable.
If your roads are good, get C6Z shocks and be done with it. I got adjustable shocks from Viking which work well thus far.
Thanks.
08-31-2018, 03:59 PM
#13
Advanced
Thread Starter
If you want to go with anything other than replacement F45 Shocks on your car then you must either delete the F45 RPO from the computer or use Simms or resistors to fool the computer into thinking the F45 shocks are still working. Simms are simply plug and play resistors that plug into the wiring harness in place of each of the 4 shocks being eliminated. The Simms have 10W 10 Ohm resistors with connectors that match the cars wiring harness. You can opt for a much less expensive alternative and just solder 10W 10 Ohm resistors to the cars wiring harness and then fabricate some type of weather proofing to protect the resistors.
Thanks.
08-31-2018, 04:23 PM
#14
Drifting
Can't even find the F45 shocks new anymore. The only option to keeping selective ride is upgrading the entire system to F55, but that kit is no longer being sold, you would have to scrounge together the parts (ask me how I know).
I would just do the F45 computer delete. The resistors tend to be hit or miss it seems. You don't even need to get rid of the computer, you just need to unplug it. It's inside the rear left cubby. Plug it back in and the F45 system automatically becomes re-enabled, so no worries about reversibility going that route either.
I would just do the F45 computer delete. The resistors tend to be hit or miss it seems. You don't even need to get rid of the computer, you just need to unplug it. It's inside the rear left cubby. Plug it back in and the F45 system automatically becomes re-enabled, so no worries about reversibility going that route either.
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2000 black c5 (08-31-2018)
08-31-2018, 06:28 PM
#15
Safety Car
My used 03 came lowered with bilstein hd shocks, and the computer reprogrammed . In aligning my car , I asked my suspension guy, who knew a lot more than myself, about replacing the system, as I like all the switches in a car to work. He said don't bother with obsolete tech, just get some coil overs. He is pretty knowledgable , so I repeat his advice for a lowered car here.
In gathering information about the system, it seems response time was the big improvement target. in a magazine piece about the new stuff, that was what the engineers were crowing about.
I am glad my car came with the system deleted through a computer command. putting resisters on the four electrical connectors to the shocks introduces a potential for four additional point of failure. At my interest and skill level, this becomes a drawback to an otherwise good workable solution for others. When better solutions are available, just plugging the ends of the connectors seems a little too shade tree for a car of this complexity.
I should add , I limit my work on the car to easy, shade tree type stuff, mostly put off for longer than needed. Just trying to add perspective to the subject, not advice.
In gathering information about the system, it seems response time was the big improvement target. in a magazine piece about the new stuff, that was what the engineers were crowing about.
I am glad my car came with the system deleted through a computer command. putting resisters on the four electrical connectors to the shocks introduces a potential for four additional point of failure. At my interest and skill level, this becomes a drawback to an otherwise good workable solution for others. When better solutions are available, just plugging the ends of the connectors seems a little too shade tree for a car of this complexity.
I should add , I limit my work on the car to easy, shade tree type stuff, mostly put off for longer than needed. Just trying to add perspective to the subject, not advice.
08-31-2018, 07:19 PM
#16
Advanced
Thread Starter
Can't even find the F45 shocks new anymore. The only option to keeping selective ride is upgrading the entire system to F55, but that kit is no longer being sold, you would have to scrounge together the parts (ask me how I know).
I would just do the F45 computer delete. The resistors tend to be hit or miss it seems. You don't even need to get rid of the computer, you just need to unplug it. It's inside the rear left cubby. Plug it back in and the F45 system automatically becomes re-enabled, so no worries about reversibility going that route either.
I would just do the F45 computer delete. The resistors tend to be hit or miss it seems. You don't even need to get rid of the computer, you just need to unplug it. It's inside the rear left cubby. Plug it back in and the F45 system automatically becomes re-enabled, so no worries about reversibility going that route either.
Thanks.
09-01-2018, 12:16 AM
#17
I used a knockoff Tech2 to reprogram my car to turn off F55. $280 or so. Works fine.
I lend it out to people frequently because, hey, share the love!
On the other hand, my car had a 159mph limit, not 80. Once you hit 80 it'd pull power, so in 6th it was like hitting a wall - but in 4th it hardly felt like anything.
I lend it out to people frequently because, hey, share the love!
On the other hand, my car had a 159mph limit, not 80. Once you hit 80 it'd pull power, so in 6th it was like hitting a wall - but in 4th it hardly felt like anything.
09-12-2018, 09:16 PM
#19
Advanced
Thread Starter
I have it in my car, a 2001 C-5. I was reading a couple of road tests of C-5s, before I bought my car, and the "press cars" were so equipped, and since the press all raved about the handling, I ordered it on my car. So far, I've had no issues with the shocks, but today, thinking what issues could present themselves, and the cost to fix them, I regret ordering the option.
Having said that, it's my understanding that the cars computer system adjusts the shock's internal valving, based on what position the selector switch is in. I confess, however, that I seldom switch mine out of the "tour" position, other than once in a while, the thought being to "exercise" the shocks.
Having said that, it's my understanding that the cars computer system adjusts the shock's internal valving, based on what position the selector switch is in. I confess, however, that I seldom switch mine out of the "tour" position, other than once in a while, the thought being to "exercise" the shocks.
Thanks.
09-13-2018, 08:03 AM
#20
Team Owner
Could you tell me how many miles are on your vette? Since you've had no issues I'm hoping to figure out roughly what I might be able to expect miles wise from my f45 shocks. Fingers crossed hoping not to have to replace any time soon. Only 31K on my vette, but 18 years young.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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2000 black c5 (09-13-2018)