Magnetic ride suspension- C5 / C7
01-08-2019, 08:46 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Magnetic ride suspension- C5 / C7
A friend of mine just purchased a beautiful used C7 with magnetic suspension. I'm curious to know how much difference is there between the C5 & C7 magnetic suspension. Are they basically the same principal or a big change difference. Also, does the C 7 use the same shock absorber design as the C5 or is it a entirely different principal? Finally, are the shocks on the C7 priced with the current gold market value as the f55 shocks were? I'm wondering if I should tell him to start a savings fund to use when his shocks go bad. Thank's for any info and opinions.
01-08-2019, 09:38 PM
#2
C5 F55 is absolute garbage in my experience if your goal is to have a tight car. It's designed for comfort, it's worthless for performance.
I am sure the C7 mag ride is quite pricey, but it's also quite good.
I am sure the C7 mag ride is quite pricey, but it's also quite good.
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Daddy o (01-09-2019)
01-09-2019, 09:55 AM
#3
1/4 mile/AutoX
have a friend who AutoX's with a 2016 Z06 with the Mag ride and he dominates all classes, the car handles unreal !!!! (he is a really good driver) !!!!
01-09-2019, 02:10 PM
#4
Racer
Thread Starter
My question is , are the principals and mechanics similar to f 55? Also are the shocks off the wall in price like f55 were? I'm not that familiar with C7 suspension and am curious to know if those shocks will be discontinued by GM some day also.
01-09-2019, 05:17 PM
#5
Instructor
Yes, the mechanics and principal are the same, however as in a lot of things "compute and processor power" its all in the software and that has been changed a lot.
01-09-2019, 06:09 PM
#6
Racer
Thread Starter
Thank' One,
I'm going to guess the shocks will be insane in price like the f55 were. Hope they will be available longer than the f55 were since I had to pay big$ when I finally found a set. Rock Auto was the only place I could find a full set to keep the car original. Payed $ 1400. I know, change them over but I want the car the way it was when I bought it. My preference . I don't race and enjoy the ride it gives. Others will disagree, but it's my car!
Thank's
I'm going to guess the shocks will be insane in price like the f55 were. Hope they will be available longer than the f55 were since I had to pay big$ when I finally found a set. Rock Auto was the only place I could find a full set to keep the car original. Payed $ 1400. I know, change them over but I want the car the way it was when I bought it. My preference . I don't race and enjoy the ride it gives. Others will disagree, but it's my car!
Thank's
01-11-2019, 01:33 PM
#7
The mechanical principles between the C5 and C7 magnetic ride control shocks are roughly the same but there are functional differences. The C5 has only two modes (tour and sport). The C7 has three modes (tour, sport, and track). The ultimate range of adjustment between "soft" and "hard" is greater in the C7. The bigger issue, if you track the car, is that the C7 system is more robust. When F55 came out on the C5 a major problem was that the shocks lost performance due to heat when used for tracking. This problem was not solved until the C6 ZR1 with its magnetic ride setup. Since that issue has been fixed magnetic ride has become standard on all high performance corvettes (Z51 as a option, Grandsport, Z06, and ZR1). Another advancement with the C7 is that it is able to respond faster. As in, if the computer commands a certain damping rate it is able to achieve that damping faster and with more accuracy.
If you'd like to know more go to ~31:50 (though the entire video is interesting)
If you'd like to know more go to ~31:50 (though the entire video is interesting)
01-11-2019, 09:19 PM
#9
Melting Slicks
Think of it in similar terms, the c5 was developed with a PS2 computer (16 bit), the C7 has 64 bit computer plus other advances. The C5 PCM has 512/1000K of memory while the C7 I believe is 4000K of information.
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Daddy o (01-12-2019)
01-21-2019, 11:36 AM
#10
Instructor
A number of years ago GM sold a 1997-2002 Corvette F45 to F55 suspension system upgrade kit (MSRP $2,500 GM PART # 12499507) which replaced the shocks and the computer. Note you had to have the F45 option, the Variable Real Time Damping (CCVRTD) suspension systemto be able to easily incorporate the upgrade to magnetic shocks which uses the three way CCVRTD switch on the console although only two modes are selectable for the F55 option. Since I needed new shocks I could justify the $2K expense and found the upgrade to be well worth the effort. The advantages of magnetic shocks are well documented and on the C7 they recently came out with a software (firmware) upgrade that improves the performance and low speed handling of most C7 models (for $350 dealer only installation, one day/overnight recommended service interval to allow the shocks to reach steady state temperatures). The cars are being serviced just like computers evidenced by the C7 shop manual which is available as a software download with prices of $300 for 3-days up to $3K for permanent ownership (if I remember correctly).
01-21-2019, 11:54 AM
#11
Drifting
On my 2016 the magnetic ride was great - it was really well done by GM. I cannot speak to C5 mag ride as my C5 isn't optioned with it.
Last edited by Ed Ramberger; 01-21-2019 at 11:56 AM.
01-21-2019, 07:55 PM
#12
Racer
Thread Starter
Thank's guys for all the info. There are those who love them and others who hate it. Although my 04 is f55 I honestly love the heck out of it. Like I mentioned earlier, I don't race or X but I do drive on many unusual roads and it is outstanding for that. The replacement cost was heavy $1400 but I'd do it again tomorrow. Sure I could change over but I like my car the way it is and can afford the costs if needed. Cheap expense since I have put almost nothing into it except for normal p.m. Has been by far the best platform of any sport car I have ever owned. The C 5 in MO was a marvel for it's day and still is in many ways.
01-25-2019, 04:53 PM
#13
Melting Slicks
That package - GM PART # 12499507 - is listed at about $2500 from multiple sources. Nice idea to replace/upgrade F45, but a bit over the top for a car that's only worth around $10-11k ('98 coupe). Luckily, the F45 is still functional, although all settings are a bit softer these days, but switching to Perf still firms things up nicely when needed. Can't beat Tour for highway driving tho'.
Last edited by jackthelad; 01-25-2019 at 04:56 PM.
01-26-2019, 09:19 AM
#15
Instructor
F45 option is the Variable Real Time Damping (CCVRTD) suspension system
F55 option is the Magnetic shocks and wasn't available in 2000 if not until the C6 run.
The cost of conversion from F45 to F55 is high but if you need new shocks it is worth the expense in addition to adding to bringing the suspension into the current technology and adding to the car's value.
F55 option is the Magnetic shocks and wasn't available in 2000 if not until the C6 run.
The cost of conversion from F45 to F55 is high but if you need new shocks it is worth the expense in addition to adding to bringing the suspension into the current technology and adding to the car's value.
01-27-2019, 02:50 AM
#17
Drifting
That package - GM PART # 12499507 - is listed at about $2500 from multiple sources. Nice idea to replace/upgrade F45, but a bit over the top for a car that's only worth around $10-11k ('98 coupe). Luckily, the F45 is still functional, although all settings are a bit softer these days, but switching to Perf still firms things up nicely when needed. Can't beat Tour for highway driving tho'.
F45 option is the Variable Real Time Damping (CCVRTD) suspension system
F55 option is the Magnetic shocks and wasn't available in 2000 if not until the C6 run.
The cost of conversion from F45 to F55 is high but if you need new shocks it is worth the expense in addition to adding to bringing the suspension into the current technology and adding to the car's value.
F55 option is the Magnetic shocks and wasn't available in 2000 if not until the C6 run.
The cost of conversion from F45 to F55 is high but if you need new shocks it is worth the expense in addition to adding to bringing the suspension into the current technology and adding to the car's value.