Z51 or Mag Select ??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 3
From: Spring, TX
Re: Z51 or Mag Select ?? (Aspenwood)
This has been ongoing debate. On a well prepared track surface the Z51 will outperform the F55. However on uneven surfaces the F55 system will prevale because it maintains a better contact patch than the Z51 system on less ideal roads. The question then becomes where is the car going to spendig most of its time. The other question is the cost difference between the two worth it? If I had it to do over again I would have bought the Z51 vs. my older F45 system. I may feel diffently about the F55 but I have not driven one. Replacing the F55 shocks is going to be very expensive as the F45 shocks are now ($400+ each).
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Vadnais Heights MN
Re: Z51 or Mag Select ?? (Aspenwood)
I picked Z51 and find it very recommendable for normal street driving. Definately test drive one with the Z51 option at the dealer if you have the opportunity. I stayed away from the electric suspension because sometimes simpler is better in the long run and it wasn't worth the money and eventual headache to me. People here have posted that they regretted getting the base suspension.
I remember Motor Trend saying the Z51 was more neutral than the magnetic option but I couldn't quickly verify that online.
[Modified by DaveM, 2:03 PM 5/23/2003]
I remember Motor Trend saying the Z51 was more neutral than the magnetic option but I couldn't quickly verify that online.
[Modified by DaveM, 2:03 PM 5/23/2003]
Pro
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: Foresthill CA
Re: Z51 or Mag Select ?? (Aspenwood)
Good question. Anyone know?
The video demo is impressive.
I wanted Z51, but had to settle for F55. (Had F45 last time, too and was gradually converting it to Z51.) With Z51 I know what it can do and what can be done to it. I can't get much feedback about modding the F55 system. I added the Z bars, but hesitate to lower it, even though it is 4x4 high, given the programming is not accessible by me and it was setup for base bars, base springs, and stock height. (I saw those ride-height sensors and held off on lowering.)
Maybe if the F55 system is eventually added to the Z, the programming may be available to allow one to swap in the Z springs, bars, and lower it, utilizing the active damping more fully. Maybe someone will hack the code too, like with Edit.
I like the concept, bet MX/SX riders would love to have something like that, use an altitude sensor to damp for the big hit coming.
The video demo is impressive.
I wanted Z51, but had to settle for F55. (Had F45 last time, too and was gradually converting it to Z51.) With Z51 I know what it can do and what can be done to it. I can't get much feedback about modding the F55 system. I added the Z bars, but hesitate to lower it, even though it is 4x4 high, given the programming is not accessible by me and it was setup for base bars, base springs, and stock height. (I saw those ride-height sensors and held off on lowering.)
Maybe if the F55 system is eventually added to the Z, the programming may be available to allow one to swap in the Z springs, bars, and lower it, utilizing the active damping more fully. Maybe someone will hack the code too, like with Edit.
I like the concept, bet MX/SX riders would love to have something like that, use an altitude sensor to damp for the big hit coming.
