Has anyone removed the F45 shocks and replaced them with something else (Hotchkis)?? What do you do with all that electrical hardware that controls the shocks and what does the DIC do when it no longer recieves the signal??
Thanks for any input!
:cheers:

 

I have the F45 suspension and I didn't think it had any type of read out on the DIC. The competition mode and active handling isn't part of the F45.

 

i have done this on my 97, here is what you do.

#1 Go to Gm have them turn off the F45 option in the BCM with a Tech 2.
#2 When you disconnect the shocks just duct tape resistors into the wiring harness that plugged into the shocks are you are done.

 

The dealer did that?? I'm surprised they would.
Thanks!

 

I very recently switched over from F45 on my 98 Convertible to the new 2004 Z06 shocks...

If you convert you will absolutly need to reprogram the RPO optiions in the BCM to delete the RTD. You should also open the left rear storage compartment and unplug the two connectors from the RTD/F45 computer.
Then just unplug the shocks from the wiring harness and remove the old shocks.
I decided to leave the position sensors and the computer in the car in case I do the F55 magnetic shock upgrade/retrofit that is due out someday soon. I know the F55 retrofit will use the old wiring harness and position sensors... I think it comes with a new RTD computer that would replace the one in the rear storage compartment...

It's good to keep your options open ! :thumbs:


[Modified by XmentalPilot, 3:56 PM 10/21/2003]

 

You can not just duct tape any resistor into the harness. I believe it is a 15ohm that you would need but don't quote me. Also you only need the resistor if you DO NOT turn off the F45. If you have a tech that will turn it off for you. All the techs I talked to did not know it could even be done. Then you will also need to disconnect the computer that is in the right rear compartment behind the carpet. I just did this to my car Saturday. If you do some topic research you can find out exactly which resistors you need and then you do not need to have a tech turn it off.
Randy

 

I'm trying to get some work done on my Vette--I have the F45. With regards to Bilstein sports, one shop says that they will reprogram my computer and one shop said they have something that fools the car's computer into thinking that the F45 shocks are still there.

 

How much improved is the ride/handling of the car with the adjustable F45 shocks removed? Are the Z06 shocks "must haves" for this mod?? :leaving:

 

They are talking about using the resistors to "fool" the computer. It is the least expensive way to do it usually. It is just like O2 simulators. I changed my shocks out to the LG coilovers and LOVE them. I still have a little adjusting to do but can already tell they were worth it and I now have a truly indepandent suspension.

 

I believe I read where the correct value of resistor to "trick" the RTD system is 4.7K ohm (4700). I imagine that tricking the system would work fine... how ever if you trick the system and then play with the ride selector you'll throw codes for sure and end up speed limited. The correct way is to get the F45 programmed out of the BCM and unplug the RTD computer in back... heck I even bought a used bezel minus the ride control selector (just traction control button) and replaced that... The only way you might know this was an F45 car is by looking underneath and seeing the position sensors are still connected to the control arms.

As to whether the new Z06 dampers are must have for this mod... I'd say it depends on what you like and are expecting. If you like the touring setting... Z06 or Z51 shocks might be a little much for you... FE1 (base shocks give a real nice ride) I had aready done a partial suspension upgrade by installing Z06 sway bars and end links last year. So I was expcting something closer to having performance setting full time. I also am leaving my options open for the new F55 retrofit kit... if it's not to rediculously $$$ I'd certainly like to give them a try. I really liked the combo of F45 and Z bars... I just didn't want to buy a pair of used front shock (mine were toast at 40,000 miles) when I could buy the Z shocks and wait out the F55 upgrade kit release.


[Modified by XmentalPilot, 7:42 PM 10/21/2003]

 

About a year and a half ago, I read on the forum to cut of the connectors on the old shocks, leave an inch of the two wires and solder a 15 ohm resistor across the two wires and cover w/shink fit and silicon seal ends. I then plugged the four plugs back in and tie wired to what ever was close so they wouldn't vibrate off. Nothing else was disconnected and the selector was set to max (I don't have my car now, so I don't remember what that setting was called) and never touched it again. As I remember I had to restart the car several times 5-10? and it finally worked and I went faster than 80 MPH!
I had tried for months in LA area talking to dealers/techII owners and ultimately the dealers all said it was a safety issue and the main office in Detroit or where ever wouldn't let them do it and all others non-dealers didn't know how! It's been over 20K miles and works fine-love the Bilsteins!
Hope this helps-sorry for all the typing practice!
Roy :D