vettedoogie

I've never heard of anyone having an actual failure of a F55 shock or the system. I'm sure it has happened but these systems are pretty bullet-proof. They use systems like this on some military vehicles from the same manufacturer.

HOXXOH

You are a perfect example of how the perception has been created that the F55 is an inferior suspension. And I don't mean that as an insult, but just as an observation based on your comments that assume the F55 is incapable of high performance.
To see the difference, one must make a scientific comparison with no other factors than the shocks. A base model with the F55 vs. a base model with the std. shocks. Same tires, springs, sways, gears, weight, etc. I have yet to read or hear of any comparison that gives the standard shocks any advantage in any catagory of performance. The only known downside to the F55 is the initial cost.

That question has been asked often and I have only heard of one failure. The so-called official answer is they are truly lifetime. Considering how they function, they would tend to work at peak performance right to the end.

laconiajack

The F55 suspension appeals to those with the knowlege and intellect to appreciate its virtues. It doesn't appeal much to those that believe good handling means the car has to ride like a buckboard and skitter out of contol around bumpy curves. This may explain why the magnetic suspension is standard on the ZR1 but isn't even offered on the GS.

need-for-speed

Ah, don't underestimate GM's marketing folks. They are the masters at incremental carrot dangling. They'll probably offer the F55 in 2011. Then maybe 450 HP in 2012.

need-for-speed

You bring up a great point. I bought the Z51 because of the total package: gear ratios in the MZ6, oil, tranny, and ps coolers, bigger sway bars, stiffer springs and larger brake rotors.

If they were to offer a package with all of that plus the F55 shocks - IMHO - that would be superior to the Z51 as it is now, and I would certainly buy one.

I would not be surprised to see GM add the F55 shocks to the GS before the end of the C6 run.

Vette Suspension

Expect HP increase final year of C6.

Zoomin

They would have piston seals just like any other shock, would they not?

Zoomin

calmtgguy

You bet, and like any other shock they will need to be replaced at some point.

need-for-speed

Dude, get some help. Seriously.

need-for-speed

And now that the F55 shock has been out for a while, it appears as if it is robust enough to survive for many miles.

I would definitely buy a Z51 set up / package with the F55 shocks

I suspect it will be more prevalent, if not stock on all C7 versions.

cclive

This is so true...they even sold a bunch of new Corvettes by adding a $12 Bluetooth module...

cclive

Lets remember which suspension went around the Nurburgring the fastest.....

cadguymark

the shock itself may last a long time, but the sensors will not, like any electronic gizmo, subject to failure, they are expensive, and your car will limp home

phileaglesfan

Where have I said they are incapable of high performance? On a bumpy road they are superior to non F55 suspensions, on the track a GS or Z51/Z06 suspension would have a slight edge besides the obvious advantage of having a dry sump motor.

I think a lot of people will think the ride in a GS would be a lot better with the F55, which I don't think it would be that much better due to the increased spring rates, sway bar thickness and bigger tires.

I've heard that the ZR1s suspension is great but it is still track oriented to a point. An F55 type suspension is the most modern technology though.

jschindler

In order to take advantage of the shocks they actually do use softer springs. The ZR1 has softer springs than the Z06.

laconiajack

Higher spring rates are a way of increasing cornering performance on a car with old fashioned conventional shock absorbers; they are not needed with magnetic selective ride control in order to have good handling and yet still have a compliant suspension that provides a decent ride and good control on bumpy curves.

BSE1956

If the Delphi parts are already "on the shelf" and it's a matter of recalibration for bigger wheels, tires, sways and some other suspension components, then it's foolish for GM not to offer it.

The F55 suspension gives any car dual or even multiple personalities. Personally, I happen to really like it. To take it a step further, why couldn't it have a 3, 4 or 5 way switch with connections to other systems a la Ferrari who puts the dial right on the steering wheel. Imagine putting the system in the firmest setting (5) and it automatically opens the M2W and turns off traction/stability control or some other programmed system. When you return it to (1 or 2) it becomes a quiet, softer cruiser again.
GM seems to have so many good basic ideas but just seems content to wallow in mediocrity with brilliance right at their fingertips. Hopefully a new GM will change this.

ww1999

I bought a 2007 that had the F55 suspension as an option. The car had about 28K miles and upon inspection, the driver side, rear shock did indeed have a major leak as the metallic fluid was encrusted on the shock, coming from the top seal. I drove the car for months, and could not feel any defect and the switching back and forth seemed to work OK - no messages on the DIC either. I did some research and apparently failed F55 shocks are more common that I had believed, and as you may know, they are quite expensive units. I was worried about that leak and concerned that a failure could occur causing other unintended consequences. So, I did the conversion and put Bilstiens on for now, as the whole process was cheaper than one replacement F55 shock. I kept all of them and can easily convert back if desired, after buying a replacement. BTW, the Bilstiens are great and for a daily driver, just fine for me.

Zoomin

Impossible. F55 does not fail, and if you think Bilsteins are fine, you're a mindless idiot.