MSRC vs base suspension
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,036
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From: Central Ma
MSRC vs base suspension
Wondering opinions on MSRC vs base suspension on 2012 or 2013 GS?
Mostly wondering about when it's in tour mode as that's where I would be leaving it most of the time. I know sport tightens it up quite a bit, but what about tour vs. base?
Is the base a little firmer than tour?
Thanks.
Mostly wondering about when it's in tour mode as that's where I would be leaving it most of the time. I know sport tightens it up quite a bit, but what about tour vs. base?
Is the base a little firmer than tour?
Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,592
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From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
I think the GS get on the base model what was the Z51 package. So if you are looking for a soft ride for normal daily driving, you want the F55 option. I happen to have the Z51 package and I don't mind the ride, but it is a stiffer ride.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
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From: Tucson Arizona
I don't have much experience with the 'base' suspension C6 but IMO the controlled MR suspension is the best 'all-around' suspension offered by Corvette. More and more high-end and performance type cars are opting for controlled suspension technology for good reason....it works well. It would be hard to say whether the MR suspension in tour mode is firmer than the base suspension as the MR suspension will react and adjust (at like 1000x per second) to the inputs it receives. On a smooth road in a straight line it might be difficult to distinguish between the two. As for sport mode, you could say the suspension "tightens-up" but sport mode is more about wheel control than a soft versus a firm ride per se. Although I changed to coil-overs for dedicated track use the MR suspension is amazing technology. I suggest you drive both under a variety of road conditions to judge for yourself. I've compiled some information regarding the MR suspension. If you're interested in learning more about it PM me your email address and I'll gladly send it to you. Good luck deciding.
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.......
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.......
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Some of the "narrow body" F55 cars in our club, which have the relatively soft narrow body base springs, go bounding down the highway like Grandpa's Buick with worn out shocks; when driven in Tour. The GS F55 cars in our club, with the stiffer spring and probably different shock calibration, don't seem to do that.
In a narrow body car, I prefer the discontinued Z51 suspension. F55 only if I would change springs/sways to Z51.
In the GS, there's no way I would buy the car without F55.
In a narrow body car, I prefer the discontinued Z51 suspension. F55 only if I would change springs/sways to Z51.
In the GS, there's no way I would buy the car without F55.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 767
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From: New Orleans Louisiana
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I bought a Z51 in 2009 because I thought the base suspension was way too soft. When I ordered my 2013 GS I specified the F55 suspension. The "Tour" setting is a little softer than the Z51, but firmer than the Base suspension. I love it!
BobD
BobD
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Frederick, MD
The pics above are based on the "base" Corvette suspension, not the base GS suspension.
I had F55 on my 08. Tour is very floaty, especially over bumps or in hard corners. Sport setting is about right. That was on a 2008, non GS/Z51.
Base GS is like the sport setting but better IMHO. I was worried about a rough ride but to be honest I never felt the need to reach for an F55 switch. Dumping the stock Goodyears for Michelin Super Sports increase everything good about the car also.
F55 is a good system but it does break. $600-800 a shock and you usually have to replace two at once. I heard from some that they are wear items and not covered after 12k, I heard from others that they are covered for 3/36. Just something to think about.
I had F55 on my 08. Tour is very floaty, especially over bumps or in hard corners. Sport setting is about right. That was on a 2008, non GS/Z51.
Base GS is like the sport setting but better IMHO. I was worried about a rough ride but to be honest I never felt the need to reach for an F55 switch. Dumping the stock Goodyears for Michelin Super Sports increase everything good about the car also.
F55 is a good system but it does break. $600-800 a shock and you usually have to replace two at once. I heard from some that they are wear items and not covered after 12k, I heard from others that they are covered for 3/36. Just something to think about.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,633
Likes: 2
From: Evans Colorado
If you're primarily looking for ride comfort, you're going to want to go with a coupe over a GS. The springs are lighter. Even in touring mode a GS with F55 does not ride IMHO as well as an FE1 suspension equipped car. The Magnetic ride on a coupe would likely be a bit softer in touring then the FE1 suspension.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
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From: Springfield MO
I don't have much experience with the 'base' suspension C6 but IMO the controlled MR suspension is the best 'all-around' suspension offered by Corvette. More and more high-end and performance type cars are opting for controlled suspension technology for good reason....it works well. It would be hard to say whether the MR suspension in tour mode is firmer than the base suspension as the MR suspension will react and adjust (at like 1000x per second) to the inputs it receives. On a smooth road in a straight line it might be difficult to distinguish between the two. As for sport mode, you could say the suspension "tightens-up" but sport mode is more about wheel control than a soft versus a firm ride per se. Although I changed to coil-overs for dedicated track use the MR suspension is amazing technology. I suggest you drive both under a variety of road conditions to judge for yourself. I've compiled some information regarding the MR suspension. If you're interested in learning more about it PM me your email address and I'll gladly send it to you. Good luck deciding.
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.......
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.......
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,633
Likes: 2
From: Evans Colorado
It sounds like you're after comfort. The base vert fits the bill better with it's softer suspension. It also gets tires that are inherently cheaper, make less road noise and last quite a bit longer.
The FE1 suspension is actually pretty smooth. a base vert with magnetic ride would probably be great. I'd recommend driving both!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Los Angeles CA