Magnetic Select Drive
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 1
From: Baden ( Harmony Twp) Pennsylvania
I have two 06 vettes, One has MSD and one doesn't. When I take the console cover off, there are two wires that would connect to the MSD, that connect to a switch that are not being used. I am assuming that adding the switch will do nothing??? Any help I'm not really sure how the MSD works, But you can tell the suspension changes...
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,204
Likes: 4,187
From: Kannapolis NC
It's one of those people who makes fun of options someone else has and they don't, because if it was good they'd have it to. (But they're smarter because they saved the money.) You know the ones.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 854
From: Daytona Beach FL
I have two 06 vettes, One has MSD and one doesn't. When I take the console cover off, there are two wires that would connect to the MSD, that connect to a switch that are not being used. I am assuming that adding the switch will do nothing??? Any help I'm not really sure how the MSD works, But you can tell the suspension changes...
I assume you're talking about the MSRC (Magnetic Selective Ride Control).
The MSRC system consists of the magnetorheological shocks as well as the switch on the console to control the system. The whole system is controlled by the BCM that supplies the computerized monitoring and control input.
So.....to retrofit the system to a car you'd need to install the MSRC shocks and hook up the wiring to the sensors and control units (I don't know whether the wiring for those sensors and units are present down at the wheels on all cars or not). Then you'd need to install the switch on the console. Then you'd need to take the car to a dealer so he could use a Tech 2 to activate that option in your BCM.
Like Ammo says, probably a lot cheaper and easier to just get a car with it already built with it. I've read about several forum members that have removed the system, but that's probably easier than adding it.
Bob
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 0
From: Malibu California
Overall, the magnetic suspension is the best thing on the road for overall performance. Why Ferrari also uses it. But... that's also why it's probably way too tedious, complex etc. to install in a car ex-factory.
Ironically, because of comments like the one above, which is that drivers were claiming they didn't feel any difference switching to "sport", GM engineers fiddled with it on later cars. The truth is, you're not supposed to feel the difference as the suspension only "changes" or "reacts" to changing road surfaces etc. I read an article on this where a GM engineer felt they were making the system less efficient by making it have more "feel" when the switch was changed. There is a section of road near my house that has a crazy irregular surface, downhill on a curve. If I leave my car in the normal or tour setting I can howl through this section w/o issue. However, if I set my switch to "sport" the rear will skip sideways. So apparently the optimum setting is the tour setting... which is what the GM engineer was suggesting. BTW, if you don't think there's a difference between the settings: I have a very wrecked back. If I drive with the car set in "sport", after about an hour... I am hurting. In tour, no sweat.
Ironically, because of comments like the one above, which is that drivers were claiming they didn't feel any difference switching to "sport", GM engineers fiddled with it on later cars. The truth is, you're not supposed to feel the difference as the suspension only "changes" or "reacts" to changing road surfaces etc. I read an article on this where a GM engineer felt they were making the system less efficient by making it have more "feel" when the switch was changed. There is a section of road near my house that has a crazy irregular surface, downhill on a curve. If I leave my car in the normal or tour setting I can howl through this section w/o issue. However, if I set my switch to "sport" the rear will skip sideways. So apparently the optimum setting is the tour setting... which is what the GM engineer was suggesting. BTW, if you don't think there's a difference between the settings: I have a very wrecked back. If I drive with the car set in "sport", after about an hour... I am hurting. In tour, no sweat.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 536
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles California
sorry guys, just having some fun with the add the switch concept, don't have anything against MSRC.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 266
From: San Jose California
So.....to retrofit the system to a car you'd need to install the MSRC shocks and hook up the wiring to the sensors and control units (I don't know whether the wiring for those sensors and units are present down at the wheels on all cars or not). Then you'd need to install the switch on the console. Then you'd need to take the car to a dealer so he could use a Tech 2 to activate that option in your BCM.
Z//
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Yeah, adding the suspension components wouldn't be that tough but if the wiring's not there, THAT would be a PITA to deal with. My question would be "does the wiring harness of all the non ride control cars have the necessary connection to integrate the ESCM with the system?"
Z//
Z//
Ask at the parts dept. if there are multiple harness numbers.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,204
Likes: 4,187
From: Kannapolis NC
I don't have it in the 08, but I did in the 03. I never switched it on except to see if I could tell a difference. I could, but not enough to pay for it. I don't do any racing so I can't speak to any advantage in that regard. I also haven't tried the Z51, but wondered how it compared to the F55. The only negative I have to say about the MSRC is the worry of repair expenses down the road, and even that wouldn't stop me from buying a used car with it already installed. I guess that's why they call them "options", you can get a car with'em or without'em.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 266
From: San Jose California
I agree, though, that's it's almost certain that the harness is different as there are numerous examples throughout the car where ONE wire is missing from the harness because of a non-existant option.
Z//
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,248
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From: Palm Beach County, Florida
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 0
From: Malibu California
I don't have it in the 08, but I did in the 03. I never switched it on except to see if I could tell a difference. I could, but not enough to pay for it. I don't do any racing so I can't speak to any advantage in that regard. I also haven't tried the Z51, but wondered how it compared to the F55. The only negative I have to say about the MSRC is the worry of repair expenses down the road, and even that wouldn't stop me from buying a used car with it already installed. I guess that's why they call them "options", you can get a car with'em or without'em.
