Sport vs. Touring Modes
Thread Starter
Ham Radio - W7RKN
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 10
From: Reno, Nevada
Sport vs. Touring Modes
Is there any way to tell if the Touring or Sport setting on the C6 is working? No light to indicate on or off, nor any 'feeling' that the sport mode is any more firm than touring mode.
MC
MC
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
I'm guessing you're relatively new to this. You need to get your mind off of thinking of the F55 as simply "soft" or "firm" ride.......or soft vs. hard standard shock absorbers. It isn't. It's about computer algorithms adjusting the shock fluid damping 1000 times a second to achieve designed in wheel control......keeping the wheels in touch with the road.
I was going to link you to a 2003 article that describes the theory, design and function of the system in detail but for some reason it is no longer available at the link. May be temporary, might come back soon, I don't know.
Anyway, here's a members reaction to the article when he asked the same question you are asking:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1584571397-post12.html
And here's a typical discussion with a common method to test it that may work for you:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...e-working.html
I was going to link you to a 2003 article that describes the theory, design and function of the system in detail but for some reason it is no longer available at the link. May be temporary, might come back soon, I don't know.
Anyway, here's a members reaction to the article when he asked the same question you are asking:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1584571397-post12.html
And here's a typical discussion with a common method to test it that may work for you:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...e-working.html
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Update on that article I talked about. Just doing some research and discovered the host site is in the process of moving to new servers and some sections are still not working. So hopefully we will be able to get that article soon, IF you're interested. 
Thread Starter
Ham Radio - W7RKN
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 10
From: Reno, Nevada
If my suspension was 'adjusting' it wasn't do much good, as far as this driver was concerned.
So again, how does one 'test' to see of it working? There has to be something..readable in an OBDII reader?? I would think the dealer's service department would be able to check, for a non-function complaint.
As for me..I always leave it in sport mode....figure it has to be the best of both....
MC
Thread Starter
Ham Radio - W7RKN
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 10
From: Reno, Nevada
Most definitely.....Thank you!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Well..not entirely new..had the car for over a year now...I started questioning whether it was working or not when following a friend in his 2002 with tthe z51 option...I could not stay with him in the turns...several times, I felt I was on the edge, hanging on, while he appeared to drive right around the turn with no effort.
If my suspension was 'adjusting' it wasn't do much good, as far as this driver was concerned.
So again, how does one 'test' to see of it working? There has to be something..readable in an OBDII reader?? I would think the dealer's service department would be able to check, for a non-function complaint.
As for me..I always leave it in sport mode....figure it has to be the best of both....
MC
If my suspension was 'adjusting' it wasn't do much good, as far as this driver was concerned.
So again, how does one 'test' to see of it working? There has to be something..readable in an OBDII reader?? I would think the dealer's service department would be able to check, for a non-function complaint.
As for me..I always leave it in sport mode....figure it has to be the best of both....
MC
Thread Starter
Ham Radio - W7RKN
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 10
From: Reno, Nevada
You need to understand that the F55 was used with the base standard FE1 (aka soft ride) suspension (springs and sway bars). If your goal is mountain road corner carving you might be interested in the popular mod of adding the Z51 sway bars to your car, less than $300. That greatly improves (lessens) body roll when cornering, just like the Z51. The Z51 bars in conjunction with the F55 shocks is pretty close to the best of both worlds while maintaining a pretty nice compliant straight line ride due to the softer springs.
Appreciate your advice....looking forward to the modification!
MC
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Yes you need front and rear bars.
The Z06 uses the Z51 front bar, only the rear is different. It may be too much for your taste, can't say. I suggest starting with the straight Z51 setup then if you think you need more rear bar switch to the Z06.
All year Z51 parts are the same.
The GS uses the Z51 front bar, the Z06 rear bar.
Here are a couple discussions to review:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-sway-bar.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...r-install.html
And here's the factory suspension chart. You can see what the different ratings are. Notice your base rear spring is stronger than the Z51 spring. Gives you a nice feeling, huh?
The Z06 uses the Z51 front bar, only the rear is different. It may be too much for your taste, can't say. I suggest starting with the straight Z51 setup then if you think you need more rear bar switch to the Z06.
All year Z51 parts are the same.
The GS uses the Z51 front bar, the Z06 rear bar.
Here are a couple discussions to review:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-sway-bar.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...r-install.html
And here's the factory suspension chart. You can see what the different ratings are. Notice your base rear spring is stronger than the Z51 spring. Gives you a nice feeling, huh?
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Thread Starter
Ham Radio - W7RKN
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 10
From: Reno, Nevada
Yes you need front and rear bars.
The Z06 uses the Z51 front bar, only the rear is different. It may be too much for your taste, can't say. I suggest starting with the straight Z51 setup then if you think you need more rear bar switch to the Z06.
All year Z51 parts are the same.
The GS uses the Z51 front bar, the Z06 rear bar.
Here are a couple discussions to review:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-sway-bar.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...r-install.html
And here's the factory suspension chart. You can see what the different ratings are. Notice your base rear spring is stronger than the Z51 spring. Gives you a nice feeling, huh?
The Z06 uses the Z51 front bar, only the rear is different. It may be too much for your taste, can't say. I suggest starting with the straight Z51 setup then if you think you need more rear bar switch to the Z06.
All year Z51 parts are the same.
The GS uses the Z51 front bar, the Z06 rear bar.
Here are a couple discussions to review:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-sway-bar.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...r-install.html
And here's the factory suspension chart. You can see what the different ratings are. Notice your base rear spring is stronger than the Z51 spring. Gives you a nice feeling, huh?
MC
Thread Starter
Ham Radio - W7RKN
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 10
From: Reno, Nevada
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Example from gmpartshouse:
Z51 Sway Bar Kit
25919502 – Front stabilizer bar
10339124 – Rear stabilizer bar
10387838 (2) – Front stabilizer insulators
15241135 (2) – Rear stabilizer insulators
Complete kit front and rear is $208.17
Use part number c6z51bars on the website to order this kit.
For a limited time we’re offering a free upgrade to poly bushings.
25919502 – Front stabilizer bar
10339124 – Rear stabilizer bar
10387838 (2) – Front stabilizer insulators
15241135 (2) – Rear stabilizer insulators
Complete kit front and rear is $208.17
Use part number c6z51bars on the website to order this kit.
For a limited time we’re offering a free upgrade to poly bushings.
Thread Starter
Ham Radio - W7RKN
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 10
From: Reno, Nevada
Yes, new mounts/rubber. In many cases when buying new, especially when you buy from our vendor, gmpartshouse.com, you can choose standard rubber or upgrade to polyurethane bushings. The poly bushings will sharpen the handling even more but some people think they add too much harshness feedback through the car. Personal taste.
Example from gmpartshouse:
Example from gmpartshouse:
Look out Mr. Bill...I'll soon be able to keep up with you on those turns!
MC
Thread Starter
Ham Radio - W7RKN
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 10
From: Reno, Nevada
Yes, new mounts/rubber. In many cases when buying new, especially when you buy from our vendor, gmpartshouse.com, you can choose standard rubber or upgrade to polyurethane bushings. The poly bushings will sharpen the handling even more but some people think they add too much harshness feedback through the car. Personal taste.
Example from gmpartshouse:
Example from gmpartshouse:
The order page that comes up says; 1: No longer supplying poly bushing ( PFADT poly sway bar bushings) and 2: Price is $230.39.
MC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 268
From: Vancouver, Washington
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
The link I quoted gives the part number to order "c6z51bars" for $208.17. Here's the link to the C6 Parts page I got that from:
http://www.gmpartshouse.com/partslis...tte-parts-list
Thread Starter
Ham Radio - W7RKN
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 10
From: Reno, Nevada
I haven't been on the Order Page so I can't answer.
The link I quoted gives the part number to order "c6z51bars" for $208.17. Here's the link to the C6 Parts page I got that from:
http://www.gmpartshouse.com/partslis...tte-parts-list
The link I quoted gives the part number to order "c6z51bars" for $208.17. Here's the link to the C6 Parts page I got that from:
http://www.gmpartshouse.com/partslis...tte-parts-list
I'll call them on Monday, but I suspect the price is what I saw on the site when I looked up the part number for the bar kit.
Rick..again...thanks for all your help. (BTW..my wife is not happy about it though...more money spent on "The Car"!..you are on her "Stink Eye' list!)
MC
Thread Starter
Ham Radio - W7RKN
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 10
From: Reno, Nevada
I have to talk to them on Monday anyway, so I will get the straight scoop then!
Again...Thanks for your input!
MC
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
I've heard that I'm on several of "those" lists. Doesn't bother me any more. 
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
