Originally Posted by talon90

I'll offer a little information on the way the system works in the text below. It is not just about shock size and how they compare to the other shock and suspension packages on the models. All current and next generation Corvettes have shocks and transverse mounted leaf springs. Each of the models has specific springs, specific shocks and sway bars designed to enhance the ride and performance (and eliminate the trade-offs between the two). That is where the similarity ends between the MSRC and conventional shocks.

The MSRC is a lot more than the sum of it's parts. For me, the magnetic selective ride control is worth every penny when you consider what it is, what it does and how it works. I had hoped to never own another Corvette that doesn't have it.

The shocks are like traditional shocks but they are filled with a magnetically active fluid. This fluid called magnetorheological, has iron particles suspended in the fluid. Outside the shock are electromagnets that are used to align the iron particles in the shock and by moving the particles they change the apparent viscosity of the fluid which in turn causes a softer or firmer shock bump and rebound.

The shock also has an active component in that sensors on the shock body monitor the movement of the shock and again by changing the viscosity of the fluid with the magnets work to keep the wheels on the road surface during periods of uneven terrain and bumps. By changing the way the shock moves it can help it react to changing road conditions and isolate the driver from those changes by adjusting the shocks. It makes these readings and adjustments 1,000 times per second.

The last component of the MSRC (magnetic selective ride control) is it's integration with the active handling system, the eLSD, the steering and the PTM. During hard cornering or periods when the car is losing traction the system will firm up or soften a particular shock to aide in regaining traction or helping with the turn.

The car will have very different handling characteristics and feel between the two modes if you know what you are looking for. If you don't, you may not notice it. Changing between the modes and moving the steering wheel side to side rapidly you should feel a difference in the amount of roll or lean that you feel in the body at a minimum.

Lastly, it isn't something that can be added after the fact. It either comes from the factory with it, or it doesn't. It is a programmed, electronically controlled semi-active suspension. You can't just bolt on the shocks and call it magnetic ride. In addition to the springs and Magneto-rheological shocks which could be purchased, It needs a contol system and the hooks in the active handling and all of the control software to interface with the shocks. If you don't get installed upfront, those things can't be integrated at a later time.

Originally Posted by pmzangag

Paul,
Can you clairfy the difference between active handeling (which is standard?) and MSRC? Does AH change the suspension characteristics, as well as steering effort, throttle response, and exhaust note?

Originally Posted by VRMMMM

MSRC is a requirement in my opinion. It makes a very good car great, be that a Corvette, Camaro, Cadillac, or Ferrari. It is a proven technology that has only gotten better with every application.

Originally Posted by pmzangag

Thanks for the explanation. I was thinking it might be like the system in my BMW X3. The Bimmer comes standard with a mode select switch that allows you to choose between ecco, comfort, sport and sport plus modes. Changing modes will change suspension stiffness, steering effort, throttle responce and traction control off. They also have an optional suspension upgrade which is similar the the MSRC.

Originally Posted by talon90

I'll offer a little information on the way the system works in the text below. It is not just about shock size and how they compare to the other shock and suspension packages on the models. All current and next generation Corvettes have shocks and transverse mounted leaf springs. Each of the models has specific springs, specific shocks and sway bars designed to enhance the ride and performance (and eliminate the trade-offs between the two). That is where the similarity ends between the MSRC and conventional shocks.

The MSRC is a lot more than the sum of it's parts. For me, the magnetic selective ride control is worth every penny when you consider what it is, what it does and how it works. I had hoped to never own another Corvette that doesn't have it.

The shocks are like traditional shocks but they are filled with a magnetically active fluid. This fluid called magnetorheological, has iron particles suspended in the fluid. Outside the shock are electromagnets that are used to align the iron particles in the shock and by moving the particles they change the apparent viscosity of the fluid which in turn causes a softer or firmer shock bump and rebound.

The shock also has an active component in that sensors on the shock body monitor the movement of the shock and again by changing the viscosity of the fluid with the magnets work to keep the wheels on the road surface during periods of uneven terrain and bumps. By changing the way the shock moves it can help it react to changing road conditions and isolate the driver from those changes by adjusting the shocks. It makes these readings and adjustments 1,000 times per second.

The last component of the MSRC (magnetic selective ride control) is it's integration with the active handling system, the eLSD, the steering and the PTM. During hard cornering or periods when the car is losing traction the system will firm up or soften a particular shock to aide in regaining traction or helping with the turn.

The car will have very different handling characteristics and feel between the two modes if you know what you are looking for. If you don't, you may not notice it. Changing between the modes and moving the steering wheel side to side rapidly you should feel a difference in the amount of roll or lean that you feel in the body at a minimum.

Lastly, it isn't something that can be added after the fact. It either comes from the factory with it, or it doesn't. It is a programmed, electronically controlled semi-active suspension. You can't just bolt on the shocks and call it magnetic ride. In addition to the springs and Magneto-rheological shocks which could be purchased, It needs a contol system and the hooks in the active handling and all of the control software to interface with the shocks. If you don't get installed upfront, those things can't be integrated at a later time.

Originally Posted by tnspd

I believe the system is the same as my ZL1 and it is very well worth the money. You cannot add it in later. FYI, if you plan to lower the car then dont get it. You will have to remove it when you lower the car to put the front lowering springs on.

Originally Posted by speedlink

Thanks again for a very insightful and enlightening explanation. No one should have very many questions now.
Maybe this could be made a sticky.

Originally Posted by DevonK

I know with the BMW equivalent of the Active Handling System you can adjust individual parameters to mix and match - (eg touring category steering effort with sport category ride firmness). Anyone know if the C7 will have that customization ability? And do your settings get stored so you don't have to reset them when you turn the car on again?

Originally Posted by themonk

When I want a softer ride on my '03 then I put it on Touring, works great but I don't want to eventually have to pay for new shocks.

Originally Posted by TTRotary

I recently test-drove a 535i with M-Sport and adaptive dampers, and I don't think you can mix and match like that on BMW's M-Drive system. I don't know about the reset, but the C7 system parameters are configurable as you suggest, from what I have seen. For instance, I believe you could combine a lot of steering assist with soft suspension setting if you want on the Vette - not so on the BMW as the combos are pre-set for you. That's the way I understand it, anyway. But if you have MSRC + Z51, that is like having M-Drive + adaptive dampers in the BMW. There is one difference though: I don't think the C7 adjusts throttle plate response as the BMW does. I doubt it's a big issue: the C7's DI should provide very sharp throttle response, and the BMW throttles have always been on the sluggish side, so that's a wash probably. A sharp, well modulated throttle is always better than a not-so-responsive adjustable one anyway.

I just recently got an E350 Sport for my wife (Ok and me too) and a key area where it won out over the 535 was throttle response. The Merc's is not adjustable, but it is just better overall - razor-sharp yet very controllable.