Chris Edwards

Can the MSRC with the FE2 package actually make the ride softer/ compliant on city streets? Or is the main advantage of FE2 the ability to FIRM up the suspension over the Base suspension?

rrsperry

I wouldn't own the car without the MRC. I don't care what people that don't have it tell you. It's worth the money... I've never heard anybody that said, "well, I've had both, and prefer not having MRC..." ever!

Chris Edwards

I've heard that before. But making MSRC a must-have during the searching process really narrows the choices when buying used. For a car that will never ever see the track or canyon carving, and who's sole purpose is to make city streets more comfortable for its owner's bad back, just trying to determine how much worse the base model rides. How does the ride feel different between base vs FE2 in Touring, on rough/even city streets and expansion joints. I am the complete opposite of the guy that wants a non-MSRC Z51, the COMPLETE opposite.

Foosh

LXCOUPE,

I have the Z51 w/ FE4, so can't answer your question directly, but I have compared non-MSRC base to FE4 Tour mode. The base is definitely somewhat softer, but FE4 Tour mode is a very comfortable ride, and I would predict that the FE2 comparison would be similar.

But, to answer your question directly, yes, one big advantage is to be able to stiffen up the ride over the base non-MSRC suspension and "have it all" in the same car. If all you want is a softer ride, go with the base, non-MSRC.

However, there is another advantage of MSRC, which is it's ability to keep all 4 tires firmly planted on the ground. Below is an interesting older GM video showing that capability. Sometimes "softer" does not equate to comfort, as the videos below illustrate.

Chris Edwards

Good info, that's what I'm looking for. I still wonder how a base FE1 car would compare to an FE2 car in tour mode. Everyone raves about MSRC. I found a local FE2 car 2LT but I'll pay a ~$2000 premium on this car, since it's at a dealer and not private party. Which I'm ok paying if the MSRC is worth it. FE2 was a $4000 option when new!!!!!

Foosh

Like I said, I'm pretty sure FE2 and FE4 are going to feel about the same in Tour mode vs. the FE1. FE1 is going to feel a little bit softer.

However, watch the videos I posted above. There's more to it than "softness," and the ability to keep the chassis planted also has a lot to do with comfort. MSRC gives you superior chassis stability.

Chris Edwards

Neat video, I wish they could do the same with a C7 . Who knows maybe the base suspension dampeners has progressed since 2003.

Foosh

There is no doubt that a C7 video would be even more impressive. MSRC technology has progressed dramatically since then, but conventional shocks can only do so much with a single setting in response to endless variability in road surface conditions and topography.

ExRedRacer

All I know for sure is that when my 2006 3LT coupe with magnetic ride was in the "sport" mode, it handled no differently than it did when in "tour" mode. It made absolutely no difference to me.

From the many comments regarding this feature on the C7, I'm sure the engineers must have made some huge strides in further developing it to the point where some guys wouldn't buy a car without it.

My C7 does not have this feature but I am still very pleased with how it rides and handles as is. I'm sure if I had it, I'd notice a big improvement yadda yadda, but I cannot imagine any car handling any better than my Z51 equipped Stingray coupe.

Foosh

The non-MSRC Z51 is an entirely different animal than the non-MSRC base car. You have a great-handling car, but you don't have the ability to "soften" the ride, which is what OP is looking for.

By all accounts the non-MSRC Z51 is a much stiffer ride, which is great if that's what you want/like.

Chris Edwards

A Z51 car is not even an option so that's not part of the conversation. I know MSRC makes an awesome difference on the Z51 cars.

I'm just wondering if it's worth it on the base models.

Foosh

Only you can make that decision. There are many owners very happy w/ the base FE1 car, which is indeed a very capable performer.

RFZ

c7's mag ride is head and shoulders above previous gens. i would not own any c7 without it.

Foosh

I wouldn't own a C7 without MSRC either, but I also understand others could be delighted with a base car without.

Patman

The difference in ride firmness was very slight on the C6, but it was definitely there. On my 05 (before I changed to non MSRC shocks) I could notice a difference on the highway going over slight bumps, because in tour mode it would feel more floaty but in sport mode it would hit the bump and instantly recover.

Were you the original owner of the car and if not, are you sure the car still had MSRC? I say this because the next owner of my 2005 will probably come on this forum someday and say he doesn't notice a difference between tour and sport, not knowing that the car no longer has MSRC.

Chris Edwards

On another note why does GM require you to add 19/20" Z51 wheels when adding MSRC to the base model?

JerryU

I'll add my $0.02!

Had a C6 Z51 and 2014 Z51 without mag shocks and no washboard roads as shown in the old video! With our relatively good roads in Eastern SC the ride was fine for me. Bought a Grand Sport and it comes with mag shocks.

I find the ride in Touring is a bit softer than the 2014. In Sport it's stiffer, which is what GM says it will be. In Track it rattles your teeth! Someone said you could feel if go over a dime!

If you have a favorite high speed turn, my favorite, 270 degree, not heavily used exit ramp with a grass field on the left, then I find Track great! Then back to Touring when finished.

If not pushing the car and you want the best ride, the softer springs, small front roll bar and none in the rear, the base Stingray is the way to go. I always drove the 2014 in Sport, ride was no different but Steering, NPP and Throttle response was where I like it. You can pick Sport or Track for those features with no affect on ride.

Have the Grand Sport options set as "always Sport" for steering response and "always Track" for NPP. No such option for Throttle seponse so added a Vitesse Throttle Contoller to match what I was used to with the 2014 in Sport. I use a 4 or 5 setting, not the aggressive 8/9.

Ramler

Had it on my 07 and couldn't tell much difference. On my 17 GS there is a world of difference. Track mode feels like a go-cart, Tour mode is almost as good as my Buick, and Sport is perfect. Well worth the money.

c54u

I have the FE2 mag ride on my 2017 Stingray. It has the 20 in rear and 19 in front rims. The Tour mode setting is way too soft and bouncy for me in the city, so I use Track mode in the city. Track is stiffer and I like the ride. I don't understand that some have said that Track mode will bend your rims. I must be lucky that the roads are good. My C6 Z51 non Mag ride rode alot stiffer than my 2017 in Track mode and I never a bent rim.

With mag ride, I corner alot flatter, and there is less rear squat when you accelerate fast and less nose dive under hard braking. Once in a while I use Sport mode.

I don't know what the base C7 suspension feels like but if it is as bouncy as in Tour mode with Mag ride, I am glad I got the Mag ride so that I could adjust it.

Patman

The people that are saying that are GS, Z06 and Z51 (with MSRC) owners, and track mode with those cars is going to be way stiffer than track mode on a base Stingray with MSRC.