MRC question
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,368
Likes: 469
From: Springfield VA
Without a thorough discussion with a Corvette suspension engineer, I would not want to make significant changes to your shocks, sway bars, etc. given that you have no idea of the overall impact. While changing your current Z51 suspension parts to non-Z51 stock suspension may have the desired effect, softer ride for wife, you are only guessing. Check the Forum for the retired Corvette C7 suspension engineer (forgot his name) that developed the MRC software revision and ask him what impact changes to your suspension would have. Or, find someone that has a stock non-Z51 and MRC Vette and have your wife ride in it. If she still does not like the ride, your only option is to find another Vette with MRC so you can adjust the ride. I have had MRC on my C5, C6, and C7 and would not go without it. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 882
Likes: 486
Without a thorough discussion with a Corvette suspension engineer, I would not want to make significant changes to your shocks, sway bars, etc. given that you have no idea of the overall impact. While changing your current Z51 suspension parts to non-Z51 stock suspension may have the desired effect, softer ride for wife, you are only guessing. Check the Forum for the retired Corvette C7 suspension engineer (forgot his name) that developed the MRC software revision and ask him what impact changes to your suspension would have. Or, find someone that has a stock non-Z51 and MRC Vette and have your wife ride in it. If she still does not like the ride, your only option is to find another Vette with MRC so you can adjust the ride. I have had MRC on my C5, C6, and C7 and would not go without it. Good luck.
The base Stingray shocks or a set similar.comes to mind. But you're right, I plan to talk to someone familiar with the car before I do it.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,037
Likes: 9,801
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Z51 springs, stabilizer bars and shocks are going to be stiffer than the base model's versions of those same things. You may be able to soften things a little if you just replace the shocks but may have to replace the complete package to get a better ride. Since you clearly stated in your original post the car didn't have MRC any of the discussions about MRC are moot. What it does or doesn't do doesn't apply to your car.
One thing you can try is replacing the shocks and driving the car for a while to see how it feels. The only real issue will be how the handling changes at the extremes which you won't be able to tell unless you are accidentally forced into some sort of emergency maneuver based on what other road traffic or roadside animals are doing.
If you are still running the run-flat tires you may find you will get a better change in ride quality by changing to non-run-flat tires. The sidewall stiffener in the inside sidewall of the Michelin ZP tires adds a fair amount of spring rate to the car.
Bill
One thing you can try is replacing the shocks and driving the car for a while to see how it feels. The only real issue will be how the handling changes at the extremes which you won't be able to tell unless you are accidentally forced into some sort of emergency maneuver based on what other road traffic or roadside animals are doing.
If you are still running the run-flat tires you may find you will get a better change in ride quality by changing to non-run-flat tires. The sidewall stiffener in the inside sidewall of the Michelin ZP tires adds a fair amount of spring rate to the car.
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 952
Likes: 440
From: FL
My base is getting Z51 sways(standard rear) next week. Several have also added the Z51 shocks to base cars with great success. 50/50 on ride quality change. People feel things differently.
The stock spring rates are different though. Going from base to Z51 may not impact ride that much, or un-balance the car. Going backwards may?
Ultimately, there isn't a great deal of ride quality difference between the 2 stock for stock. The Z51 non MRC is not like some great super car leap in tech. I'd get different tires. Those would impact ride quality more then anything the greatest I think. Keep them at 30PSI cold.
The stock spring rates are different though. Going from base to Z51 may not impact ride that much, or un-balance the car. Going backwards may?
Ultimately, there isn't a great deal of ride quality difference between the 2 stock for stock. The Z51 non MRC is not like some great super car leap in tech. I'd get different tires. Those would impact ride quality more then anything the greatest I think. Keep them at 30PSI cold.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 882
Likes: 486
Z51 springs, stabilizer bars and shocks are going to be stiffer than the base model's versions of those same things. You may be able to soften things a little if you just replace the shocks but may have to replace the complete package to get a better ride. Since you clearly stated in your original post the car didn't have MRC any of the discussions about MRC are moot. What it does or doesn't do doesn't apply to your car.
One thing you can try is replacing the shocks and driving the car for a while to see how it feels. The only real issue will be how the handling changes at the extremes which you won't be able to tell unless you are accidentally forced into some sort of emergency maneuver based on what other road traffic or roadside animals are doing.
If you are still running the run-flat tires you may find you will get a better change in ride quality by changing to non-run-flat tires. The sidewall stiffener in the inside sidewall of the Michelin ZP tires adds a fair amount of spring rate to the car. Bill
One thing you can try is replacing the shocks and driving the car for a while to see how it feels. The only real issue will be how the handling changes at the extremes which you won't be able to tell unless you are accidentally forced into some sort of emergency maneuver based on what other road traffic or roadside animals are doing.
If you are still running the run-flat tires you may find you will get a better change in ride quality by changing to non-run-flat tires. The sidewall stiffener in the inside sidewall of the Michelin ZP tires adds a fair amount of spring rate to the car. Bill
With MRC you adjust shock rigidness depending on your preference. Non MRC shocks are stiff mainly for Z51 track use.
Dealer says changing the shocks is a big no but why if with MRC, it changes only the level of hardness?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Thanks for your input. What I am confused about is that MRC controls "ONLY" the shocks.
With MRC you adjust shock rigidness depending on your preference. Non MRC shocks are stiff mainly for Z51 track use.
Dealer says changing the shocks is a big no but why if with MRC, it changes only the level of hardness?
With MRC you adjust shock rigidness depending on your preference. Non MRC shocks are stiff mainly for Z51 track use.
Dealer says changing the shocks is a big no but why if with MRC, it changes only the level of hardness?
I bought my '19 3LT and MRC w/3600 miles. It didn't take but a year and 5000 miles to decide it was stiffer than my previous C6 w/MRC. Since this one is a pleasure car only, I changed my OEM tires and wheels to get a more compliant ride. I went with 18's and 19's vs the 19's & 20's and used Bridgestone 245/40R18 & 285/35R19 tires. I also got a street/hwy alignment.
The car now has an additional 20K miles and the ride is much better. The tire size change added 1/2" of sidewall that flexes more than runflats, yet is the same diameter as OEM.
It keeps me and the wife happy.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 577
Likes: 1,528
Does MRC control any other part of the suspension system besides shocks?
Reason why, my wife is complaining our 2016 Z51 w/o MRC is too stiff and uncomfortable for her so I went to the dealer to get a price on base level shocks and they said it's a no no cause it'll affect other parts of the suspension. I thought MRC only adjusts shock stiffiness so is that correct?
Reason why, my wife is complaining our 2016 Z51 w/o MRC is too stiff and uncomfortable for her so I went to the dealer to get a price on base level shocks and they said it's a no no cause it'll affect other parts of the suspension. I thought MRC only adjusts shock stiffiness so is that correct?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 209
Likes: 149
Thanks for your input. What I am confused about is that MRC controls "ONLY" the shocks.
With MRC you adjust shock rigidness depending on your preference. Non MRC shocks are stiff mainly for Z51 track use.
Dealer says changing the shocks is a big no but why if with MRC, it changes only the level of hardness?
With MRC you adjust shock rigidness depending on your preference. Non MRC shocks are stiff mainly for Z51 track use.
Dealer says changing the shocks is a big no but why if with MRC, it changes only the level of hardness?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 998
Likes: 388
From: Tyrone, GA
When I bought my 2016 base and drove it home, it was a very nice ride, stiff but not jarring over road lines and small bumps. I checked the tire pressure because I got a low air warning and they were all at about 28-29 psi. I then pumped them up to 35 psi and the ride became very jarring and I felt almost every road segment line I went over. In the manual, it says if you want a softer ride to deflate the tires to 28-29 psi. Try that and see if it helps. It made a big difference on my base car.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 430
Likes: 1,081
From: So Cal
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I run 26 psi on the street for more comfort, a few psi does make a difference!
If your tires are over 5 years old I have found this can also impact the ride with certain brands.
if this is still firm, I suggest the non Z51 springs to soften the ride, but keep the Z51 sway bars for handling turns when needed!
If your tires are over 5 years old I have found this can also impact the ride with certain brands.
if this is still firm, I suggest the non Z51 springs to soften the ride, but keep the Z51 sway bars for handling turns when needed!