Hello, I recently purchased a C5 Convertible Corvette (see threat below), the shocks I think are not good. I am going to purchase new ones, my doubt is, how do I know if my vette have Active Handling System? I only see the Traction Control button on the console. There is a big difference in price for the shocks with and without the senors. Please advice.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nvertible.html


Thanks!!!

Jose C.

 

Active Handling doesn't have anything to do with the shocks. It is part of the ABS and is RPO Number JL4 on your car. Active Handling is a function of the Electronic Brake and Traction Control Module and applies the brakes or a single brake to yaw the car in the direction you are turning the steering wheel if the car is responding too fast or too slow to the steering input.

The very expensive variable shock absorbers are part of the Ride Control System which is RPO F45. There are ways described on the forum to get rid of that system if you have it.

Bill

 

You are confusing Active Handling with the F45 Selective Real Time Damping shock system that was an option on the car. Look at your RPO sticker (I think it is located under one of the storage lids in the back) and see if there is an F45 code listed - if so, you have the expensive shocks.

You would also have a selectable switch on the center console if you have the F45 option.

 

If you only see the traction control button on the center console than you do not have active handling. Standard shocks is what you need.

 

We have to be careful when trying to explain stuff. You should have stated that he doesn't have (F-45 Selective Real Time Dampening)

IF,, you have the three position selection **** on the console NEXT to the button, you have the F-45 Selective Handling (Real Time Dampening) feature (RPO F-45). That involves electronically adjustable shocks (read EXPENSIVE $$$)

ACTIVE HANDLING RPO (JL4) Involves the braking system and each brake caliper is individually controlled by the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBTCM) & the Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV)

You can have (JL4) and F-45 at the same time starting mid-year 98.

Shocks. Please let us know if you have the F-45 RTD System or just the base FE-1 Suspension.

Either way, we can help you get you're C5 up to par with better handling equipment and it wont cost you an arm and a leg!!

Bill

 

Thanks all for the response, so I would need regular shocks.

 

From what I learned here today, I don't need special shocks. Now, what brand should I purchase?

 

You have to define what your driving GOALS are. The OPTIONS are almost endless..
What are the FUNDS in your wallet????

I put some C6 ZO6 Shocks on my 02 ZO6. They are 100% C5 Bolt in and do a really great job in improving handling. They are only $350 ish dollars from Gene Culley.

 

Check out this post!


https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ocks-4-4k.html

 

I am looking for nice ride, not so high performance as I have my C6 for that.

 

I plan on trying C6 base shocks on my C5 next spring. I daily my car about 8 months out of the year so a nice ride is important.
​​​​​​Base shocks for a C5 cost more than a C6 for reasons I can't explain. Rockauto FE1 for a C5 $126.00 compared to $72.00 for a C6​

 

The C5 is the better car.

 

[QUOTE=Bill Curlee;1594819575]We have to be careful when trying to explain stuff. You should have stated that he doesn't have (F-45 Selective Real Time Dampening)

IF,, you have the three position selection **** on the console NEXT to the button, you have the F-45 Selective Handling (Real Time Dampening) feature (RPO F-45). That involves electronically adjustable shocks (read EXPENSIVE $$$)

ACTIVE HANDLING RPO (JL4) Involves the braking system and each brake caliper is individually controlled by the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBTCM) & the Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV)

You can have (JL4) and F-45 at the same time starting mid-year 98.

Shocks. Please let us know if you have the F-45 RTD System or just the base FE-1 Suspension.
we have the F-45 [3 button switch] we hvae had our 1998 C5 Convertible for about 10mths and have trouble with RTD because we cannot determine if it working or not and if so how to fix. fuse, wiriing connection, etc. the shocks are not leaking so if u can help we will appreciate. The other problem is. with active handling light that comes oon every time go about 1/2 mile ride then the active hadnling light [only] comes on every time and upon restaarting the car and driving another 1/2 mile it comes on again. Literally every time and does it agaiin next time. Also the DIC after the light comes on the DIC might come on with SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SOON and other similar messages [maybe but not always]. PS we had a very reputable shop determine that our steering wheel control was replaced but did the install backwards, but when they reversed the sensor it really did not correct anything. We have been told that all wheel sensors and hubs needed replaced, OK but prove it? So as well as we like the C% not mant miles some of these problems are driving us crazy and be retired we do not have a lot of extra income.

 

Oh yes he does have active handling. The button literally says "Active Handling". Pressing it once turns active handling and traction control off. Holding it down for 5 seconds turns traction control off, leaves active handling ON and the DIC displays "Competitive Driving".

 

[QUOTE=IRDW;1609708053]I am sure it is the F-45RTD system, the 3 position switch on the right hand side of the console TOUR SPORT and PERFORMANCE positions… although all this I cannot tell if the system is working of if there fuses or wiring connections not connected.
And the Active Handling dash light comes on every time I take the car out for a ride. About 1/4 to 1/2 mile distance then the dash comes on and stays on till I turn the ignition off. This event happens any time I drive the inditacated distances. I f I drive further then I may get a DIC message to SERVICES ACTIVE HANDLING