Things to Know: C5 Corvette F45/F55 Suspension Packages

So your Corvette has the F45/F55 suspension, or perhaps you're considering getting one. Back in the day, the ride control / magnetic ride concept was pretty innovative... but unfortunately now that over 20 years have passed the systems are all starting to show their age and providing reduced ride quality. Some folks may also want to upgrade their suspension to coilers, and there's a few things to know there as well. There are also some folks who fall astray of the system failing and limiting their car to 80mph. Thus, for all you fine folks, we put together a little article with some information to help you determine the best course of action to make with your system.

Just what is F45/55 Mag-ride?

So let's clarify right away: 1997-2002 Corvettes could get the F45 option, which was the "Chassis Continuously Variable Real Time Damping" (CCVRTD) suspension system. This was replaced for the 2003-2004 corvettes with this MagneRide (F55) suspension system. Both of these systems worked to adjust the suspension in their own ways to allow different suspension characteristics. Touring was soft and friendly, sport was fairly aggressive but reasonable, and performance would deliver very stiff handling characteristics ideal for track or autocross settings.

How did these systems actually work? Well, some folks said they loved them back in the day... but as you look at reviews on these systems as they age most folks say they can't tell the difference or downright dislike them.  Milage will vary, but one trend seems to be holding true: the systems are struggling as they age, which is reasonable. They all involving manipulating the movement of fluid in the shocks, and that fluid is going to break down and/or wear over time and usage.

Things to Know about Continuing with F45/F55 Mag-ride.

For the F45 owners... the only thing to know is that there are no factory replacement options. There's some cheap options on Ebay but... they're $1000 and not from a named known part manufacturer and definitely not OEM... so it's money probably better spent upgrading?

For the F55 folks... there are indeed replacement shocks available at the time of writing. They cost approximately $1000 per corner, or $4000. This will get you a full set of the most expensive coilovers out there, or a set of solid mid range coilovers ($2000) and leave you with money leftover for other upgrades. You can also just get regular shocks for the car for $500-800 and perform a few modifications as noted in the F55 replacement section, leaving you with a perfectly drivable car with plenty of ride quality to be enjoyed.

One thing that's critical to start with if you have the F55 magneride (sometimes called magnetic ride) system is to check that the "stuffers" are removed if you have F55 suspension. These are spacers for transportation that have yellow tabs sticking out on them. If you have a 2003-2004 Corvette, and these were left in, your ride quality and handling will be terrible as long as these spacers are in there.

So, knowing that this system is very challenging to expensive to service, the choice is fully yours to make. Should you want to remove the systems however in favor of some "lower tech" but well handling setups, keep reading!

How to Simply Remove F45 System (1997-2002)

So you're in luck if you've got the F45 system. All you need to do is add "emulators" or "simulators" to your system and it will think everything is hunky-dory. You can also add your own resistors in there as well for MUCH less money, but we'll let you be the judge of just how much effort you want to put into the repairs! Once you've got these bits in place, you can remove the F45 shocks and replace them with normal shocks or go real crazy and get coilovers!

For the DIY folks, you'll want to use one 10w 10hm wire wound resistor per shock, requiring 4 total (note: Link is for a 2-pack, order two). 

For those looking for something simpler, you can just purchase some Shock Emulators / Simulators for around $250 for a set of 4, such as these simulators from WestCoastCorvette.

Using a Tech2 to Delete either the F45 (1997-2002) or F55  (2003-2004) System

If you don't want to faff around with emulators or wiring in resistors on the F45, there is also the option to use a Tech2 to program out the systems. Also, for those with the F55 system there unfortunately is not a DIY friendly way to remove the system. While owning a Tech2 setup costs a pretty penny, owning a Tech2 system is also worth it because it opens up a lot of other doors like being able to bleed the full ABS system and pump.

Step by step directions on how to use a Tech2 to Delete the F45 or F55 Systems from a C5 Corvette:

1. Connect your a Tech 2 (Driver's footwell), turn the car ON. Make sure the module in the left rear storage compartment
   (pull back the Velcro lining on the front of the compartment) is plugged in and remains plugged in until told to do otherwise.
2. Use the Tech 2 to delete the F45 option (NOTE: The F55 option does not appear on the Tech 2 menu screen, so just delete F45)
3. Save the new configuration
4. Now, do not turn the car off or remove the Tech2. Go to the module in the rear of the car, unplug the GRAY connector (the widest one). If you have an F45, 1 plug will remain plugged in, while on the F55 two plugs will remain.
5. Now, turn the car off, but leave the Tech2 plugged into the car.
6. Return to the rear of the car and remove the remaining plugs from the module. Please note that should you plug these back in again, the Corvette will detect these plugs and re-enable the system, so be certain not to plug them in again!
7. Turn the car back on. If you have succeeded you will not see the "MAX SPEED 80 MPH" display on the DIC.
   1. If for some reason you get the message again, be aware that if you have already disconnected the shock sensors it may be present. Disconnecting the battery to allow the computer to reset will reset the message generally, but for good measure check again in the Tech II that the F45 was actually deleted. Should the F45 setting be there again, reconnect everything and start over at Step 1.
8. Assuming you did not get the MAX SPEED warning, now you can unplug the Tech 2 and proceed to remove the shocks, or enjoy the car should you have already removed them and installed another system.