Magnetic Ride system - anyone here?
Discussion
Hi All,
Does anyone here have the magentic ride system which is on 2003+ C5's or as an option on the C6?
By the sounds of it, the magnetic suspension system would be ideal for UK roads which aren't super smooth. The stiffer suspensions, I would have thought, would be thrown off by our many potholes and the like. (Giving up the runflats sound like a good idea too)
Anyone have any comments on the magnetic system?
Thanks,
Alan
You can read all about it here,
www.corvettesbyrickdaniel.com/F55.
I like the adaptive damping on C5. Not so much because the firm position turns it into a world-handling sports car but because the mid-position gives an acceptable ride/handling balance with the ability to click to firm if you're in the twisties. Mine's an F45 and the later magneitic version should be better.
Getting rid of runflats and replacing with good quality conventional tyres makes a huge difference to both ride and handling. A C5 on conventional tyres, damping set to firm and locked down in 3rd gear (auto) can be hustled along very quickly. The limitation becomes the size of the car and how much you can see.....
www.corvettesbyrickdaniel.com/F55.
I like the adaptive damping on C5. Not so much because the firm position turns it into a world-handling sports car but because the mid-position gives an acceptable ride/handling balance with the ability to click to firm if you're in the twisties. Mine's an F45 and the later magneitic version should be better.
Getting rid of runflats and replacing with good quality conventional tyres makes a huge difference to both ride and handling. A C5 on conventional tyres, damping set to firm and locked down in 3rd gear (auto) can be hustled along very quickly. The limitation becomes the size of the car and how much you can see.....
Y50 Vet has the magentic ride & all Cadillac XLR's have it, I have the Z51 on my C6 and think its great for the UK roads. In The US both are options but over here Euro spec cars have it standard I would not pay the extra £1500 or so for it!! I had the F55 on my old C5 and could never tell the different settings apart. Also with Z51 on the C6 you get better tyres and cross drilled brakes, You may get the cross drilled barakes on the 07MY cars but not on the 05/06 MY.
I have the F45s and selective real time damping. I can honestly say that I can't tell the difference between tour, sport and performance. I certainly wouldn't spend £ on the mod.
My biggest improvement was to go for Michelin Pilot Sports. I went with the AS ZP for the better wet weather handling. I also tried the PS2s. They have a better ride but I wanted the run flats.
My biggest improvement was to go for Michelin Pilot Sports. I went with the AS ZP for the better wet weather handling. I also tried the PS2s. They have a better ride but I wanted the run flats.
Edited by Dee Gee on Tuesday 12th December 07:29
Edited by Dee Gee on Tuesday 12th December 07:30
Vet Guru said:
Y50 Vet has the magentic ride
It was a standard on the 50th Anniversary and an option on the normal C5 as far as I know.
Its difficult for me to judge as I have only test driven a C5 when I was looking to purchase my car, so its difficult to make an accurate comparison.
There are two settings Tour & Sport, if for some reason its switched over to sport by accident by one of the kids or when I get the car cleaned I definitely feel the difference at low speed in towns, the ride is harder and you feel every bump.
I normally run or Tour unless on the motorway late at night or when I did some laps at Brands, once you get over 100 it helps the car stiffen up and your not susceptible to drift its more responsive without any lag to hold a firm line.
As for tyres I am on runflats and really haven’t had a problem with handling or noise, I like their predictability and the seem to have the right amount of grip for me also feel safer in case of a motorway puncture or blow out.
Hope this helps
Sam
Somerled:
The Corvette is a great car. The Audi TT is - in my opinion, and I think it's more or less correct - a Golf with different clothes, yet probably costs not much less than the Corvette in anything but basic trim. So it makes sense to oversell anything which sets it apart from the Golf, I suppose.
GM have never, ever been good in marketing their cars, especially over here.
The Corvette is a great car. The Audi TT is - in my opinion, and I think it's more or less correct - a Golf with different clothes, yet probably costs not much less than the Corvette in anything but basic trim. So it makes sense to oversell anything which sets it apart from the Golf, I suppose.
GM have never, ever been good in marketing their cars, especially over here.
Hi c4koh:
I agree with the TT opinion - and I used to have one, so I'm providing an owner's view.
I suppose I'm just surprised GM/Corvette haven't made a bigger deal of this since Audi's R8 is supposed to be their flagship, and yet uses technology GM have had in their cars for a few years.
It would just be good to see American cars getting some good press for once!- you know, outside this forum
GM introduced this to the Corvette for the 2003 model year as I remember seeing a promo video about it and also reading the articles at the time.....something about iron particles being electrically magnetised to stiffen or soften the ride about 20 times per second.
Here's the blurb.
Not available on the C5 Z06, not sure about the C6 Z06.......
Here's the blurb.
:GM said:
Magnetic Ride Control
New on the Corvette for 2003, Magnetic Selective Ride Control uses a revolutionary damper design that controls wheel and body motion with Magneto-Rheological fluid in the shocks and struts. By controlling the current to an electromagnetic coil inside the piston of the damper, the MR fluid’s consistency can be changed, resulting in continuously variable real time damping. As a result, drivers feel a greater sense of security, a quieter, flatter ride and more precise, responsive handling, particularly during sudden, high-speed maneuvers.
The system isolates and smoothes the action of each tire, resulting in less bouncing, vibration and noise. On bumpy or slick surfaces, the system integrates with traction control to assure maximum stability. It also works with ABS to keep the vehicle balanced and poised. It is the only system without electro-mechanical valves and no small moving parts. It consists of a MR fluid-based monotube struts, monotube shock absorbers, a sensor set and on-board controller. Magnetic Selective Ride Control is available on Corvette coupe and convertible models for 2003.
New on the Corvette for 2003, Magnetic Selective Ride Control uses a revolutionary damper design that controls wheel and body motion with Magneto-Rheological fluid in the shocks and struts. By controlling the current to an electromagnetic coil inside the piston of the damper, the MR fluid’s consistency can be changed, resulting in continuously variable real time damping. As a result, drivers feel a greater sense of security, a quieter, flatter ride and more precise, responsive handling, particularly during sudden, high-speed maneuvers.
The system isolates and smoothes the action of each tire, resulting in less bouncing, vibration and noise. On bumpy or slick surfaces, the system integrates with traction control to assure maximum stability. It also works with ABS to keep the vehicle balanced and poised. It is the only system without electro-mechanical valves and no small moving parts. It consists of a MR fluid-based monotube struts, monotube shock absorbers, a sensor set and on-board controller. Magnetic Selective Ride Control is available on Corvette coupe and convertible models for 2003.
Not available on the C5 Z06, not sure about the C6 Z06.......
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