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Topic: Z51 Option ignorance

in Forum: C4 Special Editions Discussion

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Z51 Option ignorance (1/7)
2/17/12 5:31pm

barryww
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Broken Arrow, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1996 Collector's Edition. 6 speed, LT4 engine.

Joined: 8/18/2011
Posts: 16

My 1996 Collector's Edition has the "Touring-Sport-Performance" selector on the console. Does this mean it would have the Z51 suspension also? I want to replace all four shocks, but unsure what to buy. My ignorance is really showing, hope that someone can enlighten this old man.

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Re: Z51 Option ignorance (2/7)
2/17/12 7:23pm

MikeGolf93
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Rock Hill, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1993 ZR-1 #166 Black Rose/ Black, stock execpt MH chip

Joined: 9/23/2011
Posts: 23

Here is what Mid America's tech says.

Tech Note: Your C4 Corvette is equipped with one of four factory suspensions; Base, Z51, Z52 or FX3. An easy way to determine your Corvettes suspension type is turning your steering wheel from lock to lock. Base suspension cars will take 2.25-2.5 turns lock to lock. Z51 and Z52 equipped cars take 2 turns lock to lock. FX3 equipped Corvettes have a rotary dial on the console, just below the shifter, to select ride characteristics.

Tech Note: RPO # Z51 is the Performance Handling Package, RPO # Z52 is the Sport Handling Package and RPO # FX3 is the Selective Ride and Handling Package.

That being said you can put coil overs on it if you would like, but to stay original you would have to stay with FX3 shocks. Any of the shocks would fit but you would lose your ajustablity inside your car.

|UPDATED|2/17/2012 8:23:05 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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Re: Z51 Option ignorance (3/7)
2/18/12 8:41am

Adams' Apple
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine. 1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.

Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2245

The F45(selective real time damping) option is different from the Z51, which was a springs/shock/stabilizer bar/wheels package. The two could not be combined, as the shocks on the F45 were not your normal shocks. They have electronics on them.
FX3 was not an option for '96, as far as I know. If you have the selector knob for the suspension, then you have the F45 option. You can replace the F45 shocks with something else, but you'll have a service light on. I have seen some sort of do-dad that can be plugged into the connectors for the shocks that supposedly takes care of that issue.

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Re: Z51 Option ignorance (4/7)
2/18/12 10:01am

MikeGolf93
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Rock Hill, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1993 ZR-1 #166 Black Rose/ Black, stock execpt MH chip

Joined: 9/23/2011
Posts: 23

Adams' Apple said: The F45(selective real time damping) option is different from the Z51, which was a springs/shock/stabilizer bar/wheels package. The two could not be combined, as the shocks on the F45 were not your normal shocks. They have electronics on them.
FX3 was not an option for '96, as far as I know. If you have the selector knob for the suspension, then you have the F45 option. You can replace the F45 shocks with something else, but you'll have a service light on. I have seen some sort of do-dad that can be plugged into the connectors for the shocks that supposedly takes care of that issue.

I stand corrected and learned something about the MY 96. I needed to do more research. Ouch

Selective Real Time Dampening, RPO F45, is a highly desireable option on 1996-2002 & 04 Corvettes; however, when replacing leaking factory dampening shocks or actuators, you got "shocked" when you discovered that the cost of one factory shock or actuator alone could fund replacing all four shocks with the best aftermarket units available! Simply unplugging the actuators will not only activate your MIL light but limit your Corvette's top speed to 80 mph as well. With our Corvette F45 Suspension Simulator Kit, you can then choose any shock absorber that suits you, and turn the MIL codes off, restoring the car to its original control. Kit consists of eight modules, two for each wheel location. Simple "Plug-And-Play" installation

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Re: Z51 Option ignorance (5/7)
2/18/12 9:50pm

davep85c4
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Joined: 4/4/2009
Posts: 254

You can return the shocks to Bilstien in San Diego for reconditioning. I recently participated in the reconditioning of a pair of rear FX3 shocks for a 95 ZR-1. The cost was less than $100 each, factory original dates, decals and finishes were preserved. (This was a car being prepared for an NCRS Campaign). They worked as-new, the cost was reasonable, and the turn-around time was less than three weekends. I'd do it this way again without a second thought.

For us, there was no alternative other than retaining the OEM shocks. But even on a non-NCRS car, I'd go this route. Cheaper than new shocks, plus the "eliminator" device from Casper's.

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Re: Z51 Option ignorance (6/7)
2/19/12 9:04pm

barryww
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Broken Arrow, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1996 Collector's Edition. 6 speed, LT4 engine.

Joined: 8/18/2011
Posts: 16

Thanks for all the responses guys. Looks like I do have the F45 option. Looking for replacement Bilsteins over the weekend, the cheapest I could find was $190 for the fronts and around $220 for the rears. Damn! The rebuild way sounds better, but I'd be down to one vehicle for several weeks and that's just not feasible for me. I'm not familiar with Casper's. I didn't find the site looking thru a bunch of Google search pages. Do any of you have a link for those do-dad's?

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Re: Z51 Option ignorance (7/7)
2/20/12 3:53pm

davep85c4
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Joined: 4/4/2009
Posts: 254

barryww said: I'm not familiar with Casper's. I didn't find the site looking thru a bunch of Google search pages. Do any of you have a link for those do-dad's?

It was on the first page of my google hits.

http://www.casperselectronics.com/store2/product_info.php?products_id=1210

|UPDATED|2/20/2012 4:53:32 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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