Lowering a C5 with F55 (Magnetic Selective Ride Control) - Any problems?

[AlohaC5]

I recently purchased a 2004 Coupe with the F55 option and would like to lower the car by 1" using the stock bolts. I was wondering if anyone else lowered their C5 with this option (using stock or aftermarket bolts) and whether any problems were experienced with the F55.

Also, I read that it may take a month of driving the car after lowering it to realize the difference and that you should bring the car in for an alignment about that time. Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance, Mike

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Based on many different things within the F55 suspension system shock absorber, I do not suggest this.
It will NOT help your handling, and will NOT help the way the system works.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[AlohaC5]

C4C5 Specialist - Thanks for the quick feedback and great advice. Your credentials say it all. I won't mess with this mod then.

I have a dealership question for you: Would a dealership install a Hurst Billet Plus Shifter or 4:10 differential? Just wondering if a GM dealership would install any mods or not based on your experiences. If so, what would a dealership typically do on a C5 with regards to aftermarket parts?

 

[JBsC5]

How do you like the F55 suspension?

Is it everything we read about?

Some aftermarket tuners would be better at installing 4.10 rear gears carriers and some dealers might do it.

Definitley loose the warranty on the rear gear carrier but the changeover of personality is certainly amazing..

I had a hurst shifter installed by a friend with a corvette who messed with it a few times so his install went quick..

Let us know about your impression of the amazing F55 suspension...

That suspension is world class and superior to even the Ferrari
Enzo's active suspension control...

 

[c4c5specialist]

C4C5 Specialist - Thanks for the quick feedback and great advice. Your credentials say it all. I won't mess with this mod then.

I have a dealership question for you: Would a dealership install a Hurst Billet Plus Shifter or 4:10 differential? Just wondering if a GM dealership would install any mods or not based on your experiences. If so, what would a dealership typically do on a C5 with regards to aftermarket parts?

HI there,
Each dealership is different, and may or maynot install those mods.
I would do the shifter, however, I would NOT do the differential.
This is only based on EPA modifications guidelines, and nothing more.
Each mod affect other things within the system that is changed.
I address each mod individually, so a bulk response would not be accurate here.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[AlohaC5]

c4c5,

Thanks for the info. This is what I've done to the car thus far:

* Borla Quad Stinger exhaust system.
* Magnaflow X-pipe
* Donaldson Blackwing air intake
* MSD 8.5mm performance wires
* NGK Iridium plugs
* CAGS defeat module
* Carbon Fiber Air Duct
* Hypertech 180 thermostat w/ Automatic Fan Controller

Do any of these jump out at you as a potential problem? I don't plan to do much beyond this. As always - I appreciate your feedback and recommendations.

Mike

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
Everything looks good from here.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[VIPERKLR]

Aloha (Mike),

Did you do both the Stingers and the X Pipe at the same time? I have the 4 hole Stingers and the sound is better than stock but I was wondering what the X Pipe added? Also, any intake noise from the new air intake set up? Performance opinions on those mods?

Thanks....Joe

 

[AlohaC5]

Hi Joe,

Yes - I had the Borla Stingers and Magnaflow X-pipe installed at the same time. Great sound! there is some resonance though, but if you use an appropriate gear and right amount of throttle it goes away. The Donaldson Blackwing is great as well. No unusual or excessive intake noise. Definitely an improvement over stock. The X-pipe will reduce (not eliminate) the gurgling or popping sound effect when you release the go-fast pedal. The stock H-pipe is really poor - very small hole that doesn't balance the exhaust all that well.

You'll notice I didn't list any exterior mods - only things that will make the car go fast, feel fast, sound fast and get better fuel mileage in the process. I had the car dynoed after having these mods installed and it netted me 25 RWHP and an improvement of 4 to 5 mpg on average. I think the only future mod I may make that won't improve performance is to upgrade the wheel/tires to a 18"/19" combination.

I'm very happy so far.

Mike

 

[VIPERKLR]

Mike,

Thanks for the info. I like your way of thinking with regards to Mods. Performance first. So far I have only done the cat back system. I always thought the popping and burbling off throttle had something to do with a lean condition as well as the exhaust design. I know in a carbureted car you can reduce or eliminate that popping by richening up the idle mixture screws. Not sure what to do on the LS1. I know the stock H pipe is pathetic, I'm also surprised how far back the cross over is placed. I always thought they needed to be closer to the "headers".

This winter I will go into some more of the exhaust and possibly the intake. I really want to go with a supercharger of some sort but I'm torn on which one. I like the Magnacharger positive displacement type the best but I hate to change the hood. I will probably just put an intake system on until I decide.

I have also looked into an 18/19 wheel combination. What size tires are you looking at with those? I've been looking at SSR's GT3 (from The Tire Rack) wheels but cannot get a real answer on whether or not the stock pressure sensors work on them. I'm looking at 265/35/18 's and 295/35/19's Pilots on 18x9.5 and 19x11 wheels. I hear moving away from the run flats does wonders for the ride and handling.

regards....Joe

 

[AlohaC5]

Joe,

You and I are on the same wave-length. I believe an LS-1 Edit to the computer to adjust the mixture would go along way in improving the popping and burbling off throttle noise. I just don't want to apply any changes to my '04 computer yet, so I'll have to live with it for awhile.

I am also looking at supercharger options for my C5, and like you, am not crazy about changing my hood. I am leaning toward the ProCharger Intercooled Supercharger system - running at 5 psi or 500 hp. It does not require a change in hood and actually provides more horsepower (also no oil lines required and comes with a 3-year warranty). The Magnacharger gives you great low end torque and horsepower, while the ProCharger gives you move power across the entire power band - while not as much at the low end.

According to many forum vendors the best tire size for the 18"/19" wheel combination - if you don't want your tires to extend beyond the fender and avoid tubbing - are 275/35-18 & 295/35-19 using the same wheel sizes you listed - 18x9.5 and 19x11. I'm looking forward to wearing out these "run craps" so I can upgrade to new tires (I'm also looking at the Michelin Pilot Sports) to improve ride and handling. I hope this information helps.

Regards, Mike

 

[napacruzerC5]

I have lowered my 2001 with the F45 with the stock bolts. 3/4 inch front and 1/2 inch rear. Just right for me. And no issues with the F45 (about six months now since lowered). Go for it. :cool

 

[Pac-man]

Also lowered mine with the F45 option. Handles better due to lower center of gravity, and looks better. Gotta disagree with C4C5 on that one,but mabee F55 is a different animal. How can anyone say that lowering a car does'nt improve handling? Try it and find out, you can always put it back to stock. Also, the X pipe gives you more HP on the top end but robs low end torque due to decrease in back pressure. The H pipe is far from pathetic. I kept mine, the H is better for the street, and it sounds nasty on decel. John Lingenfelter talks about this in a couple of his books that I have, and who would know better than him?