Question on 2 RPO codes

[stearnman]

Ok, looking at the RPO code for my car I see these 2 codes: FE1 & FX3

I think I'm confused as to what these mean for my car.

FE1 - Soft Ride Suspension
FX3 - Selective Ride and Handling Pkg.

I was thinking these were "seperate" suspension options...not combinedable?

Also, shouldn't the FX3 option have a selectable switch on the middle console?

Thank in advance for the help!

 

[c4cruiser]

FX3 was available in two forms. You could get FX3 with the base suspension (FE1) or if the car had the Z07 performance suspension, FX3 was part of that package.

FE1 springs were softer and the sway bars were smaller. The Z07 had stiffer springs and larger swaybars. The FX3 shocks were the same with either suspension.

FX3 is supposed to have the 3 position switch on the console between the power seat switches.

The FX3 system is pretty expensive to repair and if your car shows FX3 as an option on the code sheet, it could be that a prior owner may have removed the switch and installed a cover for the hole. Look along the upper A-arm for a 2-wire harness and connector. If the car had FX3, each side of the car will have this 2-wire harness. The rear shock harness is inside the frame rails so you would have to remove a rear shock to see if the wire is there.

The FX3 controller is in the compartment behind the driver's seat. It will have a good-sized wire harness attached to it and should sit just in front of the ABS pump.

 

[stearnman]

Big big thanks for the info, c4cruiser!!!

As my car stands now, there is no "selection switch" in the middle console. I believe what you have said about a previous owner applies here. Sad that the parts don't tend to travel with the car from owner to owner.

I'll be looking over the area you pointed out tonight!

 

[Toms007]

You might check the VIN number on the Cowl area against the VIN listed on the sheet where the RPO codes are to make certain that they match up. If the previous owner replaced the console lid (assuming here, that is where your RPO codes are listed, they are on my 94) with one from another car the RPO's will not be correct. If that be the case, you can still find the correct codes, it will just cost you. I ordered a "build sheet" and a "window sticker" from the National Corvette Museum. All you have to do is give them your VIN and like $80 for the two documents (laminated). Seems a bit high, but it goes to keep the museum open and running, so it's a good thing.

 

[C4VetteGuyOKC]

I'll never own another selective ride car. I had a 98 Coupe with it, and when one of the shocks went bad, I decided to replace all of them. Over $1600 for 4 shocks was a real eye opener.:crazy

 

[stearnman]

You might check the VIN number on the Cowl area against the VIN listed on the sheet where the RPO codes are to make certain that they match up. If the previous owner replaced the console lid (assuming here, that is where your RPO codes are listed, they are on my 94) with one from another car the RPO's will not be correct. If that be the case, you can still find the correct codes, it will just cost you. I ordered a "build sheet" and a "window sticker" from the National Corvette Museum. All you have to do is give them your VIN and like $80 for the two documents (laminated). Seems a bit high, but it goes to keep the museum open and running, so it's a good thing.

Great point! I didn't even think of that.

I'll never own another selective ride car. I had a 98 Coupe with it, and when one of the shocks went bad, I decided to replace all of them. Over $1600 for 4 shocks was a real eye opener.:crazy

More than likely, I would/will stay with "normal" shocks if indeed my car is suppose to have FX3...I would just like the part to revert back to for future "stockness" (is that even a word??).

Thanks for the input all.

 

[Toms007]

Bilstein can rebuild those shocks for about $100/each. But I know what you mean, that was one of the things that I was worried about on my car when I bought it. But the dealership I bought from had run the VIN to show what service had been done in the last three years and it showed that all the shocks were replaced within the last 1000 miles. If/when they they go bad, I'm not sure I will keep them.

 

[stearnman]

The FX3 controller is in the compartment behind the driver's seat. It will have a good-sized wire harness attached to it and should sit just in front of the ABS pump.

Anyone have a picture of what this looks like? I'll take a picture once I get home, but here is a quick diagram of what is back there.

The thing above the ABS/ASR module has a manufacturer plate on it that says: "BOSCH 0 265 212 001" (Figure this is the special brake fluid module for the ABS/ASR system.)

The module to the right of the ABS/ASR module has some kind of wire harness connected to the top...on the lower side of it is a similar manufacturer plate that also says "BOSCH" (harder to read other stuff on it).

 

[stearnman]

I found it! Just to the left of the pump module (the thing in white above the ABS/ASR module) underneath all of the wires and the padding is a little black box with wires connected to it...and the box has the word "BILSTEIN". And, I did find the wires around the front shocks that went nowhere and has electrical tape over them.

So, my Vette does have the FX3 package...just minus the shocks and the selection switch! Oh well, just another thing to start collecting in parts once I get the money. Not that I plan on getting it back to FX3 anythime soon, but would just like to have the original equipment for it if I do decide.

 

[Toms007]

So apparently the VIN #'s matched (from the sheet listing RPOs and the VIN tag on the cowl)?

 

[stearnman]

So apparently the VIN #'s matched (from the sheet listing RPOs and the VIN tag on the cowl)?

Yes...that too. I forgot to add that part in on my post.

Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[slapshot]

FX3 was available in two forms. You could get FX3 with the base suspension (FE1) or if the car had the Z07 performance suspension, FX3 was part of that package.

FE1 springs were softer and the sway bars were smaller. The Z07 had stiffer springs and larger swaybars. The FX3 shocks were the same with either suspension.

FX3 is supposed to have the 3 position switch on the console between the power seat switches.

The FX3 system is pretty expensive to repair and if your car shows FX3 as an option on the code sheet, it could be that a prior owner may have removed the switch and installed a cover for the hole. Look along the upper A-arm for a 2-wire harness and connector. If the car had FX3, each side of the car will have this 2-wire harness. The rear shock harness is inside the frame rails so you would have to remove a rear shock to see if the wire is there.

The FX3 controller is in the compartment behind the driver's seat. It will have a good-sized wire harness attached to it and should sit just in front of the ABS pump.

Yup, what he said.....the Z07 package is a combination of the FX3 and Z51 package. I figured out mine has it last week. Glad the J55 big brakes are included!!!