'96 Selective suspension, worth seeking out in a used C-4?

[Rich C.]

Was hoping to hear from anyone that has the selective suspension option on their '96. I'm looking at buying a '96 coupe, of course I want all the options! Is that option really that good? Thanks!

'73 LS-4 454, owned 21 3/4 years!

[Patrick H.]

Re: '96 Selective suspension, worth seeking out in a used C-4?

Rich,

Check out the rate of failure and, more importantly, the cost of rebuilding or replacing the shocks.
The words "not cheap" and "unobtainium" come to mind.

Patrick

[Jim T.]

Re: '96 Selective suspension, worth seeking out in a used C-4?

I have had my 1996 LT4 coupe since it was new. I am glad that I don't have the optional suspension system. Was reviewing my service manual for the 96, it comes in two books. One book is for only the engine and transmission and is almost as thick as the complete service manual for my 1985 Corvette which is only one book. The other 1996 service manual is larger and covers everything else. The section on the 1996 selective suspension system is quite a few pages. Recommend getting a 1996 6 speed manual. All manual transmissions in 1996 came only with the LT4 engine option.

[Tom H.]

Re: '96 Selective suspension, worth seeking out in a used C-4?

I'm sure you will get a million different opinions, but let me give you one from a guy who's got seat time in hundreds of C4's. You don't need the F45 or FX3 in a C4. I never noticed much difference in the ride or handling. If it were me, and this is just me............ I'd look for a 96 with Z51. Neat package, fairly limited and not prone to any future issues. JMO. Easier to find tires for too !!!! All four are the same !!!! 275's all the way around.

[Pat M.]

Re: '96 Selective suspension, worth seeking out in a used C-4?

Recommend getting a 1996 6 speed manual. All manual transmissions in 1996 came only with the LT4 engine option.

Agreed. The 6-speed LT4 is a sweet package, I love mine.

You don't need the F45 or FX3 in a C4. I never noticed much difference in the ride or handling.

My car has the selective suspension and I agree with Tom - I can't discern any difference in the ride no matter what mode it's in. I've had no trouble with it, but it just seems to make no difference at all.

[Rich C.]

Re: '96 Selective suspension, worth seeking out in a used C-4?

Great feedback, here I was LOOKING for one that had it, now sounds like I want to avoid it! I already bought the service manuals, and indeed the F-45 section is daunting. I am limiting my search to the LT-4, mostly because I need the 6-speed. Now if I wind up getting 'stuck' with those shocks, and replace them with Bilstiens, or the like, can the service ride control warning lamp be defeated? As far as the Z-52 suspension, ummm, we have some third world roads up here! Thanks !!

'73 LS-4 454, owned 21 3/4 years

Coming Soon: '96 LT-4 CE Coupe!

[Clem Z.]

Re: '96 Selective suspension, worth seeking out in a used C-4?

Great feedback, here I was LOOKING for one that had it, now sounds like I want to avoid it! I already bought the service manuals, and indeed the F-45 section is daunting. I am limiting my search to the LT-4, mostly because I need the 6-speed. Now if I wind up getting 'stuck' with those shocks, and replace them with Bilstiens, or the like, can the service ride control warning lamp be defeated? As far as the Z-52 suspension, ummm, we have some third world roads up here! Thanks !!

'73 LS-4 454, owned 21 3/4 years

Coming Soon: '96 LT-4 CE Coupe!

there is a company that sell a device that fools the computer if the shocks are changed out to std type shocks

[Tom H.]

Re: '96 Selective suspension, worth seeking out in a used C-4?

Rich. I don't think I would avoid a car with ride control, I just don't think I would seek one out specifically for that option. We don't really see that much trouble with the system !

[Bill H.]

Re: '96 Selective suspension, worth seeking out in a used C-4?

Z51 0n rough road, you'll feel the bumps more but the freeway onramps will be better . If you plan any track days, the Z51 is better if you're pusjing it but the base is fine if you're just playing. I have a lot of students on the track in base C4's with no problems.

The "service ride control" light - yea there are simulators for sale but it's easier to pull the bulb or unhook the control unit.

The FX3 shocks can be rebuilt by Bilstein but it will run at least $150 per shock.

Standard Bilsteins are $300 for the full set and are decent for a daily driver.

KYB's are extremely inexpensive and will get you thru a year or so of daily driving.

Adjustables are very nice and very pricey but can tune out some of the Z51 harshness and can be reset for the track days (Koni, QA1).

[Joe R.]

Re: '96 Selective suspension, worth seeking out in a used C-4?

I had a 91 Coupe with ZO-6 and all the t*******s! Loved the response from that selective ride and you sure could tell the difference when you put it in the autocross position.
Had to send one shock to Bilstein for repair. Cost was not a factor.

JR