kirt70camaro

My car doesnt have the label on the glovebox door. Is there another way to determin what suspension I have? It's a 98 A4 coupe.

3sACROWD

I seem to recall that some Vettes have the RPO code list in the center console. Don't hold me to that. What you can do is try taking your VIN to the dealership and ask if they can give you the list.

Bill Vett

Look in the rear compartments. I've seen them glued to the bottom of the covers.

DeeGee

The early Vettes had the F45 suspension. The F55 Mag ride came much later.

kirt70camaro

Ok I found it in cubby behind drivers seat. Can anyone decode any of this? Just curious what everything means.

Vetteman Jack

The FE1 code stands for the base, soft ride suspension. And you have the 2.73 rear gears.

Vetteman Jack

Forgot to add - here's a list of RPO codes so you can see what everything means:

kirt70camaro

Soft ride my a--. Lol it rides like a lumber wagon. Thanks for the codes.

kirt70camaro

It doesn't look lowered. Probably good ole Michigan roads is the problem.

Cybermind

Maybe the previous owner changed the shocks to something stiffer. Look underneath. Do the shocks look stock or aftermarket? If they look stock (black), tell us what's on the yellow label.

leadfoot4

Yes, but the F45 was optional......

kirt70camaro

Here is a picture of the shocks. Looks like they could be leaking maybe that's why it rides so bad.

scarecrowkc5

Haha, that looks pretty bad.

I have a soft ride suspension and 2.73 gears and love it.

It's my DD.

Jeff T.

Ouch, weekend to-do list: shocks...

kirt70camaro

Shocks and wheel bearing. Thinking C6 Z06 shock but will that ride as bad or worse?

Cybermind

Probably. Keep in mind that the C6Z06 shocks were designed to be used with C6Z06 springs and swaybars. How they will ride with standard (soft) springs, I don't know. But it will definitely be what you may consider too hard of a ride. I'm sure someone that has this setup will soon chime in with his thoughts.

From my personal experience, you cannot go wrong with Bilstein HD shocks for a base suspension C5. You will get about a 20% increase in ride stiffness but it will remain very comfortable and provide excellent handling for the street. They are gas-pressured monotube design which has the benefit of quick response to changing road conditions.

If you really want to keep a base (soft) ride then you will need to buy C5 base shocks. I do have a set of pristine, low mileage base shocks (28K) for sale. They are in perfect working order so let me know if interested.