SquareHead

When comparing a base model versus a Grand Sport, with both having the F55 Magnetic Ride, would one be a more comfortable ride than the other? And by comfort, I mean from a touring standpoint. Frost heaves, expansion joints, potholes, railroad tracks, etc. I will never track the car. Just touring and some twisties. Let's assume money is no object.

Is there any difference between the two from a comfort standpoint? Will the wider tires, "performance" suspension of the GS make for a less "cushy" ride?

Again, both will have the F55 Magnetic Selective Ride...

Thanks!

Gearhead Jim

The GS is similar to the discontinued Z51 suspension. Stiffer sways and front spring.
So it will be somewhat stiffer than a base model, which has the softer sways and spring.

Of course, the F55 on the GS, set in Tour, will be softer than a non-F55 GS. But it won't be as cushy as a base model with F55, set in tour.

68 BB 396

Good question. Just curious, do you have a transmission preference?

SquareHead

Yes, Automatic

Jim Barker

I don't think my 12GS is as bad as my o7 Z51 but close. My 08 with F55 was almost as soft in tour as stock C6 and not as harsh as Z51 or flat in the curves as the Z51 or stock GS/ A6. Everything is a trade off when it comes to suspension. Money no object get the F55

MKenM

I'm sure you have heard this before " the proof is in the pudding". There are really 2 issues one is look and the other is comfort. I do not have a base model I was attracted to the GS body style so the ride became secondary. You should go to your local dealer and try both. I have F55 and when my GS in tour mode the ride is very comfortable "for a Corvette".

It is not like my MB but the GS just feels great on the road.

Jim Barker

The bigger tires do help a little but not the difference air pressure can cause when low vs high

Jim Barker

There is also a difference with tires brands and RF. The Michelins seem to roll over the cracks while the GY banged in to them and I'll bet the non RF are even better!

JimmyLee

I drive the Grand Sport and don't notice any problem with ride comfort, and I've taken it on some long road trips. Also, it's my commuter car on the L.A. freeways. My car is a 3lt trim level, so the seats are fully adjustable. I've driven Cadillac rentals while traveling, and I don't notice a giant leap in ride comfort. The brakes are so good on the GS that rental cars scare me.

terradriller

I have a 2006 convertible with F-55 and a 2013 collector edition 427 convertible with F-55. Both cars have Michelin run flats although the one's on the 427 are much larger. They both ride great for a sports car but the 06 rides somewhat better.

We've taken the 06 on 2 long haul trips, 3,620 miles last summer to Yellow Stone and last week 2,200 to Florida. First day on the road last week was 922 miles, the car is very comfortable.The last day on the trip was 500 miles and felt like a short chip shot. I wouldn't even consider a Corvette without the F-55 option.

427

Boomer111

^^427 is nice for sure.

I find my Koni FSD's shocks provide a good ride in my 08. Much better than the OEM set up for sure and not as harsh as the Z51. Without the expense of the F55 or the repairs if needed.

CrvtBB

+1 for FSDs

AORoads

I agree with the above.

laconiajack

Not only that, but the heavier tire/wheel assemblies of the G/S increase the unsprung to sprung weight ratio further deteriorating ride, and no all-weather tires are available, meaning ride comfort will futher deteriorate at cooler temperatures due to the rubber compound in the G/S summer tires becoming far stiffer, and actually becoming brittle at 20 degrees F. or colder.