Riverdog

Am shopping for a low mileage C6, and I'm finding about the same number of Z51 cars as base FE3 cars; F55 cars are few and far between. I've test driven 5 cars: 3 Z51s and 2 F55s, and was OK with all but one (an F55 convertible that looked real good, but the car just wasn't "right" for the mileage showing.) I haven't ever driven a base FE3 car, because I'm thinking there's more value--now and at resale--with the optional suspensions.

Living and driving in NJ means a lot of poor roads, and the Z51 might be a bit harsh for everyday driving. Therefore I'm leaning a bit toward the F55, provided I can find one.

But here are my questions: 1- What's a realistic estimate of how many miles the F55 shocks will last before needing replacement?
And, 2- Approximately what do the replacement shocks cost? (I'd imagine that there considerably more expensive than conventional shocks.)

AORoads

I would tend to agree w. you that you (or some) might find the Z51 suspension a bit harsh at times. That said, I can't specifically say how long an F55 shock will last. Chevrolet claims it should last the life of the car. Some have had one go out with 50K miles plus or minus. Some have possibly CAUSED it to go out by lowering their cars.

BUT if it does go wrong, and there have been a few examples here on C6 Gen, it could be costly. We have forum parts vendors that sell the shocks at quite a discount, but you still could be looking at close to a grand installed. If bought at full retail it could be much more. I'd do a search on here above red band, limit to c6, limit to f55 shock price, and say, last six months or year.

I just saw 1040 each, to 4-500 each. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...55-shocks.html

try this as a starter: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/sear...rchid=38316042

phileaglesfan

Jersey roads are pitiful (born there), expansion joints would drive me nuts. F55 would be better as it takes out some of the sharpness of the bumps. Avoid a lowered F55 car no matter what as they seem to fail more. I had a 11 GS Vert with out it and my current 13GS with it. The 11 GS Vert was good on most roads and I never really felt the need to switch to tour.

Changing to Michelin Super Sports was the best thing I did. Goodyear run flats tend to transmit rough surfaces real good.

jimmie jam

I ordered my 07 with F55 and have put about 6,100 miles on it since new. I will tell you that the ride in "tour" is something that you will appricate in NJ. The dampers rarely fail and are designed to last the life of the car. Sure, some will fail but I would not stop a F55 car purchase because of a "rare" occurance. I have owned base and Z51 cars and will never own another non F55 car, FWIW.

Flh Den

My 08 has the standard suspension FE1 and for non track driving on very rough roads in Ri it is perfect. I have never driven an F55 car so I really can't say what the difference feels like.

AORoads

and to tag on to what Denny said above, I have driven up to, around and in Rhode Island with my Z51 suspension. it isn't much fun. I also know the NJ roads and many are no fun either. I would think either the base FE3 or F55 would be more forgiving and compatible with your roads. that is just an opinion on my part since many corvette owners in your state do have z51.

Larry/car

I have a 2006 F55 manual transmission coupe. I live in central PA and I don't think the roads are bad (maybe because I have F55) no problems since new. I leave it set to sport the majority of the time. I have driven a base suspension and the F55 definitely keeps the tires on the payment compared to the base. Remember magnetic ride works 100% of the time, in both modes.

Jimbeaux

I replaced my F55 rears at 134,000 miles and the fronts at 168,000 miles. The best deal I found was on AMAZON. The cost is approx $450 - $500 each. I installed them myself. F55 is a great choice.
I hope this helps

HOXXOH

I'm at 112K on my '08 F55 car. No problems and it handles bad roads much better than either the base or Z51.

psummers

Driving an 09 F55, put 16,000 miles on it. The F55 is fantastic. Still impressed with good ride over bad pavement and the sport mode really stiffens the suspension. You'll have the best of both worlds. I wouldn't have another Vette without it. Get it .....you won't regret it!

RoadReady

A five mile test drive sold me on the F55. If the only choice had been Z51 our bad backs would have put The Navigator and me cruzin in a Buick.

meadowz06

I have owned 18 Corvettes and I just bought a 2006 manual with the F55 and I LOVE the ride. We have some pretty bad roads and the F55 does a great job of adapting to the road conditions. I would HIGHLY RECOMMENDED the F55 suspension.

Jimailer

I have a 2012 GS with less that 7K on it when GM replaced both front F55 shocks that were leaking.
Also had a 2005 F55 put 65K on it and never a problem with the shocks

BLEKVET

Lived in the Pilesgrove area for almost two years. My '08 zero option coupe would never handle those roads. My '11 GS with F55 would laugh at them, stay planted, and perform !

ParkRat

I have 70K on my 2007 with F55.

I honestly thought F55 was just a gimick, but the difference is huge. Almost makes you laugh when you switch it back and forth.

Not sure how long they will last or how much it will cost to replace. It will be worth the money when the time comes.

Jimbo 89

I agree with others, F55 is great. I'm very fortunate my 05 came with it.

Patman

I agree, when I'm on rough roads and I put it in sport mode, I cannot imagine driving long distances like that, but in touring mode it's so much more comfortable. I'm so happy I found a C6 with F55!

Bill Mac

Could not agree more with all the thumbs up for the F55. I have 07 base coupe with 55,000 miles including 2 east coast trips and the ride is great on those rough roads!

LSD 2005

Rich Mickol

Had it in my 05, left it off my 07(base) and went back to it on the GS. It can get expensive if something goes wrong but it's the chance you take. Since the GS is basically the Z51, I felt I had no choice but to get it again. It definitely softens the ride a bit.

Good luck with your choice.