I hope to find out soon. I recently sent an email to Darin Dellinger at Delphi asking this same question (amongst others). He was one of the head engineer's responsible for the MagneRide suspension in the Corvette. About 6 months ago he called me in response to some questions I had about the F55 system and he graciously said to contact him anytime. As soon as I hear from him I will post what I learn.
__________________ 2005 Corvette C6 Coupe
Magnetic Red Metallic II/Cashmere, MN6, 1SB, F55
Lingenfelter 403 Conversion, LG Pro Headers (coated), Corsa Sport Exhaust, Lingenfelter CAI, Accusump, LGM Coil-Over Suspension, T1 Sway Bars, Pfadt Control Arm Bushing Kit, Elite Eng. Tunnel Plate & Oil Catch-Can, SKF Racing Hubs/Bearings, AP Racing Brakes, DRM Brake Ducts, 5-Point Roll Bar, Sparco Seats, Crow Restraints, Wide-Booty, CCW Wheels SP16A’s & C10’s, Hood-liner by Paula
"For the first time on a high-performance Corvette, the Magnetic Ride system is used. This second generation of the Delphi electronically controlled damping is similar to that used on the Ferrari 599 GTB. The new system is more resistant to the extreme heat and use of track cars. There are two modes to the MR system in the ZR1 — Tour and Sport. Because the MR system can significantly affect wheel motions, the composite leaf springs were softened and the anti-roll bars stiffened. The result is a roll stiffness that is similar to a Z06's, but in touring mode, the car is said to be considerably more compliant. A neat feature of MR is the ability to improve standing-start launches. It does this by recognizing a hard launch and completely softening the rear shocks on compression with full stiff on rebound. Thus the car will squat and go, rather than bounce."
So perhaps the updated shocks have better heat dissipation or the fluid is more tolerant or both. Wonder if the 09 F55 will be upgraded as well?
"For the first time on a high-performance Corvette, the Magnetic Ride system is used. This second generation of the Delphi electronically controlled damping is similar to that used on the Ferrari 599 GTB. The new system is more resistant to the extreme heat and use of track cars. There are two modes to the MR system in the ZR1 — Tour and Sport. Because the MR system can significantly affect wheel motions, the composite leaf springs were softened and the anti-roll bars stiffened. The result is a roll stiffness that is similar to a Z06's, but in touring mode, the car is said to be considerably more compliant. A neat feature of MR is the ability to improve standing-start launches. It does this by recognizing a hard launch and completely softening the rear shocks on compression with full stiff on rebound. Thus the car will squat and go, rather than bounce."
So perhaps the updated shocks have better heat dissipation or the fluid is more tolerant or both. Wonder if the 09 F55 will be upgraded as well?
"For the first time on a high-performance Corvette, the Magnetic Ride system is used. This second generation of the Delphi electronically controlled damping is similar to that used on the Ferrari 599 GTB. The new system is more resistant to the extreme heat and use of track cars. There are two modes to the MR system in the ZR1 — Tour and Sport. Because the MR system can significantly affect wheel motions, the composite leaf springs were softened and the anti-roll bars stiffened. The result is a roll stiffness that is similar to a Z06's, but in touring mode, the car is said to be considerably more compliant. A neat feature of MR is the ability to improve standing-start launches. It does this by recognizing a hard launch and completely softening the rear shocks on compression with full stiff on rebound. Thus the car will squat and go, rather than bounce."
So perhaps the updated shocks have better heat dissipation or the fluid is more tolerant or both. Wonder if the 09 F55 will be upgraded as well?
R&T doesn't mention the different sized half-shafts. The point is even if the ZR1 programing could be downloaded into a F55 car would it work???
R&T doesn't mention the different sized half-shafts. The point is even if the ZR1 programing could be downloaded into a F55 car would it work???
They do in the same paragraph.. sorry, I just omitted it.. (I thought the R&T article was the most in depth) Again, wonder if/when that might migrate down to the base C6 in 09?
"And to minimize rear-wheel hop, the left-side halfshaft is larger in diameter than the right. Thus if an oscillation starts, it does so at different frequencies. Why the left side? Because it offsets the right rear-mounted battery."
"The ZR1 also will benefit from larger-diameter antiroll bars and second generation MR (magneto-rheological technology) dampers, which are said to be versatile enough to cover everything from flat-out racetrack lapping to smooth-road, civilian-speed touring. Juechter reports that hardware and software were both significantly improved for 2008."
It is not clear if Juechter was refering to the ZR1 only or to all F55 cars? I thought all ZR1's will be 2009 models? So does that mean 2008 C6's have the second generation shocks? It is not clear.
Like MAJ ZO6 said, it is more than just new shocks and software for the ZR1.
I think the new, second generation, shocks will probably trickle down into the C6 and other models if it has not already? GM using them on the new Cadillac CTS-V also. I think Audi, Ferrari and Aston Martin are using them also?
I think Cadillac might have come up with the solution of using MR shocks and diffrent diameter half-shafts to cure "maximum-launch axle-tramp" first?
Another quote from March-2008 Car and Driver..
"Cadillac has addressed the maximum-launch axle-tramp issue at two levels. The primary cure is left and right half-shafts that have different torsional rigidity to elminate windup, a trick Cadillac shared with the Corvette crew."
I think I read heat was the real reason GM did not offer or market the F55 or MR shocks as a pure performance option? I think Lambroghini decided to use Koni FSD's instead of MR shocks on the Gallardo due to concerns of overheating in extream race enviorments?
Ferrari probably was the first to use the second generation MR shocks as a performance option on the F599. I would think GM would use the new shocks in the regular C6 in 2009 if it has not already in the 2008 model? Only time will tell? The great thing is there are improvments every year and sooner or later the technology will trickle down to lessor models. It is a win-win for everyone. Remember when ABS and traction control was a option?
I just got a email back from Gene. The 2007 F55 part numbers for the MR shocks and computer are diffrent than the 2008 F55 part numbers. I would assume there were changes to the software also?
In 2008, the F55 incorporated the 2nd generation of MR hardware and software. i.e. the shocks, computer and calibration is different and has been improved (GM and Delph are always trying to improve the MR system, as a matter of fact, the 3rd generation of MR is currently being worked on however it's still years away). The ZR1 incorportes the 2nd generation hardware with a few tweaks to the base software and obviously a calibration suited for the demands of a heavier/faster car. The internals of shocks have been tweaked (there is still a hydrolic foundation that plays a roll in the overall damping). After the foundation hardware is developed, the software is calibrated in both modes to suit the personality of the car.
I hope to find out soon. I recently sent an email to Darin Dellinger at Delphi asking this same question (amongst others). He was one of the head engineer's responsible for the MagneRide suspension in the Corvette. About 6 months ago he called me in response to some questions I had about the F55 system and he graciously said to contact him anytime. As soon as I hear from him I will post what I learn.
In 2008, the F55 incorporated the 2nd generation of MR hardware and software. i.e. the shocks, computer and calibration is different and has been improved.
Interesting; this is the first I've heard of the '08s having a different setup.
I need to drive one of these back to back with my F55 equipped '04 to see if there are obvious differences.
EDIT: According to this post...there are no significant changes to the 2008 setup. Wonder who's right?
Corvette Store
F55 = Zr1???
