Damper mode--no detectable change

[Caballus]

Has anyone experienced a problem with the damper mode?

If so, how did you detect and correct the issue?

With my previous car (2016) the difference between normal and sport was very noticeable. In this car (2019) I can't detect a difference even in track mode, much less in sport.

It's been this way since I got the car. I had the dealer check it out last year, and they said they could not find anything wrong. They're experienced and trustworthy, but I don't believe they did a thorough check.

Back then, I dismissed it as "probably just me," "maybe it has to do with the 2019+ suspension upgrades," "oh yeah, I guess it feels different in sport mode."

However, after cycling through a few times recently, I'm convinced it's not responding. The indicator/icon works perfectly, but no detectable change.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

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[ShatterPoints]

Have you looked to make sure that you have the magnaride dampers? There are magnaride delete kits that people use when swapping for traditional dampers.

 

[Caballus]

Have you looked to make sure that you have the magnaride dampers? There are magnaride delete kits that people use when swapping for traditional dampers.

Yes. 2019 GT350 ordered directly and purchased new. Second one with no break in between. Definitely has magneride.

 

[ShatterPoints]

Yes. 2019 GT350 ordered directly and purchased new. Second one with no break in between. Definitely has magneride.

Too many things would need to break AND not throw a code for the magnaride mode selection. When the dealer did their diag, did they look to see if any codes were present?

The change between normal, sport, and race is pretty subtle this is hard to diagnose over the web because of each person's subjective experience with each drive mode.

 

[ChipG]

I recall seeing someplace that with the suspension updates, the '19/'20 GT350s have much more subtle changes in stiffness than previous years. I can say in my '20 I don't notice a difference in ride stiffness between normal, sport, and race.

 

[Caballus]

Too many things would need to break AND not throw a code for the magnaride mode selection. When the dealer did their diag, did they look to see if any codes were present?

The change between normal, sport, and race is pretty subtle this is hard to diagnose over the web because of each person's subjective experience with each drive mode.

Very good question. My sense is that they did not look to see if any codes were thrown. I think they used a butt meter, and I am 100% sure if that was the case, they don't have near the driver's seat experience that I have. I could be wrong about the diagnosis, but I plan to insist on it when I take it back, and not allow any test drives unless I'm present. Again, they are good, but I want to know for certain if there's an issue.

 

[GTX]

I recall seeing someplace that with the suspension updates, the '19/'20 GT350s have much more subtle changes in stiffness than previous years. I can say in my '20 I don't notice a difference in ride stiffness between normal, sport, and race.

Interesting. With my 2017, the difference is relatively small between normal and sport, however it is very noticeable when it is in track.

 

[GTthree50]

I’ll add that with my 2017 there is no difference in settings that I can feel. Tend to believe that at street speeds the system does not need to be aggressive compared to more extrene use on track. That if course is merely a guess. Everyhing else seems to function as it should.

 

[GTX]

I’ll add that with my 2017 there is no difference in settings that I can feel. Tend to believe that at street speeds the system does not need to be aggressive compared to more extrene use on track. That if course is merely a guess. Everyhing else seems to function as it should.

Even when in Track mode? I mortified when mine was in normal and going down a parking structure ramp I scraped the bottom of the splitter, while when Idid the same in track, the car splitter did not scrape. Not exactly the most scientific but speed and angle were the same. This is the most direct evidence.

I can also feel increased pitch, dive and body roll when cornering or accelerating or decelerating in normal. I usually only use track unless on a call.

 

[kz]

Very good question. My sense is that they did not look to see if any codes were thrown. I think they used a butt meter, and I am 100% sure if that was the case, they don't have near the driver's seat experience that I have. I could be wrong about the diagnosis, but I plan to insist on it when I take it back, and not allow any test drives unless I'm present. Again, they are good, but I want to know for certain if there's an issue.

Run a Forscan if you have OBD adapter and see for yourself - but if something was off, you would get message on the dash - I believe.

 

[lunatect]

Surprised all of you aren't always in "sport" unless you are on track. I never use normal.

 

[GT4EVR]

Caballus, for what it's worth, I've had the same thoughts regarding the apparent minimal difference in suspension feel between Normal and Sport settings not only in DAMPER mode, but in STEERING as well in my 2019 GT350. I've noticed this lack of significant difference since I bought my car new, like you, a year and a half ago.

Like others have noted, I suspect that it's typical for the changes between Normal and Sport settings to be subtle rather than pronounced. When you re-address your concern to your dealer, I'd be interested to know what the outcome is, to confirm if changes between those 2 settings are only subtle.

P.S.: I wish I could have had my Shelby years ago when I lived in (West) Germany for 7 years. What fun it would have been driving on the autobahn with that car!!

 

[GTthree50]

Even when in Track mode? I mortified when mine was in normal and going down a parking structure ramp I scraped the bottom of the splitter, while when Idid the same in track, the car splitter did not scrape. Not exactly the most scientific but speed and angle were the same. This is the most direct evidence.

I can also feel increased pitch, dive and body roll when cornering or accelerating or decelerating in normal. I usually only use track unless on a call.

Have not tried track mode on the street, so on that I cannot offer any opinion.

 

[ShatterPoints]

Have not tried track mode on the street, so on that I cannot offer any opinion.

I drive in track mode on the street. It is the only mode with linear throttle.

There is some low speed damping changes but it is subtle. And you want it to be. If you make a damper change you can feel in a parking lot then you've changed way too much.

 

[Tony_the_Brit]

I have driven on the racetrack in Sport mode in my 19 without realizing - albeit with a passenger so not fast. I agree that differences are subtle - except for traction control being off in track.

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