Let's talk Magneride

[Hack]

So I decided to buy a tech pack car partially because I really wanted the Magneride. I was worried the base might be too firm or compromised, or a bit of both.

After about 250 miles on the tech pack car, I really love it. The ride is slightly more firm than my 2015 GT, but bumps really don't upset the car. I like that the car doesn't wallow around nearly as much and you can't feel any body roll, but you don't pay a huge penalty on the freeway expansion joints.

Anyone else have thoughts on the Magneride?

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[UMDrummer]

I would like to know if anyone has Magneride experience from Corvettes or other vehicles, and the cost of maintaining/replacing it down the line compared to stock suspension. This might be a factor in me considering whether or not to opt for the tech pack.

 

[DrumReaper]

It's great to hear both reviews from the owners of MR suspensions as well as base cars. Awesome info guys... Keep it up.

 

[HizliBullet]

So I decided to buy a tech pack car partially because I really wanted the Magneride. I was worried the base might be too firm or compromised, or a bit of both.

After about 250 miles on the tech pack car, I really love it. The ride is slightly more firm than my 2015 GT, but bumps really don't upset the car. I like that the car doesn't wallow around nearly as much and you can't feel any body roll, but you don't pay a huge penalty on the freeway expansion joints.

Anyone else have thoughts on the Magneride?

you're asking the question way too early, many guys are still pissed they dont have a car yet:lol:

 

[combustor]

mag ride is great IMO. I'm very impressed and glad I took a chance on it.

 

[_M_]

Couldn't agree more. I find normal mode very compliant and balanced. Reacts very well to inconsistencies on the highway, bridges, dips, etc.

Sport mode definitely tightens everything up, but to me is still very comfortable. I cans really throw the car around in both modes, but I feel much more control when in sport mode.

 

[markham51]

MagneRide is majorly awesome. I can't believe how compliant it is on city streets. No doubt one of the best features of this car.

 

[bullittman]

The steps in the modes are clearly felt, have tried track mode for some stretches and it really tightens the car down. this feature is a true Revolution in car handling.

 

[Bossing]

I praised about it before... on the C7 it does wonders.... advantageous on the track and versatile on the roads & streets. Nothing indifferent on the GT350 equipped with it... and it's not just about the damping change from Normal to Sport or vice versa. It's also about the continuous and seamless operation where it consistently and transparently reacts and counters the dips, bumps, rolls, and sways.

You just focus on your driving and let the MagRide do its magic. Again, worth it IMHO especially if you will not modify the suspension.

 

[65ffr]

I'd like to hear from someone who has driven both base GT350 and one with magneride as comparison....anyone?

 

[Hack]

you're asking the question way too early, many guys are still pissed they dont have a car yet:lol:

Yeah it's early, but I remember before I got my GT350 I was always grateful when people posted something new about them. Just trying to do my little part.

I would also like to hear from someone who has driven both to learn the comparison. I know my 2011 GT track pack was too stiff for me. I loved the car, don't get me wrong, but I often felt like it was shaking me too much and I would end up with long term brain injuries like a soccer or football player. Maybe silly, but it's not worth it to me to drive a car with suspension that is so stiff. I realize the new chassis is better and IRS can be more compliant while handling well. I did feel that the Magneride cars would be much more comfortable in daily driving plus faster on the track (both road course and 1/4 mile), though. It should be interesting to see what people say and to see real world comparisons.

 

[Bossing]

I'd like to hear from someone who has driven both base GT350 and one with magneride as comparison....anyone?

That might be a bit difficult right now... so how about anyone with both a 5.0 PP and a GT350 Tech or Track? Maybe they can chime in with their personal feedback.

Anyway the point is standard fixed damping vs. MagneRide damping will translate to big key difference in both ride and handling. MagneRide gives you the active capability to adjust at will for touring comfort or maximum track performance... a pretty good recipe IMO. Hence why highline and exotic cars also use this technology.

As an example, here is a graphical comparison of force-velocity characteristics of the MagneRide damper, typical variable valve dampers, and a fixed passive damper:

 

[the_nash]

and the cost of maintaining/replacing it down the line compared to stock suspension.

I'm with you there. My tight ass is clinching already thinking about this. The relative affordability of this car from the perspective of purchase price may not be reflective of its cost to maintain. I'm lucky enough to be able to absorb those costs (until someone finds me on m6g message boards all day at work), but I won't like doing it.

 

[Bossing]

This isn't to repress the standard GT350 fixed dampers because that car will still be a formidable one but this is really more to highlight the significant advantage of the MagRide's active suspension. Hence the extra price to pay. Costs... illustrated here:

 

[UMDrummer]

I'm with you there. My tight ass is clinching already thinking about this. The relative affordability of this car from the perspective of purchase price may not be reflective of its cost to maintain. I'm lucky enough to be able to absorb those costs (until someone finds me on m6g message boards all day at work), but I won't like doing it.

Lol, I hear that. I was reading on some GM forums that replacing the rear Magneride joints was like $2,000 on some Cadillacs or vettes. Although, they also said you could do it for about half the price if you had the know-how to do so on your own. I'm middle class and on a single income, so this car isn't a cakewalk for me to afford, but it is still affordable. That's the American Dream, I guess, when a guy like me can get such an awesome car... I think I would be super lucky to even have the base model. I'm sure Magneride is awesome, but I find myself leaning toward not getting it more and more each day; I don't think I can personally justify it.

But don't get me wrong -- if money were no object, I think it would be a no-brainer to go ahead and get it.

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