FX3 custom valving - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

mike100 · 05-10-2011

The Bilstein shop is local here in town, but before I call I wanted to ask if anybody has done anything special with their FX3 shocks.

After putting a few miles on my '91, I have some thoughts on the stock settings.
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1) Basically the Tour setting is too soft-even for the speed limit.

2) The stiffness (compression) is ok and can be adjusted with the knob. This could be further altered with a new controller (like the Lingenfelter one).

3) The rebound is waaaay too soft and allows a lot of old school tuna-boat bounce when you get going a little faster over dips etc. I either have worn out shocks, or, what I suspect more, Bilstein always valves their shocks a bit cushy-which has been my experience.

Somebody tell me about anything they have done to sport up the system more. I will call the rebuild shop, but I think my opinion is going to be to maybe stiffen the compression up 5% and maybe 20% or more on rebound if possible.

Daniel_Mc · 05-10-2011

I am running the moracco valving with a custom controller on the FX3's for my 89 track car and it is much better than the stock FX3 set up it is firm in tour and just gets stiffer. I still feel it could be a little more stout.

Hope this helps.

Daniel

mike100 · 05-10-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel_Mc

I am running the moracco valving with a custom controller on the FX3's for my 89 track car and it is much better than the stock FX3 set up it is firm in tour and just gets stiffer. I still feel it could be a little more stout.

Hope this helps.

Daniel

Ok...I do want it to be firmer (with or without the controller), but not too stiff for the street. I've heard of the valving, but I guess i can ask about it when I call them. I really mostly want them to physically dial in more rebound damping- hopefully they can do it on these shocks. I know they can on their standard ones.

Is your stiffness more from the controller setting or the valving?

XfireZ51 · 05-10-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike100

Ok...I do want it to be firmer (with or without the controller), but not too stiff for the street. I've heard of the valving, but I guess i can ask about it when I call them. I really mostly want them to physically dial in more rebound damping- hopefully they can do it on these shocks. I know they can on their standard ones.

Is your stiffness more from the controller setting or the valving?

Mike,

I'm with you. I have the DRM coilovers on mine but would like a firmer ride particularly on the rebound. Keep us posted on what you hear from Bilstein.

-=Jeff=- · 05-10-2011

from a CF thread in 2007:

- Bilstein also just gave me more info on this - they do still sell a controller and chip that forces a 75% front lock and a 100% rear lock "all the time" as an option. It makes the car very unfriendly for the street and I think that's why they originally said to go with the stock controls.

Daniel_Mc · 05-10-2011

Mike,
I would call Randy at DRM he knows the stuff and especially these cars. Sounds like what you are looking for is shocks only I don't think the controller is what you are looking for. The turnaround is quick if you are going to have them rebuilt, something like 3 weeks, and if you are even thinking of going coil-overs go ahead and have the snap rings installed for the sleeves.

Daniel

lbszr · 05-10-2011

Here's a link to some set up options for the fx3 and a really nice Z.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/418999...orvette/page-8

I didn't realize gm programmed the controller for 150mph before the shocks are in full firm mode, I mean, come on, what were they thinking

mike100 · 05-11-2011

Bilstein is about a 10-15 minute drive from where I work, so I will try to make time tomorrow to ask them if they can do what I want with FX3 shocks. If they aren't too busy, I would plan to remove the shocks and maybe get it turned around in a week.

I recall back in the 90's I was able to drop off shocks in the morning and get them on the way home from work. The one thing I hope for is to talk to somebody who actually knows about the things (I might have to drive over there). I do not think the shocks are actually in need of a rebuild- they are in much better condition than my fx3 on my 95, but I'm sure the charge would be about the same just to take them apart.

-=Jeff=- · 05-11-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbszr

Here's a link to some set up options for the fx3 and a really nice Z.

I didn't realize gm programmed the controller for 150mph before the shocks are in full firm mode, I mean, come on, what were they thinking

I don't see a link

lbszr · 05-11-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

I don't see a link

Sorry about that. Must be the beer.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/418999...orvette/page-8

05-10-2011	#1
mike100 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Marcos CA Posts: 1,786	FX3 custom valving The Bilstein shop is local here in town, but before I call I wanted to ask if anybody has done anything special with their FX3 shocks. After putting a few miles on my '91, I have some thoughts on the stock settings. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) Basically the Tour setting is too soft-even for the speed limit. 2) The stiffness (compression) is ok and can be adjusted with the knob. This could be further altered with a new controller (like the Lingenfelter one). 3) The rebound is waaaay too soft and allows a lot of old school tuna-boat bounce when you get going a little faster over dips etc. I either have worn out shocks, or, what I suspect more, Bilstein always valves their shocks a bit cushy-which has been my experience. Somebody tell me about anything they have done to sport up the system more. I will call the rebuild shop, but I think my opinion is going to be to maybe stiffen the compression up 5% and maybe 20% or more on rebound if possible.

05-10-2011	#2
Daniel_Mc Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 584	Re: FX3 custom valving I am running the moracco valving with a custom controller on the FX3's for my 89 track car and it is much better than the stock FX3 set up it is firm in tour and just gets stiffer. I still feel it could be a little more stout. Hope this helps. Daniel

05-10-2011	#5
-=Jeff=- Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bartlett, IL Posts: 7,156	Re: FX3 custom valving from a CF thread in 2007: - Bilstein also just gave me more info on this - they do still sell a controller and chip that forces a 75% front lock and a 100% rear lock "all the time" as an option. It makes the car very unfriendly for the street and I think that's why they originally said to go with the stock controls. __________________ 1990 Corvette ZR-1 #1051 Watson Headers (2" Primary) - Flowmaster Cats - Borla Catback Late Model IH - Plenum Coilovers - 4.10s Shelby Series 1 - Wilwood Brakes Custom Interior NCM Lifetime Member #978

05-10-2011	#6
Daniel_Mc Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 584	Re: FX3 custom valving Mike, I would call Randy at DRM he knows the stuff and especially these cars. Sounds like what you are looking for is shocks only I don't think the controller is what you are looking for. The turnaround is quick if you are going to have them rebuilt, something like 3 weeks, and if you are even thinking of going coil-overs go ahead and have the snap rings installed for the sleeves. Daniel

05-10-2011	#7
lbszr Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: dayton,ohio Posts: 424	Re: FX3 custom valving Here's a link to some set up options for the fx3 and a really nice Z. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/418999...orvette/page-8 I didn't realize gm programmed the controller for 150mph before the shocks are in full firm mode, I mean, come on, what were they thinking Last edited by lbszr; 05-11-2011 at 10:43 AM.

05-11-2011	#8
mike100 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Marcos CA Posts: 1,786	Re: FX3 custom valving Bilstein is about a 10-15 minute drive from where I work, so I will try to make time tomorrow to ask them if they can do what I want with FX3 shocks. If they aren't too busy, I would plan to remove the shocks and maybe get it turned around in a week. I recall back in the 90's I was able to drop off shocks in the morning and get them on the way home from work. The one thing I hope for is to talk to somebody who actually knows about the things (I might have to drive over there). I do not think the shocks are actually in need of a rebuild- they are in much better condition than my fx3 on my 95, but I'm sure the charge would be about the same just to take them apart.