Solidstate77

I'm ordering a non-Z51 c8 and I am on a tight budget. The roads are bad here in Salem, OR., and I plan to daily drive the c8.
I saw a YouTube video of someone saying he couldn't really tell the difference between two cars with one having magnetic ride suspension. What do you think?

EvanD

Must have, no. Noticeable difference between the settings, absolutely...

payne7744

My non-Z 51 magna ride with NPP exhaust is on the way.

Red rag

For me, yes. Highly subjective question and responses here but IMO it’s the sweet spot for price, comfort and performance for the street with the addition of NPP.

Red Mist Rulz

There are probably a dozen threads about this already. MOST of those who have it think it's great. A few who have it say they don't notice any difference between settings. Personally, I think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, and I don't know how one can not notice the difference unless the local roads are glass smooth.

Even more important that being able to adjust between three different firmness levels, the system reads the suspension movement 100 times per second (or maybe it was 1,000, but I think 100), and can adjust the rebound and compression damping independently, and for each individual wheel, up to 10 times per second). On anything but a real smooth road it keeps the tires in contact with the surface much better, which improves handling as well as comfort. It also reduces body roll in cornering by stiffening the outside shocks.

It's good enough that Ferrari licensed the technology from GM.

This video is for the first generation of MSRC. The C8 is gen 4. Far superior.


Skip to 1:20 for an interesting comparison.

C7Me

YES, it's a must have, Z51 or not.

jimmie jam

My last 4 Corvettes including my C8 have had it.....no Mag ride...no Corvette for me but I'm just crazy like dat.

Kevin A Jones

Definitely NOT a Must Have.

Garret

Yes

KABAL182

Most of these threads go back and forth on feel or ride quality ,cant tell the difference etc. This has been the same story for the last 20 years since the C5 and all generations. This video best shows the safety aspect as well as performance gain from this suspension. At increased speeds and rough road surfaces the car just plants itself and sticks better than almost any mechanical suspension. This is the difference between the successfully making a evasive maneuver or not. I have had cars with and without and driving the same patch of "bad" roads the cars do react differently with braking ,steering, body roll. Regardless if you go Z51 or not , I feel it is the must have option when it comes to overall driving dynamics.

BigKevO

If you want to be able to turn a dial/press a button and go from what I consider a fairly soft smooth ride to a very firm corner carving beast then I highly recommend it. I put my car in track mode on the way home today and boy does it stiffen the ride. If you are not going to track the car or drive it like a beast on twisty roads then I don’t think it’s necessary. For me it’s a must have.

The soft smooth ride is what I appreciate most. I wonder if the cars without MRC are as smooth or if it’s a compromise between soft & firm.

RKCRLR

MSRC is a must have for me but that doesn't mean it is for everyone. Watch this video to see how a MSRC equipped car is more composed:

PDXC7

I live in Oregon, not too far from Salem. Personally, when I’m on bumpy roads, that’s when I go to touring mode. It really softens and smoothes out those rough roads. It makes a noticeable difference, and a recent passenger noticed how it instantly turned the car into a comfortable and supple ride.

on the highway you may not feel much of a difference but for the conditions you are concerned about, I think mag ride will be a worthwhile choice. Let us know what you do.

Semifighter18

You opened a can of worms. Everyone that responds is going to tell you that what they have is THE must have. I look at it this way, if there was only a single MUST have suspension then Chevy would have given you only one option, but they didn't. You have 4. FE1-FE4. They did that because they realize suspension requirements vary per person based on how they use the car and what they desire. I don't think you can label Mag Ride a MUST have. I am a Mag Ride fan, think it's great, but I have the base suspension on my C8 and it's fantastic.

bruno06

Love it. This is my 4th vette and it rides the best.

Solidstate77

Thanks to everyone for all of the responses. I've decided to go with Mag Ride. Everyone's responses put my mind at ease about it. Thanks a lot!

GR8C8

Totally agree.

Avanti

For me the opposite... I absolutely do not need nor want it.

tadda

For me yes....

Big Lebowski

Yes it is. Get it. Drove a non magnetic ride back to back with a magnetic ride car. Worth it. Best of both worlds providing a more responsive and sportier suspension, yet softer and smoother.