[TRZ06]

This is geared more for the SS 1LE and ZL1 guys...

How good are the magnetic dampers when it comes to rear-end chassis control and the ability it settle the car once upset mid-corner in say a high speed sweeper

More specifically I guess I mean the rebound control. As good as a coilover?

[Badgerbimmer]

They work great in the carousel at Road America.

[apexit53]

talking to a few 1LE guys for autoX they are just a little sluggish and slow to react but on track they are killer.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by apexit53

talking to a few 1LE guys for autoX they are just a little sluggish and slow to react but on track they are killer.

I am not too worried about super quick transitions for autoX, as I don't do those and the 1LE and its close to 3800LB isn't the best car for that. I care more about the chassis composure, rear-end stability and high speed stability when upset mid corner.

Also how they feel in the 100-130ish range.

[Provoste]

Originally Posted by TRZ06

I am not too worried about super quick transitions for autoX, as I don't do those and the 1LE and its close to 3800LB isn't the best car for that. I care more about the chassis composure, rear-end stability and high speed stability when upset mid corner.

Also how they feel in the 100-130ish range.

Watch vids in the best track time thread sticky’d above. The OE SS 1LE dampers are amazing on track. I’m just back from Watkins Glen, 120+ and flat through the Esses... very confidence inspiring. STABLE.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by Provoste

Watch vids in the best track time thread sticky’d above. The OE SS 1LE dampers are amazing on track. I’m just back from Watkins Glen, 120+ and flat through the Esses... very confidence inspiring. STABLE.

Awesome , thanks.

I figured so, I just wanted to make sure the magnetic shocks works as well in a heavier car as they do in a light car. I loved them on the TTRS I had. I obviously did a test drive, but you can't drive 9/10th around corners on a test drive or test the suspension out on too many road surfaces at triple digit speeds

I mean it makes sense, the SS 1LE would not have the lap times and be able to compete with cars much more expensive if it wasn't buttoned down.

I guess the bad experience and disappointment after I got my M3 and realized I was not happy with its handling and lack of being buttoned down kinda scarred me. The was a costly unhappy feeling. I don't want that to happen again, as I don't have the means to fix that mistake quickly or easily.

[Norm Peterson]

Originally Posted by TRZ06

More specifically I guess I mean the rebound control. As good as a coilover?

If not to your satisfaction, there's this.


Norm

[Ryephile]

Originally Posted by TRZ06

...More specifically I guess I mean the rebound control. As good as a coilover?

No, they're better because they're active in real-time. The closest you can get with passive dampers are DSSV's spool valve or Penske's regressive valve.


Re: your BMW; their tuning philosophy gives their cars a habitual rear end wobble that never inspires confidence. It's not so much the dampers as their bushing tuning. The SS 1LE is much more connected feeling; it's how BMW should've tuned the //M4.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by Ryephile

No, they're better because they're active in real-time. The closest you can get with passive dampers are DSSV's spool valve or Penske's regressive valve.


Re: your BMW; their tuning philosophy gives their cars a habitual rear end wobble that never inspires confidence. It's not so much the dampers as their bushing tuning. The SS 1LE is much more connected feeling; it's how BMW should've tuned the //M4.

The F80/82 M's rear-end is bolted directly to the frame (like the ZL1 1LE), there are no bushing back there, it is just poor tuning. I went with Ohlin coilovers and that fixed the issue, but in the process I lost that OEM ride quality and the Ohlins were very harsh (enough to activate the traction control and lift your butt out of the seat) on some bigger freeway bumps/waves.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by Norm Peterson

If not to your satisfaction, there's this.


Norm

That's very cool, I didn't know such a product existed. Nice to know that option is there.

If the damping and software is as good as the TTRS I had, I will be quite happy with the stock GM profile, but I will know after I pick up my car next week and drive it for a bit.

But , indeed very cool to see something like this out there.

[Norm Peterson]

There is, or at least to be, a downloadable user manual for that DSC controller. It's a peek inside what can be done, if nothing else.


Norm

[Ryephile]

Originally Posted by TRZ06

The F80/82 M's rear-end is bolted directly to the frame (like the ZL1 1LE), there are no bushing back there, it is just poor tuning. I went with Ohlin coilovers and that fixed the issue, but in the process I lost that OEM ride quality and the Ohlins were very harsh (enough to activate the traction control and lift your butt out of the seat) on some bigger freeway bumps/waves.

I just checked RealOEM. It does appear the F82's use mostly ball jointed suspension pivots. That for sure is embarrassing at how non-optimal their dampers and kinematic curves must be.

There's a reason there are so many BMW and Porsche cross-overs to the SS 1LE and ZL1; this Alpha platform really is excellent.

[F1FTY]

Originally Posted by Norm Peterson

There is, or at least to be, a downloadable user manual for that DSC controller. It's a peek inside what can be done, if nothing else.


Norm

DSC Sport also has a ton of video tutorials on youtube to help. They really came in handy when I got mine used.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by Ryephile

I just checked RealOEM. It does appear the F82's use mostly ball jointed suspension pivots. That for sure is embarrassing at how non-optimal their dampers and kinematic curves must be.

There's a reason there are so many BMW and Porsche cross-overs to the SS 1LE and ZL1; this Alpha platform really is excellent.

Yeah, BMW has fallen so far behind in the suspension tuning & Traction / Stability control department, its not even funny. I am just coming off lease with my M3, and it is by far the worst value of any performance car I have had.

The M3 had great compression tuning, but the rebound was comical at best. Heavy braking upset the rear-end, any dip or wave while in a turn upset the rear-end, transitions, forget about it.

You add to that, that the stability control was always fighting against you, even engaging (even while in the most loose setting) long before it needed to. With the system fully off, I could get an easy additional 10MPH on a on/off ramp with zero drama.