[Atomic Ed]

For those of you who have, or are thinking about a DSC controller for your MRC dampers, I thought I would share my experience from this morning’s installation.

Firmware update:

Before you can do anything, you need to go to DSC thread below and follow along with lesson 101 on registering and installing the software on your laptop. There is a software user manual on the DSC site. Take a few minutes a go through it. Go here and checkout the video lessons: http://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=505068

Be sure to select CAMARO6 in the File pulldown after the laptop software is installed before connecting with the controller!

There is a new firmware update available for our controllers. The latest Camaro firmware is dated 8-14 (8-17-17 on the DSC firmware page). Use this YouTube to check and upload the current file: https://youtu.be/40JvJoXyY7I (Lesson 105 on the above thread). Don’t worry about the firmware being labeled 1LE, it is fine for the SS. The thing that threw me was that the version ID on the controller is listed as a C7 file. A quick call to DSC confirmed that it is the correct file and they just changed a few lines of code from the C7 firmware to work on the Camaro. This new version has an improved velocity table and WiFi is now active with this version. I also confirmed that the launch control settings are also available.

I recommend checking and doing a firmware upgrade before you install the controller. Just connect a USB mini connector directly to a laptop and it will power up the controller as a stand-alone. BTW, your micro connector for your phone isn’t the right connector. I ordered this 6ft right angle connector, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 .

Installation:

The installation instructions say “The DSC Sport V2 controller is not a perfect fit for the OEM bracket.” Actually, it doesn’t fit at all in the original slot for the old GM BCM. I mounted mine just under the Bose amplifier with the amplifier screwed down gripping the controller. As you can see in the picture below, the DSC controller sticks forward about 3-4 inches from the original controller position. That’s OK. It allows access to the USB port.



I routed the USB cable through the back seat and left it there. When I want to hook up the laptop, I have a 6ft. USB extension that I tie into this cable and it allows me to have the laptop in my passenger seat. This may all go away if I can figure out the WiFi connection in the future.



Setting the zero travel ride height sensors:

I knew the ride height sensors were going to be off due to an extra 100 lbs. or so up front with the E-Force supercharger. To get everything dialed in, I went to this YouTube and followed the instructions: https://youtu.be/BTcgkbUjrqI . Sure enough, my front sensors were off 20 mm. and the left side was off 10 mm with me in the car. (This isn’t much, BTW.) Now all of the 4 sensors are zeroed out. I see this as a great feature for those that use different springs that change the ride height. Worth doing regardless just as a learning experience.

Initial impressions:

Overall, this product has way more potential than my current skill/knowledge level. It works as advertised as far as I can tell. I didn’t have time to do a real road test, but a quick drive around the neighborhood was promising. And while the changes are subtle, they can be distinguished, at least in tour mode via “butt feel”. I do want to spend more time with this unit to get past any placebo effect before I come to any final conclusion on its worth. But, so far, so good.

I will say that DSC is doing a great job supporting this product, but the written/video directions leave a little bit to be desired. I guess I would rather have them spend time developing the product than revising the website all of the time. I will also say that when you call, they will respond quickly.

I’m glad I made this purchase. Very pricey, but I expect it will get me where I want to be with this vehicle with some fiddling. I’ll be adding 1LE sway bars in the near future and possibly new springs later on. This controller should make these upgrades easier to dial in and more functional.

[Atomic Ed]

I'll add one other comment. As one other person found, you should check the connector pins before installing. I found one pin that wasn't seated properly. A gentle pull with a needle nose pliers set the wayward pin.

[Paully104]

@atomic, I ended up asking for a refund on my controller due to my having constant pin issues. I even had them send me a unit to swap with and followed several different instructions to try and fix the issue. If you are driving and get a suspension notification can you call and let them know? I really think there's a design issue as I was able to swap back to stock and have no issue with the pins.

[Atomic Ed]

I did find one pin that wasn't set in the connector at all. A gentle pull with needle nose pliers set it. Because of this, I checked every pin. The rest were ok.

[Paully104]

I also used needle nose pliers to ensure the pins we're flush and encountered the issue. It may be an issue that only I have but just wanted to make you aware.

[Atomic Ed]

Thanks Paully for the heads up on this and I will call you if I get any codes set.

After a week of use, I've had no issues with the unit. But I'll keep an eye out for them.

[Atomic Ed]

Just thought I would throw up an update on the DSC controller. I've had it installed for about 6 weeks now and driving with it daily; It's definitely a thumbs up!

There's been two firmware updates since my first install and they uploaded without a hitch. The calibration file was also updated in conjunction with the last firmware update to take advantage of the refined velocity function. What I'm appreciating about this unit is that due to the high interest by the Corvette community, the Camaro software benefits also since the firmware and calibration file share a lot on common code. When the Corvette gets an update, we get an update.

As for the overall ride, the best descriptor was from my S.O. We went out for a ride in the Tour mode last Sunday and her comment was "Looks like the suspension is finally broken in." (Haven't told her about the DSC controller yet.) I also think I can tell the difference, but have been reserved on my comments due to the possibility of a placebo effect. I've tried to use a vibration app on my phone to measure the differences ride quality, but that effort didn't work out well.

That same Sunday, I went driving through a set of twisties with the S.O. in Track mode and had to cut it short due to car sickness on her part. So no real feedback from her on the Track mode....We'll, I guess you could call my S.O's reaction an obtuse endorsement.

Zero issues with CELs or warnings. Using the ride height adjustment feature let me reset the MRC sensors to zero to account for the extra weight up front with the SC. I'm ready to move forward to installing the 1LE suspension kit now knowing I can tune in the controller for the new spring rates.

It's not a "huge" change since the MRC/FE3 suspension is pretty good on it's own. But it is noticeable. Spirited driving (by myself) through a familiar set of twisties feels more confidence inspiring. Can't wait to get the 1LE kit on and give it a go as a package.