Will z95 shocks work with z55 system, any definitive answer?

[Doubeleive]

I am curious if anyone has a definitive answer as to whether the z95 mrc (magnetic ride control) shock will work on a z55 (bi-state shock) system, the connector and appearance are identical, the internals are were the differences are with the oil being controlled magnetically (mrc i.e. z95) versus electronic valves (bi-state, i.e. z55)
has anyone tried it? normally everyone wants to downgrade to non-mrc due to cost, but there are deals out there making it not that expensive.

 

[BADRIDES]

I have a set of Nivomat shocks for sale.

 

[Doubeleive]

I have a set of Nivomat shocks for sale.

ok, maybe you should post them up in the for sale section, I am asking about specific information in this thread, thanks

 

[BADRIDES]

ok, maybe you should post them up in the for sale section, I am asking about specific information in this thread, thanks

Ok Good luck with that

 

[Doubeleive]

Ok Good luck with that

thanks I am trying to find out if the z95 magnetic shocks will work on the z55 system by default (like just a better ride) or if the ride control module would have to be changed/re-programmed also

 

[petethepug]

I betcha Arnott over in Merritt Island would know.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[iamdub]

I don't know for sure. But, I'd bet that you'll need whatever controls the suspension- either that controller module and/or programming in the PCM and/or BCM. I'm sure the plug is similar because so many of GM's harnesses are somewhat universal across their trim levels and models and using the same connector across the board is just cost-effective.

Or, maybe the controller is already sending varying signals to the bi-state shocks but they can only respond with two stages.

 

[Doubeleive]

I don't know for sure. But, I'd bet that you'll need whatever controls the suspension- either that controller module and/or programming in the PCM and/or BCM. I'm sure the plug is similar because so many of GM's harnesses are somewhat universal across their trim levels and models and using the same connector across the board is just cost-effective.

Or, maybe the controller is already sending varying signals to the bi-state shocks but they can only respond with two stages.

Ya that's what I'm hoping for that they would just respond faster

 

[mikeyss]

I wonder if the springs are different with the MRC setup. I do have my doubts that the MRC voltages and such are the same as the bi-state valving. I would think to energize the MRC fluid vs working a valve would be completely different. My guess would be if you put MRC shocks on your Z55, the shock will just work as a normal shock but the fluid would not be energized and would feel like soup. I can not verify this, but I can't imagine GM would make it easy for Z55 upgrades to Z95 without some sort of hassle.

 

[Doubeleive]

I wonder if the springs are different with the MRC setup. I do have my doubts that the MRC voltages and such are the same as the bi-state valving. I would think to energize the MRC fluid vs working a valve would be completely different. My guess would be if you put MRC shocks on your Z55, the shock will just work as a normal shock but the fluid would not be energized and would feel like soup. I can not verify this, but I can't imagine GM would make it easy for Z55 upgrades to Z95 without some sort of hassle.

I might call arnott tomorrow and see what they say, I had the same thoughts, a lot of what if's, poked around on the internet but nothing out there regarding this, not even a "hey don't do this" or "I tried it and fried this" just nothing other then they are inherently different internally.

 

[Bugspray]

I might call arnott tomorrow and see what they say, I had the same thoughts, a lot of what if's, poked around on the internet but nothing out there regarding this, not even a "hey don't do this" or "I tried it and fried this" just nothing other then they are inherently different internally.

What did you find out? I'm on the same boat. I have z55 shocks but know a guy selling 2 new OEM shocks for a z95 setup for cheap!
I have been without a compressor for over 60k miles after it burnt out trying to fill up the bad shocks so my shocks have been shot for a while. I'm thinking maybe new z95s would be better than what I have now even if not hooked up

 

[Doubeleive]

What did you find out? I'm on the same boat. I have z55 shocks but know a guy selling 2 new OEM shocks for a z95 setup for cheap!
I have been without a compressor for over 60k miles after it burnt out trying to fill up the bad shocks so my shocks have been shot for a while. I'm thinking maybe new z95s would be better than what I have now even if not hooked up

never did find anything out, I would imagine either it will work or it will give an error, it's looking like the only way to find out is to try it, if the shocks are cheap enough I would maybe try it but check to be sure the electronic connector is at least the same before dropping any money otherwise no point of even trying. if you do go for it report back please

 

[mikeyss]

What module controls the Z55 and Z95 suspensions? I'm not talking about the levelling part of the system, but the actual commands sent to adjust the shock valves (Z55) or the shock fluid (Z95). I would think whatever module controls that could be swapped or programmed. But I'm sure GM wouldn't have made it that simple.

 

[Bugspray]

What module controls the Z55 and Z95 suspensions? I'm not talking about the levelling part of the system, but the actual commands sent to adjust the shock valves (Z55) or the shock fluid (Z95). I would think whatever module controls that could be swapped or programmed. But I'm sure GM wouldn't have made it that simple.

I'm confused.. so my compressor burnt up once the shocks started leaking. I noticed my ride quality didn't change much if any at all. I'ts been that way for the last 55k+ miles and I'm now at 197k miles and finally for the last 10k miles I noticed the front end seems really stiff I can really feel it in the steering wheel. So I guess I'm confused on how the rear shocks work. The air is basically only to keep the ride level correct not so much for it to ride smooth? So if I was to throw some brand new OEM z55 shocks in the rear I would definitely get a smoother ride with the absorber alone and not have to worry about the compressor? And is that the electronic part about them?

 

[Doubeleive]

I'm confused.. so my compressor burnt up once the shocks started leaking. I noticed my ride quality didn't change much if any at all. I'ts been that way for the last 55k+ miles and I'm now at 197k miles and finally for the last 10k miles I noticed the front end seems really stiff I can really feel it in the steering wheel. So I guess I'm confused on how the rear shocks work. The air is basically only to keep the ride level correct not so much for it to ride smooth? So if I was to throw some brand new OEM z55 shocks in the rear I would definitely get a smoother ride with the absorber alone and not have to worry about the compressor? And is that the electronic part about them?

well the rear shock/springs does do most of the work but the air portion helps a lot, you will want to replace the pump as well at least at some point so your not ruining brand new shocks.

 

[Doubeleive]

What module controls the Z55 and Z95 suspensions? I'm not talking about the levelling part of the system, but the actual commands sent to adjust the shock valves (Z55) or the shock fluid (Z95). I would think whatever module controls that could be swapped or programmed. But I'm sure GM wouldn't have made it that simple.

I was thinking the same thing, not sure how simple the swap would be, all i know is the tech2 will ask if the vehicle is equipped with z95 when running diagnostics

 

[Bugspray]

Yeah. I plan on selling it and upgrading to a 2016. I might go OEM shocks in the rear with a cheap compressor and do the suncore 151G-31-F in the front. I wonder how stiff the OEM z95 magnetic shocks come out the box lol. The guy is selling both rears for $300.

 

[Doubeleive]

Yeah. I plan on selling it and upgrading to a 2016. I might go OEM shocks in the rear with a cheap compressor and do the suncore 151G-31-F in the front. I wonder how stiff the OEM z95 magnetic shocks come out the box lol. The guy is selling both rears for $300.

that's not cheap. lol you can get brand new arnott's off rockauto for roughly the same price with lifetime warranty, they are $145 each plus a refundable $50 core as2708

 

[Bugspray]

that's not cheap. lol you can get brand new arnott's off rockauto for roughly the same price with lifetime warranty, they are $145 each plus a refundable $50 core as2708

Well I meant cheap as in each one cost him $400 at the dealership lol. I hear the Arnotts ride way too stiff.

 

[Doubeleive]

Well I meant cheap as in each one cost him $400 at the dealership lol. I hear the Arnotts ride way too stiff.

The arnott's ride fine, there just a refurbished oem shock