MRC vs Standard Suspension

There are places where they have scarred the pavement (opened cracks wider) and added tar. I wonder if the mag ride would reduce the thumping over those cracks. When a lot of them it becomes very annoying in a stiff suspension
 
I knew my 2020 would not be tracked so I opted for the non Z51, but had my order been pushed into 2021 I would definitely had upgraded for the mag ride standalone ( low cost and expected big benefit). I have owned many sports cars, and have built several race cars, any extra money in suspension makes for a significantly faster race car.(Triple adjustable Penske with remote reservoir are sweet) That being said, I cannot believe how supple and compliant my base C8 is! The fact that is corners at around 1G with all seasons is nuts! Unless you are a really hardcore street driver, or planning on tracking your C8, it’s probably not needed. But for the low low price of around 2k, you probably would not regret it.
 

Moe, Essentially, Magnetic Ride Control uses accelerometers in the suspension to actively “read” the road and provide data to the ECU, which then adapts the damper settings on the fly for improved ride quality and performance.​

Why GM’s Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 System Is Better Than The Outgoing MRC 3.0​

Nearly every aspect of MRC 3.0 was reevaluated for the development MRC 4.0, the automaker says, including the accelerometer sensors, controller hardware, vehicle tuning and the dampers themselves. Some of the most notable changes include:

  • New wheel hub accelerometers that provide additional fluid and natural-feeling damping changes. These sensors are four times more responsive than the ones used in MRC 3.0.
  • The addition of an inertial measurement unit, which “provides more precise measurements of body motion, relative to the wheel, for more accurate readings under heavy braking, hard cornering and other driving conditions,”.
  • New secondary temperature maps, which enable engineers to compensate for changes in damper fluid temperature, contributing to more consistent damper performance – particularly during performance driving when the damper fluid may be under more stress and strain.
  • Addition of a magnetic flux control unit, which “creates a more consistent and more accurate transition between rebound and compression in the dampers, improving the system’s ability to sense and control vehicle body movement.”
  • Less damper friction, which has enabled engineers to tune for “more pronounced differences between drive modes.”
  • Various upgrades to hardware and software that allow the vehicle to remain more level as it transitions between corners.
  • New magnetorheological fluid formula reduces friction within the damper to contribute to smoother overall suspension damping. For 2021, customers will be able to add the magnetically-controlled dampers without having to tick the box for the Z51 package. This could be attractive for buyers who want the more refined ride and adjustable suspension that Magnetic Selective Ride Control brings, but may not benefit from other performance-focused add ons like Brembo brakes or an improved cooling system.
  • The primary benefits of Magnetic Ride Control are:
    • Highly precise
    • Extremely fast response
    • Low-velocity damping control
    • Ability to “draw” force-velocity curve
  • The end result is excellent chassis responsiveness, poise, and control that doesn’t sacrifice everyday ride quality or comfort.

    The electronically-controlled shock absorbers use a fluid infused with magnetized particles that respond to different driving conditions and speeds. Combined with the system’s sensors, Magnetic Ride Control is so precise that it reads road conditions every five milliseconds, thereby responding and reacting to each corner or bump in the road and automatically adjusting shock absorbers ten times faster than the blink of an eye.
Personally, I have driven Z51 C8's both with and without Magnetic Ride control and I ordered it for every one of my cars since I was invited years ago by the road and handling engineers to test out the original Mag ride system back in the C5. It allows you to select the performance of the track mode while at the same time enjoy the comfort of tour mode.
The system actually prevents the flying car mode by adjusting the suspension every inch of wheel travel at highway speeds to keep the tires planted when going over bumps as the video earlier in this thread shows. Murray is right, the more aggressively you drive the car, the more you notice it. Almost 11,000 people selected it along with the Z51 in 2020 and I haven't heard one complaint about it.
 
I think for Moepig777, his question back in June on the difference between the cars with and without MSRC have probably been answered.

Everything I have read about Magnetic Ride says it improves control and improves track times. Since I will be using car as a daily driver and not tracking will paying the extra $ 2,180 for MSRC be worth it? Thanks!

That’s the Million dollar question. I think you are corrected in assuming it will improve control and track times but whether or not it’s worth “$2,180.” for the way you will be using it… that’s something I think only you can answer. Some people know they’ll probably never test MSRC anywhere near it potential, but just love the technology, and must have it. They might also think the cost of this option is irrelevant and/or affordable, or small in comparison to the total cost of the car.
This is a very informative thread with some great links on the subject. Scour its content thoroughly (and research elsewhere) and I’m sure this decision will eventually come into focus for you. Good Luck.

Some other things I ponder. If cost is an issue in deciding wether or not to add the option, should one not take into consideration the longevity and upkeep on the system as well? I have no experience, but have read where those shocks leak and are expensive. (They were probably before the completely overhauled version 4 on the C8 though).

In everyday driving, could there ever be an emergency maneuver required that the MSRC could make the difference in keeping one safe?
 

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