Magnetic Fluid Shocks

[exwestracer]

Post #1 specifically asked about this technology being available to (or from) the aftermarket. It has been, for a lot more than 1500 a corner.



None of us said that no one should try to adapt a system from the OEM to a different vehicle. Selling them as a package isn't the same thing...

[Kenny]

Post #1 specifically asked about this technology being available to (or from) the aftermarket. It has been, for a lot more than 1500 a corner.

None of us said that no one should try to adapt a system from the OEM to a different vehicle. Selling them as a package isn't the same thing...

I agree. I don't think that particular aftermarket system is monetarily sane or that well executed. This may be exclusive to me, but as I near the age of dirt, gizmos that adjust my car are very welcome in the right application. Rolling under a car, or removing shocks to adjust them has made me weary.

The opposition of others to the AWD project I'm working on, especially when electric assist power steering and carbon brakes are mentioned, may be bringing about some hyper-sensitivity.

[bret]

The biggest challenge to MR shocks for the aftermarket is not the hardware. The hardware, or at least a basic version of it, it already in place with units already being used on the ZR1 Corvette, the CTS V Caddilac, and several other high end cars. Creating other model specific units is a fabrication excercise.
The biggest challenge is in programming the units to act and react as you need and expect them to. This is a project along the line of an electronic fuel injection system. It is also a challenge that will be met, likley sooner than later.
In the late 80's and early 90's, aftermarket fuel injection was in its infancy. The systems started out as very basic units that the customer could control via a group of potentiometers and then some crude programming. I suspect that this is how electronic suspensions will progress. The bonus now is that computing power is way advanced over 1990, so progress will come faster.

Shocks [or the purchase of] will not make your car faster. They WILL, however, make your car more stable and predictable so YOU can learn how to drive better and faster. MR technology will do for suspension what EFI did for engines...it will put power into the hands of those who did not have it before.
With all the resources put toward aftermarket EFI, remember that there are a great many new carbuetors still sold in the world. So it will be with electronic shocks.
It is an exciting time to be in the suspension industry!

For those who are still wondering...yes, we are working with Magnetrheological style shocks right now, I have a set on one of my cars. No, I have no idea when anything will be released, nor any price point. Yes, I expect they will start out expensive. No, I do not expect the technology to become mainstream for quite some time. Yes, I think this technology [or something similar] will be magic...in the hands of the right tuner.
Hmmm...sounds just like every other groundbreaking product, no?

[ace_xp2]

I can see where it would be nice with air ride, I would think being able to match the progressiveness of the spring would be a big gain.