Questions about SARC

[MtlSHO]

1. When exactly does the Semi-Active Ride Control module kick in?
2. How many levels of modulation are there, or is it on/off?
I know that the SARC can be set to full hard by puling out the fuse in the Power Distribution Box but…
3. Is there any danger to the module if this is done while the car is running?
4. Is it harmful to the struts to leave them in full hard all the time?

I’m asking these questions because I would like to replace the SARC fuse in the PDB with a relay/fuse and switch in the cockpit. In this manner, I can set the suspension to race mode at will.

I Know that the gains in performace will be minor, but the cool factor will be high!

 

[SHOMEX]

I am not an expert but my advise will be to put a switch to turn off and on the SARC system without losing your power steering.(removing the fuse)
also you could go hard mode on corners or curves just by pressing that switch. Thats how I have mine in both SHO's and I love that, before I did the fuse thing but it's not as good as a switch. You have to look on the rear right side of your rear seat.(thats were the sarc brain is) You will have to remove the black trunk cover like if you were to access the radio but on the opposite side and luck for a black box (sarc brain) splice the gray wire and put a switch werever you want, or ask SHO123 and he can explain better because I followed his instructions like two years ago for this mode.

 

[jimtash]

I think leaving the struts in hard mode will increase the wear on them and cause them to be replaced sooner then if you just left the system alone. And another thing you can expect will probably be more squeaks and rattles because of the harsher ride.

 

[SHOMEX]

Thats the purpose of a switch, you only put the system in hard mode when needed.

 

[wuzzzer]

1. When exactly does the Semi-Active Ride Control module kick in?
2. How many levels of modulation are there, or is it on/off?
I know that the SARC can be set to full hard by puling out the fuse in the Power Distribution Box but…
3. Is there any danger to the module if this is done while the car is running?
4. Is it harmful to the struts to leave them in full hard all the time?

I’m asking these questions because I would like to replace the SARC fuse in the PDB with a relay/fuse and switch in the cockpit. In this manner, I can set the suspension to race mode at will.

I Know that the gains in performace will be minor, but the cool factor will be high!

1) When a hard bump is hit, when you're cornering hard, if you slam on the brakes, if you mash the gas. There's many ways it activates
2) Only 2 positions: Soft/Hard
3) I've always made sure to pull the SARC fuse while the car is off. Since it also affects the power steering I felt more comfortable doing it while the car isn't running.
4) I've had my SARC fuse pulled for the past 4 years and don't have any negative effects from any suspension component or any other area in the car. I do usually put the fuse back in in the winter when I have my snow tires on. But as soon as my summer rims go on the SARC fuse is pulled.

If you check out www.v8sho.com they give a detailed rundown on how to install an in-car SARC switch. Also, I think is dependent on what year SHO you have, but it is possible to set the switch up so that the power steering assist still works so that the steering wheel isn't as hard to turn. I believe Paul Nimz (SHOZ123) has information on this.

 

[Silvapain]

If you want the struts to be in hard mode all the time, rather than pull the fuse I suggest you completely remove the front sensors. They have a tendancy to start clunking anyways, and removing them puts the struts on hard mode without affecting the power steering assist level at all.

 

[MtlSHO]

Fallow up question…
Is there a way to hook up a sort of status light to the SARC-Module that shows when the system is active?
I realise that pulling the fuse would void said status light.

 

[SHOZ123]

The system is always active. But it varies the outputs to the individual struts and to the PS. Seldom would you be at the 100% on or 100% off settings to use a status light on.

The PS assistance is related to speed while the strut action is governed by the ride height sensors and their rate of change.