A couple days with Ralph and Ben and he was sold.

[FLATOUT]

So this will be sort of an intro thread and just an awesome Viper story thread. Micheal Levitas of TPC Racing (our partner in the new ViperExchange Dynamic Suspension Package), just bought his first Viper. Michael has been building, racing, and in bussiness with Porsche vehicles most of his life. As you can see in the pic he's about as die hard a Porsche fan as it comes. Along with his street Porsches he has a Porsche Cup car he races in Imsa and won the 24 hours of Daytona behind the wheel of his Porsche cup car with the same damper setup we run on our package albiet with a different spring rate.

Michael was with Ben Keating in Bens TA when they did the development of Bens race file at MSR Houston last year and just spent the day with Ralph in Storm at Pitt Race to create Ralphs new Race calibration. He loved the Viper so much after the suspension upgrade that he had to have one. So yeah how cool is that! Now we have another Daytona champ with a Gen V Viper that will create another great race tune for us to plug in and go racing with. Michael also plans to jump on the forums here and help discuss some of the finer points of the new system as we move forward.

On a personal note I have had a chance to spend a great deal of time talking and working with Michael and he's about as nice as they come and is really passionate about the Viper platform and what he thinks we can get out of it on these dampers.

So Welcome Michael Levitas to Viper Ownership and the VOA.

Andy Wheeler


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5786/21416413485_4512631cef_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yCuHAn)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/yCuHAn) by Andrew Wheeler (https://www.flickr.com/photos/125600825@N07/), on Flickr

[VENOM V]

Man that is cool! We are fortunate to have a guy like Michael help us sort out these Vipers and the upgrades that you guys have been engineering.

I will look forward to hopefully picking his brain on ACR set up as well. What is Viper Exchange's plans on the ACR specifically? I personally want to track it for a while with the OEM coilovers, and there are so many adjustments that you can make between the aero, hood vents, alignment, ride height, damping, Etc. Getting that combo just right will be my priority.

At some point I may also be interested in some upgrades such as dampers. I am sure that a bunch of of fellow track rats are too.

[Rapidrezults]

Well we all know the old saying..put your money where your mouth is, and indeed he did! So glad he bought a Viper, because we know how detailed he is in his calibration efforts. I can't wait to try a new and improved version of his tune. Awesome.

Nice color choice too.

If you're reading this Micheal, welcome to Viper land, you won't regret your purchase!

[swexlin]

Cool story! And a nice collection of cars there.

[Simms]

Very cool! Welcome aboard!

[Murpowa]

Great post Andy and welcome Michael. You own one hell of an American car

[Patgilm]

That garage is sick, especially the red one next to the Viper, talk about an appreciating asset!

I used to go to TPC back in the late 90's when they worked on my friend's Supra. Never met Michael himself but know a guy that still works for him. Michael is a legitimate genius.

[FLATOUT]

That garage is sick, especially the red one next to the Viper, talk about an appreciating asset!

I used to go to TPC back in the late 90's when they worked on my friend's Supra. Never met Michael himself but know a guy that still works for him. Michael is a legitimate genius.

Hey Pat! Yeah go figure TPC was in my backyard all those years I lived in Maryland.

[Eachey51]

Just a great story! exciting as well!

[allans]

I know his and his shop's reputation in the Porsche World and it is Top Notch. Welcome Michael. Best, Allan

[1ststrike]

Excited to see what he can do with the ACR extreme. Then I can add it to mine when they build it.

[FLATOUT]

Excited to see what he can do with the ACR extreme. Then I can add it to mine when they build it.

Ralph bought one and ViperExchange has 10 about to be delivered so we'll start playing with them soon.

[345s-bspinnin]

I am liking this trend. It would be sweet to see track specific tunes (for different trim levels) setup by these respectable gents. Thanks for sharing Andy.

[Viper Charmer]

Andy, Thanks so much for the intro on the Viper Forum. Vipers for me started in 2013 when Ben Keating joined TPCRacing to race in the GT3 cup. Needless to say Ben and I have become great friends, and being teammates we always had lots to talk about. One of Bens favorite subject was the Viper so it didn't take long to bring our engineer Doug out to read the CAN bits to see what the traffic looked like to our amazement it had all the ingredients of the Porsche it was a really high end car. I called Ben and told him no problem it can be done. Next day the shocks are at my door off Bens White TA. I ran them on our dyno I discussed with Ben the action I thought we should proceed with this included our damper partner Tractive they created a similar curve with a wider range than the Bilstein the car came with as well we chose a spring rate based on prior viper tests.
I flew down to Texas for the day I had never seen the car or a 5th gen Viper prior. I have to say shocked would be an understatement carbon bits everywhere attention to detail down to the rear hatch roof like a proper race car I knew the roll center was low. Then the engine completely blew me away I saw one stripped down it more resembled a complete race block nice rotating assembly look like Mahle pistons even it was amazing. I was given a tour through the chassis. Super rigid chassis Dodge really did it in a big way this was a plus 200k car they were selling for just over 100k. We went through a few valving iterations based on road tests but mostly track test data.
A few laps around MSR in Texas was the real proof. Lap times on Bens TA (original tires) by days end were on par with an earlier ACRX on slicks!!!!
I was in the garage shooting the breeze with one of the engineers from Dodge he was down for the day collecting some data and quizzed him about the car his response was so cliche its raw powerful muscular. To me that all sounded like the car was near perfect but not completely sorted. I told him right there in the garage you know you have a great car when a guy like me a dyed in the wool Porsche race car driver owner and street car enthusiast buys one. I left it at that. Ben drove lap after lap I was sorting data until by the middle of the day we were there car put power down form mid corner out never hinted turning back tire great entry it was a real car. I went for a lap with Ben riding right seat I have to tell you it was terrifying speeds were insane I did not finish the lap told him we have enough data.
We decided to make a short production run and get some feed back that is when I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Ralph.
We met at Pitt (great track truly good people go there youll love it) all I can say is what an experience he exudes the word Viper he lives it breaths it an absolute true car guy he truly loves the brand and the Viper. A heck of a driver as well good to great feedback we worked together for a few laps me gathering some data and changing a few things and man did it get good what a nice ride wow did it put down power holly cow loves soft springs did it put down power.
Ralph decided later in the day I needed to experience Storm. Ive never driven south coarse or a gen 5 Viper on track don't know if Ralph knew that. By the second lap the track and car came together. Reminded me of a cool version of Birmingham but it was slight loose on entry and exit when near 9/10ths.I came in we discussed it I made a change and went out for a few laps the car now flew away from a gt3 (that before seemed fast) that was on track and a few others like they were tied to a tree it loved the change and I found myself sliding the front all the way to the apex (tire barrier) and going full power from the middle out never squeaking the rear tire I was laughing this was rediculous it was the most fun ive had in a car since my GT3Cup that ive won many races in. Speeds were insane I swear the speedo was moving faster than the tach it was intoxicating. I came right in and got Ralph right into the car he had to experience what I was feeling it was the end of the day if he did not its possible no one would believe me it was that much better.
He came in after 4-5 laps with a passenger he was shocked I think it was way beyond even his expectations. Needless to say I jumped in my Jeep headed home true to my word called Viper Exchange and bought a 2014 TA number 11 then I called Randy Pobst and told him I may have been in the best street car ever Viper he cant wait to drive. I can only tell you thanks for the warm welcome and anything I can do to help anyone with chassis tuning or any feedback Im glad and happy to do so.
sorry for being so wordy its been exciting believe me I left plenty out!!!!

Michael Levitas
TPC Racing

2014 IMSA GT3 Challenge Gold Second Place
2013 IMSA GT3 Challenge Gold Champion
2006 Rolex 24 Hour Of Daytona Winner
2004 Grand Am Championship Team
8040 Washington Blvd.
Jessup, MD 20794
410 799 RACE (7223)

[KB Viper]

that's awesome news, i can't wait to run Michael's calibration with my VE dampeners!

[ViperSmith]

Andy, Thanks so much for the intro on the Viper Forum. Vipers for me started in 2013 when Ben Keating joined TPCRacing to race in the GT3 cup. Needless to say Ben and I have become great friends, and being teammates we always had lots to talk about. One of Bens favorite subject was the Viper so it didn't take long to bring our engineer Doug out to read the CAN bits to see what the traffic looked like to our amazement it had all the ingredients of the Porsche it was a really high end car. I called Ben and told him no problem it can be done. Next day the shocks are at my door off Bens White TA. I ran them on our dyno I discussed with Ben the action I thought we should proceed with this included our damper partner Tractive they created a similar curve with a wider range than the Bilstein the car came with as well we chose a spring rate based on prior viper tests.
I flew down to Texas for the day I had never seen the car or a 5th gen Viper prior. I have to say shocked would be an understatement carbon bits everywhere attention to detail down to the rear hatch roof like a proper race car I knew the roll center was low. Then the engine completely blew me away I saw one stripped down it more resembled a complete race block nice rotating assembly look like Mahle pistons even it was amazing. I was given a tour through the chassis. Super rigid chassis Dodge really did it in a big way this was a plus 200k car they were selling for just over 100k. We went through a few valving iterations based on road tests but mostly track test data.
A few laps around MSR in Texas was the real proof. Lap times on Bens TA (original tires) by days end were on par with an earlier ACRX on slicks!!!!
I was in the garage shooting the breeze with one of the engineers from Dodge he was down for the day collecting some data and quizzed him about the car his response was so cliche its raw powerful muscular. To me that all sounded like the car was near perfect but not completely sorted. I told him right there in the garage you know you have a great car when a guy like me a dyed in the wool Porsche race car driver owner and street car enthusiast buys one. I left it at that. Ben drove lap after lap I was sorting data until by the middle of the day we were there car put power down form mid corner out never hinted turning back tire great entry it was a real car. I went for a lap with Ben riding right seat I have to tell you it was terrifying speeds were insane I did not finish the lap told him we have enough data.
We decided to make a short production run and get some feed back that is when I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Ralph.
We met at Pitt (great track truly good people go there youll love it) all I can say is what an experience he exudes the word Viper he lives it breaths it an absolute true car guy he truly loves the brand and the Viper. A heck of a driver as well good to great feedback we worked together for a few laps me gathering some data and changing a few things and man did it get good what a nice ride wow did it put down power holly cow loves soft springs did it put down power.
Ralph decided later in the day I needed to experience Storm. Ive never driven south coarse or a gen 5 Viper on track don't know if Ralph knew that. By the second lap the track and car came together. Reminded me of a cool version of Birmingham but it was slight loose on entry and exit when near 9/10ths.I came in we discussed it I made a change and went out for a few laps the car now flew away from a gt3 (that before seemed fast) that was on track and a few others like they were tied to a tree it loved the change and I found myself sliding the front all the way to the apex (tire barrier) and going full power from the middle out never squeaking the rear tire I was laughing this was rediculous it was the most fun ive had in a car since my GT3Cup that ive won many races in. Speeds were insane I swear the speedo was moving faster than the tach it was intoxicating. I came right in and got Ralph right into the car he had to experience what I was feeling it was the end of the day if he did not its possible no one would believe me it was that much better.
He came in after 4-5 laps with a passenger he was shocked I think it was way beyond even his expectations. Needless to say I jumped in my Jeep headed home true to my word called Viper Exchange and bought a 2014 TA number 11 then I called Randy Pobst and told him I may have been in the best street car ever Viper he cant wait to drive. I can only tell you thanks for the warm welcome and anything I can do to help anyone with chassis tuning or any feedback Im glad and happy to do so.
sorry for being so wordy its been exciting believe me I left plenty out!!!!

Michael Levitas
TPC Racing

2014 IMSA GT3 Challenge Gold Second Place
2013 IMSA GT3 Challenge Gold Champion
2006 Rolex 24 Hour Of Daytona Winner
2004 Grand Am Championship Team
8040 Washington Blvd.
Jessup, MD 20794
410 799 RACE (7223)


Nice to see a local racer getting a Viper. We probably know some similar people in the MD Porsche racing world - the Buntings.

[Simms]

Andy, Thanks so much for the intro on the Viper Forum. Vipers for me started in 2013 when Ben Keating joined TPCRacing to race in the GT3 cup. Needless to say Ben and I have become great friends, and being teammates we always had lots to talk about. One of Bens favorite subject was the Viper so it didn't take long to bring our engineer Doug out to read the CAN bits to see what the traffic looked like to our amazement it had all the ingredients of the Porsche it was a really high end car. I called Ben and told him no problem it can be done. Next day the shocks are at my door off Bens White TA. I ran them on our dyno I discussed with Ben the action I thought we should proceed with this included our damper partner Tractive they created a similar curve with a wider range than the Bilstein the car came with as well we chose a spring rate based on prior viper tests.
I flew down to Texas for the day I had never seen the car or a 5th gen Viper prior. I have to say shocked would be an understatement carbon bits everywhere attention to detail down to the rear hatch roof like a proper race car I knew the roll center was low. Then the engine completely blew me away I saw one stripped down it more resembled a complete race block nice rotating assembly look like Mahle pistons even it was amazing. I was given a tour through the chassis. Super rigid chassis Dodge really did it in a big way this was a plus 200k car they were selling for just over 100k. We went through a few valving iterations based on road tests but mostly track test data.
A few laps around MSR in Texas was the real proof. Lap times on Bens TA (original tires) by days end were on par with an earlier ACRX on slicks!!!!
I was in the garage shooting the breeze with one of the engineers from Dodge he was down for the day collecting some data and quizzed him about the car his response was so cliche its raw powerful muscular. To me that all sounded like the car was near perfect but not completely sorted. I told him right there in the garage you know you have a great car when a guy like me a dyed in the wool Porsche race car driver owner and street car enthusiast buys one. I left it at that. Ben drove lap after lap I was sorting data until by the middle of the day we were there car put power down form mid corner out never hinted turning back tire great entry it was a real car. I went for a lap with Ben riding right seat I have to tell you it was terrifying speeds were insane I did not finish the lap told him we have enough data.
We decided to make a short production run and get some feed back that is when I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Ralph.
We met at Pitt (great track truly good people go there youll love it) all I can say is what an experience he exudes the word Viper he lives it breaths it an absolute true car guy he truly loves the brand and the Viper. A heck of a driver as well good to great feedback we worked together for a few laps me gathering some data and changing a few things and man did it get good what a nice ride wow did it put down power holly cow loves soft springs did it put down power.
Ralph decided later in the day I needed to experience Storm. Ive never driven south coarse or a gen 5 Viper on track don't know if Ralph knew that. By the second lap the track and car came together. Reminded me of a cool version of Birmingham but it was slight loose on entry and exit when near 9/10ths.I came in we discussed it I made a change and went out for a few laps the car now flew away from a gt3 (that before seemed fast) that was on track and a few others like they were tied to a tree it loved the change and I found myself sliding the front all the way to the apex (tire barrier) and going full power from the middle out never squeaking the rear tire I was laughing this was rediculous it was the most fun ive had in a car since my GT3Cup that ive won many races in. Speeds were insane I swear the speedo was moving faster than the tach it was intoxicating. I came right in and got Ralph right into the car he had to experience what I was feeling it was the end of the day if he did not its possible no one would believe me it was that much better.
He came in after 4-5 laps with a passenger he was shocked I think it was way beyond even his expectations. Needless to say I jumped in my Jeep headed home true to my word called Viper Exchange and bought a 2014 TA number 11 then I called Randy Pobst and told him I may have been in the best street car ever Viper he cant wait to drive. I can only tell you thanks for the warm welcome and anything I can do to help anyone with chassis tuning or any feedback Im glad and happy to do so.
sorry for being so wordy its been exciting believe me I left plenty out!!!!

Michael Levitas
TPC Racing

2014 IMSA GT3 Challenge Gold Second Place
2013 IMSA GT3 Challenge Gold Champion
2006 Rolex 24 Hour Of Daytona Winner
2004 Grand Am Championship Team
8040 Washington Blvd.
Jessup, MD 20794
410 799 RACE (7223)

That's it, I'm SOLD!!! Hahaha.

My home track is PittRace, you already did all the work.:)

So Michael, any chance you would race in a Viper one day?

[VENOM V]

Michael, I enjoyed reading your write up of your experience, getting to know and falling for the Viper. I have been tracking my Viper quite a bit for the last couple of years. It is bone-stock except for a track alignment and Hoosiers, and it is just a dream to track. I have tracked other cars such as the C6 Z06 and ZR1, a race-prepped 2013 Camaro with full aero, and my SCCA Mustang race car. I have never tracked a Porsche, but compared to the other cars, the Viper is just nirvana on the track. Just exceptional. I am dying to try the Viper Exchange damper package now after hearing your experience.

In October, I will take delivery of my 2016 Extreme ACR. My GTS will retire to street duty, and the ACR will now be the track beast. What are your plans on the ACR? Are you planning on working with Andy, Ben and team to fully sort that car out a damper package as well? Ideally, Viper Exchange would go so far as to recommend a complete set up including damper package, alignment, ride height and wing angle settings as a starting point for advanced drivers such as the many track rats that frequent this forum.

And just to plant a seed- I am helping organize Viper Tracks 2016, where we will have about 100 Vipers tracking somewhere here in CA. Still in the process of selecting the track, but it should be good! Perhaps Viper Exchange could come out and you could track with us. We had Erich Heuschele and Tommy Kendall track with us at Viper Tracks 2015, along with 78 Vipers. It was a lot of fun, and would be a great place to showcase Viper Exchange's packages- suspension, brakes, heads/cam, Etc.

Todd Solomon
Track Director
NorCal VOA

[Unorthodox]

That's awesome! Met him that day Bernie took me out and he's as good a guy as they come.

Michael

[TIME]

Michael - Welcome, great stuff. Thank you, for the write-up.
Todd - how do I get signed up for Viper Tracks 2016?

[FLATOUT]

I am liking this trend. It would be sweet to see track specific tunes (for different trim levels) setup by these respectable gents. Thanks for sharing Andy.

Anytime I'd love for you to drive my car with the dampers, really fun stuff.

[VENOM V]

Michael - Welcome, great stuff. Thank you, for the write-up.
Todd - how do I get signed up for Viper Tracks 2016?

We will reach out to everyone once the plan is made. Should be a blast! Spring Mountain is one of the candidate tracks but more likely one of the NorCal tracks.

[Simms]

And just to plant a seed- I am helping organize Viper Tracks 2016, where we will have about 100 Vipers tracking somewhere here in CA. Still in the process of selecting the track, but it should be good! Perhaps Viper Exchange could come out and you could track with us. We had Erich Heuschele and Tommy Kendall track with us at Viper Tracks 2015, along with 78 Vipers. It was a lot of fun, and would be a great place to showcase Viper Exchange's packages- suspension, brakes, heads/cam, Etc.

Todd Solomon
Track Director
NorCal VOA

That sounds awesome! Like Viper Days 2.0 for the west coast.

[Viper Charmer]

Marc was my teammate in the 2004 season in Grand Am nice people I'll have to go by his house and show him the Viper he and his Dad will love it

[Viper Charmer]

That's it, I'm SOLD!!! Hahaha.

My home track is PittRace, you already did all the work.:)

So Michael, any chance you would race in a Viper one day?

I would love to race a car with huge chassis and a torque band flatter than Kansas . That's my idea of a race car. Ben put me in

[Viper Charmer]

Michael, I enjoyed reading your write up of your experience, getting to know and falling for the Viper. I have been tracking my Viper quite a bit for the last couple of years. It is bone-stock except for a track alignment and Hoosiers, and it is just a dream to track. I have tracked other cars such as the C6 Z06 and ZR1, a race-prepped 2013 Camaro with full aero, and my SCCA Mustang race car. I have never tracked a Porsche, but compared to the other cars, the Viper is just nirvana on the track. Just exceptional. I am dying to try the Viper Exchange damper package now after hearing your experience.


In October, I will take delivery of my 2016 Extreme ACR. My GTS will retire to street duty, and the ACR will now be the track beast. What are your plans on the ACR? Are you planning on working with Andy, Ben and team to fully sort that car out a damper package as well? Ideally, Viper Exchange would go so far as to recommend a complete set up including damper package, alignment, ride height and wing angle settings as a starting point for advanced drivers such as the many track rats that frequent this forum.

And just to plant a seed- I am helping organize Viper Tracks 2016, where we will have about 100 Vipers tracking somewhere here in CA. Still in the process of selecting the track, but it should be good! Perhaps Viper Exchange could come out and you could track with us. We had Erich Heuschele and Tommy Kendall track with us at Viper Tracks 2015, along with 78 Vipers. It was a lot of fun, and would be a great place to showcase Viper Exchange's packages- suspension, brakes, heads/cam, Etc.

Todd Solomon
Track Director
NorCal VOA

Todd, I hate to say it but VE has the valving and spring rates complete for the ACR. We actually ran the rates on Bens TA to just tune pure mechanical grip add aero and you know the rest. I bet we will be able to trim a little aero out pick up the MPH and smash every track record set by a street car
Please let me know your event schedule I would like to join you for a few events I'll bring out my car. Anyone that needs help tuning the chassis I'm glad to help. As well ill be going through the geometry on my car . The rear geometry has as much tuning capability as my race car . Look forward to talking .

[Viper Charmer]

that's awesome news, i can't wait to run Michael's calibration with my VE dampeners!

Anytime I have a calibration I'd love to share it you'll be able to flash the cal file I hope soon to have a calabration section on my server . We can swap files and notes as well as setup details

[ACR]

Hey guys. Awesome to read all the suspension tuning that has been done. I have a 16' ACR Extreme on order and would love to hear your thoughts on setting it up. From what I read, SRT did a hell of a job with the stock dampers on the ACR and swapping them out may not be necessary.

[ViperSmith]

Marc was my teammate in the 2004 season in Grand Am nice people I'll have to go by his house and show him the Viper he and his Dad will love it

Small world! They are great family friends - George drove my 2013 and enjoyed it (I chased him in his MP4-12C!) - we own the farm right down the road off Old York in Monkton.

[FLATOUT]

Hey guys. Awesome to read all the suspension tuning that has been done. I have a 16' ACR Extreme on order and would love to hear your thoughts on setting it up. From what I read, SRT did a hell of a job with the stock dampers on the ACR and swapping them out may not be necessary.

The stockers will be good but not dynamic. I can't stress enough what a step forward this is. I had a TA customer come up to ViperExchange today to meet me for lunch. I plugged into to his DSC on the way to lunch and tweaked his street setting a little. Very fun.

[Track Pack]

What an awesome post, thread and reply from Michael. Welcome to Viper ownership - congrats on all of the accomplishments. What a great testament to this car and its heritage!

[SSGNRDZ_28]

Welcome, Michael. You are obviously a great asset to have on board and it's awesome that you believe in the Viper enough to buy one! Looking forward to future developments with the system, it sounds very impressive so far and it's just getting started.

[bogdan]

Welcome Michael!

Congratulations on the Viper! You have a wonderful shop, and I'm happy you're now part of the Viper community as well. So... when can Vipers crash a Porsche party? ;)

[FLATOUT]

Welcome Michael!

Congratulations on the Viper! You have a wonderful shop, and I'm happy you're now part of the Viper community as well. So... when can Vipers crash a Porsche party? ;)

Nice having them local isn't it :)