Viper Exchange Active/Dynamic Suspension – My Take (Street Only)

[Rapidrezults]

Viper Exchange Active Suspension – My Take (Street Only)

Even though I have a new car coming, I couldn’t resist the temptation to try these new dampers out. I’ve been intrigued by the technology since the first introduction and write-up by Ben Keating. I was initially a bit hesitant to be one of the first to test them out, however, after closely following some of the feedback by Ralph G., Andy and Wayne, I decided I might as well join the party. Thanks to a little help from Andy to convince me that I can keep them for the ACR(changing springs of course), I decided to give them a try on the TA since I have the seat time to compare. This may be somewhat of a long-winded review, but I wanted to be as comprehensive as possible for someone considering dropping close to 7k for a new suspension.

Unboxing

The dampers look to be of very high quality, and the first thing you notice is how much lighter they are than the stock dampers. Reducing weight anywhere can never be a bad thing. They are made with Swift Springs, some of the best springs in the industry. From my research, they have some of the best reaction times in a spring, among many other advantages, which ultimately helps the tire grip the road better. While it’s probably an often-overlooked part on the car, every little bit adds up when we’re talking about grip. Anyone interested in reading more about these can go here: http://www.swiftsprings.net/tech/advantage.html

Installation

I decided to attempt the install myself (with the help of a friend), since I will need to remove them in a relative short time frame. I figured I could save some money and familiarize myself with the process for future swaps and testing. There were no directions for install; however, it was a very straightforward process. Much easier than one would expect. If you can change your oil and turn a socket, you should have no problem installing a set of these. The DSC controller (brain) is installed in place of the stock unit located in the trunk next to the battery. While I won’t go into detail of the install process in this thread, anyone that might be contemplating this and has questions, feel free to PM me. There are a few tricks I learned along the way that might make it easier for you.

Ride Height Adjustment

The dampers did need adjustment to be consistent with a car lowered by VE lowering caps and proper ride height. 6 turns up in the back, and 1 turn down in the front. A very simple process and the collars adjust with relative ease. Having forgone the lowering caps before, I must say the car looks so much better at this height, even though half an inch doesn’t seem like much.


The Ralph & Ben Tunes (not an mp3 list)

There are currently two standard tunes available for the suspension. The “Ralph” tune and the “Ben” tune. Obviously, the names refer to the testing and tuning done by the respective parties. This is quite a respectable choice of starting tunes. While a stock Viper suspension is predominantly the product of a “Erich Heuschele” tune, we now have additional options to choose from. How cool is it that we can drive a car tuned to the way some of the most respected (and fastest) names in the Viper community expect for their cars to behave. Both on the street and on the track. We can also switch back and forth between them too? Awesome. Maybe we'll have a Randy tune soon...

My DSC controller came pre-programmed with the latest and greatest Ralph tune. Ralph had the pleasure of spending a day tweaking and tuning the setup with Michael Levitas of TPC racing at Pitt Race. Andy has posted details in a previous thread including a video link of Ralph's impressions. The technical differences I cannot yet explain in detail, however I can tell you they are distinctly different in their approach. I would classify the Ralph tune as softer overall in Track Mode and stiffer overall in Street Mode. Quite the opposite exists for the Ben tune…. much softer in Street Mode and much stiffer in Track mode, thus a bigger discernable difference. I had the pleasure of trying both.


First Driving Impression

The Ralph Tune -

I am going to use Lehman’s terms to describe my feeling of the suspension as best I can. Pulling out of my driveway I could immediately notice there was a difference. As you would expect, the car just felt different. When I got out onto the road, I could detect a sensation of smoothness, but it was somewhat subtle to my expectation. Driving more, I realized that the jarring effect previously felt on stock suspension was much less noticeable. The steering input felt smoother, and more linear. The car felt better, I will not dispute that. However, as I said, subtle to my expectation.

I called Andy the next day, and he proceeded to explain the differences in the Ben and Ralph tunes. Since I was only testing this for street use, I wanted the softest possible street ride with a dramatic, noticeable difference. Switching between the Street and Track modes on Ralph’s tune does not offer a distinct perceived difference. This is by design. On to the Ben tune…

The Ben Tune –

I flashed the DSC controller and loaded the Ben tune. The Ben tune is known to have very little damping at low G’s in the configuration tables. This sets the shocks to their softest possible setting for cruising and low speed. The difference was immediately perceptible. The car was not as responsive even though the steering felt lighter. I would use the term “floaty” even though this does not accurately describe the cars handling abilities in this mode. The sensation is somewhat deceiving, because the minute you put the car into a turn with some force you feel the suspension stiffen up and react. A really cool sensation to experience. While it is softer in almost every respect, there appears to be a bit more bounciness when hitting larger bumps. All other small road imperfections almost disappear. Switching to Track Mode offers an immediately discernable difference. Ben’s track mode stiffens up quite a bit, but I will dare to say still not as harsh as the stock TA’s track mode. There is smoothness to the suspension that is hard to describe, but it’s there in every mode.

Straight Line Traction

I don’t know what it is, but the car just hooks up hard in a straight line. Maybe it’s a false perception because I never focused on this before, but it feels really hard to break the tires loose. Even rolling in first gear and hitting the power band hard and abruptly does not break the tires loose on rough pavement. I don’t remember the car behaving this way with the stock suspension in first gear, especially on rough pavement.

The Best Part For Me

The absolute best quality so far that I have experienced with the suspension is the dreaded tail waggle is gone. I did some spirited back-roads high speed braking and the car just stays straight and flat. The dampers stiffen up the front and the dive is very minimal. With the stock suspension the car felt very sloppy under hard braking, probably the only thing I did not like about the car on the track.

Another noteworthy attribute I experienced today was cornering hard on an offramp in street mode. I could feel the outside wheels stiffen up while the inside wheels felt super soft. I have never experienced this in a car before and I must say it was pretty cool. I can only imagine how it might feel hitting rumble strips at the track with the inside wheels soft as to not upset the balance of the car. I can't wait...

Conclusion

All in all I can say with certainty that the car drives smoother on the street. Would I say it has removed the feeling that I am driving a Viper and has somehow transformed the car into something it is not? No. It still drives and acts like a Viper, albeit a more tamed version over bumps, but definitely still a Viper. The handling attributes are still being explored for me, and I only have a few days and probably less than a hundred miles on the suspension so far, so take it for what it is.

For me, the real test will be on the track. I primarily purchased these for the track, and this review only serves to describe what I have felt on the street. I will post a review once I get it on the track.

I hope this helps anyone interested in this suspension, at least for the street.

[SHADOWSNAKE]

Chris, this is a fantastic write-up; thanks for posting! This has made me even more convinced I should part with $7k. Do you anticipate getting the TA back to Laguna before you switch to your impending ACR?

- Rob

[Whitey]

Great write up Chris. This is definitely on my "things to do" list. Question, have you driven enough on the street to have a preference between tunes?

[VENOM V]

Chris,

Great job on the write up! And thank you for being the guinea pig in NorCal. I too am very interested in this upgrade, and hearing your impressions on the street tell me I'd go for the Ben tune. When my ACR track beast arrives, my GTS will become my street machine for trips to wine country and weekend getaways with my lady. Softer is what I'm after, but with the ability to handle spirited driving from time to time.

I've got the perfect venue for you to try out your new suspension- Buttonwillow Raceway Oct. 17-18, complete with a Viper Club BBQ dinner at Willow Ranch Restaurant:

http://events.r20.constantcontact.co...jiv5k8d4429c82

I might also track at Laguna Nov 1, are you still going? Who knows, maybe in our ACRs if they arrive in time. Darius's, Lee's and my ACR are all now in G Chassis Status, do you know what your status is?

[ironpeddler]

Suspension is $7k?!?!?

[Rapidrezults]

Chris, this is a fantastic write-up; thanks for posting! This has made me even more convinced I should part with $7k. Do you anticipate getting the TA back to Laguna before you switch to your impending ACR?

- Rob

Good to hear from you! My plan is to try and get at least one Laguna day in before I take these off, but I am trying to make it work with my schedule and ACR delivery.

Great write up Chris. This is definitely on my "things to do" list. Question, have you driven enough on the street to have a preference between tunes?

As of right now, I have a slight edge to Ben's tune on the street, because I do like the extra comfort from the softness.

Chris,

Great job on the write up! And thank you for being the guinea pig in NorCal. I too am very interested in this upgrade, and hearing your impressions on the street tell me I'd go for the Ben tune. When my ACR track beast arrives, my GTS will become my street machine for trips to wine country and weekend getaways with my lady. Softer is what I'm after, but with the ability to handle spirited driving from time to time.

I've got the perfect venue for you to try out your new suspension- Buttonwillow Raceway Oct. 17-18, complete with a Viper Club BBQ dinner at Willow Ranch Restaurant:

http://events.r20.constantcontact.co...jiv5k8d4429c82

I might also track at Laguna Nov 1, are you still going? Who knows, maybe in our ACRs if they arrive in time. Darius's, Lee's and my ACR are all now in G Chassis Status, do you know what your status is?

Todd,

If you are ever in the Walnut Creek area give me a call and stop by. You're more than welcome to take the TA out for a spin and see how you like it. I'd be curious to get your impressions on it.

I am about 90% sure I will make the Buttonwillow event, just confirming one more scheduling change and then I'll book it! I am on the waiting list for TrackMasters and CFRA for the Nov 1st open sound day, however, I don't think I will get in. My car is in "E" status last I checked, I think it is slightly behind your cars because I made a last minute interior change that may have caused a delay.

-Chris

[VENOM V]

Todd,

If you are ever in the Walnut Creek area give me a call and stop by. You're more than welcome to take the TA out for a spin and see how you like it. I'd be curious to get your impressions on it.

I am about 90% sure I will make the Buttonwillow event, just confirming one more scheduling change and then I'll book it! I am on the waiting list for TrackMasters and CFRA for the Nov 1st open sound day, however, I don't think I will get in. My car is in "E" status last I checked, I think it is slightly behind your cars because I made a last minute interior change that may have caused a delay.

-Chris

My lady May lives in San Ramon, we should meet up for lunch one day and swap cars to compare. My only complaint on the GTS is that the street mode does seem unnecessarily stiff compared to other performance cars in the same league. Porsches, all the AMGs, even Corvettes have a decent ride on the street but are competent on the track (at least until the Z06 goes into limp mode, lol)

[mblgjr]

Been waiting for a review like this.

Sounds like there needs to be a baseline street file between the 2.

Also hard to quantify a feeling, but just from your description it seems as though the DSC system presents itself as a 20% improvement for overall street manners and likely an 80% improvement for overall track use (after seeing Waynes lap time improvements before/after).

No matter how you look at it; they're ultra high quality pieces with the best of today's technology integration.

For VIPER.

Glad it exists, look forward to trying one day.

[RedTanRT/10]

Chris, great write-up, they sound like a real nice set up. It would be great to take a quick ride and see.

Todd, just saw you guys are planing on a BW get together. It would be great to see you guys again as well as run BW. Hoping the dinner would be open to others, or let me know how much the dinner fee would be. A number of the SoCal guys are going to Willow Springs 10/3-10/4 for the West coast racing event, which is a bargain at $245 for 2 days. A few of us are going to Spring Mountain the weekend of 11/7-11/8.


If I can handle 3 weekends in 6 weeks, I'll definitely come to BW. Hope to see you both there. Best wishes, Mike

[KB Viper]

so are you sticking with the Ben tune? did you have to send the controller back to be re-flashed or did you buy a cable to plug in your laptop and change it yourself?

[FLATOUT]

so are you sticking with the Ben tune? did you have to send the controller back to be re-flashed or did you buy a cable to plug in your laptop and change it yourself?

This was what I was calling you about on Friday. I'll call you tomorrow. I'd like you to have both and I can quickly teach you how to flash either into your DSC.

[FLATOUT]

Excellent write up! I just spent 3 hours swapping between multiple tunes and combinations of Ben and Ralph's tunes.

Also Michael Levitas who has been a life long Porsche race driver just bought a TA from ViperExchange and took delivery yesterday. I'm sure he'll create an awesome file for us to run as well. I love the possibilities.

I also prefer the Ben race tune better but could definitely see a bumpy track liking Ralph's setup also.

On track days I'll load both of their track modes into the DSC and flip back and forth by pushing the dash buttons during the same session.

[KB Viper]

This was what I was calling you about on Friday. I'll call you tomorrow. I'd like you to have both and I can quickly teach you how to flash either into your DSC.

Awesome, I would like both tunes. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

[donk_316]

So theoretically could you do this in "stages"

Buy the controller and see a little increase in performance.
Buy the fronts and reap the benefits.
Then finish it off by buying the rears.

Easier pill to swallow than $7k usd all at once

[FLATOUT]

They're $6,700 so not quite 7k. A couple hundred more than the motion controls but you also get the DSC controller and the ability to do some really incredible things with the dampers, including keeping both your street mode and race mode.

I wouldnt want you to split the dampers up who knows what the car would do with dynamic shocks up front and static factory dampers in the rear. Could be dangerous.

Andy

So theoretically could you do this in "stages"

Buy the controller and see a little increase in performance.
Buy the fronts and reap the benefits.
Then finish it off by buying the rears.

Easier pill to swallow than $7k usd all at once

[Rapidrezults]

so are you sticking with the Ben tune? did you have to send the controller back to be re-flashed or did you buy a cable to plug in your laptop and change it yourself?

Yes, for now I'm sticking with the Ben tune...but will be doing some experimenting with Andy on different tunes. Also for the track I plan to set "street" mode to Ben's track tune and "track" mode to Ralph's track mode so I can alternate back and forth on the fly between both track specific tunes.

[allans]

Chris, Thanks for the write up. I'm wondering about the effect of changing your current springs ( don't know weight ) to ACR springs, which I believe are in the 600 front/ 1500 rear range . Have you any info on this? Best, Allan

[VENOM V]

Chris, great write-up, they sound like a real nice set up. It would be great to take a quick ride and see.

Todd, just saw you guys are planing on a BW get together. It would be great to see you guys again as well as run BW. Hoping the dinner would be open to others, or let me know how much the dinner fee would be. A number of the SoCal guys are going to Willow Springs 10/3-10/4 for the West coast racing event, which is a bargain at $245 for 2 days. A few of us are going to Spring Mountain the weekend of 11/7-11/8.


If I can handle 3 weekends in 6 weeks, I'll definitely come to BW. Hope to see you both there. Best wishes, Mike

Mike,

The dinner is open to all, and I'm working on getting an invite sent to all of SoCal and Central CA. Hope you can make it, it may be the last time that I track my GTS. ACR is due in October! If you can join us for dinner, register here...

http://events.r20.constantcontact.co...jiv5k8d4429c82

Also, registration just opened up for Nov 27 unlimited dB Laguna Seca. That one I am almost certainly gonna have my ACR, likely it's maiden track voyage. Sign up with NorCal Shelby Club. I'll get a dinner set up in a couple of weeks for that one too.