Suspension - air ride

[Getnlwr]

Okay guys... I am probably walking a line right now that doesn't appear to be widely accepted. I'm researching suspension, and in my past vehicles air ride was always what we went to. Adjustable heights, being able to drop low for fun, and raise it for clearance. The current issue is that I want to lower my car. However the driveway currently does not allow it. I can barely make it into my driveway stock.

I have no desire to ruin the sporting ability of this car and want to make it better, but I also want to remove that god awful fender gap that is above my tires.

Has anyone pushed the limits with air ride or short term adjustable suspension on a Viper with any success?

 

[Jance GTS]

I've seen in done on a Gen 3. I'm from the custom truck scene where everything has bags on it but I've never been a fan of them. That's just me though. It would be nice to have it on my Viper but i won't do it. I never did see pictures of the actual bags themselves. But I know it was legit.

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[Getnlwr]

I am from the truck scene as well. I've had two bagged trucks my self and bagged a couple cars and plenty of trucks for friends who wanted it done. Only one that sticks to me as an odd one was a Toyota Supra Turbo that I did. Thank you for posting the pictures. I like how it looks laid down. Curious how it rode.

 

[Jance GTS]

It probably rode pretty good being on air but I wouldn't want to push it to hard but I'm sure it wouldn't be any different than anything else on bags. It's just like anything, quality counts lol

 

[Will at RSI]

KW Suspension makes a coilover that lifts.

http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/kw_hls.php

They are crazy expensive though. If you are interested, give me a call.

 

[St.Char]

KW Suspension makes a coilover that lifts.

http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/kw_hls.php

They are crazy expensive though. If you are interested, give me a call.

Cool! Now that's crazy but just what I would like to have. Bet those are $$$

 

[Jance GTS]

Those are awesome! Didn't know they made such a thing.

 

[Getnlwr]

That's what I am looking for! at least someone makes it. I have a strange feeling they are STUPID expensive. Very nicely done setup, and I like the concept. Still though... wondering how hard it would be for an entrepreneur to make a conversion kit. I have a few ideas floating through my head. I just lack the capital to make it work.

 

[TrackAire]

Okay guys... I am probably walking a line right now that doesn't appear to be widely accepted. I'm researching suspension, and in my past vehicles air ride was always what we went to. Adjustable heights, being able to drop low for fun, and raise it for clearance. The current issue is that I want to lower my car. However the driveway currently does not allow it. I can barely make it into my driveway stock.

I have no desire to ruin the sporting ability of this car and want to make it better, but I also want to remove that god awful fender gap that is above my tires.

Has anyone pushed the limits with air ride or short term adjustable suspension on a Viper with any success?

I know the person that built the black car in front of the dealership. That car was from about 4 or 5 years ago IIRC, but with todays more modern valves, ride height sensors and controllers, I do think it would be a viable option. Car was for sale about 12 months ago....don't know if it sold or not by the current owner. A quality air ride may be less expensive than the hyper priced KW system.

George

 

[Jance GTS]

I know the person that built the black car in front of the dealership. That car was from about 4 or 5 years ago IIRC, but with todays more modern valves, ride height sensors and controllers, I do think it would be a viable option. Car was for sale about 12 months ago....don't know if it sold or not by the current owner. A quality air ride may be less expensive than the hyper priced KW system.

George

I remember when Steve first posted it on a custom truck forum. Those KW are stupid expensive around 9k for the front and rear shocks... You could definitely get one of the top of line air bag kits for a lot less and have more lift.

If I were going to bag a Viper I would probably use Ride Tech/shock wave bags and Accuair components.

 

[Getnlwr]

I had a bagged and laid out S10 for over 10 years, and through shows met a lot of the Severed Ties group. Air ride and it's parts are something I am totally comfortable with... on a slow & low truck. Bagged Viper... ? Concept scares the hell out of me if a bag or line goes to hell at 140mph on a track. Granted when I get the chance to do a track day, you just unbolt the ride tech, and bolt something else in. but if your doing the stoplight Grand Prix or the interstate at 70mph, things can go horribly wrong. I am really curious what the black viper used. My bet is on the 7000 series from RideTech, but I couldn't tell. The messed up thing it, I just want to be able to get additional clearance in the front. The idea of only putting air ride on the front is a little weird to me. I really like the KW system, but even the "upgrade" set for the front only is $3,600 or so. HOLY ****. I'm surprised someone hasn't figured out how to make this with with a modified version of the viper throw out bearing, and a small pump.

The lift issue and how much you can get is very limited by the style of the suspension that we have. The upper A arm will come too close to the air spring, and cause a few issues like busting when it contacts it. I think Steve got about as much lift as he safely could have. The mental wheel are rolling right now.

 

[Jance GTS]

This is from Steve's forum post.

"Yea its bagged FBSS 3/8 Big Red's 2 viair 450C's ART shock wavs, and remote autoride 7000 by ART"

Here are some more pictures of the car.

http://www.streetsource.com/Vehicles/23217/Info

It would be scary to blow a line or bag at any speed in a Viper LOL

 

[Getnlwr]

Ok, the 3/8Big red is still considered a premium valve, and the Viair 450's are still and awesome compressor. He used all premium parts all around. With our suspension it's already got a spot for ride height sensors that could be adapted for an automated control. I have been looking for pictures all over of this thing now, I need to see in the front and rear wheel wells with the tires off. I really want to see the clearances involved and how he used the rear forks over the drive axles.

I do miss having my bagged truck... but damn. This is tempting.

 

[Jance GTS]

Those are the only pictures I have ever seen but never any without the wheels or a picture of the install. It's definitely doable, just depends on how much you want to spend. Where are you located?

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I don't see it being any different from bagging a Vette...

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[Getnlwr]

I think I may have just found my answer... This guy is only 45 minutes away from me.
http://forums.viperclub.org/threads/609561-Variable-Ride-Height-suspension-system

Looks promising, and exactly what I am thinking. I am used to air ride and I still have a new Air Zenith compressor. All I need are 2 of the cups for the front, and a set of coil overs. I have the rest of the pieces for the air ride in the garage.