New Viking active shocks

[Motorcitydak]

I was reading thru the latest PHR and the SEMA coverage, saw that Viking has this new Berserker ASM thing. Basically it looks like computer controlled suspension that adjusts itself 1000 times a second. Wish I knew more but that is mostly it. Anyone else have more info, cost or availability? I will not be needing shocks for probably a year but I really like to know the parts that my car will eventually have. I have planned on using ride tech triple adjustables but this may sway me

http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/viking-berserker-asm-active-shock-management-1

[Schwartz Performance]

Call them and ask. They're really nice and a pretty small company.
Last I heard, they were awaiting some real world testing and they were hoping to have some in stock by summer. They look like a pretty neat setup!

-Dale

[XTRMEASURES]

Hmmmm looks like a great idea.

[UMI Tech]

Also, check Viking's FB page. Chris (the President) has his Camaro in restoration right now. It will have this system on it...

[1966longroof]

When i got my 4 vikings last month....berserkers weren't ready, (they will be the cats meow). As dale said...give them a call. Who ever answers the phone will take the time to talk with you and answer your questions, or will put someone on that can. They may be a new company, but as most know...they bring alot of knowledge into it from there past ventures.

[Motorcitydak]

Going to call them tomorrow, will let everyone know what i learn
Probably will not be buying shocks for while tho

[Nothingface5384]

sounds really coolI wonder if you can also program settings, say a drag setting, auto-x/roadrace setting, cruise setting(stock boat ride) or simply leave it in auto-adjust?

[Nothingface5384]

boom
http://www.nmcadigital.com/2014/01/25/viking-performance-berserker-asm-shock/

vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMrK3CuZTkg

[Bryce]

They will be outlawed at goodguys next year.

[Motorcitydak]

outlawed like I cannot even participate with them on or just will not get points for doing it? I do not care about competing for a championship with this car

[tflyboy77]

I think that was supposed to be sarcasm. :)

[Motorcitydak]

Lol, o ok. I see what you did there Bryce....

Just got off the phone with them, very excited about this thing. System sounds awesome and tunable on the fly, data acquisition, etc...Should start to be available in April!

[XTRMEASURES]

Did they give you a price point on the unit????

[Motorcitydak]

Yeah, around $5k for the whole thing. That is a lot less than I was thinking

[XTRMEASURES]

thanks

[dhutton]

I think I need some of these to go on my AME IRS setup....:drool:

[Bryce]

I think I need some of these to go on my AME IRS setup....:drool:

Looks like I'm not the only sarcastic person here.

[dhutton]

Looks like I'm not the only sarcastic person here.

Busted... I have a 69 Camaro shell set aside for my final and hopefully best bucket list build. It would be great to use an AME IRS and their subframe on that build if I could afford it.

[Nothingface5384]

bump
I know they plan to offer a longer shock for those who are planning to do the coil-over extend a bracket from Globalwest and UMI Performance
Also will be around 3 cars or so tracking at the good guys event in Ohio

[mc84_zz4]

Here's one car that has them running.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jaXdVeTpgg
I would love to see/hear more of these.

[Motorcitydak]

Cool, thanks a lot for posting that. I was told by Viking that they had the systems on some cars for testing just did not know what ones or any further info

[studio57]

they still dont have those for sale, promised to send me some details of it but they never came.. it looks dawn nice

[BMR Sales]

I talk to someone at Viking on an almost daily basis. When these are closer to being ready, I'll give some updates.

[studio57]

I talk to someone at Viking on an almost daily basis. When these are closer to being ready, I'll give some updates.

COOL, i would like to buy those to my Charger.

[MCB Matt]

This is going to be the first of it's kind available to the general market. It is basically just like the GM Magride you see on Vette's and Escalades but more advanced as far as tuneability and data acq.

Chris has invested a lot into this system and is doing a lot of testing on it.

We are looking forward to the release of the system, I would like to run it on one of our cars as well, I have Magride on a few of my own cars now, it is pretty amazing technology!

Being able to adjust your shocks from your Smartphone will be very handy!

Matt

[mmosley]

So should we expect the system to be a product sold in Q1-2015, Q2-2015 or are we talking about 2016?

[MCB Matt]

Honestly, I would hate to even predict a date. A lot of things change for manufactures and challenges come up at the last minute. I am sure Chris wants this system on the market more than all of us combined, he has put a lot of effort into it.

Last I heard was by mid year, as soon as the kits are ready we will post a notification along with as much detail on the final production system as we can.

Thanks
Matt

[studio57]

This is going to be the first of it's kind available to the general market. It is basically just like the GM Magride you see on Vette's and Escalades but more advanced as far as tuneability and data acq.

Chris has invested a lot into this system and is doing a lot of testing on it.

We are looking forward to the release of the system, I would like to run it on one of our cars as well, I have Magride on a few of my own cars now, it is pretty amazing technology!

Being able to adjust your shocks from your Smartphone will be very handy!

Matt

they have the application done for it already? got any screenshots?

[MCB Matt]

All that I have seen of the system was at SEMA. The software was live on a laptop but not the app, it was mentioned. The hardware and software look to be top shelf and the R&D that is going into this system is the real deal.

I'm awaiting this kit anxiously!
Matt

[cmraman]

I was reading thru the latest PHR and the SEMA coverage, saw that Viking has this new Berserker ASM thing. Basically it looks like computer controlled suspension that adjusts itself 1000 times a second. Wish I knew more but that is mostly it. Anyone else have more info, cost or availability? I will not be needing shocks for probably a year but I really like to know the parts that my car will eventually have. I have planned on using ride tech triple adjustables but this may sway me

http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/viking-berserker-asm-active-shock-management-1


We have had the prototype system on my Olds for the past year. I can tell you that they are phenomenal. They calculate the dampening a 1000 times a second and as you get more aggressive, you can feel them change. Call Viking directly for more info on pricing and availability. They have great customer service. The Olds was featured on Big Muscle earlier this year and Mike Musto gives some great feedback on the system. Here's the video:

http://youtu.be/5jaXdVeTpgg

[studio57]

We have had the prototype system on my Olds for the past year. I can tell you that they are phenomenal. They calculate the dampening a 1000 times a second and as you get more aggressive, you can feel them change. Call Viking directly for more info on pricing and availability. They have great customer service. The Olds was featured on Big Muscle earlier this year and Mike Musto gives some great feedback on the system. Here's the video:

http://youtu.be/5jaXdVeTpgg

did saw the video when it was published and it got my attention ! i will contact them when im on that stages on my project and know tha actual weights on all corners. did you have presets from to choose from or how does it work? i would like to use it with the new motec engine managment so on different speeds the shocks would behave differently.

[cmraman]

did saw the video when it was published and it got my attention ! i will contact them when im on that stages on my project and know tha actual weights on all corners. did you have presets from to choose from or how does it work? i would like to use it with the new motec engine managment so on different speeds the shocks would behave differently.

They automatically change with feedback the car gives. There are travel sensors on each corner with their own computer all tied to the main computer in the car. They measure yaw, pitch and acceleration. The computer takes all this into account and changes the valving accordingly. You can get more info from Viking. The system is a stand alone.

[mmosley]

They automatically change with feedback the car gives. There are travel sensors on each corner with their own computer all tied to the main computer in the car. They measure yaw, pitch and acceleration. The computer takes all this into account and changes the valving accordingly. You can get more info from Viking. The system is a stand alone.

I was an engineer at the UT Center for Electromechanics 10 years ago when they were developing active suspension and testing in HMMVs, trucks, buses, and even a tank. The speed of the vehicle is inconsequential. The goal of the system is to keep the vehicle level and equalize the force seen at each corner (if the force is same the car stays level...) what matters is the yaw, pitch, and acceleration of the damper at each corner. The response is somewhat proportional to the rate of change... I am curious about the control strategy used by Viking, if it uses the same reference frame... purely academic interest really (my MSME was in dynamic systems and controls). If I get the chance I will ask them. The systems we were working on acted as a spring and damper, we controlled both, and you could go over a parking curb at 30 mph in a HMMV and not feel it in your seat. The goal of the program was to reduce vibration to the driver in order to reduce fatigue and to raise the effective load rating of the up-armored (heavier) vehicles. The tank program was on an electric hybrid British battle tank. Eliminating pitch when firing reduces the recovery and increases your firing rate. Let's just say I have seen some crazy stuff in the past and worked on stuff that will be mainstream someday... interesting but did not pay as well as what I do now.

Anyway, suffice it to say I am highly interested in putting one of these systems in my car. MCB Matt - we have done business in the past, feel free to contact me when these are available for my car for my payment.

[TheJDMan]

Matt,
I'm also interested in these shocks once they become available.

[MCB Matt]

Me too!! I have had and currently have a passive magride GM vehicle and it rides/handles way better than I thought it would based on previous versions I have owned with "autoride" which is NO comparison!

I will be sure to let you guys know once the kit's are ready to ship so you guys can get them installed and see what it's like to have a modern day computer controlled suspension system in a muscle car!

Matt

[DJW32]

This system sounds like something comparable to what Williams F1 ran back in the 90's. Very cool stuff

[MCB Matt]

Ok, I have an update on the systems. The kit's should be ready to ship by Mid February!!

They will not be released with the Smartphone app right now, it will come a little later. You will have access to the system through your Laptop computer and any updates to the system from Viking can be downloaded from them and uploaded right to the on-board computer!

I will post more technical data soon and in the mean time, if you guys that are interested in ordering a system through us wouldn't mind to send me a PM or email with your specs on your car, I will keep a list going and as soon as the kit's are ready to ship I will contact you with pricing and more details.

This will also give you a spot in line, this is not something Viking will stock hundreds and hundreds of at a time so if you would like to get a system in time for spring, the Mid Feb. run is perfect timing!

Thanks
Matt

[Motorcitydak]

Just a heads up here guys, I just took delivery of my system and am fitting it to the car right now! Beyond excited about it! Big thanks to MCB and Jake at Vi-King for helping me out here!!

[MCB Matt]

Just a heads up here guys, I just took delivery of my system and am fitting it to the car right now! Beyond excited about it! Big thanks to MCB and Jake at Vi-King for helping me out here!!

Very cool! Now we need install pics as you come along with it. I am sure Vi-King will work through anything you need them to with your car being such a unique build!

Thanks again for the business and I am glad you chose to use the latest tech available for our cars!
Matt

[raustinss]

Price range of these?

[MCB Matt]

Price range of these?

PM on the way.
Thanks
Matt

[68Cuda440]

Just a heads up here guys, I just took delivery of my system and am fitting it to the car right now! Beyond excited about it! Big thanks to MCB and Jake at Vi-King for helping me out here!!

Steve - I am very interested in seeing what the kit consists of and how it is integrated.

-Michael

[F-Body International]

Just found this thread. These electronic shocks look interesting.

All I need is AME IRS and these shocks...that was pretty funny.

[MCB Matt]

Maybe steve can post some shots of what he got but basically what you get is the 4 coil overs, 4 sensors to go at each wheel, a central computer and wiring to connect it together. It's a pretty basic install.

We are a direct AME distributor as well, we can put together a package for you, just let me know.

Matt

[68Cuda440]

Maybe steve can post some shots of what he got but basically what you get is the 4 coil overs, 4 sensors to go at each wheel, a central computer and wiring to connect it together. It's a pretty basic install.

We are a direct AME distributor as well, we can put together a package for you, just let me know.

Matt

Not interested in AME, just the Viking Beserker System. I have not seen any technical information on the system beyond the Sema videos. Each corner has a controller w/ accelerometer and what looks like a rotary position sensor. It sounds like the chassis controller has a multi-axis accelerometer to get pitch and roll info. They state that it has a steering position sensor, I'm curious how that is executed. I would like to know cost for the system and what modifications are needed.

[Motorcitydak]

Here is my rear shock setup going into the car, obviously I have a non-standard thing going on here but I will be happy to post the kit and everything that I got. I installed the shocks without the springs because you need to be able to cycle the suspension thru its range of motion so that the central computer knows the limits of its available travel reading that thru the wheel travel sensors that you can see here. The computer will tighten up the valving near the ends of travel and lock it out before doing any kind of damage. I will put up a pic of the steering wheel position sensor but that is essentially a toothed wheel that clamps onto the steering shaft after the column and a clamp that mounts the sensor off of the end of the column

Also pretty cool that the system comes with a thumb drive with info and VERY detailed install instructions

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/20151216_145216_zpsgvcmjabf-1.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/motorcitydak/media/20151216_145216_zpsgvcmjabf.jpg.html)

[68Cuda440]

I will put up a pic of the steering wheel position sensor but that is essentially a toothed wheel that clamps onto the steering shaft after the column and a clamp that mounts the sensor off of the end of the column

Also pretty cool that the system comes with a thumb drive with info and VERY detailed install instructions


Thanks Steve. I am interested in seeing how you tackle the wheel position sensor install. Overall sounds pretty cool. I really love the idea of putting this system on my car.

-Michael

[MCB Matt]

Steve pretty much covered the main systems. The install itself is not highly complicated. PM for some pricing and we can discuss the system further.

Thanks
Matt

[Motorcitydak]

Michael, because of my push rod systems my install is slightly different but not too much. You still would mount the sensors on your frame somewhere and the other end on a control arm. Just need to keep in mind they only can safely have a 2.75 inch sweep. The instructions include a template to check its travel and also a good formula to calculate where the mounts should go. You can see how I mounted the rear sensors in the above pic, here are the fronts done, pretty much the same idea

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSCF3333_zps8xzky0tk-1.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/motorcitydak/media/DSCF3333_zps8xzky0tk.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSCF3329_zpskaix2qah-1.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/motorcitydak/media/DSCF3329_zpskaix2qah.jpg.html)

Here is the steering position sensor as well as one of the wheel position sensors. You can see the clamp the mounts to a stationary place (most likely the steering column), the sensor that keys into the mount and it's depth is adjusted with the nuts then the toothed wheel that mounts to the steering shaft, it has a 1 inch inside diameter. There is no center tooth or anything on that, the system will determine when the steering in straight based on what it see's the position is most of the time.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSCF3322_zpsu3jouhlm-1.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/motorcitydak/media/DSCF3322_zpsu3jouhlm.jpg.html)

Each corner requires the shock (keep in mind that they are also offered in remote reservoir), a wheel position sensor and corner computer. The computer plugs into the sensor and shock, then a 4 wire cable connects to the central computer. The central computer will also require a vehicle speed sensor signal.

Also notable is that you can have the orientation of either your piggy-back reservoir or remote reservoir specified. My rear shocks have the piggy-back parallel to the shock mounting bolt, my fronts have the reservoir perpendicular each for packaging reasons.

The central computer
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSCF3319_zpshrdnhzbx-1.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/motorcitydak/media/DSCF3319_zpshrdnhzbx.jpg.html)

one of the 4 wheel computers
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSCF3321_zps9ec1bwfp-1.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/motorcitydak/media/DSCF3321_zps9ec1bwfp.jpg.html)

Also included in the kit is thrust bearings for each shock (allow the springs to twist and they cycle), spanner wrenches to adjust the perches, rod ends, nuts, bolts and all thread for the wheel position sensors, an indicator LED, 3 position rocker switch for the street/track/race selection and plenty of wiring and a relay to get it all done.

Their online catalog has plenty of good info on this kit as well. Also the guys at Vi-King are awesome, very knowledgable and helpful. They helped me pick my spring rates which are actually only 200# front and 150# rear. They recommended using such a soft spring because the shock system is so good and can do the work much better than way

Edit: from their catalog showing all that is included
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/Screen20Shot202015122020at2010090420AM_z-1.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/motorcitydak/media/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-20%20at%2010.09.04%20AM_zpspws2ssjp.jpg.html)

[Nicks67GTO]

So out of curiosity....how much are these?

[F-Body International]

So out of curiosity....how much are these?

Catalog is listing $5500

[Motorcitydak]

Get a price quote from MCB, they will be more than happy to help you out. Matt is really excited about this kit

[68Cuda440]

Michael, because of my push rod systems my install is slightly different but not too much. You still would mount the sensors on your frame somewhere and the other end on a control arm. Just need to keep in mind they only can safely have a 2.75 inch sweep. The instructions include a template to check its travel and also a good formula to calculate where the mounts should go. You can see how I mounted the rear sensors in the above pic, here are the fronts done, pretty much the same idea

Nice. Finding a location on the front off the control arm should be do-able. Rear will be more of a challenge, I will have to do something off the rear spring mount or rear sway bar. If I can't manage less than 2.75" why not make the arm longer? It is just rotary is it not?


Here is the steering position sensor as well as one of the wheel position sensors. You can see the clamp the mounts to a stationary place (most likely the steering column), the sensor that keys into the mount and it's depth is adjusted with the nuts then the toothed wheel that mounts to the steering shaft, it has a 1 inch inside diameter. There is no center tooth or anything on that, the system will determine when the steering in straight based on what it see's the position is most of the time.

I have an Ididit column, this should be pretty easy.


Also notable is that you can have the orientation of either your piggy-back reservoir or remote reservoir specified. My rear shocks have the piggy-back parallel to the shock mounting bolt, my fronts have the reservoir perpendicular each for packaging reasons.

I would probably have to do the remote reservoirs to make them work in my car without too many mods. I wonder if the lines to the reservoirs are long enough for me to put them behind the factory splash shields. Rear shocks would be easy, just put them in the trunk above the axle.


They helped me pick my spring rates which are actually only 200# front and 150# rear. They recommended using such a soft spring because the shock system is so good and can do the work much better than way

Spring rates are all relative, depends on your motion ratio. I have the "factory" style torsion bars, A-body, 1.12" which results in about a 300# wheel rate. That is not soft, but not terribly stiff either. Rear leafs are 200#. When the time comes I will talk to the Vi-king guys and get it sorted out. Swapping torsion bars and springs is cheap relative to the price of this system.

[Motorcitydak]

Looking over the wiring diagram again it does not show that a speed sensor is required. The master control unit has a spot for the wiring tho so I will have to talk to vi-king about this.

No doubt that if necessary you could increase the length of the arms on the wheel sensors. They have 3 holes on them now so you can just bolt an extension on to that.

I am not sure the length of the lines on the remote reservoir setup but in pictures in the install manual, they show it all assembled just the way you describe. Lines thru the inner fender and the assembly located inside the engine bay

[68Cuda440]

Looking over the wiring diagram again it does not show that a speed sensor is required. The master control unit has a spot for the wiring tho so I will have to talk to vi-king about this.

No doubt that if necessary you could increase the length of the arms on the wheel sensors. They have 3 holes on them now so you can just bolt an extension on to that.

I am not sure the length of the lines on the remote reservoir setup but in pictures in the install manual, they show it all assembled just the way you describe. Lines thru the inner fender and the assembly located inside the engine bay

I would assume the VSS output of my T-56 Magnum would work. I would also assume the impedance is high enough on the input that I can use the same feed to send a signal to the EFI controller and the ASM controller.

[CTX-SLPR]

I would assume the VSS output of my T-56 Magnum would work. I would also assume the impedance is high enough on the input that I can use the same feed to send a signal to the EFI controller and the ASM controller.Many GM OEM computers have a VSS output on them that you could probably tap into.

[MCB Matt]

Yes, you should be able to use the VSS output from the ECM. Otherwise, there are other options that many are running now like Dakota Digital or Autometers GPS speedo sender modules.

Sorry I haven't been able to post much data, Kim and I are out of the country on vacay with the kids for the holidays. We will be back in next week. Our crew is in the office all week though. PM me for a price on a kit, I have a limited amount I am giving a little extra love on!

Audios
Matt + Kim

[Motorcitydak]

Clarification from Vi-King about the VSS, at this time it is not needed and more oriented for drag racing, if there is an update that can make use of a speed sensor, my system will be updated and I can connect one at that time

[Motorcitydak]

To finish up the system install on my car, the steering position sensor was last. Here is the toothed wheel installed on the steering shaft

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/DSCF3344_zpsjeiijfmb-1.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/motorcitydak/media/DSCF3344_zpsjeiijfmb.jpg.html)

Because of the taper on the end of my column, I had to mount the sensor bracket further back then extend the bracket by 2 inches

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/DSCF3346_zpsjpbatgcp-1.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/motorcitydak/media/DSCF3346_zpsjpbatgcp.jpg.html)

After that then I just had to adjust the sensor to be a certain distance from the wheel without making contact. I'm still adjusting some things on the system with the very easy to use computer program for this system, really looking forward to putting this thing thru its paces

[MCB Matt]

Wow Steve, you aren't wasting any time on your install! It's nice to see you are getting everything in already! Keep us posted as you progress.

Happy New Year to everyone and feel free to PM or call to discuss a system for your car, this is obviously the most advanced suspension system available for our muscle cars to date! Very exciting product!

Thanks
Matt

[Bmf5150]

Any reviews on these systems?

[raustinss]

At twice the price ridetech just released their very of active suspension

[studio57]

Got mine few moths back, it looks fantastic but havent had time to install it yet.. Thank Matt for taken care this shock deal! i might buy a second kit after i have tested this one..

ridetech`s version seen to be high priced compare to Viking..

[Bmf5150]

How much does the Viking setup cost?

[studio57]

around 5.5k depending on the shock style

[MCB Matt]

How much does the Viking setup cost?

I just sent you a PM.

I don't have any reviews myself here... Viking has been running the system for years on their own Camaro. The last set we sold went to the UK and isn't on the car yet. Others prior are not on finished cars yet either!

Thanks
Matt

[Rod]

How much does the Viking setup cost?

what are you putting them on? I can work with you on install and any questions, I have them on my own shop car Plain Jane, and I am currently testing, I will keep everyone informed as we race this season!!