J-Rho autocrosses an SRT-10 in SCCA SS class

vipeuup

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Did a local event yesterday with a fresh limited slip in the car. The power-on behavior was much improved, with little to no wheelspin anywhere. Think I finally got the cocktail right.

Unfortunately the tires, rears especially, were at the end of their useful life, so the car wasn't as fast as it could be. Still, it worked admirably and was as much fun as ever.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN4kvVsQOnQ[/media]

That was a cool video. Have you thought about taking your viper out on a road course?
 
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j-rho

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I've thought about it - would need to do something about brake pads and ducting though. Safety is a little of a concern also in a car this fast. If I ever find myself with some extra tires to kill, maybe. I used to do a lot of track stuff in the S2000 days...
 
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j-rho

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Here's another video from a recent practice-
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDOEuuMlPbc[/media]

The car was understeering quite a bit, lots of slow corners on this course. Really getting geared up now for Nationals next month.
 
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j-rho

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Seems like the spider gears really take a beating in these diffs. I bought a "put in the car but not really used" used diff recently for good money, and this is how the spider gear looked.
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I should've just bought a brand new Hydra-Lok but ran out of time. I expect the tooth at 7:30 on the gears' face to end up looking like the dead one above.

With some luck maybe I can convince Dodge to do a tech bulletin, authorizing the '08's Visco-Lok as a superceded replacement part for the Hydra-Lok. Supposedly it bolts right in...
 

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J-Rho,

So if Dodge does a tech bulletin to make the 08' diff the replacement unit, does this mean SCCA will accept that and allow you to run the newer unit in your class?

So far I've only done one autocross in my 09', but I have to admit the stock diff worked very well:) After the nightmares of the Camaro Gov Lok in years past this was a welcome change.

Good Luck,
George
 
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j-rho

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Hi George,
Yep, that's the case. A lot of time manufacturers will issue TSBs or otherwise revise a given part to fix different problems that show up over the life of a car. They might authorize a special repair procedure, or specify a different part altogether. I can only use the later diff in my '04 if it is considered a standard factory replacement part. From everything I've heard from people that've autocrossed the newer cars first-hand, the new diff works just fine.

If anybody reading this is, or knows someone, on the inside of Dodge that might be able to get a TSB issued or otherwise help me out, that would be appreciated. I used to have a Honda S2000, and when a bunch of us started tearing our upper a-arm brackets off the frame (a common problem in the earlier cars), they were able to quickly issue a TSB allowing for a properly welded repair, so we could legally race our cars again. I thought that was a sign of great support for the racing community.
 
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j-rho

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With all this chatter about diffs, kinda neat to see one chattering in action. Watch the outside rear wheel from the :36 to :42 second mark in this cool high-speed-camera video:
PCA OC AX

This was from an OCR PCA event yesterday. Car worked great, loading it on the trailer tomorrow for the long tow from San Diego to Nebraska.
 
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j-rho

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Got home last night from Lincoln Nebraska.

The trip to Nationals this year had some ups and downs.

The Pro Solo got off to a slow start. The course was a lot of fun, but due to it being largely speed-maintenance gave an edge to the Lotus Elise. The lead Elise driver had a killer weekend and put down times nobody could catch. My codriver was in second place until final runs when he fell to fourth. When I ran later I coned away fourth and ended up out of the trophies.

With neither my codriver or I having a full 40 points going into the Pro Finale, we approached it mainly as a warmup for the real show, the Solo Championship. For this, I had a new set of A6's ready to go in 335/30-18 front and 345/30-19 rear. I hadn't tried this tire combination before but had high hopes - and guess what - the car was great! My codriver had to throw away his first run due to cold tires, but put in a good second run, only a couple tenths off the leader. I coned my first and second runs (need more practice to get used to the size of the car) and had to put in a very conservative third run to stay in the hunt. Even with a tiptoe around the course, I was only about two tenths slower than my codriver, good for fifth place and atill well within the hunt. We were making minor suspension adjustments between runs, and were starting to get it dialed in towards the end.

We spent some time Tuesday night cleaning OPR off the tires and making some minor toe changes. Everything was lined up for the Viper-friendly East course on Wednesday. With the car in 2nd and 5th, we both were in a good position to win, now with some runs on the new tire size under our belt.

And then it rained, and the whole trip was for nothing.

It didn't start raining before we started, which would have been OK as we had some great Kumho rain tires mounted and ready to go. No, it started pouring more or less in the middle of my codriver's second run. He still managed to keep second place, but by the time he came in (#75), there was nobody in a position to catch Tom Kotzian (#70), who ran on a dry-ish course just a few minutes earlier.

Hopefully the class makeup stays the same for next year and I get another shot at it. With a lot more practice in the car and a little more work on the car (Sidewinders, a lighter exhaust, and less fuel in the tank, maybe twisting somebody's arm for a diff TSB), I can probably make the car a bit faster too.

I'll try to get some pics and video up here. Pro Solo:
[media]http://www.gotcone.com/pgallery/images/2009_autocross/09_05-09_06_prosolo_finale/img_7243.jpg[/media]
[media]http://www.gotcone.com/pgallery/images/2009_autocross/09_05-09_06_prosolo_finale/img_7242.jpg[/media]
[media]http://www.gotcone.com/pgallery/images/2009_autocross/09_05-09_06_prosolo_finale/img_5273.jpg[/media]
[media]http://www.gotcone.com/pgallery/images/2009_autocross/09_05-09_06_prosolo_finale/img_7213.jpg[/media]
[media]http://www.gotcone.com/pgallery/images/2009_autocross/09_05-09_06_prosolo_finale/img_5234.jpg[/media]
Solo2:
[media]http://www.gotcone.com/pgallery/images/2009_scca_tirerack_solo_nationals/ss/img_9040.jpg[/media]

[media]http://www.gotcone.com/pgallery/images/2009_scca_tirerack_solo_nationals/ss/img_9041.jpg[/media]

While we didn't bring home a championship, I think it was pretty well proven the SRT-10 is a viable and competitive choice in SCCA Super Stock competition.
 
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j-rho

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Here are some video links to my runs 1, 2, and 3 on the West course.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOEZFNJ4pDk[/media]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Vt33XdAUQw[/media]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rjB1_tw5BI[/media]

On another note, since it looks like I'll be sticking around in Stock class, I have a few parts for sale somebody might be interested in.
Fidanza aluminum flywheel for Gen 3- used
Stock Gen 2 steel flywheel, used - received on accident
RT cats- Bought used (was quoted only about 100 miles on them), unused since. These are the later ones without the extra mount tab
Corsa exhaust - bought used, used lightly since

I can take pics of anything anyone is interested in.

On a related note, I am looking to purchase a complete stock cat-back exhaust system from somebody. May be able to work out a trade + cash for stock vs. Corsa with someone in So Cal in interested.
 
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j-rho

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First event of 2010 SCCA season, the San Diego National Tour, was this past weekend.

I thought I'd be clever and run the "SSM" class. This is a class for highly modified cars, but I saw in the entry list there weren't any top-flight efforts signed up, so I switched at the last minute. At National Tours, if you have enough people in a class, you can win free tires, and I figured I had a better chance there, than in ther regular Super Stock class, which is always very tough. Unfortunately for me, a great driver (2009 SCCA Solo Rookie of the Year Katy Nicholls) shows up at the last minute, in the 2009 Nats winning SM BMW.

I managed second place, so I get one free tire. But still, everything went pretty well - I left some time out there, but my times were still way ahead of the rest of Super Stock, in slightly inferior conditions on Saturday. Can't wait for the El Toro Pro Solo next weekend, will be running heads up in Super Stock from now on.

Saturday:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzpqPvmAy2Q[/media]

Sunday:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eine5yYwcpU[/media]

Car is a blast with 335s up front, it has never been better.
 
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j-rho

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Ended up third place in the El Toro Pro Solo. Just didn't drive as well as I needed to, the car was working really well. SS is one tough class!

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pI-pL6Ht9s[/media]
 
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j-rho

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I'm looking for a codriver for the 2010 Solo National Championships, held the first week of September in Lincoln, Nebraska. Codriver should get a couple test-n-tune runs in the days before the big event, the 3 runs each day in the big event. The car is super fast, super fun, and extremely competitive in its class.

As sole payment, I'll look for the codriver to provide/pay for 2 of the Hoosier A6 tires we'll need, totaling about $800. An exception would be if you'd like to buy the car from me, not really anxious to sell with the recent developments but might entertain a generous offer. The tires could be used as a deposit of sorts.

Email [email protected] if interested.
 

TrackAire

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Hey j-rho,

Have you picked up a Gen IV diff yet?..

I'll let a couple of Viper drivers up here in Norcal that are fast autocross guys know about your offer....$800.00 is the cheapest nationals anybody could ever dream of doing.

Good luck at Nationals.

Cheers,
George
 
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j-rho

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Hi George,
Parts are on their way from Woodhouse, should have them in by early next week.

Yep, this could be a real deal for someone. They still have to get themselves out there and pay for their hotel and stuff, but $800 to run a Viper that has a very good chance of winning the championship, without the hassle of transporting or preparing the car, sure seems like a great deal.
 
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j-rho

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Just wanted to send out a big thanks to people that have helped me out with the Viper in the last couple weeks. I've got a Divisional race this weekend and the car will be an all new animal thanks to these three-
1, Mark Jorgensen at Woodhouse. By helping plead my case to the SRT gang, he did me and all other stock-class Viper autocrossers a HUGE favor by helping to see the diff supercedence through. Then he got a fresh one shipped out to me, along with all the documentation I needed, right away, and for a good price.

2, Jeff Speer at Hoosier. I needed some fresh tires for this race and Jeff hooked me up by cutting through all the regular contingency paperwork red tape and getting the tires sent out here. Thanks to Jeff and to Hoosier for their great support of the sport!

3, Dave the Viper tech at Jack Powell Chrysler-Dodge in San Diego. Dave took time out of what was probably his lunch break, to mount new bearings on the new Visco-Lok, for no charge. Dave's actually been great over the past couple years in helping me keep my Viper in tip-top shape, by doing all the things I don't have the tools, or trust myself, to do :).
 
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j-rho

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Before the pics, I should mention the Visco-Lok I just took out actually looked pretty good. I bought it as part of a whole rearend/pumpkin from a super nice gentleman on this forum who promised he hadn't driven the car hard. He was sure right! Of the three Visco-Loks I've had apart, this one was the best looking in terms of wear on the internal gears. I attribute this to him having been truthful, and my use of good Redline synthetic diff fluid. The fluid I used heavily wore out the clutches in the one season I've had it in, but that is expected, and it clearly did a great job of protecting the diff on the hard impacts of launches it sees.

Now, a couple pics of the diff work tonight. First, the two side by side
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Gen 3 Dana Hyrdo-Lok on the left, Gen 4 GKN Visco-Lok on the right. Notice the Hydro-Lok has a single pair of spider gears. Though you can't tell in the pic, the Visco-Lok has two pair. The Hydro has a sort of split case, where the Visco is all one piece. They also have the internal gears and "pump" mechanisms on opposite ends.

GKN baby! You can kinda see the tabs of its clutch plates here.
You must be registered for see images attach


All put together, now I have to wait 24 hours (or at least till tomorrow night) for the gasket material to dry before filling with fluid. I can see why people are having a hard time getting the 2008+ stub axles out. With the Gen 4 stub axles there's no more C-clips like the Gen3 (no way to get to them), and the snap ring holding them in is a monster. I had to pound the bejeebers out of the shafts to get them in.
You must be registered for see images attach


Still have to get the tires mounted and the car all put back together by Saturday early am, should be a typical mad thrash tomorrow night and Friday.
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j-rho

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The SoCal Divisional last weekend was a success, a win in class. I didn't drive quite as well as I'd liked and the event didn't have the full caliber competition of a National SCCA event, but winning felt good nonetheless.

The diff work GREAT! No hint of wheelspin or inconsistency while out on course. Looking forward to a strong finish to the season, with this new ace up my sleeve.

Saturday video:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp5Jj2_lkW0[/media]

Sunday video:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH1iHn5yr5g[/media]

Incredible course for an autocross. Plenty of times I've felt silly for trying to autocross something as big and powerful as the Viper, on this course the car felt right at home.
 

TrackAire

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Nice runs Jason. Congrats on the win.

If allowed, do you think 3.55's would be the hot ticket for just staying in 2nd gear?

Cheers,
George
 
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j-rho

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Hi George,
In Stock class I can't change rear gear, and still can't change it one step up in Street Prepared.

3.07 is good for about 89mph in second, 3.33 should be good for around 82, and a 3.55, about 77. 77mph would be fine for 99% of courses, actually would have been a tiny bit short for that course though.

If I were to take a Viper to SSM (the lowest class where rear gear changes are allowed) I would probably go no higher than 3.33. Reason being, if I had the car in that class, it'd be built to make a whole lot more power than my Stock Gen 3. With a lot more oomph I wouldn't feel the need to use first gear, and the tall-ish gearing would make it a bit easier to drive overall.
 
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j-rho

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Come on Jason - you know you want to join ASP... :)

ASP would be a ton of fun but I see big $$$.

One thing I've learned, is not to get into a class where you aren't able, or can't afford, to do the car 100%. To do an ASP Viper right, you probably want an ACR to start, then you need another 15-20k in prep at a minimum. Sure, it would be sorta competitive with a lot less prep (esp. an ACR), but "sorta competitive" is not what I'm all about... :) plus the car would be too **** for the street with race seats and no AC.

I'm lobbying to get the Gen 4 ACR let into Stock in a few years, that would be more up my alley, could reuse all my existing parts too.
 
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j-rho

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Hmm, tires, shocks, swaybar, alignment, and now the diff all dialed in. Sounds like this car is ready to go!

Leave for Nationals in about 4 weeks. After that, I would be willing to part with the car. It's been a great three years.

If you're in the western half of the US and interested in a fully sorted Viper to autocross or just daily drive, let me know. Car has 13k miles, will be willing to let it go for a very reasonable price.
 
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j-rho

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Finished second in SS at the National Championships. A single mistake on the first day cost me the championship. The car was absolutely incredible - every aspect working together in flawless harmony. On index, my times were 13th out of 1200+ entrants.

Here's a couple videos:
Day 1:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHTyqM43HlI[/media]
Day 2:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvlCyiME_Pk[/media]

And so ends this chapter of my racing career. Car is already with its new owners in Texas. Perhaps I will get to add another Viper chapter at some point in the future. I'll sure miss it!
 

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:2tu:Congrats on your accomplishment!

Now that everything is said and done now, would you mind sharing the details of your chassis setup?:D

thanks
Steve A.
 
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j-rho

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Hi Steve,
There really isn't much to the setup that hasn't already been posted. Because I run in Stock class, the modification allowances are rather limited.

Alignment, front:
Camber: max negative (around -2)
Caster: max postive after setting camber (around 5.5)
Toe: 1/16" out
Rear:
Camber: -1.75
Toe: 1/8" in

I ran a 1.375"OD, .250" wall front swaybar I built myself using modular components from Speedway. Wheels were CCW SP16A, stock width with 1/4" less offset. Tires Hoosier A6 335/30-18 front, 345/30-19 rear, 34-35psi front, 24-25psi rear.

Shocks were custom 28-series Koni from ProPartsUSA. Valving specified by me. Rear shocks actually softer in rebound and compression than stock, while the the fronts were significantly stiffer, especially in rebound. The stock front shocks dyno'd 50lbs. of rebound force @3in/sec. My front shocks on their max setting did 600lbs. of rebound @3in/sec.

The last thing was I installed a brand new GKN Visco-Lok diff out of the 2008+ Vipers, thanks to Dodge having listened to my requests and issued a part supercedence for old cars to the new part. This allowed me to update my Gen3 car to the Gen4 diff even though there isn't any sort of explicit diff or update/backdate allowance in Stock. This made a huge difference and I am very thankful to SRT and Mark Jorgensen @Woodhouse for making that happen.
 

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