Can You Feel The Horsepower?

[DPViper]

As I consider additional modifications to increase horsepower, I wonder how much of an HP increase you need to really notice an improvement in performance? Some options are expensive for what you get. I have installed a K&N filter, Corsa catback and LW flywheel and I think the car is quicker/faster. I already have 3.55 gears (great SOTP improvement). I am not really concerned about the dyno #s as much as the SOTP feel and performance at the track. As an example, DC Performance has a computer upgrade that will add 30 hp and headers might give me 20 or 25 hp. Would I really notice a performance improvement with these hp increases? I know a Paxton is a great option, and VERY noticeable, but I'm not ready for that yet. Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

Are you having any traction issues with the 3.55 gears and increased HP?

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I've heard some say 100hp for SOTP, but I think you can feel it with much, much less HP. At the track if you are consistant any HP gain would result in quicker times.

 

[Fadi]

I might have asked this before, but is the SRT-10 quicker to redline in 4th with 3.55's vs the stock 3.07's? I think the redling in 4th with the 3.55's is 137 mph. Thanks

 

[DPViper]

I've heard some say 100hp for SOTP, but I think you can feel it with much, much less HP.

I've heard the same thing. If true, I am wasting my time picking up small amounts of HP from exhaust, intakes, and computers unless I'm only interested in "bragging rights". If I spend money on modifications, I want to FEEL a improvement when I drive the car. I'd like to hear from others that have modified their cars. Thanks

 

[SylvanSRT]

you will feel smaller amounts of hp in conjunction with wieght reductions along with improvements in handling

light flywheel 19 lbs
corsa 15
sidwinder
wheels 34 lbs

 

[Racer Robbie]

I just got done with Rick's ( Yelloh )2004 Viper. It was in my shop for the whole performance treatment that can be see at the link below. You should contact him at [email protected] as he has a lot of insite as to how his car performed before it came to our shop and after. Feel free to email him. our web site is http://www.members.aol.com/AtroRacingTeam/PRODUCTS/AtRoRacingsProductCatalog

 

[Fred(DrivingSchool)Kinder]

The Track Matters - performance modifications depends on what type of track Road Course or Drag Racing.

For Road Racing and general Viper driving pleasure take a few Skip Barber programs. Just look at the range of times at Viper Days events. Knowing how to drive can improve the average(consider that we owners do not likely consider ourselves average) owner lap times by more seconds than adding 500 hp. After a few driving schools the changes to the car are as follow:

First - Brake fluid (Motul), add a roll bar as a minimum, five point restraints, Fire suppression equipment, Racing clothing(suit, gloves, shoes, etc), Practice at open track events - Viper Days by far the best open track event. Take more Skip Barber programs(Racing programs, Car Control Clinics, Lapping Days, etc.) as needed or wanted.

Second - Replace street tires with Slicks Biggest time improvement if you know how to drive. IMHO

To take advantage of the slicks added grip, change brake pads to racing pads, Align of wheel for the track.

Want better times continue to practice and look at mods that do not have major reliability impact. (headers, high flow cats, ported and polished heads, bigger valves, etc.)

SOTP fee vs actual performance are not necessarily equal. Lower gear ratio means more shifting for both Drag and road racing = loss of time and opportunity to: lose traction easier under power, miss a shift and unbalance the car. Have owned five Vipers of which I changed to 3:55's in my first coupe(2nd Viper) and never again as long as they continue to have massive torque.

For Drag Racing practice, practice, practice.

 

[onerareviper]

A lot depends on how familar you are with the car. I've driven my Viper about 20K now, and I can feel minor changes. For example, I can tell the increase in performance when using stock cats, to high-flow, to no cats.

 

[Racer Robbie]

Fred's advice is right on the money for someone who wants to race their Viper. I could not have said it any better. Money & Hp do not win races, handling, chassis setup, and experience behind the wheel does.

 

[Viper X]

DPViper,

You will "feel" both of those gains.