Gen 2 to Gen 4 Engine Modification

I am not an expert on the differences others may wish to chime in.
The crank stroke is greater on the later models. i.e. GEN 3 is a stroker when compared to the GEN 2. Same for the GEN 4. My engine is a standard GEN 2 crank.

Head air flow GEN 2 < GEN 3 < GEN 4

RPM GEN 2 < GEN 3 < GEN 4 the upgrade allows for GEN 4 RPM due to the more robust rockers & springs which allow for higher RPM

HP GEN 2 < GEN 3 < GEN 4

Throttle bodies:
GEN 2 dual bodies connected to pedal by cable
GEN 3 single body connected to pedal by cable
GEN 4 dual bodies connected electronically thru a wire to pedal (fly by wire)

The main bearings have been updated in my GEN 2 to allow for better oiling. This seems to be a fairly standard thing for all the viper engine builders to do. If your in there it is a no brainer.

I am hoping to get to 520HP+ Presently not exceeding 500HP which is disappointing. I have not had the budget or time to go to the dyno and have the tune worked on. 520RWHP SHOULD be doable.

The car has the GEN 4 fuel pump, larger diameter fuel lines, Bellanger headers and in theory plenty of air flow with the GEN 4 heads. I have my fingers crossed that with a little effort at the dyno the car will hit higher HP numbers. Unless there is an un-anticipated restriction in the fuel line (such as the after-market filter or pressure regulator) limiting fuel flow I am not sure what else could help.

 

Arrow installed a new cam since I have the old cam which I believe a stocker would be a 708 cam. Since the tune was updated I have not had the opportunity to take to the dyno to see if the numbers are any better.

 

The car has StopTech brakes and Penske shocks.

By the way, I have a set of the GEN 2 (ACR) Dynamic shocks if anyone is interested.

 

Some mods were necessary in terms of putting the GEN 4 pump into the GEN 2 basket. This included developing a transition piece to replace the regulator that is part of the GEN 2 basket (new regulator went into the engine bay). The GEN 4 pump does not have an integral back flow so that when the engine is warm you have to "charge" the fuel system by cycling the ignition. Backflow preventer is to be installed.

The GEN 4 fuel pump was a recommendation.... naturally I followed the advice provided. As noted above it is not a drop in for sure.

If there are some other items - I am open to suggestions....

 

Jason - I have over $1,500 in them which included getting them re-built. That said I would like to get them out of my garage.
e-mail is [email protected] this is not a primary e-mail for me. It will have to do since my account e-mail here is full.
Just post here when you send contact info. Pics are coming.

 

I ran the usual oil. However, the problems all started shortly after taking possession of the car.

The problems all rest with the previous owner. Water under the bridge at this point.
I inherited the problems.

I have extensively rebuilt this car with the intention of long term ownership.

To more directly answer your question: As I understand it the failure of the main bearings is generally a result of lack of oil.
The general enhancement to the bearings allowing greater oil appears to be a generally recognized practice so future problems should be mitigated. The stock oil pumps are sensitive to scoring of the aluminum housing. The main oil pump gears, I believe, are a harder metal but the housing being aluminum can be damaged and once damaged by any floating metal won't pump very well. I believe this to be the main failure mode. My opinion only.

Couple of other solutions/enhancements might be:
1. Dry Sump ($$$$$$)
2. Accusump (cost effective but not perfect - helps with pre oiling before starts and under surge/low oil pressure conditions; poor mans dry sump)
3. Swing arm oil pick-up (hoping someone like Arrow might produce one) doesn't currently exist.
4. Trap doors in oil pan around the oil pan pickup (I have installed in the larger oil pan) Aids in high "G" turns.
5. ACR oil filter adapter (Installed) Basically bypasses the oil filter under surge conditions.

 

I do not have the ability to upload pictures here. E-mail me if you want pictures here: [email protected]

I will list on e-bay shortly.

 

I can't comment directly with regard to your question since the car had upgraded heads that I sold before doing this. I can tell you that a friend (a real track rat) who previously owned a GEN 2 until recently was really impressed with the power the car put down and the seat of the pants feel.