HELP...power upgrade questions...

[HHI VIPER]

Hey everyone! Since I am a new owner and member I may ask a few "BEGINNERS" questions about this car. I have a 2001 RT/10 stock with 50K miles and I need some opinions from the more experienced owners regarding power upgrade possibilities. More power can come later but I want to set it up properly. My goals "at this point" is not to build a race car so to speak but to build a more powerful Viper say in the 450-550 rwhp range while keeping it reliable. All knowledge and opinions will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[wigginz]

Everyone has a different opinion on this topic and everyone does it differently. Here's my take and the path I went down. What year Viper? Non-ABS years may want to do a brake upgrade as soon as possible especially if you plan to do a lot of track time. New tires will give you the most bang for the buck if you currently have older, harder tires. I had originals on my 2002 and a new set of Michelin PS2's made it feel like a completely different car; both in terms of ride and handling/acceleration. Beyond that, you might want to consider new spark plugs and wires depending on the mileage (it's a cheap upgrade). Most people's first major upgrade is exhaust both for sound and performance gains. You can do headers, high flow cats, and a cat back system but you don't have to do them all at once. You could expect about 30-40 rwhp and torque increase with a full exhaust upgrade depending on what you do and brands, etc.

Do a search on any of the topics I recommended, that should start you out nicely. Don't hesitate to ask questions here either, there's a TON of first hand experience on this board. To get to the numbers you mention (550 rwhp) you're going to have to do a lot of work and a lot of tuning... it's not a quick simple thing to do. Most likely you'll need it tuned by a professional shop and many more upgrades than I mentioned.

That's my 2 cents anyway.

You made an excellent choice in the Viper, in my opinion the best car you can buy if you plan to do a lot of track time. Welcome to the club too!

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

Buy an 08.

 

[RTTTTed]

What you want depends on how much money you wish to spend. It also depends on which year Viper you have.

My first upgrade would be HiFlow Cats and Cat back to give the V10 the chance to "rumble" and remove cabin heat. Then I would Roe supercharge with the slowest 5# pulley to get that hp you want and TONS of torque. If you've got a 96-99 GTS I'd go with more boost (and more hp). If you've got a Gen 3 then your superchargeryou choose (only 1) is a Paxton (stock torque but good hp).

Some people prefer normally aspirated although that way costs more money. N/A would need heads, exhaust, headers, rockers, air intake, cam, pistons, injectors, fuel/timing computer (or re-flash), etc.

Ted

 

[RTTTTed]

Although hp notwithstanding, I would also recommend brake upgrades depending on what year Viper you have. Lighweight rotors, 14" front brakes and a 40mm rear caliper piston upgrade if you have an older (>2000).

Stock speakers are also crap and the stereo is great once the speakers have been replaced.

1st Gen tires are junk and 3rd Gen runflats don't have much traction.

Ted

 

[RTTTTed]

For little money and big hp there's always Nitrous Oxide Injection.

Although hp notwithstanding, I would also recommend brake upgrades depending on what year Viper you have. Lighweight rotors, 14" front brakes and a 40mm rear caliper piston upgrade if you have an older (>2000).

Stock speakers are also crap and the stereo is great once the speakers have been replaced.

1st Gen tires are junk and 3rd Gen runflats don't have much traction.

Ted

 

[dave6666]

http://forums.viperclub.org/showthread.php?t=521912

 

[HHI VIPER]

Everyone has a different opinion on this topic and everyone does it differently. Here's my take and the path I went down. What year Viper? Non-ABS years may want to do a brake upgrade as soon as possible especially if you plan to do a lot of track time. New tires will give you the most bang for the buck if you currently have older, harder tires. I had originals on my 2002 and a new set of Michelin PS2's made it feel like a completely different car; both in terms of ride and handling/acceleration. Beyond that, you might want to consider new spark plugs and wires depending on the mileage (it's a cheap upgrade). Most people's first major upgrade is exhaust both for sound and performance gains. You can do headers, high flow cats, and a cat back system but you don't have to do them all at once. You could expect about 30-40 rwhp and torque increase with a full exhaust upgrade depending on what you do and brands, etc.

Do a search on any of the topics I recommended, that should start you out nicely. Don't hesitate to ask questions here either, there's a TON of first hand experience on this board. To get to the numbers you mention (550 rwhp) you're going to have to do a lot of work and a lot of tuning... it's not a quick simple thing to do. Most likely you'll need it tuned by a professional shop and many more upgrades than I mentioned.

That's my 2 cents anyway.

You made an excellent choice in the Viper, in my opinion the best car you can buy if you plan to do a lot of track time. Welcome to the club too!

Sorry...2001 RT/10

 

[HHI VIPER]

What you want depends on how much money you wish to spend. It also depends on which year Viper you have.

My first upgrade would be HiFlow Cats and Cat back to give the V10 the chance to "rumble" and remove cabin heat. Then I would Roe supercharge with the slowest 5# pulley to get that hp you want and TONS of torque. If you've got a 96-99 GTS I'd go with more boost (and more hp). If you've got a Gen 3 then your superchargeryou choose (only 1) is a Paxton (stock torque but good hp).

Some people prefer normally aspirated although that way costs more money. N/A would need heads, exhaust, headers, rockers, air intake, cam, pistons, injectors, fuel/timing computer (or re-flash), etc.

Ted

Stock 2001 RT/10 with 50K miles.

 

[HHI VIPER]

http://forums.viperclub.org/showthread.php?t=521912

Good info...thanks!

 

[Casey]

That kind of power is pretty easy to make these days.
The question is ask is HOW much power do you want to make in the end? And how do you plan on making it? Meaning, NA, TT, Nitrous, etc.

 

[HHI VIPER]

That kind of power is pretty easy to make these days.
The question is ask is HOW much power do you want to make in the end? And how do you plan on making it? Meaning, NA, TT, Nitrous, etc.

In the end is at this point questionable! Where is the end??? LOL I usually build then get used to the power then want more! Honestly, at this point I think I would like to not go too radical but to maintain a little reliability and drivabilty to the car. I would like to find that line eventually with putting enough "giggle factor" at the pedal. Nitrous...probably not as I believe I would have to build motor and I would pretty much want to leave it stock (mostly) for eventual long term value and originality. I supercharged a BMW, had a twin turbo 3rd Gen RX/7 both were built up to almost 400HP with reliabilty. So I believe if I eventually put in a supercharger or tubo with lower boost I would be where I would want to be with the "natural" output of this motor. I want to do it in steps so as to not repeat items where possible so any help will be appreciated. I would like to know some HP numbers if you could help with supercharging or tubo if possible or anybody else's help as well. Thanks for contributing as I am still learning here!!!

 

[Performance Junkie]

Stock Gen II car: 405 RWHP, 440 ft/lbs
Add filters & smooth tubes: $100-$200, 415 RWHP, 445 ft/lbs
Add catback 3" exhaust: $600 - $1500, 420 RWHP, 450 ft/lbs
Add high-flow 3" cats: $350 - $600, 425 RWHP, 455 ft/lbs
Add AL flywheel: $500, no dyno-visible gains but substantial power increase in 1st & 2nd gear.
Add headers: $1500 - $3200, 445 RWHP (435 RWHP for '00+ cars), 485 ft/lbs
Add T&D roller rockers: $1200, 460 RWHP (450 for '00+ cars, duration helps especially here), 490 ft/lbs
Add tuner heads: $3500 - $5500 (and up), 490 - 520 RWHP, 500 - 530 ft/lbs
Add ported / honed intake: $800+, 500 - 540 RWHP, 500-530 ft/lbs

Great info. Does the stock drive line handle this or are better Half shafts, U joints etc needed?

 

[dave6666]

Stock Gen II car: 405 RWHP, 440 ft/lbs
Add filters & smooth tubes: $100-$200, 415 RWHP, 445 ft/lbs
Add catback 3" exhaust: $600 - $1500, 420 RWHP, 450 ft/lbs
Add high-flow 3" cats: $350 - $600, 425 RWHP, 455 ft/lbs
Add AL flywheel: $500, no dyno-visible gains but substantial power increase in 1st & 2nd gear.
Add headers: $1500 - $3200, 445 RWHP (435 RWHP for '00+ cars), 485 ft/lbs
Add T&D roller rockers: $1200, 460 RWHP (450 for '00+ cars, duration helps especially here), 490 ft/lbs
Add tuner heads: $3500 - $5500 (and up), 490 - 520 RWHP, 500 - 530 ft/lbs
Add ported / honed intake: $800+, 500 - 540 RWHP, 500-530 ft/lbs

Great info. Does the stock drive line handle this or are better Half shafts, U joints etc needed?

Stock is fine even up to a mild S/C package. But you can always spend more...

 

[HHI VIPER]

Stock is fine even up to a mild S/C package. But you can always spend more...

What S/C and how much boost do you think without going to extremes? Thinking about B&B exhaust or...??? With high flow cats. Thanks for your input!!!!

 

[dave6666]

What S/C and how much boost do you think without going to extremes? Thinking about B&B exhaust or...??? With high flow cats. Thanks for your input!!!!

There are varying opinions on what "safe" is. Some will brag that their 900hp TT car is running all stock drive train and has 25K miles on it.

Good for them.

To get "normal" life out of the drive train - defined as 100K+ miles - you might want to stick in the 600 to 700 hp range if you want your parts to last a really long time.

If you drag race your stuff will break much faster due to shock loads at launch.

 

[Performance Junkie]

You can always spend more is for sure...
I have to say the Viper is a Performance guys dream. Such a fantastic platform to build from.
When I did my Vette I had do everything....just broke too easy...even had a firm, Van Steel make custom u joint straps cnc'd from one piece. Drill and tap new holes for larger bolts in the yoke... Had a half shaft break loose, come up through the floor and break the battery. In Vettes thats just behind the divers seat...not pretty.

 

[HHI VIPER]

There are varying opinions on what "safe" is. Some will brag that their 900hp TT car is running all stock drive train and has 25K miles on it.

Good for them.

To get "normal" life out of the drive train - defined as 100K+ miles - you might want to stick in the 600 to 700 hp range if you want your parts to last a really long time.

If you drag race your stuff will break much faster due to shock loads at launch.

What S/C brand options do I have and approx. cost? How should I set the car up exhaust, etc... without doing engine work if possible to obtain 600-700HP? That would be the range that would be all I think I would want and then some for now! Wouldn't high flow cats, exhaust, injectors and S/C get me close? Thanks!

 

[HHI VIPER]

You can always spend more is for sure...
I have to say the Viper is a Performance guys dream. Such a fantastic platform to build from.
When I did my Vette I had do everything....just broke too easy...even had a firm, Van Steel make custom u joint straps cnc'd from one piece. Drill and tap new holes for larger bolts in the yoke... Had a half shaft break loose, come up through the floor and break the battery. In Vettes thats just behind the divers seat...not pretty.

You almost got the shaft!!! LOL I feel the same...Vettes are a journay to build! My BMW was pretty stout mechanically. It was fun to build. Put her at about 375HP for under 10K. I am sure the Viper is going to run that and then some to punch up another 150-200 rwhp.

 

[RTTTTed]

If you've got a 96 - 99 Gen 2 engine you could instal a Roe sc with water/**** and 10# boost. Cost under $10,000 if you do it yourself and make 650rwhp even if everything else remains stock. Nitrous Oxide would make any Viper hp big numbers or break the engine (800rwhp). If you've got a 2000 or up you shouldn't run more than 6# boost - maybe 8 with water/****. That'll only run less than 600rwhp, but will be reliable. The Roe is only available for Gen 1 and 2 cars at this time. Gen 3's the Paxton is the only option, although since they don't increase the power much at lower rpms, they are safer for the engine.

Ted

 

[wigginz]

Everyone has a different opinion on this topic and everyone does it differently. Here's my take and the path I went down. What year Viper? Non-ABS years may want to do a brake upgrade as soon as possible especially if you plan to do a lot of track time. New tires will give you the most bang for the buck if you currently have older, harder tires. I had originals on my 2002 and a new set of Michelin PS2's made it feel like a completely different car; both in terms of ride and handling/acceleration. Beyond that, you might want to consider new spark plugs and wires depending on the mileage (it's a cheap upgrade). Most people's first major upgrade is exhaust both for sound and performance gains. You can do headers, high flow cats, and a cat back system but you don't have to do them all at once. You could expect about 30-40 rwhp and torque increase with a full exhaust upgrade depending on what you do and brands, etc.

Do a search on any of the topics I recommended, that should start you out nicely. Don't hesitate to ask questions here either, there's a TON of first hand experience on this board. To get to the numbers you mention (550 rwhp) you're going to have to do a lot of work and a lot of tuning... it's not a quick simple thing to do. Most likely you'll need it tuned by a professional shop and many more upgrades than I mentioned.

That's my 2 cents anyway.

You made an excellent choice in the Viper, in my opinion the best car you can buy if you plan to do a lot of track time. Welcome to the club too!

Yes, forgot to mention all my opinions are based on going the naturally aspirated route... I'm not the blower/tt type.

 

[HHI VIPER]

If you've got a 96 - 99 Gen 2 engine you could instal a Roe sc with water/**** and 10# boost. Cost under $10,000 if you do it yourself and make 650rwhp even if everything else remains stock. Nitrous Oxide would make any Viper hp big numbers or break the engine (800rwhp). If you've got a 2000 or up you shouldn't run more than 6# boost - maybe 8 with water/****. That'll only run less than 600rwhp, but will be reliable. The Roe is only available for Gen 1 and 2 cars at this time. Gen 3's the Paxton is the only option, although since they don't increase the power much at lower rpms, they are safer for the engine.

Ted

Thanks for the input. Kind of puts things in perspective a little better. 600 rwhp on a 2001 Gen 2 would be in the range I am looking at. Wouldn't I also want ot go with Hi Flo Cats and Exhaust? Or would this not be neccesary? Thanks again!!

 

[HHI VIPER]

Yes, forgot to mention all my opinions are based on going the naturally aspirated route... I'm not the blower/tt type.

Yeah...I don't think I would go TT. S/C probably after I set it up with the preliminaries. Although somebody had said to check out the "Squires" STS system but I don't know anything about them. Any info on Squires good or bad? By the way, thanks for the welcome! It's already been fun! Drive safe!