SRT Engineering Chat HERE on June 21st!

GTLaser

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I have gone through 3 water pumps on my Gen II, is this ever going to be fixed with the plastic impeller design?

Also I notice a lot of threads about the Gen II running hot, between 200-225, is this normal?

Thanks and can't wait to see what you guys come up with next!!!!
 

ViperTony

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Question about the GenII PCM's: When power is disconnected to the PCM for a period of time in order to 'reset' it, what exactly becomes reset in the PCM? Adaptives? Short/Long Term fuel trims? What is the proper way to reset a GenII PCM? Thanks!
 

ViperTony

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Can SRT give an opinion regarding billet aluminum steering rack bushings on Gen3/4's. I've read on the VCA forum that the steering feel is increased and more precise, but one post stated they may be dangerous in that there is no "give" and may cause a steering failure if you hit a pothole at speed, etc.

What does SRT think of this modification from a safety viewpoint?

Thanks,
George

Please expand on this for GenII's as well. Thanks SRT!
 

JonB

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WELCOME

Do you mind sharing First names of your Pow-Pow? Or at least a HEADCOUNT? How much brainpower/HP we got?
 

Kevan

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I just went to change front brake pads on my 2005 Ram SRT-10 only to find that Centric had changed the pad. It now has less material than the original!!!

You must be registered for see images

TOP: new pad from Centric.
BOTTOM: Original pad.

When I asked about it, the vendor told me that DODGE had made the change in the D1085 pad design and Centric had followed suit.


Why on Earth would someone make the pad for a 5200 lb. vehicle capable of 160mph SMALLER?


BTW- the new ones also sit 'lower' in the caliper, so the top radius is no longer flush with the rotor.
That's probably a Centric thing, but I figured I'd throw it out there in case you guys changed the seating specs of it for some bizarre reason.
 

SRT Engineers

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It had previously been mentioned that a fix for the window regulator/ body module problem was in the works. That was quite some time ago. What happened? Why does the window regulation on my 2009 Challenger work flawlessly and the system on my 2006 Viper requires frequent attention. Was a different vendor used for the regulator/body module in the Viper?

A - There was a change made to the window regulator in the middle of the 2009 Model Year to improve the support and durability of the window regulator. It was the same vendor. The production part number for the updated regulator is 04865610-11AF.
 

SRT Engineers

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Is it recommeded that after a 6 months stroage period the engine oil be changed (it had 1500 miles of use )?

Do you think upgrading the spark plugs to high end after market expensive ones would yield any more power or mileage ?


Oil change intervals depend greatly on a lot of factors. For example, if you start your car and don't let the oil get good and hot to "boil off" the contaminates, you will need to change the oil frequently (every 6 months regardless of miles). On the other hand, if you never shut the engine down before getting it good and hot, your oil can last a long time, perhaps as long as a couple of years or 6000 miles! Good rule of thumb is once a year or 6000 miles with good synthetic oils.

Spark plugs don't make power! Save your money and buy oil! As long as the plugs are in good shape and igniting the mixture there’s little to be gained by using a different plug. The OEM's go through a lot of testing a validation so the plugs they had specified are the right plugs.
 

SRT Engineers

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Can you tell us what data is captured by on-board computers in the event of an air bag deployment in the Gen IV Viper? Also, is this data downloadable by insurance companies and/or law enforcement? I am assuming that the 2008-2010 models are the same. If there is a difference between the model years for data capture please describe those differences as well. Thanks!

2003 thru 2010 Model Years does collect limited amount of data that is available. Our airbag specialist is not available to discuss the details.
 

SRT Engineers

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Michelin has released a new Pilot Supersport tire. Do you know anything about them, and would you consider them to be a appropriate tire for our various generation Vipers? Any suggestions or concerns.

Also, as our Vipers get older, do you suggest any specific suspension maintenance to help keep the handling performance on a par to when they left the factory?

And let me be the first on this chat to say thanks to you engineers for the fantastic work that you have accomplished by making the Viper such a fantastic driving experience.

As you have leared with the Viper specific PS2 versus the regular PS2, just because two tires have the same model name and tread pattern, they are not necessarily the same. A non-Viper spec PS2 is a much more pedestrian supercar tire than the Viper spec units. All we know that we can tell you is what Michelin says in their advertising, that the new tire is stickier and more durable in track use. This seemed to be true at the 2011 One Lap of America. Tires, like cars, generally evolve to be better. But if they get too different, they can not be a good match to the suspension.

For suspension maintenance, owners need to be sure that the shocks are in good condition. If they don't leak, have compression damping, and have rebound damping you should be good. This is easy enough to check on the bench if you take the spring off. Also make sure all balljoints and tie rod ends front and rear as well as inner tierod pivots front and rear do not have lash. Finally, make sure the pivot bushings are in good condition with no reverted (overheated) or dried out rubber.
 

Kevan

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A - It's to offset the engine being on the passenger side.

Yes. Take a close look at your engine. It's slightly offset to the right side of the car.
I thought this was nuts.....so I went and measured.
Sure enough: the engine is a little more than 1" to the right. :)
 

SRT Engineers

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I was thinking of buying ACRx canards , will they make a difference in downforce ?My viper is a 09 ACR

Can i replace the rear battery heavy metal cover with a Carbon fiber one or is the metal one needed for crash protection?

Is it recommeded that after a 6 months stroage period the engine oil be changed (it had 1500 miles of use )?

Do you think upgrading the spark plugs to high end after market expensive ones would yield any more power or mileage ?

A-
1. Yes. The upper dive plane will improve downforce. Most drivers will not be able to discern the difference in downforce at the track, but professional drivers will go faster.
2. Yes. You can replace your steel battery cover with a carbon fiber panel. The Gen-IV ********* package includes a carbon fiber battery cover. Any replacement should match the design of the ********* package part.
3. Answered previously
4. Answered previously
 

SRT Engineers

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I hear that the ACR-X cars that have been running in the Viper Cup have been having clutch problems and most of them have been replaced. Is this a known defect with the tranny and will spill over to the production GEN IV cars?

thanks
Bruce

Bruce - The Viper Cup series has been a great test for the ACR-X and overall the car has held up extremely well. However, with the severe duty and in some cases, inexperienced drivers (celebrities) there have been a few clutch issues related to the duty cycle (not the transmission). None of these issues should be a problem for the street car or even a car that sees moderate track use. We have now allowed an aftermarket clutch for the Cup cars (see the other question on that one) that is better suited for the all-out racing environment and some but not all of the competitors have switched to that clutch.
 

SRT Engineers

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The gas tank capacity of the Gen IV was reduced to 16 gallons from the 19 in the Gen III. Why was that?

The Gen 2 was about 19 gallons. The Gen 3 was about 18 gallons, and the Gen 4 was 16+ gallons.

The capacity was changed due to packaging restrictions combined with evaporative emissions regulations. The details are quite boring.
 

Y2K5SRT

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While it has been asked 2.3 bajillion times, what is the BEST weight for oil in a street (not track) driven Viper, and is SRT now recommending something besides Mobil 1?
 

SRT Engineers

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It is my understanding that the 392 engine programming has an unprecedented number of protective algorithms in it. The Gen IV programming, to my knowledge, has not been cracked by any calibration house outside of SRT. Is this a trend to make more serious after market mods more difficult? If so, shouldn't Mopar step up to the plate with more available mods? I am not asking you to discuss new product - just your thoughts on the subject of Mopar offering more mods.

MOPAR is a separate entity, but we do endeavor to link with them. Evidence of that is the MOPAR controller for the 8.4L... It is very difficult to create a catalog of calibrations for various modifications, and we spend nearly all of our time on production and motorsports work.
 

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Is installing power adders like S/C, turbo or nitrous possible or impossible for GEN 4 vipers??

Do you have any plan or think about making a MOPAR s/C system or nitrous kit for GEN 4 vipers ??.since you know the 8.4 engine very well


thanks


Boy, you guys never give up do you! Installing a power adder to the Gen IV Viper is certainly possible but you will most likely need to replace the engine control system (which means a lot of calibration work!) along with the pistons and a few other odds and ends. The corporate and Federal requirements for an ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) system these days just does not lend itself to allowing significant changes in power or airflow - bottom line, very difficult for almost anyone these days!

There has been some discussion of a Mopar S/C package but don't look for anything soon!
 

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It depends on how fast you are at the track on your track days! Kidding aside, the ACR discs are the more robust setup as they dissipate heat better than the other 2 setups that you mention.
 

Bobpantax

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The 2010 went to a .8 5th gear but left the 6th gear at .5. Was that because of mileage needs? Cost? or both? I do not know whether you can answer this but can we expect a true six speed in the Gen V? FYI. I have an upgraded true six speed Gen IV transmission done by your former colleague (Mr. Donato). Shot ball peened parts, upgraded second gear synchro pack; somewhat tighter tolerances and .8 and .63 fifth and sixth gears, respectively. It is a much better piece in all driving contexts and has far less NGR even though I have the Woodhouse harder engine and tranny mounts.
 

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Question on body roll on race track.

I have a stock 2006 Dodge Coupe that I use for club lapping. It is a very reliable car as it. It has the stock suspension.

When I take a tight turn the rear of the Viper has some tendancy to lift. The full weight of the car is on the front out side wheel.

I have also a race BMW. When I take the same tight turn the weight of the car is on the rear, I can transfer the weight to the rear, BMW runs on 3 wheels ...
I can't do this with the Viper, there is not enough grip.

What can I do to reduce this weight transfer and body roll ?
What are the most cost effective solutions ?

You will actually increase the weight transfer with increased stiffness, not decrease it. The Viper is a very different vehicle than the BMW given the seating position, suspension architecture, and geometry. With the huge tire width difference front to rear, the Viper has significantly more roll stiffness at the rear to take advantage of that grip and have the car be balanced. This is why you feel the roll at the front. If you increase front roll stiffness to change the feel, you will pick up understeer. I don't think you will ever get the Viper to "feel" like your BMW, which to some of us, is a good thing. The BMW has more roll stiffness in the front than the rear. Is carrying the inside front wheel out of a turn a good thing? You won't be able to change the roll stiffness distribution on your Viper to be that way until you get the front and rear tires closer to the same width. The T1 spec Gen 3's ran with 315s front and rear and had a much more parallel setup stiffness wise. You are getting into a big tearup in your setup that will require Coilovers and extensive tuning as you will be starting mostly from scratch.

Note that the REALLY good drivers can drive anything and don't need a car to feel a certain way in order to cut good times. Thats a difference between the Pros and us amateurs :)
 

Bobpantax

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MOPAR is a separate entity, but we do endeavor to link with them. Evidence of that is the MOPAR controller for the 8.4L... It is very difficult to create a catalog of calibrations for various modifications, and we spend nearly all of our time on production and motorsports work.

Interesting. So Mopar does not have any in house calibration R&D people. I did not know this. I think there is some serious money being left on the table by Mopar.
 

SRT Engineers

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I have gone through 3 water pumps on my Gen II, is this ever going to be fixed with the plastic impeller design?

Also I notice a lot of threads about the Gen II running hot, between 200-225, is this normal?

Thanks and can't wait to see what you guys come up with next!!!!

We have not had any pump problems in the past. Based on what you mention, it would be a good idea to check your belt tension and alignment.
 

BAD BOYZZ GARAGE

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SRT,

Good to hear PENNZOIL as the Official Dodge Viper Cup series sponsor! Can you share with us the recommended oil specs (viscosities / class type) for the owners tracking their Viper's and on the ATF side are you switching from MOPAR to PENNZOIL ATF for the 6060's and please advise on correct class type as well?

Do you recommend any type of additives to the ATF under these most harsh conditions?


Thanks,

BAD BOYZZ GARAGE, INC.
Toddy

=DISTRIBUTORS OF POWER=:usa:
 

SRT Engineers

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Unfortunately the right answer is to repair the relay box/wiring and replace the relay. The controller is looking for the relay coil and is designed to optimize the fan control. Besides, the check engine light is a regulatory function and we can't bypass the system.

Hi, Ive been looking for a solution. I have 97 GTS B/W, I just bought it last year with 9,680 miles on it. Within my first 3weeks of ownership the engine fan relay melted and damaged the relay box in the corner where it goes. So I installed a roe fan timer to have an opperation engine fan. The thing I want to fix is without that relay (which can't be put back in) is the check engine light is on. I just want to get the engine light off.
What can I do? Fan works great, I just want that check engine light off.

Thanks
Victor
 

Bobpantax

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Has SRT tested the Giken differential? If so, what did you think of it? I had it put in and I am quite impressed with it. It is a very robust piece.
 

SRT Engineers

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There is talk of a new ACRX lightweight clutch and flywheel assembly that's been approved for the Dodge Viper Cup this season. Can you speak on this?

Is the clutch for race only and is there a more streetable version for us regular Viper owners who want the performance advantages while maintaining civility?

Thanks in advance,
George



TrackAire - As previously discussed, we have now allowed an aftermarket clutch for the ACR-X. This new clutch offered several benefits; it is significantly lighter (for better engine response and shift effort), has bonded metallic friction materials (for improved durability in severe duty) and is completely serviceable (unlike the production clutch). The clutch discs are not damped so it is however considerably noisier than the production clutch. There is a street version available that uses organic friction materials with damped hubs. Keep in mind, with the significant change in rotational inertia, the misfire detection system may false detect and you should always re-learn tooth error correction (the ACR-X had misfire system issues with the new clutch and we disabled the system for the race cars).
 

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