Track set-up for stock SRT-10 convertible

[Mamba Man]

I have a bone stock 2004 Mamba that I plan to take to an open track event at California Speedway. It's a combination high speed banked oval with a tight infield road course. Any help on tire pressures, alinement brakes etc?

Wayne Poe

 

[rcl4668]

I have a bone stock 2004 Mamba that I plan to take to an open track event at California Speedway. It's a combination high speed banked oval with a tight infield road course. Any help on tire pressures, alinement brakes etc?

Wayne Poe

I would:

1. Check to make sure that they will allow a convertible w/o a rollbar. Some events don't;

2. If you are cleared, I would bring your car in to your Viper tech to do a good tech inspection (hoses, belts, fluid levels, wheel bearings etc.). If you are emechanically inclined, you can do this yourself);

3. On my 2006 Viper, I used 30 psi rear and 34 psi front to dial out a little understeer.

4. Otherwise, the stock 2003-2006 Viper is a pretty fun/formidable track car right out of the box.

I would seriously consider getting a rollbar like the Autoform if you will be doing track days. When mine was installed on my 06 my Viper tech showed me the stock Viper roll hoops and they are basically thin, hollow aluminum tubes with a rubber coating around them. They are not really designed to withstand a rollover and the Dodge attorneys have done full disclosure by saying as much on the warning label on the door sill. Please protect yourself.

/Rich

 

[Paul Hawker]

You will need to get in touch with the event promoter. They will spell out exactly what you will need to run.

Some are very easy, and if your car is stock, you can run what you brung. Others require window nets, hard tops or roll hoops, fire extinguisers etc.

California Speedway is usually not too restrictive.

Have fun at the track. It is a hoot to storm around the oval and dive into the infield road course.

A tip. They usually have white square markers on the oval that marks the proper driving line for a single car. Keep your centerline on the squares, and your throttle foot steady. Watch yourself, and brake in plenty of time before cranking it down into the infield.

 

[Mamba Man]

I would:

1. Check to make sure that they will allow a convertible w/o a rollbar. Some events don't;

2. If you are cleared, I would bring your car in to your Viper tech to do a good tech inspection (hoses, belts, fluid levels, wheel bearings etc.). If you are emechanically inclined, you can do this yourself);

3. On my 2006 Viper, I used 30 psi rear and 34 psi front to dial out a little understeer.

4. Otherwise, the stock 2003-2006 Viper is a pretty fun/formidable track car right out of the box.

I would seriously consider getting a rollbar like the Autoform if you will be doing track days. When mine was installed on my 06 my Viper tech showed me the stock Viper roll hoops and they are basically thin, hollow aluminum tubes with a rubber coating around them. They are not really designed to withstand a rollover and the Dodge attorneys have done full disclosure by saying as much on the warning label on the door sill. Please protect yourself.

/Rich

Thanks. How do you feel about the run flats vs PS2's or Nitto Invos?

 

[rcl4668]

Thanks. How do you feel about the run flats vs PS2's or Nitto Invos?

Sorry, I have an 08 on order but haven't received it yet. As such, I have no experience with the PS2s on a Viper. (I do have them on my BMW M5 and they are by far the best all around wet/dry street tire I have ever purchased.)

I had a couple of HPDE events on my 2006 with the run flats and to be perfectly honest I thought they handled quite well. During one of my HPDE events Jon B of PartsRack took me out for some hot laps in his Gen II GTS blue pace car. The car was equipped with the Michelin run flats. Jon was driving at least 8/10ths if not higher and he noted that the run flats were actually quite capable, even for track days. I was impressed with Jon's driving as well as the capabilities of the run flats.

 

[ssnaked]

I first tracked my bone stock 06 at Homestead. It is a banked track that dives to an infield course. You will have a blast with the stock set up. Definitley do a careful nut an bolt before and after your event. Watch your tire pressure and make sure to check it after every run. I started at 33 in the front and 34 in the rear. I noticed some bounce coming off the bank into the infield. I then maintained pressure at 38 in the front and 40 in the rear (when hot) and found my best handling. I drove with a pro Viper racer who also drove my car to help me set it up. I strongly suggest if this is your first track experience you have someone in the car with you. Some track sponsors provide instructors. I suggest you find one with Viper experience. It may cost you an extra $500-$1,000 but he will help you set up your car and keep you out of the wall. Coming off a bank to a flat course is tricky the first time. Have fun!!

John
06 First Edition Coupe
05 Landrover
03 Janguar XJR
67 Mustang GTA Convertible

 

[DMan]

When I asked this question a while ago, several suggested getting the brake fluid changed to a really good fluid before hand.

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

I agree 100% that a change to a good DOT4 and a flush prior to running is a good idea. I would probably overfill the oil slightly also, and I agree with the gentleman's assessment of around 33-34 in front with only 30 or so in the back. Gets rid of some of the push and have not found high pressures in the rear beneficial for track events --- usually spike really high if there are alot of corners where the torque comes into play.

Take a couple of laps to get the run flats warmed up a bit, and they really are not bad at the track.

You might want to do a slight alignment ( street and track combo ) that would also help. Call Mark Jorgensen on Monday for some ideas on that ( 800 ) 889-1893