Gen 1 Head Work / Copper Head Gaskets?

[ROCKET62]

Unfortunately, winter is fast approaching Iowa. I am thinking about a winter project and thought that I may replace the head gaskets - no issues - but taking a proactive approach. Since the heads have to come off, it would only seem to make sense to have at least minimal work done to the heads.

Any suggestions with cost estimates? Don't want to break the bank. Have searched the archives and visited many sponsor sites and prices seem to range from $2-5K. What would a simple head rebuild with seal replacement / valve grind cost?

Also, there was a recent post about copper head gaskets (instead of being ***** by Chrysler for their design flaw) - any additonal thoughts and info appreciated!

Currently stock with 3:73 gears, 17,000 miles. Would love to add a ROE Supercharger, but not quite sure if I want to put money into the Gen 1 or move to an SRT.

Thanks!

 

[Bill B]

I will have dyno results from my heads this week. They were done by a friend of mine that does racing engines. Big valve and porting will cost about $2700.00.
If you want to talk to him: Call John at John's cages 954.763.3800
Robhook was working on a set of copper gaskets for the Gen 1 he should have some news soon.

 

[Bad_Byte]

While you're in there I'd probably replace the lifters with the newer design that I don't think bleeds down as bad. Especially if you're having any noise from them on start up as I was. They aren't that expensive and they are worth it IMHO.

Another thing to consider is the head bolts. Replacing them is a must as I understand it. Some are talking about ARP head studs but I'm not familiar with them.

Good luck, its a fun project.

 

[RobHook]

Rocket,

I was the one working on the copper head gaskets. After talking to several experts I found that standard copper head gaskets would require that grooves be machined into the heads or block of the Viper engine to accomodate an o-ring. This kinda eats up any price savings and gaurantees that you'd have to pull the engine and have it machined. Also, I think you'd be stuck with using copper head gaskets from then on.

Someone else mentioned a new copper head gasket that had a new sealing technology that would negate the need for the machined grooves. They were going to work on a prototype for GEN I Vipers but I haven't heard from them in several weeks. I'm a little leary of my car using a prototype as I will probably be selling it soon.

Now, what I think I've decided to do is have the job done by a Viper tech. This is mostly so I can prove that the work was done and done properly when I go to sell the car. Anyone who knows Vipers will want to see that this mod was done before they'd consider buying.

--Rob

 

[GTS Bruce]

You have a 93?A collector car,museum piece.Unmodify the looks,drive it,keep it.What would you want an SRT for except a daily driver. Bruce

 

[ROCKET62]

GTS Bruce - I bought my Viper to DRIVE IT and enjoy it. Nothing - and I mean nothing - puts a smile on my face like time behind the wheel of my Viper.

With the short season and the fact that the weather changes so rapidly here in Iowa, it would be nice to have a real top and windows like the SRT. Another possible option would be to go to a Gen 2 and add the hardtop that fits in the trunk - but I just love the side exhaust on my Gen 1.

Any other thoughts on head work?

Thanks!

 

[Bill B]

Rocket62, They canceled my dyno session today, I hope to go tomorrow.

 

[95Viper]

They make the gen1 hardtops that fit in trunk.
Jeff Lemke AP Engineering

 

[Joseph Dell]

RE: the copper headgaskets: I've had one on my blown DLM car for 2 years. Of course, Doug did o-ring the heads and put a receiver groove in the block. Put all that together and these heads ain't goin' nowhere. But the gaskets are gorgeous. I can't say enough good things about them.

And since I'm saying nice things, Greg Good did a heck of a job on my heads... I'll have fresh dyno numbers in a couple of weeks when I get back from traveling and get a chance to put some miles on the car. I'll keep y'all posted as well!

JD

 

[ROCKET62]

Bill B:

Any additional details / pics on the head work that you had done? Did you also change the rockers, push rods, lifters?

Look forward to seeing the dyno.

Thanks!

 

[Bill B]

Here are some pics. I had already done the rockers (T&D) and pushrods.