MotoIQ.com - Project Viper GTS: Pt 1 - History & Intro

[Stuntman]

Hey guys,

Check out MotoIQ's newest Project Car: Viper GTS - Part 1 History & Intro.

While many of you already know the history of the Viper, there might be a few new tidbits of information in this article that I wrote:


"The Dodge Viper has been competitive on the world stage by doing it the American way: with big wheels, big brakes, big tires, a big engine, and not a lot of refinement. While it has always been a highly capable car on the track, used car prices have finally dropped to the point of being affordable by the masses and it has become a realistic option as a track day car. This project hopes to clarify some of the stereotypes that surround the Viper and bring the truth to light of a very cool platform."

http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticles/ID/3740/Project-Viper-GTS-Part-1--Intro-and-History.aspx

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Enjoy!

 

[AZTVR]

A nice online accessible history of the car.

I will look in again to see what they do to the car. Wondering whether it will be the "standard" mods, or something radical.

 

[Stuntman]

Hey Guys, here's:


Project Viper GTS: Part 2 - General Maintenance


"Before thoroughly enjoying the purchase of a used performance car, it’s important for the enthusiast to go through some routine maintenance items. We prepare our 1997 Viper to be driven by changing the oil, coolant, spark plugs, wires, and go through a few miscellaneous items. We then install an aftermarket temperature gauge to monitor how hot the V10 operates and to test the accuracy of the factory gauge."


Project Viper GTS: Part 2 - General Maintenance > MotoIQ - Automotive Tech, Project Cars, Performance & Motorsports

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Enjoy!

 

[roller]

Thank you, very informative!

 

[Stuntman]

Hey Guys, here's:


Project Viper GTS: Part 3 - Baseline Track Testing (Data & Video)


"The Viper has a reputation for being difficult to drive and even (incorrectly) known as a bad handling car. Since the 2nd Generation Viper has not been reviewed by a magazine in close to 15 years, we took Project Viper to the track to dispel some myths and assess the car’s balance and handling ability."


http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArtic...art-3--Baseline-Track-Testing-Data-Video.aspx

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Enjoy!

 

[Stuntman]

Hey Guys, here's:


Project Viper GTS: Part 4 – Baseline Dyno and K&N Intake Test


"The Viper is truly a car built around its engine. In Part 4, we take Project Viper GTS to the dyno for a baseline power audit and see if our mighty 8.0L V10 is cranking out the factory claimed 450hp and 490lb-ft of torque. From there we add K&N replacement air filters and change out the disruptive corrugated plastic intake tubing for a set of ROE Racing polished aluminum smooth intake tubes to see if we can squeeze out a few more ponies."


Project Viper GTS: Part 4 ? Baseline Dyno and K&N Intake Test

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Enjoy!

 

[charlesj]

I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing these. Thanks for sharing! Very interesting dyno numbers and also shocked by the before/after with just k&ns and smooth tubes. Sweet!

 

[Stuntman]

Hey Guys, here's the next installement:


Project Viper GTS: Part 5 – Radiator Fan & Wiring Upgrade


"The Viper is a “racecar for the street” in more ways than one; and like a racecar, it does not like to sit in stop and go traffic and can run hot and overheat without proper airflow on a hot summer day. To combat this we upgraded the radiator fan on our 1997 Viper GTS with the higher flowing, larger fan from the 1998-2002 cars. In addition, we safeguarded the potentially flawed wiring and relay box by running standalone relays with dedicated power and ground wires. To further extend the life of the relays we used a trick pair of “NOsparc®” spark suppressors in the harness."


In the article:

- Fan removal & installation
- 1996-1997 vs. 1998-2002 Fan analysis
- Stock & modified fan wiring schematics
- How to wire a standalone power, ground, and relays
- How to make a MIL-spec wiring harness
- NOsparc arc suppressors - to eliminate arcing and increase longevity of relay contacts.


http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticles/ID/3990/Project-Viper-GTS-Part-5--Radiator-Fan-Wiring-Upgrade.aspx

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Enjoy!

 

[Stuntman]

Hey Guys, here's the next installment:


Project VIPER GTS: Part 6 - Corsa Performance Exhaust and Kooks Green Cats


"After some impressive gains from intake work in Part 4, we now turn our attention to the opposite side of the engine to improve the evacuation of exhaust gasses as well as reduce the cabin temperature of our notoriously hot viper. For as outlandish and attention grabbing the Viper’s style was, the exhaust note did not have the same head-turning appeal. To remedy this we reached out to our friends at Corsa Performance for their 3” cat-back exhaust to give our viper a more sporty and refined tone. To further boost the volume and greatly knock down the calf-burning side sill heat, we installed a pair of compact Kooks Green Cats which are both environmentally and power friendly. "


In the article:

-Removal of the OEM exhaust
-Installation of the CORSA PERFORMANCE 3" Exhaust
-Installation of the KOOKS "Green Cats"
-Dyno Results of Corsa/Kooks exhaust
-Upload Roe Racing Tune
-Dyno Results of the Roe Tune
-Video comparing the stock exhaust with rear muffler delete vs. the Corsa / Kooks HFC setup


Project Viper GTS: Part 6 - Corsa Exhaust and Kooks Green Cats > MotoIQ - Automotive Tech, Project Cars, Performance & Motorsports

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Enjoy!

 

[Caesar!]

I can't believe how much of an increase K/N air filters and smooth tubes increase that much power.
The dyno pull numbers clearly show how underrated the HP/Torque numbers are for the car.

Also Loved the sound from the muffler delete and corsa cat back.
Super exotic sounding...Actually Just Right!

Incredible Article and write up
Thank you!

 

[Stuntman]

Glad you liked it

 

[Free2go]

I read all the MotoIQ stuff. Well done.

 

[Stuntman]

The wait is over for the next installment covering the heat shielding:


Project VIPER GTS: Part 7 – HeatShield Products


"From coolant to cabin temperatures, Vipers are notoriously hot due to having one of the largest engines ever stuffed inside a sportscar. To combat this problem we turn to the thermal insulation experts at HeatShield Products to keep the heat in the exhaust system to lower the temperature inside the cabin and side sills. Hopefully we will prevent our side sills from discoloring and burning our legs when getting in and out of the car without proper clothing and ingress/egress technique. "


In the article:

-HeatShield Products: HP Stickyshield - covering the side sills and chassis
-HeatShield Products: HeatShield Armor - wrapping the exhaust pipes
-HeatShield Products: LavaShield - Carbon fiber looking heat shielding made of crushed volcanic rock (works better than the 'gold' foil).
-Temperature differences of the above products


Project Viper GTS: Part 7 - HeatShield Products > MotoIQ - Automotive Tech, Project Cars, Performance & Motorsports

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Enjoy!

 

[Snakewatching]

Thanks, I will check it out.

Your other parts 1-6 were well done.

 

[Stuntman]

Hey guys, the next installment of Project Viper is up:


Project VIPER GTS: Part 8 – Bob’s Air-Oil Separator


"All cars create blow-by and positive crank case pressure which forces oil and vapors into the engine’s intake to be burned off for reduced emissions. This problem is worse on forced induction cars and performance cars driven at the track. Not only does this oil gunk up the intake tract and valves, it reduces the octane of your fuel which robs power and causes detonation. We installed a Bob’s Air-Oil Separator to the PCV valve and a catch can for the valve cover vent to see how much oil our Viper’s engine is pumping into the intake after some street and track use."


In the article:

-Installation of the Bob's Auto Sports Air-Oil Separator in the PCV system
-Installation of a catch can for the Valve Covers
-Analysis of the oil caught by the PCV & Valve Covers


Project Viper GTS: Part 8 - Bob's Air-Oil Separator > MotoIQ - Automotive Tech, Project Cars, Performance & Motorsports

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Enjoy!

 

[Stuntman]

Hey guys, the next installment of Project Viper is up:


Project Viper GTS: Part 9 – RareFab/Roe Racing Oil Pan Baffle Kit


"Due to the high capabilities of the Viper, a huge strain is put on the factory oiling system on road courses and at the strip. This can cause oil starvation and a spun rod bearing. Using modern rubber can increase this risk, especially for 1996-1999 Gen-2 Vipers which have arguably the worst oil pan of any generation of Viper. To combat this problem, we upgrade to the larger 10-quart oil pan and windage tray from the 2000-2002 Vipers and install RareFab/Roe Racing’s race-proven Oil Pan Baffle Kit."


In the article:

-Explanation of the major problem with the Gen 2 oil pan design.
-Installation of the RareFab/Roe Racing Oil Pan Baffle Kit
-Early vs Late Gen 2 windage tray comparison
-Joe Dozzo windage tray modification
-Comparison between the Gen 1, Early (96-99) Gen 2, and Late (00-02) Gen 2 oil pans.


Project Viper GTS: Part 9 - RareFab / Roe Racing Oil Pan Baffle Kit

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Enjoy!

 

[Stuntman]

Hey guys, the next installment of Project Viper is up:


Project Viper GTS: Part 10 – EMI Racing toe stiffener


This may be a pretty controversial review, but it was unbiased (I had to pay retail for it) and the results from fixing such a massive unknown problem were eye-opening.


"The Gen 2 Viper has a pretty serious, fundamental flaw that’s not widely known. The rear toe deflects by HALF AN INCH under hard cornering and acceleration. Unfortunately most of the “anti-toe brackets” out in the market do not properly address the problem or even make a difference. EMI Racing not only found the true cause of the problem, but solved it with their Toe Stiffeners that greatly improve the handling, consistency and safety of the car."


In the article:

-Explanation of the major problem with the Gen 2 upright.
-Installation of the EMI Racing toe stiffener
-Review


Project Viper GTS: Part 10 - EMI Racing Toe Stiffener

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Enjoy!

 

[darryl in pcb]

Love these write ups, Stuntman! Thank you! I have a B&B catback, Belanger catless midpipe and sct with a canned Roe tune that I will hopefully get installed on my creampuff rt/10 within the next couple of weeks. If I'm within 30 hp of your results, I'd be delighted.

 

[Ricketts]

Love all your writeups man. You have a link to the EMI stiffeners?

 

[Stuntman]

Love all your writeups man. You have a link to the EMI stiffeners?

Thank you, i'm glad to hear that. Unfortunately there are no links as I have not heard from Erik in quite some time. He wasn't in great health the last I knew. I believe there's someone copying these and selling them but I forget the name

 

[Stuntman]

Hey guys, the next installment of Project Viper is up:

Project VIPER GTS: Part 11 – Understanding the Factory Temp Gauge

With summer just around the corner, we all see posts with photos of someone's water temp gauge (often within the normal range) asking if their motor is overheating. I posted pics of the manual, cross referenced it with the factory gauge, as well as an aftermarket gauge and temperature sending unit to come up with a simplified cross-reference chart of what the manual states to put people at ease that their car is (likely) just fine.

"The Viper has an active water temperature gauge that is far more useful than the dummy gauges in most modern cars that only move when there is a massive problem. However, this tends to freak people out since it can be quite active and moves with the normal fluctuations in temperature a car sees. Like clockwork, once summer rolls around, Viper owners quite frequently post photos of their gauge asking if the needle position is normal. We are going to cover all of the bases from what is normal to what to be concerned over on a Gen 2 Viper."

In the article:

-Analysis of owners manual.
-Analysis of factory water temp gauge cross-referenced with aftermarket gauge readings.
-Quick reference chart that's easier to understand than the manual
-Explains the temperature relationship between the radiator fan speeds and thermostat.
-Explains how a lower temp thermostat will NOT make your car run cooler and prevent your car from overheating.

https://motoiq.com/project-viper-gts-part-11-understanding-the-factory-temp-gauge/

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Enjoy

 

[Fuzzystig]

If anyone has any info on where we can order those toe stiffeners, i'd love to buy a set. Seems like a pretty significant upgrade.

Also, Stuntman, i just recently got a 2002 GTS and i've been reading through your pages on motiq - they are awesome! Really been enjoying them, hopefully they keep coming!

 

[Stuntman]

Hey guys, the next installment of Project Viper is up:

Project VIPER GTS: Part 12 – Replacing The Fluids

"It’s always important to routinely replace the fluids in a car, even if it has low mileage. We went through our 1997 Dodge Viper with less than 10K miles on the odometer to keep it in top-shape and see what age does to a car’s fluids..[/COLOR]"

In the article:

Replacing the and discussing which fluid should be used for the car:
-Transmission
-Differential
-Coolant
-Engine Oil
-Brake Fluid
-Clutch Fluid

Project Viper: Part 12 – Replacing the Fluids - MotoIQ

It’s always important to routinely replace the fluids in a car, even if it has low mileage. We went through our 1997 Dodge Viper with less than 10K miles on…

motoiq.com

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Enjoy!

 

[Stuntman]

Project VIPER GTS: Part 13 – Lowering the car with KW coilovers


"2nd Generation Vipers desperately need to be lowered. We accomplished this with a set of coilovers from KW Suspension.

The Viper’s stock suspension is actually quite good. The ride quality is comfortable enough to live with every day, there is not much body roll, and the handling is predictable and feels like a big Miata in character."[/COLOR]


In the article:

-Video demonstration of the Viper's handling and balance.
-Removing the factory suspension
-Installing the KW V2 Coilovers

https://motoiq.com/project-viper-part-13-lowering-the-car-with-kw-coilovers/

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Enjoy!

 

[Stuntman]

Project Viper: Part 14 – Maintenance: Swaybar Bushings, Ball Joints and Boots


"Time takes its toll on rubber. We replace the old and hardened swaybar bushings, ball joints, and boots on our low-mileage 1997 Viper."


In the article:

-Removing the Balljoints, Swaybar End Links, and Swaybar Bushings
-Installing new components
-NanoPro MT Marine Grease

https://motoiq.com/project-viper-part-14-maintenance-swaybar-bushings-ball-joints-and-boots/

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Enjoy!

 

[Stuntman]

Hey guys, the next installment of Project Viper is up:

Project Viper: Part 15 – Fixing the Factory Brake Bias


"Non-ABS equipped Gen-2 Vipers have terrible brake bias. We install new rear calipers with larger pistons to improve the brake bias and stopping performance of our Viper. We also upgrade the pads and install stainless steel brake lines from Stoptech."


In the article:

-Removing the original rear calipers and installing the larger Tom's 40mm rear caliper.
-Replacing the factory brake lines with Stainless Steel lines from Stoptech
-Upgrading the brake pads front and rear (there's a VERY high performing and inexpensive front pad for the car. If you know where to look...)

https://motoiq.com/project-viper-part-15-fixing-the-factory-brake-bias/

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Enjoy!

 

[Stuntman]

The next installment of Project Viper GTS is live on MotoIQ.com

Project Viper: Part 16 – Forgeline VX1-6 Wheels and Michelin Super Sport Tires

"Fresh performance tires are crucial for keeping Vipers safe and predictable. We upgrade our Viper with Forgeline’s Monoblock VX1-6 wheels wrapped in new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.."

In the article:
-Forgeline VX1-6 Wheel
-Michelin Pilot Super Sport tire insight
-History and insight on the Gen-3 Michelin Pilot Sport P2 "C1" (Bespoke Viper) tire.
-Removing old Forgeline GA3R-6 wheels and PS2 C1 tires.
-Installing new Forgeline VX1-6 wheels and PSS tires.

Project Viper: Part 16 – Forgeline VX1-6 Wheels and Michelin Super Sport Tires - MotoIQ

Fresh performance tires are crucial for keeping Vipers safe and predictable. We upgrade our Viper with Forgeline’s Monoblock VX1-6 wheels wrapped in new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. As we…

motoiq.com

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Enjoy!