New Gen 3 Owner - easy questions

[Marktorquewatches]

I just bought a 2003, under 10k miles, single owner, no wrecks, no mods, flawless paint and interior, new tires, and priced very well.

The trunk has no carpet or liner; is this normal? The only trunk carpet sets I have found so far are on eBay and for ~$300. Any recommendations for trunk carpet/liner sources?

My other question is regarding exhaust heat at the door sills and even coming into the interior of the vehicle. I came across a site selling Belanger exhausts claiming a 50% reduction in heat (in addition to great sound). Can I really expect a significant reduction in heat by changing the side pipes? Skeptical...

Thank you!

 

[B-DiamondViper]

I just bought a 2003, under 10k miles, single owner, no wrecks, no mods, flawless paint and interior, new tires, and priced very well.

The trunk has no carpet or liner; is this normal? The only trunk carpet sets I have found so far are on eBay and for ~$300. Any recommendations for trunk carpet/liner sources?

My other question is regarding exhaust heat at the door sills and even coming into the interior of the vehicle. I came across a site selling Belanger exhausts claiming a 50% reduction in heat (in addition to great sound). Can I really expect a significant reduction in heat by changing the side pipes? Skeptical...

Thank you!

I had a 2004 and it had a carpeted trunk. I also pulled off the secondary cats and added Magnaflow exhaust. Sounded great! and did reduce the side sill heat and cabin heat. Plus it only cost me $800

 

[Marktorquewatches]

Thanks for the intel! I'll probably do something similar to what you mention. I'm being careful learning my way around the car, but must say, the massive amount of rubber contacting the road helps keep the car in check. After only a few days I'm starting to sense the car won't get too squirrelly unless you push it beyond your capabilities. Trying donuts in an empty parking lot tonight surprised me at how quickly the rubber regains traction. Cool Car!

 

[TexasViper35]

A Borla cat-back exhaust eliminates the H pipe under the center of the car. The heat inside goes away and the side sills don’t get hot like with stock.

Find the part number of the trunk liner and Google it, there are several Mopar only online dealers that heavily discount parts.

Sounds like you respect the power this car can produce, keep that respect and you will be fine. Lots of wrecked Vipers out there, or people buying new wheels after having spun in to curbs.

 

[Marktorquewatches]

Thanks BYAIC!

 

[Marktorquewatches]

Just ordered a Borla cat-back exhaust, free shipping, no tax = $933 delivered. Will rent a bay with a lift for $20/hr and install in an afternoon. New door speakers arriving tomorrow. Has anyone tried removing the stock subwoofer box and sticking a powered sub enclosure in its place (keep it simple)? Thinking about the Kicker Hideaway 8" sub (150W amp). I had one in a FJ Cruiser; it's not powerful bass, but enough to create solid sound for rock/metal. Only other thing I can think of is a Cobra style gas cap - the flimsy stock fuel door just does not seem worthy of the beast. Mark

 

[blue01gts]

Do you remember where you bought the Borla for that price? I cant find it under 1300, just picked up a 2004, bone stock, needs exhaust!