New Gen IV owner - Looking for shop

[STEALTTH]

Hello everyone,

I recently picked up a Snakeskin Green 08 Viper and am looking for a viper specialist or trusted shop in the Western NY area (Rochester, Buffalo). Ideally, I'm looking for a shop that would perform basic maintenance and ideally have someone who familiar with the normal sounds and operations of the gen 4 platform. My car drives well and feels strong, but want to make sure the noises that I'm hearing (valvetrain) are normal operation, etc. Trying to do what I can from a maintenance standpoint to keep this thing running where it should be.

Much appreciated!

 

[FoxyChicken]

I'm a recent owner as well that has been navigating this forum quietly in the background since my purchase last year. I picked up an '08 vert in viper blue metallic with black stripes, just 1 of 2 made! I too was concerned about basic maintenance and upon investigation/research it was very difficult to find a dealer with a Viper Tech as I was told by multiple dealers that Viper Techs have either retired or have left Dodge. I reviewed my owners manual for basic maintenance and had my local dealer change all fluids in the car for peace of mind. Keep in mind, the Viper isn't going to sound as buttery smooth as some Italian sports car so if it sounds like a truck you're probably good

My biggest concern as of right now is finding a matching set of tires in OEM sizes. I've been searching for months and haven't been able to find a set, other than Continental's Extreme Contact Force. These are made in our OEM sizes, but they're only available through Tire Rack and the rears have been on perpetual back order. I had an online chat with Michelin customer service to find a matching set of tires, and the individual had no idea Michelin no longer made a matching set of tires for our cars, essentially leaving thousands of owners without a viable tire option.

 

[Gary Dawson]

Sorry to change the thread... I recently purchased a 2005 (Gen 3) convertible with 23k miles. I am having a 3:55 differential installed and the tranny fluid changed. Since it is recommended that the rear-end gear lube be drained and replaced after the first 500 miles my question is will it be okay to leave the belly pan off the car for that period of time? Is it structural in any way?

 

[Steve M]

Sorry to change the thread... I recently purchased a 2005 (Gen 3) convertible with 23k miles. I am having a 3:55 differential installed and the tranny fluid changed. Since it is recommended that the rear-end gear lube be drained and replaced after the first 500 miles my question is will it be okay to leave the belly pan off the car for that period of time? Is it structural in any way?

It is not structural, but I'd recommend keeping it on the car regardless.

 

[Gary Dawson]

Do you think these pans are trapping hot air contributing to the heat in the cabin? I could care less about aerodynamics.

 

[Steve M]

Do you think these pans are trapping hot air contributing to the heat in the cabin? I could care less about aerodynamics.

Probably some of it, but if I recall correctly, there's a sizeable cutout in the belly pan to let some of the heat out from the stock Gen 3 exhaust with the "ring of fire" cross-over.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Monopoly]

I'm a recent owner as well that has been navigating this forum quietly in the background since my purchase last year. I picked up an '08 vert in viper blue metallic with black stripes, just 1 of 2 made! I too was concerned about basic maintenance and upon investigation/research it was very difficult to find a dealer with a Viper Tech as I was told by multiple dealers that Viper Techs have either retired or have left Dodge. I reviewed my owners manual for basic maintenance and had my local dealer change all fluids in the car for peace of mind. Keep in mind, the Viper isn't going to sound as buttery smooth as some Italian sports car so if it sounds like a truck you're probably good

My biggest concern as of right now is finding a matching set of tires in OEM sizes. I've been searching for months and haven't been able to find a set, other than Continental's Extreme Contact Force. These are made in our OEM sizes, but they're only available through Tire Rack and the rears have been on perpetual back order. I had an online chat with Michelin customer service to find a matching set of tires, and the individual had no idea Michelin no longer made a matching set of tires for our cars, essentially leaving thousands of owners without a viable tire option.

Contact JonB for tires. Viperpartsrack.com

If your willing to cross the border the Viper Club of Ontario has two Dodge sponsored dealers with Viper techs.

Raceway dodge

Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat dealer in Toronto (Etobicoke) | Raceway Chrysler - Raceway Chrysler

Looking for a Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealer the Greater Toronto Area? Come to see us at Raceway Chrysler for a vast selection of new and used vehicles!

www.racewaychrysler.com

Islington Chrysler

2023 For Sale in Etobicoke ON | Islington Chrysler FIAT - Islington Chrysler FIAT

View photos, watch videos and get a quote on a new at Islington Chrysler FIAT in Etobicoke, ON.

www.islingtonchrysler.ca

Also join the club! Lots of meets in Niagara region.

 

[FoxyChicken]

Contact JonB for tires. Viperpartsrack.com

I haven't reached out to JonB yet but have heard he's a good source through other threads here, and I think he's actually local to me. But from the posts I've read he opts for a larger 285 width tire for the front and I don't think that's going to work for me. I have Gen V Sidewinder wheels and the wheels/tires sit nearly flush with the fenders all around. So if I go 285 front they'd most likely poke outside the fender, and that's white trash territory . So I essentially need OEM sizes. My tires are dated 2016 so they're not god awful old, but I'd like to replace them with Cup 2's or 4S's.

 

[Steve M]

I haven't reached out to JonB yet but have heard he's a good source through other threads here, and I think he's actually local to me. But from the posts I've read he opts for a larger 285 width tire for the front and I don't think that's going to work for me. I have Gen V Sidewinder wheels and the wheels/tires sit nearly flush with the fenders all around. So if I go 285 front they'd most likely poke outside the fender, and that's white trash territory . So I essentially need OEM sizes. My tires are dated 2016 so they're not god awful old, but I'd like to replace them with Cup 2's or 4S's.

Jon doesn't opt for anything - tell him exactly what you want, and he'll do his best to accommodate.

But he is at the mercy of his suppliers...if they don't have 275s, then you'll have to make do with something else.

That said, your Gen 5 Sidewinder fronts are 0.5" wider than your OEM wheels, so going with a 285 likely won't amount to much. OEM front tire width on the Gen 5s was a 295.