Tech Notes
By Herb Helbig, Chief Engineer—Viper (Retired)
Q: I own a 2006 SRT10® convertible with 18,000 miles. I have three (3) questions:
1. I’m considering a Corsa exhaust which requires removing the crossover. I’m reading mixed reviews on removing the crossover—some say it works fine and also significantly reduces cabin heat, while others claim removing the crossover sacrifices low-end power/torque. Is it advisable to remove the crossover?
2. When raising the windows the leading edge traps in the inner edge of the rubber triangular guide and folds the inner edge toward the window pane. It used to snap back into position, but the passenger side eventually deformed and stayed bent in. I had it replaced under warranty, but the new guide still does the same thing. How can this interference be prevented?
3. The rubber boot at the transmission has cracked. I ordered a new part but found that I cannot seem to replace it from the top side. Is it possible to replace from above or does the tranny need to be pulled and the boot replaced from below?
A: 1. We have not had the luxury of trying all the different exhaust systems available for Viper. The Corsa has never been tested by our team, so it isn’t fair to render a judgment. Just keep in mind that when you remove the crossover, the car will make more noise than is allowable under the federal guideline.
2. With regard to the window seal, the dealer needs to adjust either the flap or the glass to eliminate the folding. You might also try a little silicone lubricant on the guide to reduce the friction.
3. My experts at SRT® tell me that the environmental boot in the tunnel can be changed from the top. You have to remove the console top bezel and drill out the rivets and re-rivet the new piece in. If the crack is a small one, consider sealing it with some high-temp silicone sealer.
Q: It seems like it’s the convertible top or something similar, but I hear a clunking coming from the right rear of my 2006 SRT10® when I go over bumps. The previous owner took the car into the dealer and the report said they found it to be normal for the convertibles. Can you confirm this?
A: No clunk is normal. We didn’t build the top to make noise. A clunk coming from that right rear could be a lot of things. First try and isolate the noise inside versus outside and high in the car or low. Things to think about: loose shock, loose sway bar, check brake caliper etc. If you think it really is the top, look for wear marks where the top links might be rubbing, something may have come loose.
Q: What is the top speed that the 2008 Viper coupe can reach in a mile? I cannot find any information about the top speed on a Viper. In the Summer 2009 issue of VM there was a story about a Viper going 200 mph for the mile at the Silver State High Noon Shootout. I did the Texas Mile and managed 165 mph and I hope to go faster with some help on how to drive the Viper in the mile. Thanks for any help with this.
A: The top speed for the ’08 and ’09 is just over 200 mph, but it takes longer than a mile to reach top speed. The 600 hp coupe can probably reach 170 to 175 mph in the standing mile—like the Texas Mile. It might take another mile or so to wring out that last 25 mph.
Q: We have a 1997 GTS with about 22,000 miles on it. The speedo works sometimes—usually when you first start off it will either register, or not. Usually if you start off and it works it will stay that way. One time it went from not working to working—while driving on a somewhat rough road. I’ve been under the car and unplugged and replugged the two plugs closest to the speed sensor, and inspected for loose wires. Where else should I look? We’ve owned the car for about 17 months and the problem started about eight months ago.
A: Continue to look for a faulty connection, possibly at the back of the speedometer in the dash. It is also possible that the speed sensor has a problem and might need to be replaced.
Q: I have a 1992 Viper with 48,000 miles. I noticed Chrysler TSB 21-06-98 calls for Mopar Synthetic Manual Transmission Lubricant, part no. 04874459, for 1994–98 Viper manual transmissions experiencing a neutral rattle. Why does the TSB not include 1992 and 1993 model year Vipers? Can I service my 1992 Viper manual transmission with part no. 04874459 or should I continue to use ATF?
A: If you are not having the neutral rattle condition, stay with the ATF. The ‘92 and ‘93 cars were not experiencing any issues of this type which might explain why they were not included. It’s possible there may be some compatibility issues with some components in the earlier trannies.
Q: My 1996 Viper GTS has 32,000 miles. Recently the engine has been“cutting out” during hard acceleration. No problems during moderate acceleration, and the engine idles like new. I suspect it may be a coil problem; however, I’ve not noticed any coil leakage. Will a defective coil always show oil residue? Wires, connections and spark plugs all appear to be good (original). Any thoughts regarding what could cause the problem?
A: With the problem being related to hard acceleration, think about the motor torquing over and perhaps stretching a wire or connection and causing a break in continuity. Look for a torn mount either on the motor or the transmission.
Your technical questions are always welcome. Please remember to indicate the body style, model year and mileage for your Viper.
Tech Notes Editor
VIPER Magazine
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Shawnee Mission, KS 66283
E-mail: [email protected]
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