I doing some fluid changes/preventative maintenance as part of my "winter project" list and I want to confirm a few things...
...on my stock 99GTS with 3k Miles, street driven, not tracked.
Engine oil...no brainer
Coolant...no brainer. I going to change out the hoses while I am doing this...also going to add some royal purple additive as it worked well in reducing temps by about 5 deg. in my 01 ACR.
I thought about changing out the thermostat but should I go with a stock replacement or go with one that opens up a little earlier. I don't see why I need to do this but I thought I would ask.
Transmission fluid... suggestions?
Rear axle fluid... suggestions?
drive belt...how long does that thing last on these cars?
i change my all fluids once a year minimum. engine oil obviouslt more oftne.
brake,clutch,rear,trans,PS,coolant and i change the belt too. its like insurance and i drive the hell outta my car so why NOT.
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Here is what i use for reference : :
Tech Talk- Featuring DAN CRAGIN from
THE VIPER SHOP
How often should I service my Viper?
Regular service is important to maintaining the safety and reliability of your vehicle. It is also a powerful leverage tool for maximizing the resale value of your Viper. As Viper techs we have developed a service schedule from our experience working on these vehicles since 1992.
Oil Change: This should be performed in the first 200 miles of vehicle operation and every 2500-3000 miles thereafter. Use only recommended oil and filters and always change the drain plug gasket. Make sure the oil filter is tight.
Differential Fluid: This fluid should be changed in the first 7500 miles and every 12,500 miles thereafter.
Cooling System: The factory fill is rated to last three years; however, we recommend replacing it every two years. Remove the block plugs and use only distilled water and recommended coolant.
Transmission Service: 1992-1997 Vipers should have this fluid changed every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. 1998 and later models should be serviced every 12,500 to 20,000 miles. Driving habits can affect the frequency of this service.
Chassis Lube: The chassis should be lubed conservatively every 9,000 miles. All excess grease must be removed after completing this service. Overgreasing can cause brake contamination and brake failure.
Brake System Flush: Brake fluid should be flushed every two years or whenever it becomes discolored. Discoloration is an indication of moisture. Brake fluid is dehydrated and can boil easily when it has absorbed moisture.
Flush Clutch Fluid: Flush the clutch fluid every three years or whenever the clutch is worked on.
Power Steering Service: This service depends on driving habits but can range from 7500 to 15,000 miles. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, it should be replaced.
Tune-Up:We have found that at about 15,000 miles there is enough wear and deposits on the spark plugs to justify a tune-up. A complete diagnostic check of the system should be performed. Replace the PVC valve and service or replace the air filters. Synchronize the throttle cables (Gen 1) if necessary. A fuel injector service and throttle body clean may also be necessary at this time. A Viper tech will let you know. The plug wires should be replaced every second tune-up.
Battery: We have found that few batteries last longer than 3 years. It is essential to clean the battery tray and terminals when replacing the battery.
Serpentine Belt: This belt should be replaced every 22,000 to 25,000 miles. It is the only belt in the system and drives all the accessories.
These are the basics. There are many other systems on the vehicle that need periodic attention. If you race, a more rigorous schedule is necessary. If you follow these basic service requirements your vehicle should perform well for many years.
Source: Winter 2003 Viper Club of America/ Southern California Region (Southern California Viper Review Magazine)
the new Mopar Long Life (red) coolant is even better than Dexcool.
How often should I service my Viper?
Regular service is important to maintaining the safety and reliability of your vehicle. It is also a powerful leverage tool for maximizing the resale value of your Viper. As Viper techs we have developed a service schedule from our experience working on these vehicles since 1992.
Oil Change: This should be performed in the first 200 miles of vehicle operation and every 2500-3000 miles thereafter. Use only recommended oil and filters and always change the drain plug gasket. Make sure the oil filter is tight.
Differential Fluid: This fluid should be changed in the first 7500 miles and every 12,500 miles thereafter.
Cooling System: The factory fill is rated to last three years; however, we recommend replacing it every two years. Remove the block plugs and use only distilled water and recommended coolant.
Transmission Service: 1992-1997 Vipers should have this fluid changed every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. 1998 and later models should be serviced every 12,500 to 20,000 miles. Driving habits can affect the frequency of this service.
Chassis Lube: The chassis should be lubed conservatively every 9,000 miles. All excess grease must be removed after completing this service. Overgreasing can cause brake contamination and brake failure.
Brake System Flush: Brake fluid should be flushed every two years or whenever it becomes discolored. Discoloration is an indication of moisture. Brake fluid is dehydrated and can boil easily when it has absorbed moisture.
Flush Clutch Fluid: Flush the clutch fluid every three years or whenever the clutch is worked on.
Power Steering Service: This service depends on driving habits but can range from 7500 to 15,000 miles. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, it should be replaced.
Tune-Up:We have found that at about 15,000 miles there is enough wear and deposits on the spark plugs to justify a tune-up. A complete diagnostic check of the system should be performed. Replace the PVC valve and service or replace the air filters. Synchronize the throttle cables (Gen 1) if necessary. A fuel injector service and throttle body clean may also be necessary at this time. A Viper tech will let you know. The plug wires should be replaced every second tune-up.
Battery: We have found that few batteries last longer than 3 years. It is essential to clean the battery tray and terminals when replacing the battery.
Serpentine Belt: This belt should be replaced every 22,000 to 25,000 miles. It is the only belt in the system and drives all the accessories.
These are the basics. There are many other systems on the vehicle that need periodic attention. If you race, a more rigorous schedule is necessary. If you follow these basic service requirements your vehicle should perform well for many years.
Source: Winter 2003 Viper Club of America/ Southern California Region (Southern California Viper Review Magazine)
seems anything beside engine oil and coolant is just pointless busy work. Especially on a car that doesn't get driven.
Go drive the car for a day instead of sitting around in the garage working on it needlessly.
I'm with Craig. Drive it, so it actually needs the recommended maintenance. The only thing thats going to need changing on a car thats never driven is tires and accessory belts, as they will become hard with age.
Oil Change: This should be performed in the first 200 miles of vehicle operation and every 2500-3000 miles thereafter. Use only recommended oil and filters and always change the drain plug gasket. Make sure the oil filter is tight.
I only agree with this recommendation if you use the normal, non-synthetic multigrade oils.
I'm amazed at how people can throw away good money on super-premium long-life 100% synthetic motor oil. I change the oil about once a year if I've been doing a lot of road course work. Lots less often if the cars sits in the garage and only gets driven once or twice a month.
Seriously.
...and I have oil sample analysis data and actual rod cap inspections to back me up.
Thanks Plumcrazy...seems as basic as typical production cars. Thanks for the confirmation. :thumb:
I plan to change the oil yearly regardless of miles. This year I will most likely put at or around 1200 on it. That should be about average for me as I don't get much time to drive it.
The coolant will be flushed for sure as it has not been done for a few years.
All other fluids I might change out anyway. If I get the chance this winter, I am adding some mods to the car so it's nothing to add a few fluid changes to the list.
Linear Mode
