Some of the SRT engineers explained why the weight of the '08 Viper has not changed, despite the non run flat tires and crossover delete exhaust. The new transmission and differential are heavier than those of the '06, negating the weight loss in the tires and exhaust. I just thought some of you might be interested in the weight issue. Perhaps they did not have enough time or money to address a weight reduction.
Some of the SRT engineers explained why the weight of the '08 Viper has not changed, despite the non run flat tires and crossover delete exhaust. The new transmission and differential are heavier than those of the '06, negating the weight loss in the tires and exhaust. I just thought some of you might be interested in the weight issue. Perhaps they did not have enough time or money to address a weight reduction.
Good post, I didn't know that, but it makes sense.
Another point of interest was that the engineers suggested that '06 Viper owners continue to use run flats rather than switching to PS2 non run flats. The engineer stated that the '08 Viper's suspension and alignment have been changed to accomodate the softer sidewall dynamics of the non run flat tires. He also said that the tires going on the '08 Viper are not the same as the ones being sold by Michelin as PS2's and that the '08 Viper tires are better. This bummed me out since I was planning on buying PS2's after reading that some Gen 3 Viper owners raved about the results.
The Asians seem to get it..
It's all about power to weight ratio..
They got it back with their old RX7 turbos...
Light as fuck...
That being said, if they could lose 200+ lbs on this car, it would make a big difference.
Anyone questioning it, throw 225 lbs on a bench press ( 2 45lb plates on each side ) just for shits some day for anyone that doesn't hit the gym ...
Throw it up for 10, or whatever you can do...
Everyone's different, but even if you can do it, have to admit, that's nothing to sneeze at re: weight.
Now picture thowing that weight in the trunk of a car..
No question it makes a difference.
Even though the different year Vipers are to weigh the same, pound for pound you will get better results by losing rotational weight rather than static weight. So for what it's worth, I would still see it as an improvement in that respect.
Even though the different year Vipers are to weigh the same, pound for pound you will get better results by losing rotational weight rather than static weight. So for what it's worth, I would still see it as an improvement in that respect.
Exactly! Less weight on the wheels and tires in the rear will get your R's up faster.
Another point of interest was that the engineers suggested that '06 Viper owners continue to use run flats rather than switching to PS2 non run flats. The engineer stated that the '08 Viper's suspension and alignment have been changed to accomodate the softer sidewall dynamics of the non run flat tires. He also said that the tires going on the '08 Viper are not the same as the ones being sold by Michelin as PS2's and that the '08 Viper tires are better. This bummed me out since I was planning on buying PS2's after reading that some Gen 3 Viper owners raved about the results.
You been up on the VCA 6pm est Chat? I was there and asked a few questions
The irony of it is that we '06 Viper owners can remove about 150-200 pounds by changing the exhaust, tires, wheels and brake rotors. The new Viper already has lighter tires and exhaust and yet still weighs as much as our cars. I think they really should have taken some weight off the car in some other areas. Tires and exhaust are easy to change for the consumer. The stronger transmission and differential are good but they should have taken off weight somewhere that we couldn't have, to make the car lighter.
Doesn't 600 warrantied HP mean anything to you guys? If you guys wanna thin it out go get some carbon fiber body parts.
GM's weight reduction has cost them in quality and durability. I'm not willing to sacrifice that.
Chuck - that's because you actually track your car and don't just bench race. Z06's blow up ALL THE TIME when pushed in T1 or HPDE. I'll continue with the Viper's rock solid drivetrain, thankyouverymuch.
But they could reduce weight some without killing the reliabillity. I also think a lot of things I'd want them to do would be limited by fed requirements.
My cars is at 3420 wet, full tank. I think I could get it close to 3370 with a couple of things and $$$. But I go back and forth on the value at this point.
Thats unfortunate to hear...The old lighter tranny and gear box seemed to more than handle boosted Vipers taht made way more power....Oh well should still beat the Z06 nontheless.....
But they could reduce weight some without killing the reliabillity. I also think a lot of things I'd want them to do would be limited by fed requirements.
My cars is at 3420 wet, full tank. I think I could get it close to 3370 with a couple of things and $$$. But I go back and forth on the value at this point.
Carl, the weak point with me is my driving. I can still drop seconds by improving it. I don't run slicks or spend money on anything else because more track time or another school will do more, and that mod stays after the car is gone.
Thanks but only to the point where you're out after the first session and ask rossi how he ran. Then when he says 29s warming up the car it's a bit humbling.
There are some that take it seriously, get tons of school and track time, get coaching and monitor everything. I'm not one of those. I go out, have fun , and get a little better but don't pay attention to the fine details.
Some are naturally fast. PMUM, or Jason Daskoulas are two that come to mind. I KNOW that isn't me.
I've run into a number of very fast drivers our age Carl. You pay attention to the details. With enough track time I see you in the first group. The problem is that takes a lot of time and money, and you are smart enough to put your family first.
