[Stuntman]

Hey guys, the next installment of Project Viper is up:


Project VIPER GTS: Part 11 – Understanding the Factory Temp Gauge


With summer just around the corner, we all see posts with photos of someone's water temp gauge (often within the normal range) asking if their motor is overheating. I posted pics of the manual, cross referenced it with the factory gauge, as well as an aftermarket gauge and temperature sending unit to come up with a simplified cross-reference chart of what the manual states to put people at ease that their car is (likely) just fine.


"The Viper has an active water temperature gauge that is far more useful than the dummy gauges in most modern cars that only move when there is a massive problem. However, this tends to freak people out since it can be quite active and moves with the normal fluctuations in temperature a car sees. Like clockwork, once summer rolls around, Viper owners quite frequently post photos of their gauge asking if the needle position is normal. We are going to cover all of the bases from what is normal to what to be concerned over on a Gen 2 Viper."


In the article:

-Analysis of owners manual.
-Analysis of factory water temp gauge cross-referenced with aftermarket gauge readings.
-Quick reference chart that's easier to understand than the manual
-Explains the temperature relationship between the radiator fan speeds and thermostat.
-Explains how a lower temp thermostat will NOT make your car run cooler and prevent your car from overheating.


https://motoiq.com/project-viper-gts-part-11-understanding-the-factory-temp-gauge/





Enjoy!

 

[RobV]

...-Explains how a lower temp thermostat will NOT make your car run cooler and prevent your car from overheating....

If someone needs an explanation for this then that someone should NOT be working on any car.

 

[8.0L>1.8T]

If someone needs an explanation for this then that someone should NOT be working on any car.

While it is nice to have information readily available and searchable; The service manual, pages 7-6 through 7-9, contain even more and even better information to walk with.

Plus Dave66666666666666... unfortunately, and I'm sad to report, he died while masturbating into a bathtub. Yup, slipped and hit his head on the cameraman's steel toe boot.

 

[Stuntman]

If someone needs an explanation for this then that someone should NOT be working on any car.

Agreed, but there are a LOT of Viper owners who believe lower temp thermostats will prevent their car from overheating.

 

[Stuntman]

Hey guys, the next installment of Project Viper is up:

Project VIPER GTS: Part 12 – Replacing The Fluids

"It’s always important to routinely replace the fluids in a car, even if it has low mileage. We went through our 1997 Dodge Viper with less than 10K miles on the odometer to keep it in top-shape and see what age does to a car’s fluids..[/COLOR]"

In the article:

Replacing the and discussing which fluid should be used for the car:
-Transmission
-Differential
-Coolant
-Engine Oil
-Brake Fluid
-Clutch Fluid

Project Viper: Part 12 – Replacing the Fluids - MotoIQ

It’s always important to routinely replace the fluids in a car, even if it has low mileage. We went through our 1997 Dodge Viper with less than 10K miles on…

motoiq.com

Enjoy!

 

[Stuntman]

Hey guys, the next installment of Project Viper is up:

Project VIPER GTS: Part 13 – Lowering the car with KW coilovers


"2nd Generation Vipers desperately need to be lowered. We accomplished this with a set of coilovers from KW Suspension.

The Viper’s stock suspension is actually quite good. The ride quality is comfortable enough to live with every day, there is not much body roll, and the handling is predictable and feels like a big Miata in character."[/COLOR]


In the article:

-Video demonstration of the Viper's handling and balance.
-Removing the factory suspension
-Installing the KW V2 Coilovers

Project Viper: Part 13 – Lowering the car with KW Coilovers - MotoIQ

2nd Generation Vipers desperately need to be lowered. We accomplished this with a set of coilovers from KW Suspension. The Viper’s stock suspension is actually quite good. The ride quality…

motoiq.com

Enjoy!

 

[Stuntman]

Hey guys, the next installment of Project Viper is up:

Project Viper: Part 14 – Maintenance: Swaybar Bushings, Ball Joints and Boots


"Time takes its toll on rubber. We replace the old and hardened swaybar bushings, ball joints, and boots on our low-mileage 1997 Viper."


In the article:

-Removing the Balljoints, Swaybar End Links, and Swaybar Bushings
-Installing new components
-NanoPro MT Marine Grease

https://motoiq.com/project-viper-part-14-maintenance-swaybar-bushings-ball-joints-and-boots/

Enjoy!

 

[Stuntman]

Hey guys, the next installment of Project Viper is up:

Project Viper: Part 15 – Fixing the Factory Brake Bias


"Non-ABS equipped Gen-2 Vipers have terrible brake bias. We install new rear calipers with larger pistons to improve the brake bias and stopping performance of our Viper. We also upgrade the pads and install stainless steel brake lines from Stoptech."


In the article:

-Removing the original rear calipers and installing the larger Tom's 40mm rear caliper.
-Replacing the factory brake lines with Stainless Steel lines from Stoptech
-Upgrading the brake pads front and rear (there's a VERY high performing and inexpensive front pad for the car. If you know where to look...)

https://motoiq.com/project-viper-part-15-fixing-the-factory-brake-bias/

Enjoy!

 

[RobV]

What did you mean be 'the actual piston cap of the new caliper is still the same 36mm in size'? Are you referring to the dust boot?

 

[Stuntman]

What did you mean be 'the actual piston cap of the new caliper is still the same 36mm in size'? Are you referring to the dust boot?

From the photo of the Tom's 40mm piston, the calipers are set to 40mm, but the exposed piston is smaller (36mm). It was an attempt to explain this discrepancy where the diameter of the Tom's 40mm caliper is in fact 40mm.

 

[Stuntman]

The next installment of Project Viper GTS is live on MotoIQ.com

Project Viper: Part 16 – Forgeline VX1-6 Wheels and Michelin Super Sport Tires

"Fresh performance tires are crucial for keeping Vipers safe and predictable. We upgrade our Viper with Forgeline’s Monoblock VX1-6 wheels wrapped in new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.."

In the article:
-Forgeline VX1-6 Wheel
-Michelin Pilot Super Sport tire insight
-History and insight on the Gen-3 Michelin Pilot Sport P2 "C1" (Bespoke Viper) tire.
-Removing old Forgeline GA3R-6 wheels and PS2 C1 tires.
-Installing new Forgeline VX1-6 wheels and PSS tires.

Project Viper: Part 16 – Forgeline VX1-6 Wheels and Michelin Super Sport Tires - MotoIQ

Fresh performance tires are crucial for keeping Vipers safe and predictable. We upgrade our Viper with Forgeline’s Monoblock VX1-6 wheels wrapped in new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. As we…

motoiq.com

Enjoy!