Positioning:
The 1996 Dodge Viper represented the pinnacle of American sports car performance, a raw, track-focused machine for the enthusiast.
Competitors:
Competed against exotic sports cars from Europe, offering a distinctly American muscle car ethos with extreme performance.
Vehicle Highlights:
Iconic V10 engine, aggressive styling, rear-wheel drive, minimalist interior focused on driving.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Drivetrain, Transmission, Differential, Axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS included), Wheels & Tires.
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, HVAC Electrical, Power Accessories, Audio System, Anti-Theft System.
Body:
Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Bumpers.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical circuit diagnostics.
Repair:
Component removal, installation, disassembly, assembly, adjustments, and calibration for all covered systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid types and capacities, electrical specifications.
Depth:
Complete factory-level repair information, including detailed diagrams, procedures, and specifications for technicians.
Format Type:
Likely printed document, potentially also available as a digital scan (PDF).
Quality:
High-quality printing typical of OEM service manuals, with clear diagrams and legible text.
Binding:
Professional binding, often spiral-bound for lay-flat use in a workshop environment.
Paper:
Durable, high-quality paper stock designed to withstand workshop use.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V10
Displacement:
8.0 Liters (7990cc)
Horsepower:
450 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
490 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Chrysler part number 05010858AA or equivalent HOAT coolant)
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 API SG or SH (check specific manual for exact spec)
Oil Capacity:
7 US Quarts (6.6 Liters) with filter change
ECM:
Engine Control Module (ECM) with OBD-II compliance (partial for '96, full in later years)
Transmission Type:
Tremec TR-3550 6-Speed Manual
Optional Transmissions:
None available for 1996 model year.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Actuated, Single Dry Plate Clutch
Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (check specific manual for exact spec)
Driveshaft Type:
One-piece aluminum driveshaft
Differential Type:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil with Friction Modifier (check specific manual for exact spec)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated due to age and niche market, but designed with driver safety as a priority within its class.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
None standard on 1996 models; later models introduced.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point Inertia-reel seat belts
Frame Construction:
Steel backbone chassis with composite body panels.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, typically 4 speakers.
Display Technology:
Analog gauges and basic dashboard warning lights. No modern digital displays.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Connectivity Features:
None beyond basic audio system and power accessories.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (recommended for heavy use).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 30,000-40,000 miles (refer to manual for exact specification and type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification and DOT rating)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9245 or equivalent)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear due to aggressive driving, potential for rear axle seal leaks, exhaust manifold gaskets, front suspension bushings.
Engine Considerations:
V10 engine is robust but requires diligent maintenance; proper oil changes are critical to longevity.
Oil Filter:
Mopar MO-899 or equivalent (e.g., Wix 51515, Fram PH8A)
Air Filter:
Mopar P4578088 or equivalent (e.g., K&N RG-3000HP)
Dodge Performance Legacy:
Chrysler's performance division, Dodge, had a history of powerful V8 engines and muscular vehicles, but the Viper represented a bold new direction.
First Generation Impact:
The first generation (1992-1995) established the Viper's legendary status, with the 1996 model being an evolution of this extreme performance machine.
Production Location:
Detroit, Michigan, USA (specifically Conner Avenue Assembly Plant)
Production Years:
First Generation: 1992-1995, Second Generation (including 1996 model): 1996-2002
