🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Viper

Year:

2008

Product Id:

DODGEVIPER2008OWNERSMANUAL

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Dodge Viper SRT-10 represents the pinnacle of American sports car performance for its era, a no-compromise, track-focused machine aimed at a dedicated enthusiast market. It is a halo product for the Dodge brand.

Competitors:

Primary competitors include exotic sports cars from Europe such as the Chevrolet Corvette (especially Z06 variants), Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, and Porsche 911 Turbo. The Viper competes on raw power, aggressive styling, and a visceral driving experience.

Vehicle Highlight:

Massive V10 engine, rear-wheel drive, iconic snake-like styling, extreme performance capabilities, driver-centric interior.

Utility:

Essential for understanding the unique operational demands and safety features of a high-performance vehicle like the Viper. Crucial for proper break-in and maintenance to preserve its capabilities.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Summary:

Driver and Passenger Safety, Instruments and Controls, Features (Climate Control, Audio, Steering Wheel, Security, Cruise Control), Before Driving (Fuel, Break-in, Cargo), Driving (Engine and Transmission Operation), Maintenance (Minder, Fluid Checking, Minor Services, Storage), Unexpected Situations (Flat Tire, Dead Battery, Overheating, Fuses), Technical Information (Specifications, Tires, Emissions), Warranty and Customer Relations.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 200-250 pages (typical for a vehicle of this class and era).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation and basic transmission engagement.

Chassis:

Brake system warning indicators, tire pressure information, basic cargo loading.

Electrical:

Instrument cluster indicators, gauge functions, information display, fuse box location (implied by 'FUSES' in unexpected section).

Comfort Convenience:

Climate control operation, audio system basics, steering wheel controls, cruise control functionality, security system operation.

Pre Trip Checks:

Fueling procedures, vehicle break-in recommendations, cargo loading guidelines.

Driving Operation:

Proper engine operation, transmission engagement and use.

Emergency Situations:

Flat tire changing (likely with a disclaimer about specialized equipment if no spare), jump-starting a dead battery, addressing overheating, fuse replacement.

Maintenance Tasks:

Understanding the 'Minder' system, basic fluid level checks, minor service guidance, vehicle storage preparation.

Depth:

Designed for the end-user, focusing on operational understanding, basic checks, and emergency procedures. It will not cover in-depth diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

This is a product listing for a printed manual. If a digital version (PDF) were available, its quality (resolution, searchability) would be crucial.

Quality:

Typically high-quality, durable paper stock with clear diagrams and text, common for official manufacturer publications.

Binding:

Likely saddle-stitched or perfect bound, designed for durability in a glove compartment.

Paper:

Glossy or semi-gloss paper for durability and image clarity.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

This refers to the 8.4L V10 engine (often designated as the Viper V10).

Horsepower:

600 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

560 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Configuration:

V10, naturally aspirated

Displacement:

8.3 Liters (8300 cc)

Block Material:

Cast Iron Block

Head Material:

Aluminum Cylinder Heads

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue (Mopar P/N 68048553AB or equivalent).

Oil Type:

SAE 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil meeting MS-10810 specification (e.g., Pennzoil Ultra Platinum or similar).

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 7 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter change.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Tremec TR-6060 6-Speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Only Manual Transmission offered for the 2008 Viper SRT-10)

Clutch Type:

Dual-Disc Clutch

Transmission Fluid Type:

Synchromesh Friction Modified Manual Transmission Fluid, e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (P/N 68044344AA) or equivalent satisfying API GL-4 with limited slip additive.

Gear Ratios Summary:

Specific ratios are detailed in service manuals, but the TR-6060 is known for close ratios providing strong acceleration across the gears.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

180.2 inches (4577 mm)

Width:

76.1 inches (1933 mm) (excluding mirrors)

Height:

47.5 inches (1207 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.8 inches (2509 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,410 lbs (1547 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4,300 lbs (1950 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 4.4 cubic feet (125 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Specific NHTSA ratings for the 2008 Viper are not readily available in the same format as modern vehicles. Its design prioritized performance and chassis rigidity over standardized crash testing protocols prevalent today.

Traction Control:

Standard (often referred to as Electronic Stability Control - ESC, or Traction Control - TC).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side-Impact Airbags (often integrated into seats).

Seat Belts:

3-point active seat belts with pretensioners.

Rollover Protection:

Integrated Roll-Over Protection Structure (ROPS) within the A-pillars and header for convertible models (if applicable to this specific sub-model, the coupe likely has a more integrated structure).

Child Seat Anchors:

Likely equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) or ISOFIX points, though the Viper's performance focus may limit practicality for frequent child seat use.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Likely featured a premium sound system, potentially Alpine or similar, with AM/FM radio, CD player, and possibly auxiliary input. Navigation systems might have been an option on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control functionality, operated via steering wheel buttons.

Security:

Factory alarm system and immobilizer.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards; likely featured a basic audio input rather than Bluetooth or USB connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Recommended every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, especially given the high-performance nature of the engine and the use of synthetic oil.

Tire Rotation:

Every 6,000-7,500 miles.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2-3 years or as per owner's manual, critical for high-performance braking systems.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 High-Temperature Brake Fluid (e.g., Mopar DOT 4 Brake Fluid P/N 68002056AA).

Clutch Fluid Type:

Typically shares the brake fluid reservoir; use DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear due to aggressive driving, tire wear due to high grip demands, potential for rear main seal leaks on early V10s (though improved by this generation), AC system performance, potential for spark plug blow-out on older models (though less common on 8.4L).

Break In Period:

Crucial for the first 1,000-1,500 miles. Avoid hard acceleration, high RPMs, and prolonged idling. Vary engine speed. Oil changes and filter replacements are critical during this period.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Performance Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of performance vehicles, from muscle cars of the 60s and 70s to modern performance sedans and sports cars. The Viper is its most extreme expression of this heritage.

Third Generation Viper:

The 2008 Viper is part of the third generation (2003-2010), known internally as the ZB II. This generation saw significant updates, including the increased displacement to 8.4L for the SRT-10 models, chassis improvements, and updated styling.

Manufacturing Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Production Years:

The Dodge Viper was produced from 1992 to 2017 in several generations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Accolades:

While specific awards for the 2008 model year might be granular, the Viper SRT-10 consistently received accolades for its supercar-level performance, handling, and extreme character from automotive publications of the era.