Segment:
High-Performance Sports Car / Exotic Car
Competitors:
Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Porsche 911, Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo (depending on specific year and performance focus)
Design Philosophy:
Raw, unadulterated performance with a focus on driver engagement and extreme power delivery. Iconic American muscle car ethos translated to a supercar platform.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain (Transmission, Clutch, Driveshafts, Differential)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS, Traction Control), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Starting & Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), HVAC Controls, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats)
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, Restraints (Airbags)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Engine Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid, Differential Fluid), Filter Replacements, Lubrication Points
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Electrical Schematics, Component Testing
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Repair/Replacement, Body Panel Repair/Replacement
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major components and sub-assemblies.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electrical diagnostics and bodywork procedures.
Engine Code:
Viper V10 (3rd Gen)
Displacement:
8.3 Liters (8277 cc)
Configuration:
V10, Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower:
500-510 hp @ 5600-5800 rpm (depending on specific model year)
Torque:
525-535 lb-ft @ 4200-4400 rpm (depending on specific model year)
Induction:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Coolant, P/N 05010885AA or equivalent (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 10 quarts (9.5 liters) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (preferred by Chrysler/Dodge for performance V10s)
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mopar PH2 / Wix 57899 / Fram PH30 / K&N HP-3001 (Verify for specific year)
Type:
Tremec T-56 6-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
N/A (Manual transmission was standard for SRT-10)
Clutch:
Heavy-duty dual-disc clutch
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III / Mercon ATF or Tremec Recommended Synthetic (e.g., Synchromesh)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 3.5 pints (1.6 liters)
Differential Fluid Type:
Synthetic Gear Lubricant API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 (with limited-slip additive if equipped)
Differential Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 2.5 quarts (2.4 liters)
Length:
Approx. 177.5 inches (4509 mm)
Width:
Approx. 75.1 inches (1908 mm)
Height:
Approx. 47.8 inches (1214 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 98.8 inches (2509 mm)
Front Wheel Size:
18 x 10 inches
Rear Wheel Size:
19 x 13 inches
Front Tire Size:
275/35ZR18
Rear Tire Size:
345/30ZR19
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
NHTSA Rating:
Not typically rated by NHTSA due to low production volume and specialty nature.
Traction Control:
Standard, often adjustable or defeatable.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags, often side airbags depending on configuration.
Restraint System:
3-point seat belts with pre-tensioners, advanced driver and passenger airbag systems.
Audio System:
Typically featured a premium audio system (e.g., Alpine) with CD player and AM/FM radio. Optional subwoofer and amplifier configurations were common.
Navigation:
Optional, often integrated into the dashboard head unit.
Cruise Control:
Standard.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control system.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), especially if using conventional oil. With synthetic oil, intervals can be extended to 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, but high-performance use may necessitate more frequent changes.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as specified in the manual, with higher frequency recommended for aggressive driving.
Differential Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles. Inspect for leaks.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 3-5 years.
Spark Plugs:
Platinum or Iridium spark plugs typically have service intervals of 60,000-100,000 miles. The Viper V10 uses 10 spark plugs.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4, DOT 4 Plus, or DOT 5.1 High-Temperature Brake Fluid (check manual for specific recommendation).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S / CHF 202 (confirm with manual as some Viper generations used specific hydraulic fluids).
Clutch Wear:
Due to the high torque and performance-oriented clutch, premature wear can occur with aggressive driving or improper clutch engagement.
Rear Axle Hop:
Can occur during hard acceleration, often addressed with upgraded suspension components or differential bushings.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many high-performance vehicles of this era, intermittent electrical issues can arise, necessitating thorough diagnostic procedures.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Some early V10 engines were prone to exhaust manifold cracks due to heat cycling. Later models may have addressed this.
Manufacturer:
Dodge (Chrysler Corporation / DaimlerChrysler)
Generation Introduction:
The SRT-10 moniker was introduced in 2003 with the second-generation Viper. The third generation (ZB II) refined the design and powertrain, with the SRT-10 continuing as the primary performance variant.
Manufacturing Plant:
Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Production Years Covered:
2003-2010 (for the third generation, with the SRT-10 nameplate consistently applied)
