Positioning:
High-performance American sports car, exclusive and track-focused
Competitors:
Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Ferrari 360 Modena, Porsche 911 Turbo
Design Philosophy:
Raw performance, aggressive styling, driver-centric cockpit, V10 engine dominance
Audience:
Performance enthusiasts, collectors, experienced mechanics and DIYers seeking in-depth knowledge
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly (e.g., block, heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valvetrain)
Fuel And Throttle Body:
Fuel delivery system, injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter, throttle body operation and servicing
Cooling And Lubrication:
Cooling system components (radiator, water pump, thermostat), lubrication system components (oil pump, oil pan, oil filter), fluid types and capacities
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering system, wheel alignment, shock absorbers, springs, bushings
Brakes:
Brake system components (calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, ABS), bleeding procedures, hydraulic system diagnostics
Electrical System:
Power distribution, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, sensors, actuators, body control modules
Emission Control:
Emission control systems, catalytic converters, evaporative emission control (EVAP), EGR system, diagnosis and repair of emission-related faults
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, including connector pinouts and wire colors
Periodic Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspection points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair, including torque specifications and assembly details
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for complete vehicle disassembly and reassembly, with exploded views
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics, including identification of electrical faults, sensor readings, and module communication issues
Rebuild Scope:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V10
Displacement:
8.3 Liters (505 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
500-510 hp @ 5600-5800 RPM (depending on specific year/variant)
Torque:
525-535 lb-ft @ 4200-4600 RPM (depending on specific year/variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Mopar OAT)
Length:
Approx. 175.7 inches (4463 mm)
Width:
Approx. 76.0 inches (1930 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.4 inches (1255 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 98.8 inches (2509 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100-3200 lbs (1406-1451 kg)
Front Wheel Size:
18 x 10 inches
Rear Wheel Size:
18 x 13 inches
Front Tire Size:
275/35ZR18
Rear Tire Size:
345/30ZR18
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not rated (Exotic sports car, typically tested under different parameters or not at all)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - often adjustable or can be disabled
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-Point Seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Kicker, Alpine).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Auxiliary Input:
May feature an auxiliary audio input jack for external devices.
Instrumentation:
Comprehensive analog gauges for tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel level, and voltmeter.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, check manual for specific recommendation.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; often at higher mileage intervals for performance engines (e.g., 100,000 miles for iridium plugs if applicable).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic Oil meeting Chrysler MS-10850 or API SN specification (verify with manual)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 7 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter (verify with manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 High-Temperature Brake Fluid (verify with manual)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, rear axle bearing issues (early ZB II), potential for oil consumption in high-mileage engines, exhaust manifold leaks.
Electrical Gremlins:
While generally robust, specific electrical gremlins can occur; troubleshooting requires detailed wiring diagrams.
Heritage Focus:
Dodge's performance lineage, muscle car heritage, and development of high-performance SRT division
Gen2 Introduction:
The Viper ZB II generation introduced significant updates, including the larger 8.3L V10 engine and revised styling.
Manufacturing Location:
Mack Avenue Engine Plant, Detroit, Michigan (Engine), Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan (Assembly)
Key Variants:
Coupe (GTS), Roadster (SRT-10), ACR (American Club Racer) variants available in this period.