Vehicle Segment:
High-performance sports car, exotic car, halo vehicle.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, collectors, performance driving customers, owners seeking specialized maintenance and repair.
Key Competitors 2004:
Chevrolet Corvette C5, Porsche 911, Ferrari 360 Modena, Lamborghini Gallardo.
Defining Attributes:
Massive V10 engine, aggressive styling, rear-wheel drive, track-focused performance, raw driving experience, exclusivity.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and restoring a high-performance vehicle, providing critical part identification for sourcing genuine or aftermarket components.
Engine And Powertrain:
Engine assembly, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, oil system, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, clutch, transmission (manual), differential, driveshafts, half-shafts.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, front suspension (upper/lower control arms, ball joints, tie rods, steering knuckle), rear suspension (independent suspension components, trailing arms, upper/lower links), shock absorbers, springs, sway bars, steering system (rack and pinion, steering column).
Brakes:
Brake calipers (front and rear), brake rotors, brake pads, brake lines, master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake system.
Electrical System:
Wiring harnesses, battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, sensors, electronic control modules (ECMs), gauges, switches.
Body And Exterior:
Body panels (hood, fenders, doors, roof, trunk lid), bumpers, grille, mirrors, glass, weatherstripping, emblems, exterior trim, convertible top mechanism (if applicable).
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, interior trim panels, steering wheel, pedals, floor mats, carpeting, seat belts, airbags, HVAC system components (vents, controls), audio system components.
Part Identification:
Detailed exploded views with corresponding part numbers and descriptions for every component.
Part Ordering Guidance:
Facilitates accurate ordering of replacement parts by providing exact manufacturer part numbers.
Assembly Disassembly Reference:
Provides visual cues for assembly and disassembly sequences by showing component relationships.
Depth Of Coverage:
Highly detailed, focusing on component identification and cross-referencing for parts replacement and vehicle restoration.
Engine Code:
Viper V10 (Third Generation)
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated, V-configuration, overhead valve (OHV) pushrod V10.
Displacement:
8.3 Liters (8277 cc)
Horsepower:
500 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
525 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
Not typically listed in parts catalogs, but generally around 4.22 x 3.72 inches for this generation.
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Transmission Type:
Tremec T-56 6-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Manual transmission was standard and the sole offering).
Gear Ratios:
Typically includes: 1st: 2.66, 2nd: 1.78, 3rd: 1.30, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.74, 6th: 0.50 (subject to minor variations).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic actuated, dual-disc clutch (specific part numbers covered).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent specified by Tremec/Dodge (check manual for exact part number/spec).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 2.5 quarts (check manual for precise capacity).
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
Not typically tested by NHTSA in the same way as mass-market vehicles due to low production volume and specialized nature.
Traction Control:
Standard on 2004 models.
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
Standard.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia reel seat belts.
Rollover Protection:
Integrated rollover protection structure (often referred to as 'hard points' for potential future roll cages).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 to 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (consult specific service manual).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or as per severe duty schedule (refer to owner's manual for exact specification).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Typically every 30,000 to 100,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type (consult manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Often specified around 30,000 to 60,000 miles for performance engines, depending on plug type.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (as per many Viper service recommendations, verify with specific manual/owner's guide for exact specification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 7.0 quarts (with filter, verify with manual).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or similar compatible coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify specific requirement, DOT 4 often preferred for high-performance applications).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, brake pad/rotor wear (due to performance driving), exhaust system components (hangers, pipes), suspension bushings.
Potential Reliability Concerns:
While robust, earlier Vipers had some minor electrical gremlins; later models like the 2004 are generally more refined but require diligent maintenance due to their high-strung nature. Overheating can be an issue under extreme track use if cooling system maintenance is neglected.
Dodge Performance Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of performance vehicles, with the Viper representing the pinnacle of its sports car engineering and a spiritual successor to American muscle cars with a more exotic execution.
Third Generation Introduction:
The third generation (ZB) began with the 2003 model year, representing a significant redesign.
Zb Chassis Updates:
Introduced a stiffer chassis, improved aerodynamics, revised suspension geometry, and the larger 8.3L V10 engine.
Manufacturing Plant:
Mack Avenue Engine Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA (for engines) and Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA (for vehicles).
Model Production Years:
1992-2017 (across multiple generations).