🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Viper

Model Generation:

SR I (First Generation)

Chassis Codes:

SR I

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Viper of this era was a no-compromise, high-performance sports car, a halo product for Chrysler, competing with exotic European sports cars despite its American muscle car roots.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against cars like the Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911, Ferrari 348/F355, and Lotus Esprit, offering a raw, visceral driving experience and potent V10 power.

Key Features:

Iconic V10 engine, muscular styling, rear-wheel drive, minimal driver aids (early models), extreme performance capabilities, exclusive and collectible status.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

Vehicle Variants Covered:

RT/10 Roadster, GTS Coupe (early production for '96)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive, detailed listings across thousands of individual part numbers.

Manual Type:

Parts Manual Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Components:

Engine block, cylinder heads, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valvetrain, intake manifold, exhaust manifolds, oil pump, water pump, cooling system components, fuel injection system (injectors, rails, regulator), ignition system (coils, spark plug wires).

Transmission Drivetrain Components:

Clutch assembly, flywheel, transmission housing, gears, shafts, synchronizers, shift forks, driveshaft, rear axle assembly, differential, axle shafts, universal joints.

Chassis Suspension Steering Components:

Frame components, front suspension (control arms, ball joints, steering knuckles, coil springs, shock absorbers), rear suspension (trailing arms, toe links, coil springs, shock absorbers), steering rack, tie rods, steering column components, anti-roll bars.

Brake System Components:

Brake calipers (front and rear), brake rotors, brake pads, brake lines, master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake mechanism.

Electrical System Components:

Wiring harnesses, battery, alternator, starter motor, fuse box, relays, lighting components (headlights, taillights, turn signals), switches, sensors, instrument cluster components, ECU (Engine Control Unit).

Fuel System Components:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator.

Cooling System Components:

Radiator, radiator hoses, coolant reservoir, fan shroud, cooling fan.

Body Exterior Components:

Body panels (hood, fenders, doors, quarter panels, trunk lid), bumpers, grille, headlights, taillights, mirrors, windshield, side glass, convertible top frame (if applicable), spoilers, badges, trim pieces.

Body Interior Components:

Dashboard assembly, instrument panel components, seats, seat belts, door panels, carpeting, center console, steering wheel, shift knob, interior trim panels, HVAC controls, audio system components.

Part Identification And Lookup:

Detailed exploded diagrams for every major and minor component group, cross-referenced with manufacturer part numbers.

Assembly Disassembly Guidance:

Visual aids (exploded diagrams) are crucial for understanding the order of assembly and disassembly for various components.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive; covers all factory-specified parts, including fasteners, seals, and small hardware, essential for restoration, repair, and parts sourcing.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High resolution, allowing for clear enlargement of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Digital (Downloadable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement:

8.0 Liters (7990 cc)

Engine Configuration:

V10

Engine Code:

V10 (specific variants like Gen 1 V10)

Horsepower:

400 hp @ 4600 RPM (1992-1995), 450 hp @ 5200 RPM (1996 GTS Coupe)

Torque:

450 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM (1992-1995), 490 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM (1996 GTS Coupe)

Fuel Induction:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Manual only for this generation)

Transmission Features:

Heavy-duty design to handle the V10's torque, specific gear ratios optimized for performance.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

96.1 inches (2441 mm)

Overall Length:

174.6 inches (4435 mm)

Overall Width:

75.1 inches (1908 mm)

Overall Height:

43.8 inches (1113 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,250-3,400 lbs (1474-1542 kg), depending on year and body style.

Weight Distribution:

Rear-biased for performance handling.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Not formally rated by NHTSA for this era's specialized vehicles. Focus was on performance over passive safety features.

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes (ABS optional or standard on later models/trims), performance-tuned suspension.

Passive Safety Features:

Three-point seat belts, reinforced door beams, body-on-frame construction providing inherent structural integrity.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player or optional CD player. Limited electronic features compared to modern vehicles.

Driver Assistance Features:

Minimal; early models lacked ABS and traction control, emphasizing driver engagement. Later models offered optional ABS.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No Bluetooth, USB, or advanced connectivity features).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Refer to specific model year recommendations.

Major Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs, ignition wires, and fluid checks recommended around 30,000-50,000 miles. Refer to service manual for detailed schedules.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 20W-50 Synthetic (preferred) or SAE 10W-30/10W-40 conventional. Check owner's manual for exact specification.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF), SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (e.g., Mopar NV4500 specification, verify for Viper specifics).

Coolant Specification:

Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Known Issues:

Early models had clutch issues (heavy pedal, short life), potential for oil consumption, some electrical gremlins, and brake wear due to aggressive driving. The parts manual is critical for sourcing correct replacement parts for these known wear items.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a history of performance vehicles and muscle cars, culminating in the Viper as its flagship supercar.

Model Evolution:

The Viper debuted in 1992 as the RT/10 Roadster, heavily inspired by the original Shelby Cobra. The GTS Coupe was introduced in 1996, adding a more refined and track-oriented variant.

Production Location:

New Mack Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Production Period:

1992-1996

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Consistently praised for its raw performance, dramatic styling, and unique V10 engine. Featured in numerous automotive publications and enthusiast awards for its supercar status.