🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Viper

Model Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999

Vehicle Type:

Sports Car / Muscle Car

Chassis Codes:

SR II

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Dodge Viper SR II (Second Generation) solidified its position as an American supercar icon, blending raw power with striking design. This manual caters to enthusiasts and professionals looking to maintain and repair these high-performance machines.

Competitors:

Competed directly with established European sports cars and exotics, offering a more visceral and powerful driving experience. Key rivals included Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911, Ferrari 355, and Lotus Esprit.

Vehicle Features:

Massive V10 engine, rear-wheel drive, aggressive styling, limited production, track-focused capabilities, often raw and uncompromised driving dynamics.

Value Proposition:

Essential resource for owners and mechanics to accurately diagnose and repair the complex systems of the Viper, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Specificity:

Vehicle Specific (Exact same manual used by dealership technicians)

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (e.g., PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, and repair for the V8, including timing, valve train, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, and exhaust systems.

Transmission:

Detailed procedures for manual transmission (Tremec T-56) service, overhaul, clutch replacement, and gearbox diagnostics.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, differential, axles, and driveshaft service and repair.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system diagnosis, repair, rotor and pad replacement, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) component service.

Suspension:

Independent front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, linkage, and wheel alignment procedures.

Electrical:

Comprehensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrument cluster, and ECU (Engine Control Unit) diagnosis.

Body:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, convertible top (if applicable), and glass replacement.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnostics and repair.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, lines, fuel tank, and evaporative emissions control system.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, thermostat, water pump, and coolant flush procedures.

Emission Control:

Diagnosis and repair of emission control systems, including catalytic converters and O2 sensors.

Wiring Diagrams:

Extensive and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including engine management, lighting, HVAC, audio, and ABS.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt adjustments, spark plug replacement.

Diagnostics:

In-depth troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnosis.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.

Rebuilds:

Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications and clearances.

Adjustments:

Valve adjustments, idle speed settings, clutch adjustments.

Installation:

Component replacement and installation instructions for various parts.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon problems.

Engine Rebuild Specs:

Includes critical internal engine specifications such as bearing clearances, piston ring end gap, cylinder wall finish, and valve seat runout for complete engine rebuilds.

Transmission Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembling, inspecting, replacing components (synchros, bearings, seals), and reassembling the Tremec T-56 gearbox.

Suspension Alignment Specs:

Provides precise front and rear wheel alignment specifications (camber, caster, toe) crucial for Viper handling characteristics.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to complete component overhauls and advanced diagnostics, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers.

Diagnostic Tools:

Details procedures for using diagnostic tools, including OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) scanners for retrieving trouble codes and live data.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for searchability and navigation.

Quality:

High-resolution digital scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V10

Displacement:

8.0 Liters (7990 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

4.00 in x 3.88 in (101.6 mm x 98.5 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.6:1

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Valvetrain:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated.

Engine Code:

Generally referred to as the Viper V10.

Horsepower:

450 hp @ 5200 RPM (1997-1998), 450 hp @ 5000 RPM (1999)

Torque:

490 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM (1997-1998), 490 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM (1999)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition (EIS) with Coil-On-Plug (COP) for later models if applicable within year range.

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 7 US quarts (6.6 Liters) with filter. Specifics in manual.

Recommended Oil:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 Synthetic or High-Quality Conventional Oil (refer to manual for precise recommendations and seasonal variations).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Tremec T-56 6-Speed Manual Transmission

Type:

No automatic transmission option available for these years.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, dual-disc clutch (specifics in manual).

Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific gear ratios of the T-56 transmission. Typically close-ratio for performance.

Transmission Fluid:

Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) - Specific type and viscosity (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5 rated) to be confirmed in manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 174.7 inches (4438 mm)

Width:

Approx. 75.8 inches (1925 mm)

Height:

Approx. 46.4 inches (1179 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 96.2 inches (2443 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 4.5 inches (114 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (1406-1497 kg), depending on model and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to manual for specific GVWR.

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 4.5 cubic feet (127 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Specific NHTSA crash test data for these years may be limited or not directly comparable to modern standards. Manual will provide vehicle-specific safety component information.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.

Frame Construction:

Body-on-frame construction with integrated steel safety cage.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically a premium sound system with AM/FM stereo, CD player, and cassette player. Manual will detail operation and basic troubleshooting.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim. Manual provides system operation and repair.

ABS And TCS:

Standard ABS and Traction Control Systems are key electronic aids.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; no Bluetooth or modern connectivity features. Focus is on core vehicle systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions.

Filter Replacement Interval:

Oil filter with every oil change. Air filter and cabin filter as per manual recommendations (e.g., 15,000-30,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual. Typically around 30,000-60,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs if equipped.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically Mopar HOAT or equivalent. Refer to manual for exact specification and color.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific grade).

Power Steering Fluid:

Power steering fluid - specific type to be confirmed in manual.

Common Complaints:

Clutch wear due to aggressive driving, potential for vapor lock in extreme heat (though mitigated in SR II), early generation ABS sensor issues, rear main seal leaks in some cases, and occasional electrical gremlins typical of complex performance vehicles. Manual will detail troubleshooting for these.

Front Tire Size:

275/40ZR17

Rear Tire Size:

335/35ZR17

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

The Viper was conceived as a modern interpretation of the classic American muscle car, drawing inspiration from the Shelby Cobra. Chrysler's performance division, under the direction of Tom Gale, brought this ambitious project to life.

Generation Ii:

The Second Generation (SR II) Viper was introduced in 1996. This generation saw significant improvements in refinement, chassis dynamics, and power delivery, while retaining the raw, uncompromising character of the original.

Model Year Updates:

1997: Refined chassis and suspension. 1998: Introduction of the GTS-R model and revised GTS coupe. 1999: Minor updates, continued refinement of existing models.

Manufacturing Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Production Years:

1992-2017 (across multiple generations)

Series Codes:

RT/10 (Roadster), GTS (Coupe), GTS-R (Competition/Homologation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

While specific awards for these model years might be scarce in general publications, the Viper SR II was widely recognized by automotive media and enthusiasts for its performance, design, and raw driving experience, often appearing on 'best of' lists for sports cars.

Performance Ratings:

Consistently rated highly for acceleration, braking, and track performance by automotive journalists of the era.