Proud to be a Viper Newbie!!

[Tiepilot]

I just recently bought my first Viper a '96 RT/10 White with Blue stripes and I think its the most fantastic toy I have ever had the joy to drive and own. This car has givin me back the thrill that my old 1970 440 six pac RT charger did (miss that car).

I would like to know if the K&N cone filters with metal smooth tubes would be better than adding K&N's to the stock air box and using rubber hose smooth tubes. I saw a kit somewhere for $399 that came with your color choice smooth tubes and cone K&N's.
What do you guys suggest? There is a bit of a price difference and suppose it's due to pretty tubes verses plain black any info to support one over the other, before I screw up?

[shifter]

The K&N cone filters is a personal preference for looks, in my opinion. The added airflow they get is arguably offset by the 'fan wash' or hot radiator exit air.

If you want a stock 'sleeper' type look, go with the airbox K&N's. If you want the 'modded' look, go for the cones.

Making my living in Powertrain Cooling has given me a good understanding of airflow, temperatures, and heat exchangers, so I'm not a fan of the cones. Though I believe my wife would disagree...

[V10 MOJO]

good one shifter, LOL. so the cones are not better for performance? I currently have K and N in the OEM box. which way is ideal for cooler running temp or does it not matter? and while on the subject, what do you recommend I do (mods/upgrades) to prep my car for a six thousand mile roadtrip? im driving from northeast ohio to elpaso to LA to salt lake and back home this june/july, itll be hot weather and im expecting to do 600-800 mile days depneding upon how i feel (from the nights before, LOL)

[DEVILDOG]

Tiepilot,
I agree with " shifter " for the same reasons. I have modified my air intake 3 times before getting it right. I first went to K&Ns in the stock box. Then I went to the K&N cones with tubes before becoming educated on the heated air issues. Some of us refer to the " cones and tubes " as a " hot air induction system "
I literally threw those away...all $400 worth as I would not sell those to anyone else with a Viper. Obviously, based on my signature I now have the Hennessey carbon fiber air box with K&Ns as part of the Venom 650R package which is great. Hennessey also has a lesser $ cost option where he modifies your stock box for maximum air flow in addition to adding K&N filters and smooth tubes. You can also do a " search " on this topic as there have been numerous posts regarding this issue previously.
Good luck and welcome to the VCA!
shifter,
My wife would definitely agree with yours!

[DEVILDOG]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by rdustman:
good one shifter, LOL. so the cones are not better for performance? I currently have K and N in the OEM box. which way is ideal for cooler running temp or does it not matter? and while on the subject, what do you recommend I do (mods/upgrades) to prep my car for a six thousand mile roadtrip? im driving from northeast ohio to elpaso to LA to salt lake and back home this june/july, itll be hot weather and im expecting to do 600-800 mile days depneding upon how i feel (from the nights before, LOL)

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
rdustman,
Water Wetter, 2 core aluminum radiator, make sure you have the upgraded 1998.5 fan ( my '98 made in January had previous lesser air flow, offset from engine bay center fan ). Advil, dark sun glasses and a barf bag for morning after cruising! Sounds like a great trip especially in a VIPER on those open roads through Texas and further west. Be safe and take some pics to post on the board please.

[shifter]

Cones have a greater surface area than the box filters and allow more airflow. The downside is that due to their location, they absorb the turbulent hot air from the fan exit. Though I haven't done a study on the laminar airflow through the air intake system, I'd bet that the flow from the cones is much more turbulent. Whether it makes a performance difference or not depends on more variables than I can entertain at this point. You will definately get cooler air from the airbox.

Long trip? Stretch your legs. Your car should be fine as long as you check your fluids and tire pressures when you stop for gas. I like to run redline water wetter (2 bottles) mixed with the coolant to help reduce temps. I use about 75% water to 25% coolant. Though I live in Michigan, my car is kept in a heated garage so the freezing point isn't a major concern. The 25% coolant also helps with corrosion (silicate layers) and raises the boiling point.

Also, get in a habit of checking the Power steering reservoir cap every time you stick your mellon under the hood.

Sounds like an awesome trip! Enjoy.

[V10 MOJO]

thnx for the advice guys, so water wetter is the answer, easy enough. as for radiator mods, i think ill hold off as venzano is going to be getting my money next for seats. i was told a thermostat is also an idea, yet this doesnt sound right to me. as i said, my only concerns are preventing overheating due to a load of mileage each day, everything else is good to go. BTW, power stearing cap? they come loose frequently? Does Montana still have no speed limit during the day? LOL

[Tusc]

Ok, off topic, but I have to ask. Obviously you're a SW fan and play the various PC games. So you have to agree with me that X-Wing Alliance was the BEST game they've released so far. Let's hope they bring out some new ones - maybe some E6 campaigns.

And.... Chewbacca is NOT dead!

[DEVILDOG]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by rdustman:
thnx for the advice guys, so water wetter is the answer, easy enough. as for radiator mods, i think ill hold off as venzano is going to be getting my money next for seats. i was told a thermostat is also an idea, yet this doesnt sound right to me. as i said, my only concerns are preventing overheating due to a load of mileage each day, everything else is good to go. BTW, power stearing cap? they come loose frequently? Does Montana still have no speed limit during the day? LOL

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
rdustman,
Check your e-mail regarding the power steering cap issue. 180 degree thermostat won't help. Take your Valentine One as Montana has speed limits day and nite.

[Tiepilot]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Brett 91 RS LT1:
Ok, off topic, but I have to ask. Obviously you're a SW fan and play the various PC games. So you have to agree with me that X-Wing Alliance was the BEST game they've released so far. Let's hope they bring out some new ones - maybe some E6 campaigns.

And.... Chewbacca is NOT dead!

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, Yes, and Yes. I'm waiting for JKII as they finally decided to use the QuakeIII engine, previews are looking great.

[Tiepilot]

I want to say Thanks for all of you taking the time to help me with the K&N issue. I'm afraid you'll all tire of me as I believe in utilizing GREAT resources!! Looks like I'm sticking with the stock box, K&N's,and smooth tubes.

Thanks Again!!

[JetMec]

Nice choice. Although I'm biased. I cant waith to see your avatar.