Best Operating Schedule Gen 2

[Solid Red 98]

I have a 98 GTS with 20k on the clock. I tend to drive it about once a week year round. Is that frequent enough to keep it limber and lubed with a minimum of deterioration? Other cars that I have owned got a bit groggy sitting around that much, but the Viper has tolerated it pretty well thus far. Besides the daily drivers, what is the general consensus with respect to optimum operational frequency? What is the magic ratio of pleasure vs. preservation?

[V10SpeedLuvr]

A lot of people won't believe me, but I only drive mine 2 days a week. Maybe 3 if I'm just in the mood to put some miles on it. It generally sits Mon-Thurs. and I drive it Friday night, Saturday and if I go anywhere, maybe Sunday. I've had it over 3 years and all has been well (:knock on wood: ) with respect to seals, dead batteries from sitting too long, etc. 83k as of now

[chimazo]

A ton of folks north of the Mason-Dixon line don't drive their "toys" (whatever marque they may be) for months during the winter, and then a day or two during the warmer months, with no ill-effect.

[mjorgensen]

As long as when you do run it you let it get fully warm and the fluids all warm then you will be fine. Follow the coolant change schedule to prevent corrosion and change the oil once a year IMHO. You should also run it hard a few times to keep it fresh and slow carbon build up. Remember also the most wear comes at start up so don't do it unless you intend to drive her a bit.

[Vipuronr]

This is an interesting subject, as I recently purchased my 1998 RT/10 with only 5k miles. That means the previous owner drove about 500 miles a year!

I gave it to Chuck to examine the car and have all fluids changed. Other than some surface rust (car from Boca) on the metal parts in front of the cowl just under the hood (black painted parts), the car got a clean bill of health!

But honestly, I truly have this as a toy so it is driven less than once a week. I have owned other cars and driven them similarly with no ill effects.

Are there any potential issues with owning/driving it this way...I do try to run it out when I do take it for a spin.

Thanks.

Peter
________________________

1998 RT/10, Viper Red (5k miles) "Tatorized"

FIREFIGHTERS SAVE LIVES AND PROPERTY

SUPPORT TATORS DODGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RobZilla]

Along this same line of thought perhaps I can get some recommendations from this thread. How often should the following fluids be changed:

Coolant
Trans
Differential

Im coming up on 30k and an oil change. I'd like to perform the 30k service myself. Obviously spark plugs, oil, (trans and differntial were just done during a trans swap). Anything else???

[Ratical2]

Quoted from my 96 GTS Service Manual:

Schedule A:
30,000 miles
Replace Air cleaner Element
Replace Spark Plugs
Change Brake and Clutch Fluid
Lubricate tie rods ends and ball joints

Schedule B:
30,000 miles
Change engine oil and filter
Replace Air cleaner Element
Replace Spark Plugs
Lubricate front and rear ball joints
Lubricate steering linkage and tie rod ends.
Inspect PCV valve and replace if neccessary.

Note: Rear Diff fluid should be changed every 9K to 12K miles.
For the Transmission Fluid Schedule B states every 21K miles.

Coolant Schedule A- 45K miles or 36 Months
Schedule B- Fush and replace at 51K miles

[RobZilla]

Beautiful. All is done but spark plugs and coolant. Forgot that I did the ball joints during the tras swap last month too.