SRT Live Chat - June 13th at 6:00 PM EDT - be here!

[SRT Engineers]

8. Does the 2008 use the same window regulator? If not, what was changed? Some of us have had to change out the regulators because one or both did not properly raise and/ or lower the window(s) on door opening and/or closing.

Yes, the whole door is the same as the 2006.

[Camfab]

I'm currently swapping to Jeff Mory's Striker heads, during the engine and tranny removal process I noticed one of the U-joints in the driveshaft didn't feel quite right. My question is this, according to the factory service manual I must not use a Spicer part with the exact same part number unless it's from Dodge. Is this true? Is their some special heat treat etc. on this u-joint? Can't I purchase one with the same part # from Spicer? The reason I'm asking is because the dealer wanted $200 for a single u-joint. Way out of line! 2000 ACR

[SRT Engineers]

Question #5 from Art 138: Side Sills: will these be easier to take off on the 08?... compared to the 03-06 side-sill 10mm nut closest the front wheel arch which is difficult to access and remove.

No, the fasteners for the 08 sills are the same.

[Andrew/USPWR]

Are we chatting it up yet?

[SRT Engineers]

10. I understand that there are currently 2008 Vipers in build status. Is this true? If so, will the 2008 be available before September?

The only '08s in build status are ours - Engineering, Marketing, PR, etc. A lucky few might see some cars in September, however.

[SRT Engineers]

Originally Posted by Y2K5SRT

Question #3 from doctorbob: Is the travel of the 2008 stick shifter similar to that of the aftermarket Hurst short shifter on my 2003 viper? Is the stick itself shorter?

Ques 3.......the new shifter has a slightly shorter throw but not by much. Not sure how it compares to the Hurst part. The stick is the same part........

[SRT Engineers]

Originally Posted by Y2K5SRT

9. What is the MSRP of the 2008 base model before customization? We have not finalized the 08 pricing yet but it is fair to say that it will be in the same ball park as the 06 car.

10. I understand that there are currently 2008 Vipers in build status. Is this true? If so, will the 2008 be available before September? There are and have been Vipers in build status since we always build a number of pilots before we begin production of customer cars. There will be customer cars available before September from the plant but what dealers they will be to by then is impossible to say.


Question #9 from 06blackviper: will there still be a gas guzzler tax in 2008 listed on the m.s.r.p.? We have not finished the required certification yet but there will surely be some gas guzzler tax.

These questions will be answered by multiple individuals.

[SoCal Rebell]

Someone told me there may be some sort of '08 "track car" edition, is this true?

[Janni]

Can we expect a more "raw" feeling when driving this car? The SRT was almost too civilized and I think that attracted folks that got in over their heads as witnessed by the number of accidents that we've seen (i.e. they should have gotten the M-B or Caddy XLR). If the car is a little more of a handful on the test drive -and maybe not so accommodating - perhaps we can weed out the non-enthusiast buyer. My GTS felt MUCH more on the edge than my SRT - and the SRT was much easier to put into service as a daily driver.

If the answer is no, that it's still a peach to drive, will you ask Herb about Homelink again?

[SRT Engineers]

Originally Posted by Y2K5SRT

Question #1 - From rcl4668 - "I have a 2008 Viper convertible on order and am interested in installing the Mopar aftermarket parts that were shown at the Detroit (and other) auto shows this past winter. What is the current status/availability of the following Mopar parts:

- Tubular Exhaust Header Package
- High-flowing, Cat-Back Exhaust System; and
- Low-restriction, functional Cold Air Intake System

I have also been informed that the installation of the following non-Mopar parts from SRT that were featured on the Detroit concept coupe will void the vehicle warranty:

- Titanium Valves and Connecting Rods
- Cast Litex Pistons and Lightened Crankshaft
- High Flow Intake Manifold with Polished Upper
- Carbon Fiber Coil Covers and Crinkle Black Valve Covers

These and our items are under consideration but we can't give you specific timing yet.


Question #2 (okay, a LOT more than one question) - From Bobpantax -
"1. What new parts from the 2008 can be used in the 2003 through 2006 cars? I understand the new rear end is a plug and play swap.

2. Will the new hood fit without modification of the brackets, etc.?

3. Will the new larger oil pump be a simple swap out? I heard that it will be possible to use it but additional mods are needed - what mods?

4. I heard that the new clutch and transmission will not fit the 2003 through 2006 cars. Is this correct? Is it possible to use some of the parts of the 2008 transmission to improve the performance of the 2003 through 2006 transmissions, e.g. cones and synchros?

Questions 1-3: The answer to this and a lot of other parts is yes. Again, stay tuned.

11. Will the new computer in the 2008 be tunable within the module or will tuners be locked out of the code?

The answer to this is the Venom system is even more complex than today's controller.

12. I understand that with a little computer reprogramming that the 2008 engine is capable of close to 700 flywheel HP while maintaining a safe air fuel ratio. Is this correct?
How much additional flywheel HP over 600 is safely, from an engine integrity point of view, available from the new engine?

See answer to #11.

13. I have heard that because of the VVT, the cam within a cam, the higher compression ratio, and the much more complicated new programming that it is unlikely that a simple, reliable supercharger upgrade like the current Paxton kit for the 2003 through 2006 cars will be availble for at least 18 months to two years. And, even when it is available, it will not be simple since the engine will have to be modified to lower the compression before the use of a supercharger. Correct?

See answer to #11.

Question #12 (more a comment/request than a question) from Camfab: Ok, at VOI 9, I spoke with the rep from Mopar Performance about the disappereance and lack of GEN II performance parts. Yes I understand that many original owners infact did not purchase these products. Many of the GEN II vehicles have now switched hands, secondary owners like myself who, A) Actually work on cars B) Crave OEM performance parts. Please reintroduce these parts or at least provide a means, for us performance nuts to get our hands on some parts.

Some examples of previously available products would include,
Performance Engine Controller
GTSR headers
Differential cooler
ACR Wheels
ACR Koni Shocks

Of course some good old fashion optional camshafts would be nice as well, especially in a packaged form. Seriously, I want to race this car, but parts purchased from the dealer level at non performance part pricing are completely out of line. No weekend warrior is going to spend $12,000 for a spare set of ACR wheels. Come on guys, make it viable to represent the Viper. If you can do it for the Neon, you certainly can make it happen for the Viper.

Can't make any promises but thanks for the suggestions

See our answers above

[Bobpantax]

Originally Posted by srtengineers

10. I understand that there are currently 2008 Vipers in build status. Is this true? If so, will the 2008 be available before September?

The only '08s in build status are ours - Engineering, Marketing, PR, etc. A lucky few might see some cars in September, however.

I can understand the engineers getting them but marketing and PR? The best marketing would be to get some loaners out to some of us in different geographic locations and let us show them off at car events and VCA meetings. Since I am in Miami, let me be the first to volunteer.

[SRT Engineers]

Question #9 from 06blackviper: will there still be a gas guzzler tax in 2008 listed on the m.s.r.p.?

Yes there will be a gas guzzler tax charge, but it will be less than last year. 90 more HP, but better fuel econ.

[Bobpantax]

I know that the Venom programming is very complex. Does this mean that the answer to my question is that tuners will be locked out of the code by the mere complexity of the program or intentionally as part of the program?

[FASTFUN]

Originally Posted by srtengineers

If the crack was admitting air into the manifold upstream of the O2 sensor the computer would attempt to add more fuel. That would explain the extra carbon buildup. The ECU will trim that fuel out after the repair is completed.

How long or how many miles should it take?

[Janni]

Originally Posted by srtengineers

Question #9 from 06blackviper: will there still be a gas guzzler tax in 2008 listed on the m.s.r.p.?

Yes there will be a gas guzzler tax charge, but it will be less than last year. 90 more HP, but better fuel econ.

Did he really just ask about fuel economy?