I just read in another post that about 1/2 of the MOPAR Race engine controllers were defective in not operating the air-conditioner ... is this true? are they fixed now? I thought earlier posts said this was the way these things had to be ... if it's 'fixed', I want one ...
MOPAR Race Engine Controller
- Thread starter Vipermann
- Start date
SylvanSRT
Enthusiast
i dont think it was a defect, they were just not designed to be used on the street,and race cars dont usually have a/c, although new lemans(closed body)will
GTS-R 001
Enthusiast
I was told that by Valaya Racing, the unit was the Mopar performance controller for SRT10, not the comp coupe controller of which there are 2 , one for world challenge and one for VRL.
mark1962
Viper Owner
Anyone been using this controller on the street for a while? My dealer knows next to nothing about it and I'm leaning towards installing the Race Exhaust and Race Controller (dealer refuses to install any non-Mopar parts) but am curious:
1. Does the controller prevent the check engine light from coming on (assume it does)
2. What happens with the O2 sensor?
3. Is the adjustment to the air/fuel mixture accurate if not using the cam that is part of the Mopar "Power Kit"?
1. Does the controller prevent the check engine light from coming on (assume it does)
2. What happens with the O2 sensor?
3. Is the adjustment to the air/fuel mixture accurate if not using the cam that is part of the Mopar "Power Kit"?
SylvanSRT
Enthusiast
call JonB at PartsRack he sell and has lots of info on these. Another option is to buy a new pcm or have yours sent to someone like westcoast vipers to have them reflash the pcm to change whatever parameters you choose, you will need to supply them with a baseline dyno including air/fuel mixture. by doing this the car will retain all stock functions you choose. you can change redline, remove skip shift and change or modify lots of parameters
Bob K
Enthusiast
I am installing the Mopar race exhaust and race engine controller today. I will let you know later what happens. I'm curious now.
Bob K
Bob K
GTS-R 001
Enthusiast
send your pcm to cragin along with a list of your mods
SylvanSRT
Enthusiast
should be fine just don't let them reflash or you upgrade is gone
Greg-TT
Viper Owner
Bob K, did you get a chance to find out? I too have Mopar race controller & exhaust ordered however I might reconsider this set up if A/C becomes an issue.
Bob K
Enthusiast
I have the Mopar race exhaust installed (still needs some adjustment) but the REC has not arrived yet. I'm also waiting on the K&N intake system. Hopefully these will be here by tomorrow. The exhaust is loud but to my ear does not sound as good as my '96 (headers, catless and borla). We'll see after everything is installed. I will report back.
Bob K
Bob K
Unless there was a factory update for you pcm , the dealer would have no reason to re-flash your vehicle . If there was an update , you would probably want it , in which case you could send the pcm back and we (or who ever flashed your pcm) would re-apply your original mod's .
- Chris
- Chris
GTS-R 001
Enthusiast
The AC is not the big issue THE FAN WILL NOT EVEN WORK, ie no cool air period , no hot air, no clearing the windshield in the rain ( for you guys that drive your viper in the rain. Best thing is to have a place like DC reflash your PCM, won't screw up your mileage in your car computer either which could jeopardize your warranty.
I think I'll just wait for someone (like JET) to come out with a more simple plug-in, piggy-back unit ... I don't want a tune that's too aggressive anyway ... it doesn't have to be, because the stock tune is so weak that there's so much to gain with just some basic fuel & timing tweeks
What does DC use to reflash the PCM? Can he adjust the fuel trims and the timing? The VEC2 can only adjust the fuel. What other options are there for controlling the timing and the fuel trims other then an AEM?
HPTUNERS apprently are working on a package for the Viper, similar to their LSX software. This is what they told me at the SEMA show.
HPTUNERS apprently are working on a package for the Viper, similar to their LSX software. This is what they told me at the SEMA show.
Bob K
Enthusiast
Update: I got the race exhaust adjusted (real pain in the a$$ because of where the hanging brackets where welded on), Race Controller installed and K&N intake system on. The check engine light went off (was on with just the exhaust), no other lights came on and the heater/defrost fan works. I didn't run the AC. I will try to run the car a bit heavy this evening before the dyno tomorrow. The weather has been sucking off & on today and I had a bunch of errands to do so not much time. I will follow up after the dyno tomorrow.
Bob K
Bob K
Bob K
Bob K
SylvanSRT
Enthusiast
from my understanding is that with the race engine controller and exhaust you are not getting maximum benefit unless you have also done a cam swap. i'm very curious as to you dyno result. did you do a baseline run before any mods?
Carleton
Viper Owner
Bob K
I just purchase a 2005 with the Mopar Race exhaust, Mopar controller and K&N Filters. The ac is working.
Carleton
I just purchase a 2005 with the Mopar Race exhaust, Mopar controller and K&N Filters. The ac is working.
Carleton
Bob K
Enthusiast
SylvanSRT: Yes, I did a baseline last weekend with the Ferrari Club. Car had only 650 miles and had not been run at WOT before the dyno. Results - 434.3 rwhp and 465.1 rwtq. This was lower than I had expected.
Carleton: Good news. How do you like the sound? have you put it on the dyno?
Bob K
Carleton: Good news. How do you like the sound? have you put it on the dyno?
Bob K
Carleton
Viper Owner
Bob
I Like the sound alot. I was at Dan Craggins today for an oil change but did not have time for a dyno. Maybe next time.
V-man
I did not buy the car new. It only had 800 miles on it and the orignal owner did the mods.
Carleton
I Like the sound alot. I was at Dan Craggins today for an oil change but did not have time for a dyno. Maybe next time.
V-man
I did not buy the car new. It only had 800 miles on it and the orignal owner did the mods.
Carleton
We have our own set up to reflash the pcm . Yes we can adjust the fuel trims and timing .
The AEM is a stand alone pcm . Other options include Perfect Power (can only remove timing) , Dastek Unichip (unreliable for srt's) , and split second (can only remove timing) , VEC2 (timing and fuel - best piggy back out there for the viper) , APEXi safc , etc . I don't recommend any piggyback fuel control on the 04 and up SRT vehicles due to the fueling strategies these cars have . If you are going for timing control , something like the VEC2 should work well .
- Chris @ DC Performance
There is some confusion about the a/c function with the mopar race controller . Your a/c will work with this controller . The problem with the race controller is that it does not talk to the a/c control module . The race controller (engine control module) is what controls the radiator fan . Normally , when you turn on the a/c , the a/c module shares that info with the engine control module , and commands the radiator fan to increase it's speed to pull air through the a/c condenser . Being that the race controller does not have that function , you don't get an increase in air flow from the radiator fan when the a/c is on . If it's cold outside or the car is moving fast enough , there will be enough air flow to keep the condenser cool . If your sitting there idling or in stop and go , the condenser will build up too much heat and the a/c will not cool well or at all . I have seen cars build up enough heat to pop the safety valve on the a/c compressor .
- Chris
Sounds like the Race PCM might be ok for Vipers up north, but a risky idea for those of us in places like AZ, TX or FL ...
... wish there was another way to switch the fans on earlier ... then the Race PCM might be ok ... my C5 vette used to be able to do this ...
