The Chronicles of SneakySnake Vol III

[slowhatch]

Well, after a long time dreamin, finally stepped up into a Gen V. The gen 4 went to a good home, a member on this board, and I'm super excited for him--was really strange to see "my" car parked in front of a different residence. It's kind of weird when you sell to someone whom still has access to you, as you never really feel like the car is gone! Hope he enjoys it in good health.

My search for a G5 was initially narrowed to Stryker cars only. Green, Purple, Orange, Red, in that order. I am not a stripe guy, and do not like flat colors; So 90% of the used market, and TAs, were out. Stryker cars rarely pop up for sale and when they do, people tend to want the moon for them. The one stryker green car I had my eye on in Colorado--which had sat on the market for almost a year--sold a few days before my gen 4 moved, and was particularly disappointing. I honestly never even considered a GTS Blue car (even though it is my favorite color), as they literally only made a handful without stripes, and it never occured to me that one would ever pop up. But pop up it did. 1 owner car, 6k miles, had a clear bra on from mile 1, passed R28, and has had R29 performed. Perfect. Additionally, (and this rarely happens) but the previous owner and I shared similar taste; All of his mods were not only appreciated but would of followed the same suit in my possession. It was good to save some money on parts, for once. Previous owner also included all of the oem parts in the sale.

Excited would be an understatement, I'm on pins and needles waiting on the car to be transported from PA to TX. I'm sure the current snow storms in the NE aren't doing me any favors. I have big plans for this car and cant wait to get started. Special thanks to Bernie and the Viper Exchange team for their diligence and ease of transaction, they are the best in the business! Also a huge thanks to James W. for being in the right place at the right time and generously offering to look the car over for me in person. The Houston VOA knows no state lines!

'13 Viper GTS Blue

-Track Package
-Laguna Interior
-18 Speaker HK Audio
-Carbon Aero

Aftermarket Mods:

-Arrow ECU
-Belanger Longtubes, Mid-pipes, HF Cats
-Corsa Catback
-AP Full Carbon Diffuser
-Xpel Clearbra [Full front end]
-GTS Blue Coil Covers
-Matte Black 'GTS' Emblem
-Matte Black Gas Door
-3M Tint

All I have for now are some potato cam cell phone snaps, real pictures to follow when I take delivery. Per usual I will use this thread to track my ownership, build progress, services, events, etc;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_4020-01_zpsthmwfbtr.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_4017-01_zpstgcctnxc.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_4009-01_zpsr2n7mhmm.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_4013-01_zpsg1wuyqzo.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_4014-01_zpsuwlr70kh.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_4016-01_zpshvninvbf.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_4019-01_zpsf9fgxp50.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_4012-01_zps1gmstwmn.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_4010-01_zpsd1jbtl1f.jpeg

Interior shots;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0abe4ff72c35b7fb583c78ae83ea081f-1_zpsvxe8ewio.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/7b09c213074efd8daeb4bb441cce2629-1_zps8krbmqo3.jpg

[BrianACR]

What a beautiful color! Congrats on the 'new' Viper!!

[swexlin]

Congrats. Did I miss it, how many miles? It's unusual to see the blue without the stripe (I am partial to blue, I'm on my 3rd Blue Ram!)

What are your plans, as it's been tastefully modded already.

[pdv25]

Congrats Alex! Looks great.

[ACRSNK]

Congrats! That blue is beautiful!

[CNU_Physics]

I love the GTS Blue without the stripes. I've been looking at this one online for a while, just for the sake of looking at it. Beautiful car!

[1.8t]

Congrats!

[AngelSpeedFreak]

Congrats. I have enjoyed all your older videos and look forward to the new ones to come.

[Martin2000GTS]

Congrats!

[GTSilver]

Congrats Alex and again I cant wait to see what you'll do to Sneaky vol III

[outnumbered]

It has a spoiler!!

[serpent]

GJ with no stripes, love GTS Blue, it is bery noice!

[Canadian venom]

:drive: Congrats and can't wait to see your next video

[99RT10]

Congrats! Isn't it rare to have a solid Viper blue color?

[Magzx12r]

Nice. VE are good people to deal with.

[Ripper]

Car has some tasteful mods and looks amazing. Congrats man!!

[7TH_SIGN]

Very nice! Congratulations!

[slowhatch]

Appreciate all the love fellas. I'll be out trying to abuse people in it shortly :)


Congrats. Did I miss it, how many miles? It's unusual to see the blue without the stripe (I am partial to blue, I'm on my 3rd Blue Ram!)

What are your plans, as it's been tastefully modded already.

In the near term I'm going to round out the "full bolt on" status by dropping in a filter, crank udp, catch cans, heat shielding, and shifter. Also doing lowering caps and have custom spacers being machined. First things will be the basics, all the fluids, alignment check, suspension/bushing check, wheel balance check, etc.

Long term I want to set the bar for a full weight NA pump gas viper in the 1/4. I'm interested in heads/cam/stroker :icon_devil:

[Jprince]

Appreciate all the love fellas. I'll be out trying to abuse people in it shortly :)



In the near term I'm going to round out the "full bolt on" status by dropping in a filter, crank udp, catch cans, heat shielding, and shifter. Also doing lowering caps and have custom spacers being machined. First things will be the basics, all the fluids, alignment check, suspension/bushing check, wheel balance check, etc.

Long term I want to set the bar for a full weight NA pump gas viper in the 1/4. I'm interested in heads/cam/stroker :icon_devil:

I like your thinking. I'm hoping to set the bar for the NA set up at the viper nationals this year with my nth moto build.

[Jet Slicker]

Damn damn DAMN!!! I wanted this car SO bad!! I was just 2 weeks shy of making an offer on it! I've been watching this car for 4 months, and they just lowered the price on Sunday. Very disappointing.. I know how you felt about the Stryker green car now haha. But I have to know how much you paid for it. Will be sending you a PM.

[SSGNRDZ_28]

Congrats, welcome back (wasn't too long). Looking forward to the build progress!

[viperBase1]

Damn damn DAMN!!! I wanted this car SO bad!! I was just 2 weeks shy of making an offer on it! I've been watching this car for 4 months, and they just lowered the price on Sunday. Very disappointing.. I know how you felt about the Stryker green car now haha.
Wow.

VERY interesting to learn about my role in the cascade of timing waves through the ViperVerse (TradeMark! "ViperVerse" I just made that up.)
Yet another gift from the Forum.

TIMING...damn timing. :eek:

Pains me a bit Alex, to hear you missed out on the Stryker Green Viper by just a few days. N' we closed our deal a bit early relative to the original plan.
I sincerely hope it all works out in the end. Sure sounds like it should.

Your new SneakySnake is gorgeous n' I'm sure you're gonna turn her into a Gen V monster like you did the Gen IV.
Fingers crossed your auto-transport experience is better/smoother than mine (the Transport Nightmare of 2017!)

I gotta come up with a new name for my car!
Now that your Amicable Divorce is official, she's no longer the SneakySnake. :orange:

[timberwolf]

Nice ride brother!! That blue is sexy as hell! That was on my list but I couldn't find one, nor the patience to wait for one! lol

It's incredible how much time I spent trying to protect the car from itself. Meaning, clear bra, heat shielding, boomerangs, more heat shielding, and many other odds and ends.

[camarochevy1970]

You bought Matt Diehl's car, good for you. It is really nice. That car was what got me into a Viper

[texasram]

Finally you can back up all that trash talk, welcome to club 5

[The_Ruski_Driver]

Alex,
GTS blue is a very opulent, deep color that will oftentimes have you looking back for more. Good choice and welcome!

[slowhatch]

Alex,
GTS blue is a very opulent, deep color that will oftentimes have you looking back for more. Good choice and welcome!

From one Russian to another;

Opulence, I has it.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/18/ec/dc/18ecdc1e25c9d0c266b0ef1f90f52814.gif

[slowhatch]

Congrats, welcome back (wasn't too long). Looking forward to the build progress!

Thanks Doug, going to run your catalog in this one too. Gonna need a heat shield and catch cans. When's my sponsorship coming? ;)

[Crotalidae]

Very nice looking vehicle...congrats!!!

[Zidane]

Congrats! Blue is my favorite as well.

[slowhatch]

Guess what arrived at BJ Motors today? :car-smiley-003:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171618a-01_zpsdu6oz19u.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171618a-01_zpsdu6oz19u.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171618-01_zpsjrrbcmx5.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171618-01_zpsjrrbcmx5.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171617-01_zps0bgbnlvk.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171617-01_zps0bgbnlvk.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171617a-01_zps51uvsq4i.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171617a-01_zps51uvsq4i.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171616b-01_zpsnt9fqmqi.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171616b-01_zpsnt9fqmqi.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171616a-01_zps5vglhlxr.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171616a-01_zps5vglhlxr.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171616-01_zpsbc5b5cwl.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171616-01_zpsbc5b5cwl.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171616_HDR-01_zpsqplczhln.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171616_HDR-01_zpsqplczhln.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171615-01_zpsqquqkjoo.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0320171615-01_zpsqquqkjoo.jpeg.html)

[serpent]

That looks so fucking sharp. Hot damn man, I can't wait to get mine.

[Stealth]

Congrats on the new ride!

When you get a chance, please give us a shot of the AP Full Carbon Diffuser.

[XSTAR]

Love it in the solid color!!!

[viperBase1]

Congrats Alex!

Talk about a mirror finish. Looks like it's coated in glass. :eek:
Absolutely awesome.

[No hemi]

Welcome, beautiful car, looking forward to the explits of SS the 3rd :)

[John N]

Congrats Alex, I didn't realize that was why you were up to VE the other day. Looking forward to seeing the new ride in person at our upcoming events, looks sweet.

[PaulP]

Congrats Alex! Now go get some notches in this one too lol

[slowhatch]

Took delivery of the car on Friday, happiest day of my life :car-smiley-003: I can't even put into words how much I love this new one. It took everything I loved about the previous 2 (the performance, looks, exclusivity, etc) and garnished it with a dose of refinement. I'll have a more in depth review for you guys when I have time to put pen to paper (can we say that anymore?).

Taking delivery, and the first drive home;


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7QlaOnyt_M

All tucked into our garage;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0324171754a_zpsbgnipuqj.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0324171754a_zpsbgnipuqj.jpg.html)

Next morning I popped up like a kid on Christmas morning, eager to drive the car to my buddies place to bolt on some small goodies.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171302_HDR-01_zpslbjdntiy.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171302_HDR-01_zpslbjdntiy.jpeg.html)

On the agenda;

-K&N Drop-in
-IPSCO Crank UDP
-Dayco Belt
-MGW Gripper Shift knob
-Carbon plate frame

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171343_HDR-01_zpsbuvq9xu2.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171343_HDR-01_zpsbuvq9xu2.jpeg.html)

Did the shift knob first, easy peasy. The shifter on the TR6060 is absolutely perfect from the factory (and its further improved still, for the gen 5s). I do prefer shorter throws than the oem knob provides, so I tend to swap the handle. I always buy the same MGW unit as muscle memory dictates its shape/weight remain the same as in my previous snakes.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171343_zpsu8rc4mda.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171343_zpsu8rc4mda.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171345_zpsarjxbjtl.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171345_zpsarjxbjtl.jpg.html)

I wish there was an option to have it wrapped in leather instead of textured plastic, but in the Viper parts market (read: bare), you can't be too choosy. When you don't look at it from 4 inches away, it blends in and looks oem.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171359_zpsqxwau9rv.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171359_zpsqxwau9rv.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171359_HDR_zpsdmn7n0uf.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171359_HDR_zpsdmn7n0uf.jpg.html)

Carbon plate went on to replace the dealer offering as we waited on one of my buddies neighbors to come home (he had a torque wrench small enough to do the crank pulley bolts). Frame was simple, real hand-laid carbon, and matched the spoiler and diffuser perfectly.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0325171406a_HDR_zpssynhodih.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0325171406a_HDR_zpssynhodih.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171406_zpsdzqmlple.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171406_zpsdzqmlple.jpg.html)

Neighbor finally returned and we started on the pulley/belt swap. Really easy job, airbox comes out after two thumb screws and the rest is just back breaking acrobatics wrestling the pulley and belt off from behind the clam-shell hood.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171408_HDR_zpsp7svx1aj.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171408_HDR_zpsp7svx1aj.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171408a_HDR_zpsqcq18rr8.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171408a_HDR_zpsqcq18rr8.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171415_HDR_zpsicolf9dj.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171415_HDR_zpsicolf9dj.jpg.html)

IPSCO pulley vs stocker

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171427_HDR_zpsbcp6aasf.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171427_HDR_zpsbcp6aasf.jpg.html)

Pulley/Belt Installed. Blue loctite and 200in-lbs.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171641_zps95xpchx7.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171641_zps95xpchx7.jpg.html)

Filter was swapped before the airbox went back on. Half the reason for the filter change was because I didn't like the bright white paper element peeking through hood scoop. The black k&n is invisible inside the scoop.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171441_HDR_zpsqkup1i3m.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171441_HDR_zpsqkup1i3m.jpg.html)

While I was in the drive-way, Mike was in the backyard cooking up some mud bugs. They were well received;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171508_zps9aajluw9.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171508_zps9aajluw9.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171526_HDR_zpstayfzn0k.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171526_HDR_zpstayfzn0k.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171643_zpsd1nv5krz.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171643_zpsd1nv5krz.jpg.html)

Home sweet home;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0326171034-01_zpszsvnsou1.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0326171034-01_zpszsvnsou1.jpeg.html)

[slowhatch]

Also averaging about 15.5mpg on my first tank, so I got that goin for me.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0325171238_zpstiacxvel.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0325171238_zpstiacxvel.jpg.html)

Had some buddies over on Sunday;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0326171532_zpsnaljtyce.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0326171532_zpsnaljtyce.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0326171532a-01_zpsxkixptoy.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0326171532a-01_zpsxkixptoy.jpeg.html)

[One Viper Bite]

Keep em coming, Alex!

You move fast but I can't help but want the mods and updates to come even faster!

[Stealth78]

Awesome brother! Car looks amazing!

[Z06]

I was dead set on getting a black one but after seeing your pics I think I may have to add this blue to consideration...

[slowhatch]

Took the sneaky one to a local truck stop to get her weighed in over my lunch break. I was anxious to see whether this "heaviest Viper" available was going to be a porker on the scales. I was very pleasantly surprised. Being a loaded to the gills GTS (full leather, additional sound deadning, 18 speaker audio and power seats), she still managed to weigh in exactly where the old car (gen 4) was after all the mods. 3300lbs. Amazing. The copious use of carbon fiber for the hood, roof, trunk, etc really paid off. Also the track pack lightweight brakes/wheels/tires, and the aftermarket full exhaust is probably where my weight savings come from. Regular non track pack GTS is probably 3380-3400lbs.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0327171133-01_zpsspzhwncs.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0327171133a-01_zpsctswn9a6.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0327171150-01_zpsigyhugxc.jpeg

[serpent]

^ did you sneak out during your lunch and sneak back in?

kinda hard to do that with a viper dude...

Can you post details about the differences, strengths/weakness, things you do and dont like about the V coming from owning a IV?

[The_Ruski_Driver]

Strange to see the GTS blue without stripes my eyes are drawing them in automatically hahaha

[Malu59RT]

Took the sneaky one to a local truck stop to get her weighed in over my lunch break. I was anxious to see whether this "heaviest Viper" available was going to be a porker on the scales. I was very pleasantly surprised. Being a loaded to the gills GTS (full leather, additional sound deadning, 18 speaker audio and power seats), she still managed to weigh in exactly where the old car (gen 4) was after all the mods. 3300lbs. Amazing. The copious use of carbon fiber for the hood, roof, trunk, etc really paid off. Also the track pack lightweight brakes/wheels/tires, and the aftermarket full exhaust is probably where my weight savings come from. Regular non track pack GTS is probably 3380-3400lbs.


My Launch Edition weighed 3445 with some luggage in the back and 3/4 tank, at Royal Purple Raceway for the 2016 Viper Nationals.

[slowhatch]

:t15197:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2904/33672591485_1cba03ac9e_h.jpg

[serpent]

My Launch Edition weighed 3445 with some luggage in the back and 3/4 tank, at Royal Purple Raceway for the 2016 Viper Nationals.
The paint roller stripes add about 5lbs a stripe.

[CNU_Physics]

GTS Blue is so sexy without the stripes...man that car looks good.

[slowhatch]

GTS Blue is so sexy without the stripes...man that car looks good.

I agree. I cant stop looking at it :) Its hard to work on, because I spend more time admiring it and daydreaming than I do working.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2921/33631643256_d0364bdc86_h.jpg

[One Viper Bite]

I agree. I cant stop looking at it :) Its hard to work on, because I spend more time admiring it and daydreaming than I do working.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2921/33631643256_d0364bdc86_h.jpg

I think I'm gonna say it...

Although green is my favorite color...I think GTS Blue without stripes now ranks above Stryker Green for me. And it's not even a tri-coat like the Stryker colors. Imagine if it was?!

Viper color line up for me now:

1. Stryker Red
2. GTS Blue
3. Stryker Green
4. Stryker Purple

[slowhatch]

GTS Blue > ∞

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/20170325_134037_HDR_zpsgxqdqqnr.jpg

[CNU_Physics]

Stryker Red is still the ultimate Gen V Viper color for me. But GTS Blue, Stryker Orange, and Adrenaline Red are still my favorites aside from Stryker Red.

[slowhatch]

Stryker Red is still the ultimate Gen V Viper color for me. But GTS Blue, Stryker Orange, and Adrenaline Red are still my favorites aside from Stryker Red.

As far as just an overall quality of the job, the laborious process, depth, etc; the stryker colors have no equal, with Red sitting at the top of the heap. Color wise I'd take Orange, Purple, Green, Red, in that order.

For what I'd actually buy, GTS blue is my favorite color--because blue is my favorite color. Its a happy coincidence that GTS blue just happens to be absolutely gorgeous, have tons of flake in it without looking like a bass boat, and does gorgeous dark blue to bright blue color shifts in various lighting.

[Ripper]

:t15197:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2904/33672591485_1cba03ac9e_h.jpg



Love this pic... Car Looks Amazing !!

[Scott_in_fl]

^^^ Yes, great pic!!! ^^^

[Jack B]

Nice car, if you put a blue 97 alongside your car, does the basic color look different from a distance. Up close is obvious.

[CNU_Physics]

As far as just an overall quality of the job, the laborious process, depth, etc; the stryker colors have no equal, with Red sitting at the top of the heap. Color wise I'd take Orange, Purple, Green, Red, in that order.

For what I'd actually buy, GTS blue is my favorite color--because blue is my favorite color. Its a happy coincidence that GTS blue just happens to be absolutely gorgeous, have tons of flake in it without looking like a bass boat, and does gorgeous dark blue to bright blue color shifts in various lighting.

My favorite green is that GTC 1 of 1 someone has on this forum with the Emerald green Gen 1 Viper color. That color is absolutely gorgeous, and it looks like it fits the Gen V Viper better than it fits the original Viper it was made for. Snakeskin green I like as well, the yellow hue to it when the light hits it is great.

That picture with your hood up....damn that looks good. That really shows the multitude of color of GTS Blue.

[viperBase1]

:t15197:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2904/33672591485_1cba03ac9e_h.jpg
Too sweet for words man!

Love that perky arse. :t1567: How it's kicked up just enough to show off the width of the back wheels.
She is just plain SEXY. :t1509:

[BlknBlu]

GTS Blue is outstanding. nice choice.

Bruce

[slowhatch]

Tracked down the window sticker today, she was a pricey date;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/WindowSticker_zpss7j9s7fa.jpg

[OneofOneViper]

The sticker value of vipers is so weird because it actually has no reflection on what someone paid between 2013-2015. One dealership in my area had 3 vipers for sale for over 3 years and they finally got rid of them selling them at a blowout price of between 72-76k with 0% financing in 2015. This is the reason those original vipers dropped in price so much because dealerships were selling new ones for less than what owners wanted to sell their used ones. Now as you can see, in the last 2 years prices really haven't moved and now you can get a nice SRT or GTS 2013-2014 for about 70-75k. A lot of that is because owners are willing to sell lower because they got the car at a lower price and they can sell it for what they bought it for even after owning it for a couple years and putting 10k miles on it or whatnot.

The same can't be said for vipers sold in the last year or so. Sure, some may have been able to squeak out a deal early this year and maybe save 5-10k off sticker price, but you sure aren't getting them for fire sale deals and resale prices will reflect that. Owners of an ACR aren't going to slit their throats and sell a 2016/17 next year for 75k because they paid well over that and that's too big of a loss in such a short time. Hell most people that own these cars are paying payments so they can't get out without going upside down even if they wanted to sell that low. Again, that wasn't a problem for people who were fortunate enough to buy them new in the 70's range.

It is crazy to see how much the base price of vipers were when they started out with Gen 5 though.

[The_Ruski_Driver]

Looking at that sticker makes me wonder, what kind of car gets a 1/10 on the Greenhouse rating, while our cars get a 3/10? I want THAT! In fact, if they make a 0/10, I'll take two!

[Junkie]

Congrats dude, easily one of the best looking Gen5's I've ever seen!

[GTSilver]

Alex when will you complete your signature to... 720-740whp | 9.5@148mph

[slowhatch]

The sticker value of vipers is so weird because it actually has no reflection on what someone paid between 2013-2015. One dealership in my area had 3 vipers for sale for over 3 years and they finally got rid of them selling them at a blowout price of between 72-76k with 0% financing in 2015. This is the reason those original vipers dropped in price so much because dealerships were selling new ones for less than what owners wanted to sell their used ones. Now as you can see, in the last 2 years prices really haven't moved and now you can get a nice SRT or GTS 2013-2014 for about 70-75k. A lot of that is because owners are willing to sell lower because they got the car at a lower price and they can sell it for what they bought it for even after owning it for a couple years and putting 10k miles on it or whatnot.

The same can't be said for vipers sold in the last year or so. Sure, some may have been able to squeak out a deal early this year and maybe save 5-10k off sticker price, but you sure aren't getting them for fire sale deals and resale prices will reflect that. Owners of an ACR aren't going to slit their throats and sell a 2016/17 next year for 75k because they paid well over that and that's too big of a loss in such a short time. Hell most people that own these cars are paying payments so they can't get out without going upside down even if they wanted to sell that low. Again, that wasn't a problem for people who were fortunate enough to buy them new in the 70's range.

It is crazy to see how much the base price of vipers were when they started out with Gen 5 though.

http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/tibs.gif

Lowest I've ever seen left-over loaded GTS's sell for is the low 80s, after sitting for years, and those were cars with undesirable color combos.

75k for 16/17 ACR's?

https://media.tenor.co/images/0489fb2f025d80cb993ac1e2712682fa/tenor.gif

[slowhatch]

Alex when will you complete your signature to... 720-740whp | 9.5@148mph

I wish!! Don't think even a stroker heads/cam would go 148 without a serious diet. I think ~700-720whp is the right number, and would expect 9.6-9.7 in good air at around 145mph.

[OneofOneViper]

http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/tibs.gif

Lowest I've ever seen left-over loaded GTS's sell for is the low 80s, after sitting for years, and those were cars with undesirable color combos.



It's not bullshit, Cherry Creek Dodge in Denver, Colorado was selling them for that price. I know because while I didn't personally want an SRT or GTS at the time, I had considered it due to the price. Also in Las Vegas at the same time a friend of mine was trying to get me to buy an SRT for 72k brand new---so it wasn't just 1 dealership.



75k for 16/17 ACR's?


I too think it's funny that an ACR could sell for 75k. I don't think it'll ever happen, but look where then Gen 4 ACRs are selling right now. And look at the sticker price of your car and look what the actual price is now. Things happen. My point was that it likely won't happen because dealers weren't trying to blow them out and their original cost is actually over 50% more than what many people paid to get their vipers in 2013-2015 even if the sticker shows the price is roughly the same.

[ViperDC]

where'd you get that carbon plate frame?

nice looking car

[OneofOneViper]

where'd you get that carbon plate frame?

nice looking car

I also liked this. I actually just ordered one yesterday from The Viper Store, but since they just get their stuff from someone else there is probably a more direct route you could have gone. But only $60 so I couldn't argue.

So I guess I should be thanking you Slowhatch. Thank you.

[slowhatch]

where'd you get that carbon plate frame?

nice looking car

The Viper store. They should pay me a commission since 10+ people have asked me to order one after I posted those pics :smilielol:


I also liked this. I actually just ordered one yesterday from The Viper Store, but since they just get their stuff from someone else there is probably a more direct route you could have gone. But only $60 so I couldn't argue.

So I guess I should be thanking you Slowhatch. Thank you.

http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/glee/images/9/90/Sadie-you're-welcome.gif/revision/latest?cb=20141211194820

[Jet Slicker]

She needs some lowering caps!

[cplabaunza]

Very True...Got my 2014 GTS (in May 2015) brand new for over $40k off MSRP...


It's not bullshit, Cherry Creek Dodge in Denver, Colorado was selling them for that price. I know because while I didn't personally want an SRT or GTS at the time, I had considered it due to the price. Also in Las Vegas at the same time a friend of mine was trying to get me to buy an SRT for 72k brand new---so it wasn't just 1 dealership.



I too think it's funny that an ACR could sell for 75k. I don't think it'll ever happen, but look where then Gen 4 ACRs are selling right now. And look at the sticker price of your car and look what the actual price is now. Things happen. My point was that it likely won't happen because dealers weren't trying to blow them out and their original cost is actually over 50% more than what many people paid to get their vipers in 2013-2015 even if the sticker shows the price is roughly the same.

[slowhatch]

Very True...Got my 2014 GTS (in May 2015) brand new for over $40k off MSRP...

Lets not turn this into another pricing discussion thread (lord knows we've had enough already). The sticker was mainly to point out that the first owner whom bought the vehicle in '14 most likely did not see the level of discounts enjoyed by the guys who bought left-over cars 2 years later. We all know what they're worth now.

[commandomatt]

Lets not turn this into another pricing discussion thread (lord knows we've had enough already)

Yes....I agree. Seems like some people focus more on the cars value, what they paid and what what you can steal one for.

Always enjoyed your detailed threads with plenty of quality pictures. Keep it up and congrats on an absolutely stunning car

[slowhatch]

Back on topic, a few pulls with the full bolt-on setup. She is rowdy!!


https://youtu.be/FNxxr5XuKcY

[TheStig]

Wow! Sounds amazing! According to your butt dyno, does it feel faster than the legendary orange gen iv? What plans do you have for this car??

[slowhatch]

Wow! Sounds amazing! According to your butt dyno, does it feel faster than the legendary orange gen iv? What plans do you have for this car??

It's really difficult to tell. Butt dyno says the top end feels the same, but it feels weaker from the 2nd gear hit. The gearing on the gen 5's TR6060 changed even though the final drive is still 3.55 (like my old car). So 1st and 2nd are taller gears, it doesn't feel as violent as the old one down low. That being said the gf's butt dyno says this is one is just as fast if not faster than the old car. Who knows. We gonna find out soon enough at the track.

[viperBase1]

It's really difficult to tell. Butt dyno says the top end feels the same, but it feels weaker from the 2nd gear hit. The gearing on the gen 5's TR6060 changed even though the final drive is still 3.55 (like my old car). So 1st and 2nd are taller gears, it doesn't feel as violent as the old one down low..
24356

[serpent]

^ Viperbase1, how'd you pass smog with Alex's old Viper? isnt it running belanger headers and a different ecu?

[Vipes]

That color is sex! Nice find. Sounds nasty too, makes me want to not care about my warranty and get some mods. Congrats on the purchase!

[slowhatch]

The blue sneaky got her first bath this weekend, and what a pain it was. I can't stand having to hand dry vehicles as it is a recipe for scratches and swirl marks. It desperately needs a sealant so that I can air-dry the car the way I'm used to. That will be tackled along with a correction on the panels that have not been wrapped with a clear-bra asap. She still cleans up good though :)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0331171824b-01_zps1avxcx0e.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0331171824b-01_zps1avxcx0e.jpeg.html)

Headed off to meet up with a few peeps from the Houston VOA for a mini road rally;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0331170757_HDR-01_zpsfrwdmesb.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0331170757_HDR-01_zpsfrwdmesb.jpeg.html)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0401171002-01_zpsbzakd8i0.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0401171002-01_zpsbzakd8i0.jpeg.html)


Didn't make it too far before the colored lights came on. Never saw the guy, and I'm trained to be very attentive, I was surprised. Alas, I pulled over and expected a speeding ticket (we were in BFE on an open road without a speed limit sign in sight, had no idea what the limit was). The guy comes up and verbatim; "Sir I pulled you over for 2 reasons, number one, this is my favorite car, and number two, lucky for me, you were speeding." Was a super nice guy, just gave us a warning and sent us on our way. He also literally thanked me for speeding so he had the opportunity to pull me over and take a pic of the car :smilielol:


https://www.instagram.com/p/BSY-zgZgZ7M/?taken-by=sneakysnakes

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0401171047_HDR-01_zpsbmsoi15x.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0401171047_HDR-01_zpsbmsoi15x.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0401171047b_HDR-01_zpshsiwjtwm.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0401171047b_HDR-01_zpshsiwjtwm.jpeg.html)

We found this motel to be cooler than a marble slab;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0401171143_HDR-01_zpskkeyodb3.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0401171143_HDR-01_zpskkeyodb3.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/20170401_114317-01_zpsldoztpim.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/20170401_114317-01_zpsldoztpim.jpeg.html)

[CNU_Physics]

No joke, driving a Viper, you become an instant celebrity lmao. That's great.

[LABrit]

Looks great and a nice read.

[slowhatch]

New plates came in, crowning the undisputed sneakiest snake.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0404171848-01_zpspaqdsyfe.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_20170404_194356_653_zpse1p6wh3x.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0404171835-01_zpsjyrdawgi.jpeg

[viperBase1]

New plates came in, crowning the undisputed sneakiest snake.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0404171835-01_zpsjyrdawgi.jpeg

That's awesome..:t1567:

[slowhatch]

Got some more goodies for the blue snake. Going to take the day off tomorrow, do an oil change and slap on the final bolt-ons.

RSI Smooth tubes
Custom spacers [.450" front, .375" rear]
Viper Exchange Lowering Caps
DSE Catch can
DSE Heat shield

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0406170806-01_zpsyhzlthsn.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0406170807-01_zps9wc05djs.jpeg

Started off with wrapping the DSE heat shield with Dynaliner. Since I'm not too good with this arts-and-crafts stuff I recruited someone with greater patience and aptitude. :) Look at that determination.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0405172201-01_zpsrhzazycq.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0405172200-01_zpspf6hvft7.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0405172335-01_zpsrgviachs.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0405172336-01_zpshw7u5fbt.jpeg

Got a great deal on some lowering caps off of a friend's TA, but they were looking quite tired. Half an hour's worth of wrist-destroying polishing with steel wool, and they got their groove back.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0405172212-01_zpsfluyoff6.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0405172301-01_zpsjefa2yf5.jpeg

[txA&M08]

Half an hour's worth of wrist-destroying polishing with steel wool, and they got their groove back.

Lol you would.

[Jet Slicker]

Awesome. I love how we have almost identical tastes for mods. When I was going to buy a Gen 4 and had all the mods planned out, I stumbled upon your videos of your VVO Gen 4 and you had almost the EXACT same mods as I was planning to do hahaha. I plan on doing full bolt ons with the TA, along with lowering caps and the heat shields/catch can you have. Was thinking about doing wheel spacers too, but I'll see how yours look. REALLY looking forward to an update on these latest parts. I'll be doing the exact same thing.

[slowhatch]

Oh and one more little nugget, a Calvo Motorsports fuse-box heat shield. The factory manifolds have a heat shield on them but the Belanger longtubes don't. Given their proximity to one another, people have melted the fuse box panel, hence the need for shielding. Plus, being Russian, any excuse to add gold anywhere is a welcome one.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0406171453-01_zpsbyuwivof.jpeg

[cashcorn]

Great color! I think it also looks better with no stripes. Interested in the smooth tubes.. looks only, or some performance benefit? Have you thought about an HPTune over a canned tune? Enjoy

[SSGNRDZ_28]

Looking good! I'm not as lucky - my wife will not help with car stuff. My daugther is 5 and has helped build a few kits for people with my supervision so maybe that's good enough. Keep the updates coming!

[Junkie]

Great first round of mods!

[slowhatch]

Took the day off today to work on the car. Literally nothing better than a day of good weather and motoring in my book. Woke up 2hrs earlier than I usually get up, with no alarm, go figure. Most days you cant pry me out of bed with a crowbar.

The heavens smile upon thee. No its not my house, yes its beautiful. Lets move on.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407170828-01_zpsrpjigjyr.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407170828-01_zpsrpjigjyr.jpeg.html)

Waiting for her to cool off, and unpacking the goodies;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407170821-01_zpssjuxp4lv.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407170821-01_zpssjuxp4lv.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407170823_HDR-01_zps5b3nrlgi.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407170823_HDR-01_zps5b3nrlgi.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407170825-01_zpswwtjig55.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407170825-01_zpswwtjig55.jpeg.html)

Tried to avoid hitting this nice Volkswagen while getting on the lift;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407170849-01_zpsiefeyztj.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407170849-01_zpsiefeyztj.jpeg.html)

Started with the DSE heat shield and the RSI smooth tubes. Airbox removed;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407170859a-01_zpsjhub81sk.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407170859a-01_zpsjhub81sk.jpeg.html)

Removing the crinkly oem units. Some say the smooth tubes are worth a few hp and improved throttle response, I just think they look better ;)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407170901-01_zpsha6ukssb.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407170901-01_zpsha6ukssb.jpeg.html)

Heat shield in, fits like a glove. Also added one more layer of Dynaliner on the bottom for ****'s n gigs since we had material left over. PS. front end engine bay access with the clam-shell hood would makes my back hate life.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407170922-01_zps9vy5nwnp.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407170922-01_zps9vy5nwnp.jpeg.html)

All buttoned up;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171132-01_zpsy82redva.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171132-01_zpsy82redva.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171134-01_zpszozesus7.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171134-01_zpszozesus7.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171133a-01_zps6e7l0sqs.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171133a-01_zps6e7l0sqs.jpeg.html)

Did the Calvo Motorsport fusebox heat shield next. Fit well and looks great.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171132b-01_zpsbzlb6nqr.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171132b-01_zpsbzlb6nqr.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171133-01_zpsrtjwazoy.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171133-01_zpsrtjwazoy.jpeg.html)

I like how the gold hue reflects off the longtube primaries :)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171132c-01_zpsil6gfhxm.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171132c-01_zpsil6gfhxm.jpeg.html)

Tackled the oil change next. 11 qts worth of mother earth's finest.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171024-01_zpsozwnmulc.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171024-01_zpsozwnmulc.jpeg.html)

World's longest oil pan;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171022-01_zps9mxp68sf.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171022-01_zps9mxp68sf.jpeg.html)

[slowhatch]

While the oil drained we took a second to remove the oem air deflector spats in front of the front wheels. These are not equipped on cars with TA 1.0 aero splitters and since my car is a 2013 and TA aero didn't exist until the following year, my spats are still there. Whats interesting was apparently some cars with TA 1.0 aero spec'd from the factory had both the splitters and spats by accident. Slipped through the assembly line somehow. Long story short the only purpose they serve now is letting me know when I've reached my speed bump height limit, so off they go.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171022a-01_zps5hpdxz4j.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171022a-01_zps5hpdxz4j.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171023-01_zpscktbptrt.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171023-01_zpscktbptrt.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171024b-01_zpsgdx1ftk0.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171024b-01_zpsgdx1ftk0.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171026-01_zpsq8l9bpir.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171026-01_zpsq8l9bpir.jpeg.html)

I tried to snap a pic of the carbon diffuser for you guys but it came out like crap. Super reflective.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171021-01_zpsiztp3pte.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171021-01_zpsiztp3pte.jpeg.html)

[slowhatch]

DSE catch can was up next. Went with sealed unit this go around so I don't contaminate the oil with moisture over time. As straightforward as the install is, it was a pain in the ass. Started off by managing to wrestle the stock valve cover trim off without having to remove the X brace, score.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171138-01_zpsht3v6jlq.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171138-01_zpsht3v6jlq.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171139_HDR-01_zpsu1dasbsj.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171139_HDR-01_zpsu1dasbsj.jpeg.html)

And this is why I said this was a pain in the ass. Removing the stock elbow off the oem pcv valve wasn't too bad (even though its teethed to inhibit hose removal). Carefully working around with a flat head while pulling did it. Getting the supplied inlet hose over the stock pcv valve nipple though, made me want to kill myself. Ended up trying to boil the end of the hose in an effort to get some expansion out of it.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171146-01_zpshfcppjbp.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171146-01_zpshfcppjbp.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171212-01_zpswahl3bmn.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171212-01_zpswahl3bmn.jpeg.html)

Didn't work. Ended up dremeling the ID to open it up to a point that we could get the stubborn bastard over the valve. It sucks. Access in that area doesn't seem too bad but there is no way to get your hands in a position to get leverage on the hose. We wrestled forever with it.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171220-01_zpswdr0vred.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171220-01_zpswdr0vred.jpeg.html)

Finally got it buttoned up. I will say all bs aside, I love Doug's products. Everything is just so well engineered and of oem appearance. Most people don't even notice anything is aftermarket when the hood is popped. OEM+

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171258-01_zpshmdqwmgu.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171258-01_zpshmdqwmgu.jpeg.html)

Because Racecar.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171619-01_zpssx2xrhep.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171619-01_zpssx2xrhep.jpeg.html)

Next we drove down to the local discount to get all 4 wheels re-balanced. I had no vibrations that I could feel but I always check my cars to make sure everything is 0.00. I'm glad I did, every single wheel was out by 0.75 to 1.25 oz. Just because you can't feel it, doesn't mean the wheel bearings and bushings don't. Get it checked. While the assemblies were off I installed the custom Motorsport Technologies spacers I had machined. Everything is hub-centric as it should be.

Look at this tiny tire;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171424-01_zpszsuvhfbr.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171424-01_zpszsuvhfbr.jpeg.html)


Mocking up the spacers. 0.450" up front, 0.375" rear. Everything was cleaned and hub surface and wheel pad were hit with a wire wheel to ensure proper seating.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171418-01_zpsfekhcwcz.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171418-01_zpsfekhcwcz.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171419-01_zpsz3zigab8.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171419-01_zpsz3zigab8.jpeg.html)

Oem nuts vs ET nuts. Buying back some of that lost thread engagement.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171423-01_zpsbwjeylw0.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171423-01_zpsbwjeylw0.jpeg.html)

Spacers installed.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/1491611241565_zpsi0odohls.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/1491611241565_zpsi0odohls.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/1491611293383_zpscex0lbty.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/1491611293383_zpscex0lbty.jpg.html)

She's dirty as hell but looks great on the new spacer setup. Its subtle but really makes the difference for me. Especially the fronts, the factory offsets are super mild up front on the gen 5s. I know its functional (for aero), but it just looks weak from the factory.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171503a-01_zpsqpyoefcs.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171503a-01_zpsqpyoefcs.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0407171503-01_zpslslkvjvi.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0407171503-01_zpslslkvjvi.jpeg.html)

Also gave the beast a long overdue bath, but the sun came down so no clean pics till later :)

[OneofOneViper]

The spacers really do make a great difference. Looks like I'll be stealing another one of your ideas... This time I'll say thank you in advance! Thank you! May I ask where you ordered those sizes?

[serpent]

Are the lowering caps installed? Doesn't really look like it. Enjoy ur install/update threads. Keep up the good work.

[slowhatch]

The spacers really do make a great difference. Looks like I'll be stealing another one of your ideas... This time I'll say thank you in advance! Thank you! May I ask where you ordered those sizes?

They were custom sizes that I wanted done. I always use Motorsport technologies out of Nevada. Ask for Lenny, tell em Alex with the Viper sent you, he'll be very reasonable in price.


Are the lowering caps installed? Doesn't really look like it. Enjoy ur install/update threads. Keep up the good work.

No caps yet. Didn't have the tools to get that done (nor the energy). Will do those as soon as I have time.

Even without the lowering the spacers just make the car sit so much more aggressive. Caps will have it just perfect, cant wait.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0408171442-01_zpsjbel7w6w.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0408171442-01_zpsjbel7w6w.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0408171442a-01_zpsh5bzc8jm.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0408171442a-01_zpsh5bzc8jm.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0408171441-01-01_zpsncinzecg.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0408171441-01-01_zpsncinzecg.jpeg.html)

[One Viper Bite]

This thread is the absolute best.

We should have more of this across the Gen V board. High resolution pictures, detailed write ups. Keep it coming, Alex!

[slowhatch]

Looking good! I'm not as lucky - my wife will not help with car stuff. My daugther is 5 and has helped build a few kits for people with my supervision so maybe that's good enough. Keep the updates coming!

Haha hey at least she puts up with it!


This thread is the absolute best.

We should have more of this across the Gen V board. High resolution pictures, detailed write ups. Keep it coming, Alex!

If people enjoy it I'll keep posting :)

[1of1TA1.0]

Looking good Alex, all tasteful mods as usual!

[The_Ruski_Driver]

Love the work you've done so far on the car, Alex.
Any data on the smooth tube install being useful for the intake, or is it just a theory?

[dev]

Love this thread..you've already made me spend some money because of it (License Plate/Heat Shield). Now I think about it...maybe I don't like it!!

[ACRSNK]

Very cool!

[slowhatch]

Threw in some Phillips LED reverse bulbs over the weekend. The only bulbs on the car that weren't LED from the factory--now its been rectified. Sorry for the crappy pics, I blame the gf :)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/1491940994557-01_zpsbpqirmij.jpeg

[slowhatch]

Love the work you've done so far on the car, Alex.
Any data on the smooth tube install being useful for the intake, or is it just a theory?

I don't have concrete evidence of it doing anything; However, the Gen 2 ACRs were equipped with smooth tubes and a k&n drop in from the factory, and if it worked for them, it'll work for us.

[slowhatch]

A few snaps from Viper Nationals this past weekend;

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2809/33168204223_9781b4b941_b.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2876/33851401441_779efa6034_b.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2875/33838340771_c5eb98e56e_b.jpg

[mackzilla]

http://i.imgur.com/Jy0KkFl.gif

[slowhatch]

We all have our good days and our bad days, cars are no different. Sneaky One had a bad day the late afternoon of Viper Nationals. Went to start the car to head home after the event (was all pumped up and ready to tear it up on the way home), she fires up and I swear I hear a faint knock. Oil pressure looks good, idling fine, am I just hearing things? I give it a few seconds to settle in and I can now make out a distinct metallic knocking sound. Well. F*ck. Oil pressure still steady as a rock as I climb out of the car. "Its a good thing I'm still under warranty" I mutter as I pop the hood. Hoods open, and something's most definitely clankin away. It was coming from the top end of the drivers valve cover so no main or rod bearing, whew! I shut the car down and go to hunt out Dick Winkles and Morgan who are still hanging out in the pits. Nothing like having the powertrain engineer who designed the motor and the most experienced viper tech in the world available within arm's reach. Lucky me. We all huddle around the car for a few minutes, ear to the motor like we're diagnosing a heart murmur. The consensus? I have a failed lifter. Shift happens as they say.

Car went to Viper Exchange the following day for the tear down. VE always took care of me and I cant say enough good things about Morgan; his work ethic, attention to detail, and overall knowledge are second to none. As far as I'm concerned, if you're getting work done on these cars, he's unrivaled. Only guy that I trust to take care of my car, like I take care of my car.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171211_HDR_zps9z3jkjcu.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171211_HDR_zps9z3jkjcu.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171210_HDR_zpsdwanixcx.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171210_HDR_zpsdwanixcx.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171210a_HDR_zpsvhza9oe1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171210a_HDR_zpsvhza9oe1.jpg.html)

Oil pan is off, bores are inspected, oil is drained, and both it and the filter are looked over for debris. Nothing is found.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171158_HDR_zpsr3fcqkm3.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171158_HDR_zpsr3fcqkm3.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171156_zpsyp0kvzul.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171156_zpsyp0kvzul.jpg.html)

Look at that swinging pick up!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171157a_zpsjce1bvml.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171157a_zpsjce1bvml.jpg.html)

And that cross hatching on the throws, pure porn! :)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171157_zpsoyxfbrp3.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171157_zpsoyxfbrp3.jpg.html)

Morgan pulled the baffles off of the oil pan to clean up some of the rough casting, and I know this is pretty much the story with all automotive castings but damn, after looking over the oil pan, I can see how they've had so much debris in the blocks. These as-cast products have areas that are rough. At least with the pans you can extract most of the debris through shakers/washers and follow with a visual inspection. In the block, with the water jackets and crevices that are out of line-of-sight, good luck.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171155a_zpslgdu6tdp.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171155a_zpslgdu6tdp.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171155_zpssnwbdi74.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171155_zpssnwbdi74.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171155b_zpss6ahs6rn.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171155b_zpss6ahs6rn.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171155c_zpsfqvfpere.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171155c_zpsfqvfpere.jpg.html)

[slowhatch]

Morgan got the ol girl naked down to the shortblock;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171200a_zpsmar5zkcn.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171200a_zpsmar5zkcn.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171200c_zpsjhbnm29o.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171200c_zpsjhbnm29o.jpg.html)

Drivers side

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171159_zpsbvdutueq.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171159_zpsbvdutueq.jpg.html)

Passenger side

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171201_HDR_zps6mol1qyc.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171201_HDR_zps6mol1qyc.jpg.html)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171200b_zpsfhs4mt3n.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171200b_zpsfhs4mt3n.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171200_HDR_zps43zti7vc.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171200_HDR_zps43zti7vc.jpg.html)

And here is the location of our culprit noisemaker;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171201_zpszz5ttai0.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171201_zpszz5ttai0.jpg.html)

You can see one of the rollers is actually damaged from bouncing around on the cam lobe.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171204_zpslzl1uwsv.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171204_zpslzl1uwsv.jpg.html)

One of the lifters got debris either in the main body oil passage or the check valve and was not pumping up and/or holding oil pressure. When that happens, you lose line-to-line contact with the pushrod/cam and you get that familiar clickity racket.

If you need some refresher on hydraulic lifters I found these to be particular helpful. The chrysler video especially, why they don't make handy instructional videos like that anymore I'll never know!




http://www.grumpysperformance.com/hydr1.png
http://www.grumpysperformance.com/hydr2.png


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lorANZ1Tptw


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x6PIqXqLlk&t=375s


On top of losing contact with the rest of the valvetrain, with a bad lifter you stop the pushrod from loading the rocker arm squarely and can give it some nasty side loads. I think this was the reason for damage on the rocker which sat atop the failed lifter. The additional vibration may have caused the trunnion to move laterally inside the rocker (or the rocker to move laterally on the trunnion). Either way, it was trying to push out that stamped cap which keeps the bearings in place, and ended up chipping it. If that cap had come off all the way and released all those needle bearings into the oiling system, I would have had a worse day.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171158_zpsubq47cja.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171158_zpsubq47cja.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171201a_zpssxqmuccv.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171201a_zpssxqmuccv.jpg.html)

The lifters were replaced, along with the rocker, and the heads inspected. Everything looked ship shape with no other visible damage, so the re-assembly process began.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171205_zpsqvejc4uc.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171205_zpsqvejc4uc.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171205_HDR_zpsvpredn9j.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171205_HDR_zpsvpredn9j.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171206a_zpsqzvdfdty.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171206a_zpsqzvdfdty.jpg.html)

This was also a good opportunity to replace those crappy Belanger paper gaskets with some oem steel crush ones. Don't know why the PO had those installed.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0417171202_HDR_zpsvf6s1fvx.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0417171202_HDR_zpsvf6s1fvx.jpg.html)

She should be back better than new soon. At least I had an opportunity to poke around inside the motor and check things over on someone else's dime. Could of been worse!

[1.8t]

Well that's damn frustrating. How many miles are on the car?

[swexlin]

Lucky you caught this before it failed completely. Phew!

Just re-read your first post - 6000 miles, and passed R28. So, as we've seen brefore, passing R28 means little or nothing. Glad I have the extended warranty.

[v10tt]

Not a bad time to add up a "cleaner" set of heads with some work?

[Stealth78]

Those casting burrs are rather disappointing to see. Posts like yours are very informative and very much appreciated! Seeing those pics though makes me think that there are many more potential engine failures still to come... Just a matter of time.

[Belobog]

The engine work was covered under warranty? I've been considering headers/tune and this is what worries me.

[viperBase1]

Wow Slowhatch.

Sorry to hear the troubles with the Sneaky One (on the one hand) but I know this helps your brain (on the other hand).
Definitely some comfort in seeing with your own eyes and establishing your own baseline.

[slowhatch]

Well that's damn frustrating. How many miles are on the car?

7200 miles when this occured.


Lucky you caught this before it failed completely. Phew!

Just re-read your first post - 6000 miles, and passed R28. So, as we've seen brefore, passing R28 means little or nothing. Glad I have the extended warranty.

Warranty is a good thing to have on these cars, especially if you caught an early '13 car like mine.


Not a bad time to add up a "cleaner" set of heads with some work?

Nope. Now is not the time to part ways with the warranty. We've found the failed component, understand the failure mode, but we still don't have a clue as to the root cause. Where is the debris that clogged the lifter coming from? This could all be an isolated fluke and there is nothing to be concerned about, it could of been varnish of some sort, who knows. Or, the real problem is still there, and will rear its ugly head in the coming months. VE has done everything that can be done to inspect/clean what can be seen, and it appears on the surface we have the issue licked. Before I do anything real to the motor I will drive the car for a few months, do some track days, runway events, etc and we will monitor the motor's oil consumption and contaminant levels. Rest assured if the problem is there, my right foot will find it--and I want SRT's warranty present at the dinner table to sign that crate motor check :)


Those casting burrs are rather disappointing to see. Posts like yours are very informative and very much appreciated! Seeing those pics though makes me think that there are many more potential engine failures still to come... Just a matter of time.

Maybe, maybe not. It really is a toss up on each specific assembly.

At the end of the day, none of this would ever deter me from owning this car, period. After driving this car the first month (1000+ miles) I would do it over again 11 times out of 10. Yes there are issues, and people tend to catastrophize them but SRT stepped up, gave us an extended warranty and peace of mind. I will continue to enjoy this beast day in day out.


The engine work was covered under warranty? I've been considering headers/tune and this is what worries me.

While you have the Magnuson-Moss warranty act to lean on, warranties on modified engines are a case by case basis. If SRT has reason to believe your modifications are the root cause of the failure, they can tell you to pound sand. Luckily that wasn't the case here.


Wow Slowhatch.

Sorry to hear the troubles with the Sneaky One (on the one hand) but I know this helps your brain (on the other hand).
Definitely some comfort in seeing with your own eyes and establishing your own baseline.

All's well that ends well!

[swexlin]

"Warranty is a good thing to have on these cars, especially if you caught an early '13 car like mine."

Yep, and mine, I have my build is April 1, 2013. If I understand correctly, all 100 of the Red Track Pack cars like mine were built around the same time, and at least two people on this forum, with identical cars to mine, have had engine failures. So, like you, I'll drive the car, and if feces happens, well, there it is. Props to SRT for the extension. Mine is 100% stock (well, R28/29 was done, and I have a new diff under warranty). I must say, you keep things in perspective, and have a good attitude about the whole thing.

[v10tt]

Cam lobes ok?

[viper04]

Cam lobes ok?

You guys are so luck to have one of the best Viper dealer next door..
+1. If there were some damage to the lifter would there also be some damage to the cam? Just asking. Thanks.

[slowhatch]

Cam lobes ok?


You guys are so luck to have one of the best Viper dealer next door..
+1. If there were some damage to the lifter would there also be some damage to the cam? Just asking. Thanks.

Lobes were checked during the tear-down and showed no wear. I would assume the camshaft would be made of a harder (rockwell) material than the lifter.

[TrackAire]

Wow, sorry to hear this.
That oil pan casting is cause for concern IMO.

On another subject, I saw you gassed up at Costco. Our local Costco in NorCal is where my wife buys her gas but I noticed that it is 10% ethanol. I'm not sure if Costco is your go to gas station or if the ethanol ratio is the same where you live, but for max performance in a NA motor, I would think ethanol might not be giving you all the power your car can make. Maybe other fuel experts can chime in here to confirm.

[cashcorn]

Glad everything worked out! Could not of happened at a better place or time for you, with all the Viper support that day. Still waiting to see the lowering caps installed with the spacers.. hehehe

[slowhatch]

Wow, sorry to hear this.
That oil pan casting is cause for concern IMO.

On another subject, I saw you gassed up at Costco. Our local Costco in NorCal is where my wife buys her gas but I noticed that it is 10% ethanol. I'm not sure if Costco is your go to gas station or if the ethanol ratio is the same where you live, but for max performance in a NA motor, I would think ethanol might not be giving you all the power your car can make. Maybe other fuel experts can chime in here to confirm.

All of the gas stations are the same as far as allowable ethanol content in our area.


Glad everything worked out! Could not of happened at a better place or time for you, with all the Viper support that day. Still waiting to see the lowering caps installed with the spacers.. hehehe

Its coming! If I get the car back by this weekend I'll try to install the caps.

[OneofOneViper]

So I ordered the same size spacers as you did from Lenny just as an update. Apparently they make these things as they get the order because I ordered them last week and everything was cool. Didn't think to ask when they would be arriving so I called back today just to ask when I should expect them. He told me that they should be completely done and shipped out by end of the week. Little longer than I thought, but that's no problem. I'll post some before and after pictures once I get them them fitted.

[ACRSNK]

Glad to hear you got this covered under warranty, but I thought the stance FCA was taking was headers, tune, etc. = no more warranty. Did they question anything, or did they just agree to cover the repair right out of the gate? Good news if they did.

[Jack B]

I hope you do not think I am out of line , but, isn't this best covered one on one


Glad to hear you got this covered under warranty, but I thought the stance FCA was taking was headers, tune, etc. = no more warranty. Did they question anything, or did they just agree to cover the repair right out of the gate? Good news if they did.

[7TH_SIGN]

Damn. Good you caught it when you did before it caused more severe damage.

[slowhatch]

Glad to hear you got this covered under warranty, but I thought the stance FCA was taking was headers, tune, etc. = no more warranty. Did they question anything, or did they just agree to cover the repair right out of the gate? Good news if they did.

As mentioned before, it is a case-by-case basis. Scrutiny to write a check for labor and lifters/rocker = x. Scrutiny to write a check for a motor replacement = x + y.

[ACRSNK]

I hope you do not think I am out of line , but, isn't this best covered one on one

Not sure what you mean...I am happy that it was covered, because it seems like others with similar mods had issues with FCA. Not saying anything negative here.

[Jet Slicker]

Not sure what you mean...I am happy that it was covered, because it seems like others with similar mods had issues with FCA. Not saying anything negative here.

Agreed.. There is no reason to be secretive about warranty experiences. If anything, they should be posted for everybody to see so that they know what to expect. Or so they can use somebody else's case to make their case stronger. No reason to keep warranty experiences secret people, it's nothing special.

[slowhatch]

Stopped by to check on the sneaky beast. Motor is back in completely assembled, car was test driven, and all is well. No more valvetrain noise.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171641_HDR-01_zpsxtts3usp.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171641_HDR-01_zpsxtts3usp.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171618_HDR-02_zpsojef8qlj.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171618_HDR-02_zpsojef8qlj.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171618a_HDR-02_zpsv76jc3x7.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171618a_HDR-02_zpsv76jc3x7.jpeg.html)

While the car was at VE I figured they could address a few more things, one of which being another warranty repair. I had noticed that there was an audible whine from the rear between 68-80mph. I figured it was worth tearing into to check the bearings, so out it went;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171615a_HDR-01_zps1yfvbh5j.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171615a_HDR-01_zps1yfvbh5j.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171615_HDR-01_zps8fgqb9ph.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171615_HDR-01_zps8fgqb9ph.jpeg.html)

Taking a look on the bench it was obvious the PO had never changed the diff fluid in his ownership. Being as he is the owner of a Dodge dealership, with easier access to service than pretty much anyone, this was quite surprising. The fluid was cooked, milky, and full of shavings. Good thing we took a peek. There isn't a lot of fluid in there so it cooks quickly, plus you're going to have metal shavings over time from ring/pinion contact. I think its recommended to be changed every other track day or so? Even without tracking, I'd change it at least once a year, its just cheap insurance.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171603_HDR-01_zpsrdrnsfsl.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171603_HDR-01_zpsrdrnsfsl.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171604_HDR-01_zpsxsqhd2hf.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171604_HDR-01_zpsxsqhd2hf.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171607_HDR-01_zpsw2zuyato.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171607_HDR-01_zpsw2zuyato.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171607a_HDR-01_zpsnrede3tv.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171607a_HDR-01_zpsnrede3tv.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171607b_HDR-01_zpssdccfcoj.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171607b_HDR-01_zpssdccfcoj.jpeg.html)

Fluid was vacuumed out, pinion bearings were changed, everything cleaned up, and she was refilled and re-installed.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171621_HDR-01_zpsnpwdcfne.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171621_HDR-01_zpsnpwdcfne.jpeg.html)

Took some time to admire that full carbon diffuser :icon_devil:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171619a_HDR-02_zpsrbnaxptw.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171619a_HDR-02_zpsrbnaxptw.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171615b_HDR-01_zpsr90hszws.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171615b_HDR-01_zpsr90hszws.jpeg.html)

[slowhatch]

Greased the upper/lower balljoints while we were in there as well. Morgan taught me how to check their fluid level by looking at the boots, apparently they should look slightly puffy if they're full.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171614_HDR-01_zps9zmuqxyt.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171614_HDR-01_zps9zmuqxyt.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171614-01_zpsmwssanee.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171614-01_zpsmwssanee.jpeg.html)

Next it was time to eliminate that 4x4 wheel gap by throwing on the lowering caps;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171609-01_zpstafckcyf.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171609-01_zpstafckcyf.jpeg.html)

Steamrollers removed...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171628_HDR-01_zpsaddv4xbj.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171628_HDR-01_zpsaddv4xbj.jpeg.html)

Front/Rear coilovers removed;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171638-01_zpsebbon1rp.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171638-01_zpsebbon1rp.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171639-01_zpsgw6cxqze.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171639-01_zpsgw6cxqze.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171635_HDR-01_zpstmkozcty.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171635_HDR-01_zpstmkozcty.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171635-01_zpsrdzbgier.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171635-01_zpsrdzbgier.jpeg.html)

Here you can see how the lowering caps actually accomplish the feat, purely by virtue of a thinner upper perch. Lowering 0.6" up front, 0.5" in the rear. Spring pre-load changes ever so slightly but I doubt it will do anything noticeable to ride quality.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171653a_HDR-01_zpsg5mrv7on.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171653a_HDR-01_zpsg5mrv7on.jpeg.html)

Last but not least I removed the sidemarkers front and rear and had them color matched GTS Blue. I don't like how they break up the profile of the car so this will be a welcome change.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171639b-01_zpsdpqodxib.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171639b-01_zpsdpqodxib.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0421171639a-01_zpstbcxpm6f.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0421171639a-01_zpstbcxpm6f.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0418170819a-01_zps2ewxwemy.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0418170819a-01_zps2ewxwemy.jpeg.html)

Picked them up from my friends at CMS collision today, they turned out great;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/0422171113_HDR-01_zpsswxhfdrp.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/0422171113_HDR-01_zpsswxhfdrp.jpeg.html)

[ForTehNguyen]

i wish someone made full LED strip sidemarkers like i put on my mustang

https://www.steeda.com/diode-dynamics-s550-mustang-rear-led-sidemarker-pair-15-16-all-sas-1071.html

[slowhatch]

i wish someone made full LED strip sidemarkers like i put on my mustang

https://www.steeda.com/diode-dynamics-s550-mustang-rear-led-sidemarker-pair-15-16-all-sas-1071.html

http://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/sort_of_disagree_office_space.gif

[viper04]

Slowhatch
Nice keep us posted, always like your posting.. Would like to see some pic with the side marker on the car.

[slowhatch]

Almost down on solid ground.

Suspension is back together and on the car, fender liners are in, wheels/tires back on, and the side-markers installed. Markers came out really well, the color match was spot on. Just waiting on some rear end parts to be delivered and hopefully she'll be buttoned up tomorrow.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_20170425_115022_678_zpsrl5rvnvd.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG953333-01_zpsv0jkp34z.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_20170425_115022_674_zpsp1yj5e7f.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_20170425_115022_679_zpskndvup7z.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_20170425_115022_675_zps6ulqvoc4.jpg

[ViperSRT]

Do the side markers work with the paint?

[Vipes]

Do the side markers work with the paint?

No but they look nice. Well done.

[Martin]

Another option to having them painted is to have them smoke tinted for a black-out look. I had mine done, and it makes a world of difference in how they look - and they still work. Probably only makes sense on a darker colored car, though.

[ACRSNK]

Looks great!

[slowhatch]

Car is back down on solid ground and finally got to go for a spin today. Everything is running perfectly, no more rear whine or valvetrain noise.

I'm particularly pleased with 2 things, the way the car is sitting after the lowering cap install, and how the side-markers turned out. The lowering caps, while not an immense drop (0.6" Front & 0.5" Rear), bring the car out of the 4x4 stance, and strike a reasonable balance between aesthetics and usability. I would love to go another 0.5" lower all around, but I'm not going to ditch the factory bi-mode Bilsteins to do it.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171129-01_zpssypw6gxh.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171130b_HDR-01_zpsovyf804j.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171130_HDR-01_zpsvpeeignl.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171130a_HDR-01_zpsxnyajcn4.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171131_HDR-01_zpsvwz6snty.jpeg

The side-markers came out spot on, just disappear into the paint from a distance. If you didn't know where they were you wouldn't even see them, exactly the look I was going for. Looking back at the initial pics of the car, the amber and red markers stick out like sore thumb. This is so much cleaner.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171131a_HDR-01_zps6kdkrhmh.jpeg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171131b_HDR-01_zpsf5abxytk.jpeg

The lower seat covers were also replaced under warranty and look much better. I was told they would wear in and tighten up on the cushion as you sit in them over time. In any case, the replacements look miles better than what they replaced.

Before;


http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0abe4ff72c35b7fb583c78ae83ea081f-1_zpsvxe8ewio.jpg

After;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171131c_HDR-01_zpslpkwnfsy.jpeg

[slowhatch]

So now that the car is back and running its time to address the paint and finish the last of the cosmetic bits. The overall condition of the car is near perfect as-is, there are very minimal RIDS and swirls in both the clear, and the XPEL bra that covers the whole front, side sills, and rear bumper. The reason for the paint correction is to get everything to 100% corrected condition, get maximum gloss, and to apply a ceramic coating (sealant). I take very good care of my cars which means I only wash with them with a high pressure foam canon, and dry with an air blower. For a car that does not see rain unless caught in it, if its coated, you will literally not have to touch the car to wash, nor dry it--keeping the paint in absolutely pristine condition. Currently washing the car is nightmare, as there is no coating, the water does not bead, making it impossible to air dry. Drying with towels is a sure fire way to scratch/swirl the car to pieces over time. I also recently learned that a lot of automotive films like xpel/suntek/etc have a clearcoat so you can actually polish/wax/seal them, to bring back their optics.

The work order for the paint/powder work is quite the laundry list;



Clarity Auto Detailing

EXTERIOR

Undercarriage
-Removal of wheels
-All surfaces of wheels decontaminated & cleaned
-DLUX Nano Ceramic coating applied to all wheel
surfaces
-Brake calipers cleaned and decontaminated
-DLUX Nano Ceramic coating applied to brake caliper
-General cleaning of suspension and wheel well

Paint
-Decontamination/De-Ironize
-Two-Bucket Method Hand Wash
-Clay Bar to Remove Surface Bonded Contaminants
-Wheels De/Ironized and Detailed
-Silica Sealant Applied to Wheels and Calipers
-Reverse Osmosis Water Final Rinse
-Paintwork assessment to identify key areas of focus,
paint issues, and overall condition of paintwork.
-Full Paint Correction
-2 Step Correction to Achieve Maximum Perfection and
Gloss
- Final pass performed with Essence, a primer for
proper coating bond
-CQuartz FINEST Reserve Installation
- 2 Coats, each individually cured with short wave
infrared lamp

INTERIOR

-Vacuum All Interior Surfaces
-Steam and Sanitize
-Condition Leather if Applicable
-Surfaces Cleaned and Treated with Non-Oil Based
Conditioner, Left Clean, Fresh, Dry, and Factory Looking

POWDER COAT

Calipers
-Remove calipers
-Tear down calipers
-Chemical strip of existing finish
-Sand blast caliper bodies
-Porsche 'Speed Yellow 12G' color calipers
-Factory lettering
-Clear Powder
-All hardware sand blasted clean, Cerakoted
-Condition seals and boots
-Assemble calipers
-Re-install calipers

Viper center-caps
-Satin w/ body match GTS blue inlay

Engine X-Brace
-"Black Jack" (PP) with body color matched "Stryker" inlay



Car is delivered to Clarity and we decide to execute the powder coating work first.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171951-01_zpswnfdqnot.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171951-01_zpswnfdqnot.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171952a-02_zpshqawmuij.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171952a-02_zpshqawmuij.jpeg.html)

The hovercraft edition Viper

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172052-01_zpsedbcngnv.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172052-01_zpsedbcngnv.jpeg.html)

Wheels are off, and we start removing the calipers;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172052a-01_zpswdanpvxp.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172052a-01_zpswdanpvxp.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172053-01_zpsbojxlxqv.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172053-01_zpsbojxlxqv.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172054-01_zpsnelu8ndt.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172054-01_zpsnelu8ndt.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172101-01_zpsw5l1acul.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172101-01_zpsw5l1acul.jpeg.html)

Got all 4 calipers off, ready for dis-assembly, media blasting, and powder.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172145a-01_zpsvmyzj81k.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172145a-01_zpsvmyzj81k.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172145-01_zpsqmbdmklc.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172145-01_zpsqmbdmklc.jpeg.html)

[serpent]

Love your threads and the story the goes on. Thanks for sharing this!

[slowhatch]

Made some progress over the weekend, started by pulling off the X-brace and coil covers. Pardon the filthy state of everything, that's why we're here.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172042a-01_zpstgaycr6o.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172042a-01_zpstgaycr6o.jpeg.html)

Engine bay looks naked;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172121-01_zpsne2weqgy.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172121-01_zpsne2weqgy.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172057_HDR-01_zpso43z287m.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172057_HDR-01_zpso43z287m.jpeg.html)

Coil covers had been color matched by the previous owner so they will just be cleaned, polished, and sealed. The X brace will be media blasted and powdercoated a combination of matte/gloss black. The arms will be done in matte, the center and end plates will be done in gloss, with the mounting hardware coated to match as well. We will also be inlaying a GTS Blue 'Stryker' to the center. I was surprised by how light the brace was when I removed it. It has a very imposing look to it, but its just hollow aluminum. I was dead set on replacing it with a carbon fiber unit found on the TAs (both for aesthetics and weight savings), but after removing it, I've changed my mind. Honestly can't be a savings of more than a few lbs. I'll skip a few tacos instead.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172057-01_zpswms9ywy5.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172057-01_zpswms9ywy5.jpeg.html)

Next I tackled the cleansing of suspension and wheel wells. Some consider this a waste, and I get a lot of; "Why the hell would you waste your time on that?" If you share that mindset, my reasoning wont provide you much satisfaction. I just enjoy things being tidy and get satisfaction from seeing bristling suspension components. That, and the car doesn't ever see rain unless I'm caught in it, and I'd imagine it would actually stay fairly clean for an extended period of time.

I started with a 60 second soak of diluted degreaser and water;

Before;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171612_zpsrmnijxii.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171612_zpsrmnijxii.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/SavedImage_0430171614_08_zpsmrrbngf5.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/SavedImage_0430171614_08_zpsmrrbngf5.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171613_zpsklvg11yb.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171613_zpsklvg11yb.jpg.html)

From there, there isn't any real magic to it, its just elbow grease. I had a handy steam machine which was useful at cleaning very hard to reach areas (like dirt trapped in the corners of the bolts on the rotor hat for instance). Along with a mini rupes, some bristle brushes of varying sizes, and water, I made quick work of all 4 corners.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171600a_zpsozdh68hr.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171600a_zpsozdh68hr.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171601_zpsofxywaip.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171601_zpsofxywaip.jpg.html)

After;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171643_zps4oqtoo4s.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171643_zps4oqtoo4s.jpg.html)

Before;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172125-01_zpsnmq2adm3.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172125-01_zpsnmq2adm3.jpeg.html)

After;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172151a-01_zpse0knrt7i.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172151a-01_zpse0knrt7i.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172157_HDR-01_zpswmzqfiff.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172157_HDR-01_zpswmzqfiff.jpeg.html)

Before;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172206_HDR-01_zpsjjr2wyte.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172206_HDR-01_zpsjjr2wyte.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172208-01_zpsagcu794x.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172208-01_zpsagcu794x.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172209a-01_zpsxxieddjb.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172209a-01_zpsxxieddjb.jpeg.html)

After;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172244-01_zpsp6kb0sri.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172244-01_zpsp6kb0sri.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172245a-01_zpsdzc2pja2.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172245a-01_zpsdzc2pja2.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172246-01_zpsulinzduy.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0428172246-01_zpsulinzduy.jpeg.html)

[LABrit]

Awesome! Love seeing the difference!

[Vipes]

Geez, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a car from you. Talk about attention to detail, well done.

[slowhatch]

Drained the DSE catch can. Its only been 200-300 miles since install but its definitely doing its job.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171757_HDR_zpsly6u9dzz.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171757_HDR_zpsly6u9dzz.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171757_zpssa4ff4rp.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171757_zpssa4ff4rp.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171758_zpsio3kcswo.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0430171758_zpsio3kcswo.jpg.html)

Also found my keys laying around the shop, everyone else's keys have the customer's name on it... :United_States:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171922-01_zpseowlsc10.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171922-01_zpseowlsc10.jpeg.html)

[ViperDC]

whats a comprehensive detail and coating like that run typically? looks good

[serpent]

disappointed that the key fob wasnt disassembled, cleaned, power washed, air blower dried, clayed, polished, ceramic coated 10 coats.
Dang Alex, you slippin.

[viper04]

Awesome! Love your post with all the detail picture and info. Keep it coming.

[slowhatch]

whats a comprehensive detail and coating like that run typically? looks good

This is very often asked, yet non straightforward to answer question. Reason being is that paint corrections are almost exclusively labor cost. So depending on the condition of your specific cars clear, its geometry, how difficult your car's clear is to correct (all oem clears vary in hardness, etc), and the level of correction you desire, you'll get a different price. I would say a reasonable estimate for a decontamination wash, clay, 2 stage correction, and sealant, would be in the 1000-2000 range. I'd be wary of those who quote jobs like this low (less than 500), as the labor involved (probably 16-20hrs) to do it right doesn't lend itself to make a profit at those prices. Which means you're not really getting what you think you're paying for. Some people could care less, and others cant see swirls, holograms, RIDS, buffer trails, etc to save their life (I wish I was one of those people :smilielol:), and to those none of this makes any sense at any price. The amount of work I'm getting done would probably cost 3-4k if I just dropped the keys off and walked away, but that's not the arrangement here.

Myself and the owner of Clarity have been great friends for a long time so I am not paying full rate. I'm also performing the things that I have the competency to do, myself. Washing, claying, detailing the undercarriage, removing calipers, treating the interior, detailing the wheels, etc. All things that I have the know-how and willingness to do myself while leaving Curtis to work on higher margin work at his shop. He will tackle the correction, coatings, and powder work. How much will I pay? To be honest I don't have a clue, we didn't really discuss it. Curt will charge me what he thinks is reasonable given my involvement, and I will pay it.


disappointed that the key fob wasnt disassembled, cleaned, power washed, air blower dried, clayed, polished, ceramic coated 10 coats.
Dang Alex, you slippin.

There is still time.

https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2016/01/05/6358760165107469201496154780_SSwlTR1.gif

[viperBase1]

disappointed that the key fob wasnt disassembled, cleaned, power washed, air blower dried, clayed, polished, ceramic coated 10 coats.
Dang Alex, you slippin.

Serpent, I have to chime in here.. you have no idea. :smilielol:


Key Fob Disassembled -> check
Cleaned -> check
Power Washed -> No Doubt
Air Blower Dried -> Most Def
Clayed, Polished Ceramic Coated -> That's crazy talk now you've gone too far.


This is the Slowhatch Switch-Blade Key Fob that came with my car.
He took a stock Key Fob, gutted it and transferred the innerds into the Switch-Blade housing.

Locked and loaded.
25313
Push the silver button to deploy the key.
25314

[SSG]

Alex, you should check out Obsessed Garage on YouTube (if you haven't already). Very similar level of quality from the two of you.

Spent a good day last year reading through your Gen 4 build thread, happy to find this one as its still progressing. Thank you for sharing such detailed photos, always nice for those of us who are still planning our purchases.

[swexlin]

Alex, you should check out Obsessed Garage on YouTube (if you haven't already). Very similar level of quality from the two of you.

Spent a good day last year reading through your Gen 4 build thread, happy to find this one as its still progressing. Thank you for sharing such detailed photos, always nice for those of us who are still planning our purchases.


Agreed, Mat Moreman on Obessed Garage is terrific. Been following him for a couple years now. Sometimes I can't believe I just watched an 45 minute video of someone washing a car!

[Malu59RT]

There is still time.

https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2016/01/05/6358760165107469201496154780_SSwlTR1.gif

I'm rolling over here!! :smilielol:

[slowhatch]

Alex, you should check out Obsessed Garage on YouTube (if you haven't already). Very similar level of quality from the two of you.

Spent a good day last year reading through your Gen 4 build thread, happy to find this one as its still progressing. Thank you for sharing such detailed photos, always nice for those of us who are still planning our purchases.

Thanks for the kind words!


Agreed, Mat Moreman on Obessed Garage is terrific. Been following him for a couple years now. Sometimes I can't believe I just watched an 45 minute video of someone washing a car!

I'll check this guy out tonight!

[slowhatch]

Stopped by the shop late last night to make some more progress on the snake. Wheels were laying out so I decided to get them presentable.

Center caps removed and ready for powder-coat.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172154-01_zps2zr1eunn.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172154-01_zps2zr1eunn.jpeg.html)

Started with one of the fronts.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171831-01_zpstscawxcy.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171831-01_zpstscawxcy.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171833-01_zps09or8bsv.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171833-01_zps09or8bsv.jpeg.html)

Brake dust from head to toe and residual wheel weight remnants all over the place. Curt set me up with the tools for the job and taught me a quick way to pull wheel weight tape off with ease. Apparently a cordless drill with a rubber wheel makes quick work of it.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171835_HDR-01_zpsfttkgomk.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171835_HDR-01_zpsfttkgomk.jpeg.html)

The first step is to remove all the weight tape;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171833a-01_zpsgeeis2az.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171833a-01_zpsgeeis2az.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171833b-01_zpsz7sro6cs.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171833b-01_zpsz7sro6cs.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171833c-01_zpszbmr09sb.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171833c-01_zpszbmr09sb.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171833d-01_zpscghscoya.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171833d-01_zpscghscoya.jpeg.html)

Started by removing large contaminants off of the tape so it doesn't get ground into the wheel. Then time to hit it with the rubber wheel;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171836-01_zpswiqjzxlt.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171836-01_zpswiqjzxlt.jpeg.html)

After the pass you'll be left with some adhesive residue;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171837-01_zpslgto1byz.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171837-01_zpslgto1byz.jpeg.html)

A little Tar-X and all is like new;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171839_HDR-01_zpspychszrd.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171839_HDR-01_zpspychszrd.jpeg.html)

[slowhatch]

I repeated these steps until all the tape weight residue was gone and moved on to cleaning the actual barrels/centers. Adam's wheel cleaner is a monster for this stuff. Spray it on, let it sit for 30 seconds and then go to town agitating with the brushes.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171850b_HDR-01_zpste9ivkrc.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171850b_HDR-01_zpste9ivkrc.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171851_HDR-01_zps2rsfeccv.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171851_HDR-01_zps2rsfeccv.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171852-01_zpswoyv5pzh.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171852-01_zpswoyv5pzh.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171853_HDR-01_zps4a4wjnr3.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171853_HDR-01_zps4a4wjnr3.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171853a_HDR-01_zpsrs2icker.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171853a_HDR-01_zpsrs2icker.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171853-01_zpso3babcka.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171853-01_zpso3babcka.jpeg.html)

Rinse everything off and you have what appears to be a new wheel;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171908_HDR-01_zpske8vnpoo.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171908_HDR-01_zpske8vnpoo.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171908a_HDR-01_zpshc1swl1e.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171908a_HDR-01_zpshc1swl1e.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171909_HDR-01_zpsbbowzl1f.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171909_HDR-01_zpsbbowzl1f.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171910_HDR-01_zpsv5kqilu3.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171910_HDR-01_zpsv5kqilu3.jpeg.html)

Now lets do one of the behemoth rears. Same exact steps as before;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171945_HDR-01_zpsenev9equ.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171945_HDR-01_zpsenev9equ.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171933-01_zps5tdu2srt.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503171933-01_zps5tdu2srt.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172019_HDR-01_zps36pswfg3.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172019_HDR-01_zps36pswfg3.jpeg.html)

Boom. Magic;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172007_HDR-01_zpsh4qnxlez.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172007_HDR-01_zpsh4qnxlez.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172006_HDR-01_zpsslxjkxl9.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172006_HDR-01_zpsslxjkxl9.jpeg.html)

Rinse and repeat, quite literally, until you have a full set :) Now they are ready to be hit with a sealant.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172037_HDR-01_zpsyxriteha.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172037_HDR-01_zpsyxriteha.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172037a_HDR-01_zpseayfr8ck.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172037a_HDR-01_zpseayfr8ck.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172037-01_zpsziglscmr.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172037-01_zpsziglscmr.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172038_HDR-01_zpsqvst5nhx.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0503172038_HDR-01_zpsqvst5nhx.jpeg.html)

[KB Viper]

The lower seat covers were also replaced under warranty and look much better. I was told they would wear in and tighten up on the cushion as you sit in them over time. In any case, the replacements look miles better than what they replaced.

Before;



After;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427171131c_HDR-01_zpslpkwnfsy.jpeg[/QUOTE]
good call. my drivers seat looks like shit, did you simply ask them to replace it under warranty?

[slowhatch]

good call. my drivers seat looks like shit, did you simply ask them to replace it under warranty?

Yes. They required pictures of the seats to approve it, but they did in the end.

[slowhatch]

Made more progress at the shop last night. Caliper break-down, cleaning, and powder process has commenced.

Start off fully assembled and arrange required tools;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171539_HDR-01_zps1yfjwmhd.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171539_HDR-01_zps1yfjwmhd.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171559-01_zpsa2s7cfsx.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171559-01_zpsa2s7cfsx.jpeg.html)

First step is to knock out the pad pins, remove the cross spring, and pads;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171542-01_zpsprz1ucl8.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171542-01_zpsprz1ucl8.jpeg.html)

Next, the fluid hard line is removed, and then its just 4 bolts holding the caliper halves together;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171543-01_zpsoezfqquu.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171543-01_zpsoezfqquu.jpeg.html)

Now you're ready to remove the pistons. Some shop air, and a bleeder nipple with a quick release fitting makes life easy;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171544_HDR-01_zps8zxhbzpo.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171544_HDR-01_zps8zxhbzpo.jpeg.html)

Set the body in a clamp;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171544a_HDR-01_zpslzc8hmo6.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171544a_HDR-01_zpslzc8hmo6.jpeg.html)

Attach air line;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171545-01_zpso3squvbr.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171545-01_zpso3squvbr.jpeg.html)

Place block under pistons to catch them, and to prevent one piston from shooting out (and bleeding the pressure), while leaving the adjacent one retracted. Around 10-15psi does the trick. (Now picturing other caliper half);

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171552_HDR-01_zpsh3j2ll76.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171552_HDR-01_zpsh3j2ll76.jpeg.html)

With the pistons extended, carefully roll back the lip of the dust boots and apply light force to leverage the pistons out. Take care to apply force directly in line with piston axis (to prevent cocking).

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171553-01_zps7zkqvssv.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171553-01_zps7zkqvssv.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171553a-01_zpsiehl4309.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171553a-01_zpsiehl4309.jpeg.html)

Repeat with the other side;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171545a-01_zps46y2lrus.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171545a-01_zps46y2lrus.jpeg.html)

Both pistons removed;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171546_HDR-01_zps1qksuzoi.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171546_HDR-01_zps1qksuzoi.jpeg.html)

[slowhatch]

Next you carefully pry the dust boots out from their locations, and follow by removing the piston seals (in the bore). You are left with this when finished;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171547-01_zpsyrq7krdw.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171547-01_zpsyrq7krdw.jpeg.html)

Last step is to remove the pad guides (2 on each half);

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171548-01_zpshqgcnfij.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171548-01_zpshqgcnfij.jpeg.html)

Repeat this until all 4 calipers are completely broken down. They will now head to an acid bath to strip the oem paint;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171711_HDR-01_zpstu748kl4.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171711_HDR-01_zpstu748kl4.jpeg.html)

Next, all caliper hardware that was removed goes into a de-greasing station. Soaks for a few minutes, metals get brissle brushed, seals/boots get hand massaged, everything is rinsed, and placed aside.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171724a-01_zpswhg1xid8.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171724a-01_zpswhg1xid8.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171724-01_zpsgpnfxjrq.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171724-01_zpsgpnfxjrq.jpeg.html)

Ready for the next step;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171809_HDR-01_zps8bbonbmc.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509171809_HDR-01_zps8bbonbmc.jpeg.html)

Center caps and caliper hard lines join the calipers in the acid bath;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172022-01_zpsslesif5d.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172022-01_zpsslesif5d.jpeg.html)

Bleeders and caliper bolts are heading to the media blaster;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172022a-01_zpseexhruxk.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172022a-01_zpseexhruxk.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172051-01_zpsb10pqsjk.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172051-01_zpsb10pqsjk.jpeg.html)

- - - Updated - - -

I'm still slower than Curt but I'm getting there haha;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172054a-01_zpsbu7lyipe.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172054a-01_zpsbu7lyipe.jpeg.html)

Pad pins and guides are going into the abrasive shaker to get a polish;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172110-01_zpsbwil9ufg.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172110-01_zpsbwil9ufg.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172111-01_zpsl2evo5pl.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172111-01_zpsl2evo5pl.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172116-01_zpsuilwtnme.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172116-01_zpsuilwtnme.jpeg.html)

A little break to give the shop beast some love;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172118_HDR-01_zpsq97gmpxh.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172118_HDR-01_zpsq97gmpxh.jpeg.html)

Calipers came out of the acid bath. The media is over a year old so its not stripping as well as it should be (replacement is on the way), but it did enough. These will be sprayed off, baked out, and headed to the media blaster;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172045-01_zpsecefpr43.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172045-01_zpsecefpr43.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172045a-01_zpsb3sbdd0p.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172045a-01_zpsb3sbdd0p.jpeg.html)

The other half wanted to help out so I put her to work :)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172043-01_zpsqhafqbt7.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172043-01_zpsqhafqbt7.jpeg.html)

All seals and boots are placed in a ziplok bag and hit with some seal conditioner, and left to sit overnight.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172154-01_zpsqsfexvhv.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0509172154-01_zpsqsfexvhv.jpeg.html)

More progress soon!

[One Viper Bite]

Alex, you and SneakySteed are couple goals!

Keep the pictures and info coming!

[slowhatch]

Caliper bolts blasted and ready for Cerakote;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0510171833-01_zps08xoabr4.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0510171833-01_zps08xoabr4.jpeg.html)

Blasting the calipers;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0510171909-01_zpsnucci3fp.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0510171909-01_zpsnucci3fp.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0510172211-01_zpsxgmjouck.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0510172211-01_zpsxgmjouck.jpeg.html)

Some tedious hours later...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0510172029-01_zps2o1eb4mx.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0510172029-01_zps2o1eb4mx.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0510172030-01_zpsycb0g6dm.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0510172030-01_zpsycb0g6dm.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0510172221-01_zpsiwlp1kyo.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0510172221-01_zpsiwlp1kyo.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0510172221b-01_zpslqznvlcy.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0510172221b-01_zpslqznvlcy.jpeg.html)

[Boosted Motorsports]

Holy hell man love the attention to detail and how particular you are with your car. I consider myself to be pretty anal about my vehicle but you are on a completely different level lol. Looks like you plan to keep this one for awhile!

[sadil]

What is Cerakote?

[ACRSNK]

Might have missed it, but what color are you coating the calipers with?

[slowhatch]

Holy hell man love the attention to detail and how particular you are with your car. I consider myself to be pretty anal about my vehicle but you are on a completely different level lol. Looks like you plan to keep this one for awhile!

:United_States:


What is Cerakote?

Its a tough ceramic paint made popular by gun enthusiasts. It looks very nice on hardware like bolts, etc. Should contrast well with the calipers. I think the factory brembo method of spraying EVERYTHING red (after being assembled), is meh. But I understand the financial motivation.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ef/9f/3f/ef9f3f5965962eae94235e4b77e10d38.jpg


Might have missed it, but what color are you coating the calipers with?

I think I've mentioned it, but I'm doing yellow. I love the way the Aqua Blue GT3's look with yellow PCCBs, and since ABM is so close to GTS blue, it was my inspiration. I like things to look oem.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/0c/8a/95/0c8a955592833e347de879d353b75acf.jpg

[ACRSNK]

:United_States:



Its a tough ceramic paint made popular by gun enthusiasts. It looks very nice on hardware like bolts, etc. Should contrast well with the calipers. I think the factory brembo method of spraying EVERYTHING red (after being assembled), is meh. But I understand the financial motivation.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ef/9f/3f/ef9f3f5965962eae94235e4b77e10d38.jpg



I think I've mentioned it, but I'm doing yellow. I love the way the Aqua Blue GT3's look with yellow PCCBs, and since ABM is so close to GTS blue, it was my inspiration. I like things to look oem.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/0c/8a/95/0c8a955592833e347de879d353b75acf.jpg

That's going to look sick! Can't wait to see it.

[sadil]

I think BremBo painted those bolts before assembly. On the TA they were just unpainted grey. You would have some awful paint collecting in that crevice if they just sprayed it up after assembly. Those bolt heads look like they received a pretty even coat of red.

So the cerakote is gonna be a matte black then?

[slowhatch]

So the cerakote is gonna be a matte black then?

Yup, it will be a matte black.

[slowhatch]

A little more progress last night. Got the center caps blasted and ready for powder. The pad springs, hard-lines, and bleeders are blasted and ready for Cerakote. Bleeders are such a pain in the ass to blast, little bastards slip out of my glove and go flying all over the damn place.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0511172239a-01_zpsbibkrgf8.jpeg

[1of1TA1.0]

I have a spare set of TA Calipers you could have just swapped Me :)

I know, you just needed a project

[The_Ruski_Driver]

As others have mentioned, I now "know" someone more anal than me when it comes to cars. I considered my Viper totalled when I got my first rock chip, but this is something else.

Malodets braat, true passion right here.

[slowhatch]

I have a spare set of TA Calipers you could have just swapped Me :)

I know, you just needed a project

TA calipers as far as I know are no different from the SRTs, GTs, GTSs. They just have a different (thicker) rotor for more thermal mass. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[ViperSRT]

TA calipers as far as I know are no different from the SRTs, GTs, GTSs. They just have a different (thicker) rotor for more thermal mass. Correct me if I'm wrong.

They are flat black with orange writing.

[One Viper Bite]

They are flat black with orange writing.

They are no different than the SRT, GT or GTS calipers other than the color, which would serve him no purpose because he wants them to be yellow anyway, so he'd have to go through the same process :)

[slowhatch]

Made some headway over mothers day weekend.

Calipers fully masked and going for powder;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172140-01_zpsplw7ru0n.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172140-01_zpsplw7ru0n.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172209-01_zps5gt2kj2o.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172209-01_zps5gt2kj2o.jpeg.html)

Yellow has one of the lowest transfer efficiencies of any powders so it had to be coated twice;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172222a-01_zpsmpqvowxy.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172222a-01_zpsmpqvowxy.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172222b-01_zpsest5sniu.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172222b-01_zpsest5sniu.jpeg.html)

Checking on the bananas in the oven with a FLIR to make sure they're heated throughout.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172229-01_zpsqylyb9ra.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172229-01_zpsqylyb9ra.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172229_HDR-01_zps9ubsmcyj.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172229_HDR-01_zps9ubsmcyj.jpeg.html)

Rears getting clear coated, while the fronts have to get the decals before the clear is layed down;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171034a-01_zpslootjxnm.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171034a-01_zpslootjxnm.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171036-01_zpsivfbhfiz.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171036-01_zpsivfbhfiz.jpeg.html)

[slowhatch]

With the caliper bodies in final bake-out I tackled the X-brace and hardware.

Media blasting the hardware;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172034-01_zpsviotny6s.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0512172034-01_zpsviotny6s.jpeg.html)

Completed and ready for cerakote;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171142a-01_zpswrvsgaec.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171142a-01_zpswrvsgaec.jpeg.html)

Since the brace is too large to fit in the blasting hood, I had to hand sand the whole shebang. Of course I did the underneath as well, I couldn't live with myself otherwise :)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171040-01_zpsmtawbf7j.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171040-01_zpsmtawbf7j.jpeg.html)

Prepped for powder;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171142-01_zps91gbxxt9.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171142-01_zps91gbxxt9.jpeg.html)

Look what come out of the oven;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171735-01_zpsoguk1tss.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171735-01_zpsoguk1tss.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171736-01_zpsws6fmoy1.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171736-01_zpsws6fmoy1.jpeg.html)

While the calipers cooled, all the caliper hardware (bolts, hard-lines, bleeders) were painted and baked out.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171740b-01_zps0yozkucv.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171740b-01_zps0yozkucv.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171750-01_zpszjdsvy0j.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171750-01_zpszjdsvy0j.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171751-01_zpspushrino.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513171751-01_zpspushrino.jpeg.html)

Time for re-assembly. All of the pad pins, bolts, washers, and guides had come out of the shakers and looked freshly polished.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172128-01_zpsoj8tzyj6.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172128-01_zpsoj8tzyj6.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172128a-01_zpscqqr5dxv.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172128a-01_zpscqqr5dxv.jpeg.html)

[slowhatch]

Pad guides on first, with a dab of loctite for the bolts;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172120-01_zpswetvlnjt.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172120-01_zpswetvlnjt.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172119-01_zpsd84radvf.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172119-01_zpsd84radvf.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172128b-01_zpspakkfo0d.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172128b-01_zpspakkfo0d.jpeg.html)

Then assembled the pistons, boots, and seals by size and location so there was no confusion during re-assembly. Pistons were lubed, seals dropped in, and boots followed;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172132-01_zpssj6dcm3q.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172132-01_zpssj6dcm3q.jpeg.html)

A little elbow grease, and the first one's complete;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172148-01_zpsgzy1enwa.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172148-01_zpsgzy1enwa.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172148a-01_zpsms7nzqhq.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172148a-01_zpsms7nzqhq.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172201_HDR-01_zpswm9tpxrq.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0513172201_HDR-01_zpswm9tpxrq.jpeg.html)

Really really pleased with how they came out;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/DSC_1492_zpsl0l5mpoq.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/DSC_1492_zpsl0l5mpoq.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/DSC_1565_zpsndz3ibvy.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/DSC_1565_zpsndz3ibvy.jpg.html)

Calipers got 2 coats of Cquartz, 2 more bake-outs to cure, and were re-installed on the snake;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/1_zpskgchfqy4.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/1_zpskgchfqy4.jpg.html)

Just need to bleed the brakes, and ceramic coat the wheels and we can get the car down on the ground;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171544b-01_zpsrupw9naq.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171544b-01_zpsrupw9naq.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171550-01_zps0rzmde4n.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171550-01_zps0rzmde4n.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171551-01_zps45u0lnyt.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171551-01_zps45u0lnyt.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171551a-01_zpskxsr7yde.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171551a-01_zpskxsr7yde.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171556-01_zpsvuxpxqys.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171556-01_zpsvuxpxqys.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171557-01_zpsw3mmzf4l.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171557-01_zpsw3mmzf4l.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171557b-01_zpsth3nkuun.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171557b-01_zpsth3nkuun.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171631_HDR-01_zpszn8bsjkb.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171631_HDR-01_zpszn8bsjkb.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171632-01_zpscfbuum4s.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0514171632-01_zpscfbuum4s.jpeg.html)

[Boosted Motorsports]

Awesome work as usual!!

[One Viper Bite]

Omg put the wheels on and drive it already i'm dying inside...slowly

[swexlin]

Putting those pistons back together...wow. That's a lot of parts. I agree - get that thing together and drive it!.

I keep my vehicles reasonably detailed - except the Viper's wheels - they only get really detailed for Carlisle. The rest of the year - eh....the brake dust blends in....!

[Vipes]

This thread keeps getting better every day. I really like the yellow calipers.

[commandomatt]

Not every day that your car actually matches the lift it is sitting on

[sambo32]

I love the contrast between the yellow calipers and blue paint, makes the viper pop even more.

[Bleed viper]

Man, that's almost to pretty to drive......almost!

[ACRSNK]

Looks great!

[slowhatch]

Thanks guys, fingers crossed Curt wont be too tied up at the shop later today and helps me bleed the brakes. Hoping to drive it tonight.

[Firewater]

Good lord man that looks amazing!!!

[viper04]

WOW! nice lots of work but looks good! Did you consider doing the parking brake?

[youngsnake]

looks awesome!

i'm assuming the valve cover... covers.. were not painted blue from the factory?

[slowhatch]

WOW! nice lots of work but looks good! Did you consider doing the parking brake?

Nope. Why would I want to attract attention to the parking brake?


looks awesome!

i'm assuming the valve cover... covers.. were not painted blue from the factory?

They are red from the factory. These were color matched GTS blue to the car.

- - - Updated - - -

We made a little progress yesterday and got the wheels ceramic coated and baked out. These wheels are the biggest pain in the ass to clean, so this was extremely welcome.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0515172155_HDR-01_zps3xsdqaai.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0515172155_HDR-01_zps3xsdqaai.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0515172155-01_zpsbpb7qchl.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0515172155-01_zpsbpb7qchl.jpeg.html)

Watch this and you'll see why ceramic coatings are highly appreciated on wheels;


https://www.instagram.com/p/BTsQL_tFZTi/?taken-by=clarityhouston

[No hemi]

Looking good!!!!, let me know if there's some rubbing with the spacers and lowering caps together, I put lowering caps on mine last week and have some rubbing on bumps in the rear(tire/fender)

[The_Ruski_Driver]

Looking good!!!!, let me know if there's some rubbing with the spacers and lowering caps together, I put lowering caps on mine last week and have some rubbing on bumps in the rear(tire/fender)

I had this issue until I had the bolts removed from the center inner fender lip and the metal clip grinded off - you can feel it with your finger.

[dadeuce]

Watch this and you'll see why ceramic coatings are highly appreciated on wheels;


https://www.instagram.com/p/BTsQL_tFZTi/?taken-by=clarityhouston

I've wondered if this is worth it. They are definitely a pain to keep clean. I'm interested to hear if pressure washing those puppies is enough to clean them .... or if they still require a little soap/water/scrubbing. If you say pressure washing is enough to pass your standards .... mine are getting coated immediately. You are one meticulous rascal. :)

[No hemi]

thanks, I'll check it today!

[youngsnake]

how did you get the viper logo back on the calipers? black magic i'm assuming? :confused:

[One Viper Bite]

how did you get the viper logo back on the calipers? black magic i'm assuming? :confused:

25578

[viper04]

I understand, only asking. I did mine and they make the bake look complete to me. Some people who don't know will ask why is there two brake caliper. Here is a picture not a good one just to give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

25579

[slowhatch]

The time has come to get this hunk of mopar scrap metal down on solid ground;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/FB_IMG_1495069111683_zpsjpmfa7ej.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/FB_IMG_1495069111683_zpsjpmfa7ej.jpg.html)

Curt was making progress on the X-Brace. Masked, hit with the "gts blue" match coat for the stryker emblem, cleared, and baked out.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0516172003-01_zpsafmjxeis.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0516172003-01_zpsafmjxeis.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0516172042a-01_zpsit0zvxuu.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0516172042a-01_zpsit0zvxuu.jpeg.html)

Vector files created for the stryker emblems and vinyl cut for the mask. Thank god Curt has the dexterity for this as myself with my sausage links would have been there all day.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171353-01_zpsi2spmnqq.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171353-01_zpsi2spmnqq.jpeg.html)

Applied;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171410_Burst01-01_zpscj2h4saf.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171410_Burst01-01_zpscj2h4saf.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171410a_Burst01-01_zpsjzwmdedp.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171410a_Burst01-01_zpsjzwmdedp.jpeg.html)

Hit with satin black powder and baked out;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171417-01_zpsvw1wtrrs.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171417-01_zpsvw1wtrrs.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171417b-01_zpspgwwzewl.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171417b-01_zpspgwwzewl.jpeg.html)

While the x-brace baked we turned our attention to bleeding the brakes. I had gotten a quart plus of fresh dot 4 as I figured they'd never been bled and I wanted fresh fluid throughout.

Connecting up the lines. Making sure not to get any fluid on the fresh calipers. We had a spray bottle full of water to hose the calipers down afterwards.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171433-01_zpsemnz5nab.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171433-01_zpsemnz5nab.jpeg.html)

Started with drawing a vacuum to get rid of all the old fluid, and then switched to manual bleeding to finish them all off.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171436a-01_zpsxcjdhcp0.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171436a-01_zpsxcjdhcp0.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171443-01_zps9iyg2kam.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171443-01_zps9iyg2kam.jpeg.html)

Brakes were finished up and before I reinstalled the wheels Curt turned me on to a tire clearcoat that I haven't heard of. I usually don't use tire shine for 2 reasons; Number 1, I hate sling, and no matter how conservatively I apply, I always end up having it all over the side of the car. Number 2, I hate greasy looking tires. Apparently this stuff is worth its weight in gold, it lasts through washes, doesn't sling, and goes on with a matte sheen. Sounds good on paper. I'll let you guys know if its the real deal or not.

De-greasing the sidewalls before application;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171248-01_zpswgj57op3.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171248-01_zpswgj57op3.jpeg.html)

Applying product;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171248a-01_zpsya5rhctz.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171248a-01_zpsya5rhctz.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171256a-01_zpsftksxant.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171256a-01_zpsftksxant.jpeg.html)

From left to right, degreased tire, then 1st application and air dry, then 2nd application and air dry. You can see on the right the tire has a nice oem "brand new" sheen to it. It looks very good;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/1495118447454_zpsh3js6n5d.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/1495118447454_zpsh3js6n5d.jpg.html)

[slowhatch]

Oh, and finally got my sponsorship deal finalized. I hear IKEA is also in the cards ;)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/FB_IMG_1495069123841_zpsvkcuw1j9.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/FB_IMG_1495069123841_zpsvkcuw1j9.jpg.html)

Re-installed the wheels and got the car down on the ground. Finally! Re-installed the x-brace. Will have better pictures when I put the coil covers back on;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171549-01_zpso7plwblu.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171549-01_zpso7plwblu.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171548a-01_zpshwvvtyqn.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171548a-01_zpshwvvtyqn.jpeg.html)

Just absolutely love how the calipers came out, exactly how I envisioned it;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/FB_IMG_1495069115600_zps9yfzuzma.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/FB_IMG_1495069115600_zps9yfzuzma.jpg.html)

Took the car for a drive and bedded the brakes to check for any fluid leaks. Came back looked into the barrels and everything was dry.

Time to prep the car for the paint correction and sealant;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171645_HDR-01_zpsvde6pvtu.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171645_HDR-01_zpsvde6pvtu.jpeg.html)

First foam was with iron-x to remove any irons (particularly rail dust), you can see this stuff doesn't foam much;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171656-01_zpsb8f16kdd.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171656-01_zpsb8f16kdd.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171656_HDR-01_zpsqqiqddwp.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171656_HDR-01_zpsqqiqddwp.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171656a-01_zpspnvxnw9v.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171656a-01_zpspnvxnw9v.jpeg.html)

Second the car was 2 bucket mitt washed to remove any contaminants;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171721-01_zpsiaw9v0wf.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171721-01_zpsiaw9v0wf.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171721a-01_zpsp8ohcyh6.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171721a-01_zpsp8ohcyh6.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171721_HDR-01_zps1iozhwow.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171721_HDR-01_zps1iozhwow.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171720-01_zpsgwaliomr.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171720-01_zpsgwaliomr.jpeg.html)

Then the entire car was clay'd. Yellow clay for the clearcoat, and grey (softer) for the clear bra'd areas.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171722_HDR-01_zpsv6pk7c5w.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171722_HDR-01_zpsv6pk7c5w.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171723-01_zps3gqmil8f.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171723-01_zps3gqmil8f.jpeg.html)

Clear bra spans the whole front half of the car, side sills, and behind the rear wheels on the back bumper. There was minimal contaminants pulled on the top 80% of the car (below), and a ton of tar and sap behind the wheels and on the lower bumper areas.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171724-01_zpsfsb1qaig.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0517171724-01_zpsfsb1qaig.jpeg.html)

She was rinsed and air dried, and is now ready for paint correction.

[slowhatch]

I've wondered if this is worth it. They are definitely a pain to keep clean. I'm interested to hear if pressure washing those puppies is enough to clean them .... or if they still require a little soap/water/scrubbing. If you say pressure washing is enough to pass your standards .... mine are getting coated immediately. You are one meticulous rascal. :)

Properly coated, you should not have to do anything past hitting it with a pressure washer and then air drying with a blower.


how did you get the viper logo back on the calipers? black magic i'm assuming? :confused:

Vector file the logo, print on vinyl, apply, clear coat, bake.

[13COBRA]

Beautiful.

[One Viper Bite]

I went from 6 to mignight real quick.

Can't wait for some roller shots to see those yellow calipers float behind those wheels!

[KB Viper]

Slowhatch--not sure if someone else mentioned this or if you noticed it but for the rear wheel wells you can add the little plastic j pipe to your ducting which will point the cold air from the scoops directly to the brakes. It's a stock piece.

[Vipes]

Nice find on the tire clearcoat, I'm going to order some. Car looks great!

[98intrigue]

I went from 6 to mignight real quick.

Can't wait for some roller shots to see those yellow calipers float behind those wheels!

Superbad

[One Viper Bite]

Superbad

Close...right actor, wrong movie. Forgetting Sarah Marshall!

[98intrigue]

Close...right actor, wrong movie. Forgetting Sarah Marshall!

Ahhhh, fail! Another great one.

[slowhatch]

Slowhatch--not sure if someone else mentioned this or if you noticed it but for the rear wheel wells you can add the little plastic j pipe to your ducting which will point the cold air from the scoops directly to the brakes. It's a stock piece.

Yeah there is ducting for the ACRs in the front and rear well locations correct? Anyone have part numbers for them?

[Jet Slicker]

Slowhatch--not sure if someone else mentioned this or if you noticed it but for the rear wheel wells you can add the little plastic j pipe to your ducting which will point the cold air from the scoops directly to the brakes. It's a stock piece.

Definitely interested in doing this.

[v10tt]

Cam out so nice and clean, I would feel bad driving it around and getting it dirty .

[slowhatch]

Sneaky one just waiting on its que to hit the light room and have Curt work his magic. Center-caps should be finished up today as well. Can't wait to see it all polished up;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0518171931a-01_zpshrfxqbjw.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0518171931a-01_zpshrfxqbjw.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0518171932-01_zpsqxgdeowz.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0518171932-01_zpsqxgdeowz.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0518171931b-01_zpsxxrusxmt.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0518171931b-01_zpsxxrusxmt.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0518171928a-02_zpseeaozxn9.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0518171928a-02_zpseeaozxn9.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0518171928c-01_zpsmfjhw7v8.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0518171928c-01_zpsmfjhw7v8.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0518171927a-01_zpsxvstw1mq.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0518171927a-01_zpsxvstw1mq.jpeg.html)

[One Viper Bite]

Definitely interested in doing this.

This came standard on 2014+ cars so you should be fine. Only 2013s didn't have the ducting.


Yeah there is ducting for the ACRs in the front and rear well locations correct? Anyone have part numbers for them?

Part #s for rear brake duct extensions:
05043042AB
05043043AB

I was unable to find the part #s for the front ACR ducts Dan from specialtyperformanceteam.com was selling them. But please note, some people have had problems with 18inch wheels making contact with the ducts in the front when turning. Probably because they were designed to work with the ACRs 19 inch front wheels.

[slowhatch]

Before the paint correction process begins we decided to re-do the entire hood's ppf. The clear bra the first owner had put on was done sloppily, and even though doing it in 3 pieces is the efficient way to lay it down on this massive hood, leaving a wavering gap that grows up to an inch in certain locations, is not. We also noticed that while the front bumper, hood, sills, and rear bumper are wrapped, the headlights and mirrors were surprisingly omitted. We are rectifying this along with the hood. Lastly, we are doing a partial film on the leading edge of the roof. I got a nasty chip on the roof in my old car, and don't care to relive the experience.

The issue (running almost the length of the hood);

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172130b-01_zpsjbnecpme.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172130b-01_zpsjbnecpme.jpeg.html)

Getting started for removal. A little heat, to get the adhesive pliable. Any drunkard can rip the film off, but doing so without leaving hours worth of reside mess to clean up is the name of the game.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172129-01_zpsj5qcbncy.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172129-01_zpsj5qcbncy.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172133-01_zpscdw7rrsc.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172133-01_zpscdw7rrsc.jpeg.html)

Some elbow grease and the right side is removed;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172130c-01_zpsd83wjsyf.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172130c-01_zpsd83wjsyf.jpeg.html)

A little more heat and the center section is motivated to give up its grasp;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172132-01_zpsrcxtk8nz.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172132-01_zpsrcxtk8nz.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172141-01_zpsnu3uubf0.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172141-01_zpsnu3uubf0.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172155-01_zpsowajxexe.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172155-01_zpsowajxexe.jpeg.html)

Really stubborn areas were additionally motivated;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172220a-01_zpsgq3expar.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0524172220a-01_zpsgq3expar.jpeg.html)

Film is gone, the surface is ready to be decontaminated and recovered.

[CNU_Physics]

Damn your car is beautiful....

[serpent]

Alex, what was the point of washing the car if you were removing the clear wrap?

[slowhatch]

Alex, what was the point of washing the car if you were removing the clear wrap?

We are only removing the hood.

[Arizona Vipers]

Whose pitbull? Good lucking bully!

[The_Ruski_Driver]

This thread keeps on delivering!!! You have some patience! I barely have time to breath on my car, let alone drive it. Forget about cleaning it - twice a year! Then again, I put maybe 2k miles on the whole year. GTS blue is so awesome!

[slowhatch]

Home stretch.

Selecting and cutting templates for the film. The car is getting;

Full hood
Headlights
Mirrors
A-Pillars
Partial Roof
Rear brake inlets

The original film (which is in good shape) on the front bumper, side sills, and rear bumper is getting a polish to give it back some optics.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0525171953_Burst01-01_zpsxcbmyznm.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0525171953_Burst01-01_zpsxcbmyznm.jpeg.html)

Making a few passes on the hood before the new film is laid;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0525172137a_HDR-01_zpsu2ksupft.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0525172137a_HDR-01_zpsu2ksupft.jpeg.html)

New film going on;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172018_HDR-01_zps92kqienp.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172018_HDR-01_zps92kqienp.jpeg.html)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172022a_HDR-01_zpskmzh1gqq.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172022a_HDR-01_zpskmzh1gqq.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172021b-01_zps09nftxav.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172021b-01_zps09nftxav.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172202_HDR-01_zpsbjtdgglx.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172202_HDR-01_zpsbjtdgglx.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172158a-01_zps1wscbzx5.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172158a-01_zps1wscbzx5.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172213-01_zpsmmsh2sjd.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172213-01_zpsmmsh2sjd.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0530171934-01_zpsfbd6wvm2.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0530171934-01_zpsfbd6wvm2.jpeg.html)

Film is laid, and curing. It takes hours and hours for all of the moisture to evaporate from underneath the film, before any coatings can be applied. Curt did the film in 3 pieces on the hood as before, except where's before the 3 pieces were equal size in strips, his method was to lay a large center flanked by thinner outside pieces meeting at the vent recess. This makes the seam all but invisible when viewing off angle.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172018b-01_zpsns3lmucx.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172018b-01_zpsns3lmucx.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172018a-01_zpsfa2evwfc.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172018a-01_zpsfa2evwfc.jpeg.html)

You can see the seam here running from the bottom right corner of the vent;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172019a-01_zps5csra6mj.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172019a-01_zps5csra6mj.jpeg.html)

On the opposite side, the outer film is not yet laid, making seam pronounced and easy to see;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172020-01_zpscbpedxwe.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172020-01_zpscbpedxwe.jpeg.html)

While waiting on the film to set, the center caps were finished up and re-installed. The center caps turned out to be a giant PITA. Try as we might, we could not get the inlay color to match the GTS blue with any sort of accuracy as we had to lay a base coat first and it was bleeding through and mixing with the blue and clear under bake-out. Masking and doing this process multiple times was ridiculously time intensive, so after a few attempts we decided to change directions. At first I thought about just installing them with the first satin coat;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0526172037b-01_zpsnuwq0ofz.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0526172037b-01_zpsnuwq0ofz.jpeg.html)

That seemed a bit uninspired, so Curt suggested we clear just the in-lay to give it some contrast and pop. The end result was perfect, pictures don't really do it justice. Its very subtle, but from a distance the in-lay catches light and reflects, helping the centers not be "lost" on the wheels. It looks very oem+, which is how I like things.

[slowhatch]

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172247_HDR-01_zpski3jivje.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172247_HDR-01_zpski3jivje.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172248-01_zpsaqlwbfhz.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172248-01_zpsaqlwbfhz.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172250-01_zpsqqfeegg1.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172250-01_zpsqqfeegg1.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172251b-01_zpsoas8j2gg.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0527172251b-01_zpsoas8j2gg.jpeg.html)

Black wheel weights showed up as well, so all the wheels were pulled for the swap;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172055_HDR-01_zpst0h0uo9o.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172055_HDR-01_zpst0h0uo9o.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172123-01_zpsik6060tc.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172123-01_zpsik6060tc.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172055a_HDR-01_zpspir6njoh.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172055a_HDR-01_zpspir6njoh.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172114_HDR-01_zpspdhn4h1c.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172114_HDR-01_zpspdhn4h1c.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172114a_HDR-01_zpswjlaxp6g.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172114a_HDR-01_zpswjlaxp6g.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172123a-01_zps5ltwkoz3.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172123a-01_zps5ltwkoz3.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172140-01_zpsydmyugt5.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172140-01_zpsydmyugt5.jpeg.html)

Before

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172119a-01_zpsqjyt8a7i.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172119a-01_zpsqjyt8a7i.jpeg.html)

After

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172150_HDR-01_zpsea3scvpq.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172150_HDR-01_zpsea3scvpq.jpeg.html)

Now on to the good stuff. 2 step color correction begun on the entire vehicle. Watching this process unfold makes me think that detailers who do it properly don't charge enough. So tedious.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172118-01_zpskyeptlsh.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172118-01_zpskyeptlsh.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172118a-01_zps3719wfdy.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172118a-01_zps3719wfdy.jpeg.html)

[slowhatch]

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172119-01_zpsk0kdotbg.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172119-01_zpsk0kdotbg.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172122a-01_zpsubqqrkd3.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172122a-01_zpsubqqrkd3.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172200_HDR-01_zpsfxbhojjl.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172200_HDR-01_zpsfxbhojjl.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172200a_HDR-01_zpsijeipvn7.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172200a_HDR-01_zpsijeipvn7.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172201-01_zpsg692ti10.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0528172201-01_zpsg692ti10.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171520_HDR-01_zpsswoyc1rj.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171520_HDR-01_zpsswoyc1rj.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171531-01_zpsjtqzsjpb.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171531-01_zpsjtqzsjpb.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171534_HDR-01_zpsscv553oj.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171534_HDR-01_zpsscv553oj.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171539_HDR-01_zps4p6yispk.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171539_HDR-01_zps4p6yispk.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171546a_HDR-01_zpsx6ggigur.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171546a_HDR-01_zpsx6ggigur.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171602_HDR-01_zps4nhhx5rf.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171602_HDR-01_zps4nhhx5rf.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171609_HDR-01_zpsojhqepjs.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171609_HDR-01_zpsojhqepjs.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171615b-01_zpscbimey8w.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171615b-01_zpscbimey8w.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171620_HDR-01_zpsxsuycifj.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171620_HDR-01_zpsxsuycifj.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171627a_HDR-01_zpsbowke5sk.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171627a_HDR-01_zpsbowke5sk.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171652_HDR-01_zps9dwvio8h.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171652_HDR-01_zps9dwvio8h.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171659a-01_zpsp5maurpd.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171659a-01_zpsp5maurpd.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171709_HDR-01_zpsn7ixxpnn.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171709_HDR-01_zpsn7ixxpnn.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171705_HDR-01_zpsu6htgfxg.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171705_HDR-01_zpsu6htgfxg.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171834_HDR-01_zpspkoqnd7u.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171834_HDR-01_zpspkoqnd7u.jpeg.html)

[slowhatch]

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171839_HDR-01_zpsojxjcrkf.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171839_HDR-01_zpsojxjcrkf.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171931_HDR-01_zpsyy2wn0qr.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529171931_HDR-01_zpsyy2wn0qr.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/FB_IMG_1496153914647_zps2fchatsi.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/FB_IMG_1496153914647_zps2fchatsi.jpg.html)

Car is completely corrected, ready for a rinse.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0529172116-01_zpsvarlrv2u.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0529172116-01_zpsvarlrv2u.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0530172010a_HDR-01_zpsoew1w5xz.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0530172010a_HDR-01_zpsoew1w5xz.jpeg.html)

Rinsed, and every panel gone over with Carpro Eraser to remove any oils or surface contaminants. Ready for ceramic coating;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0530172010_HDR-01_zpsbhg23oeu.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0530172010_HDR-01_zpsbhg23oeu.jpeg.html)

Arguably the best coating in the business;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0530172101a_HDR-01_zps5fw9ie95.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0530172101a_HDR-01_zps5fw9ie95.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0530172101_HDR-01_zpsn5fgaq2p.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0530172101_HDR-01_zpsn5fgaq2p.jpeg.html)

Coating was applied to every surface, twice, and every panel is cured with a shortwave IR lamp;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0531170154-01_zpsatbywbbo.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0531170154-01_zpsatbywbbo.jpeg.html)

Lets go to Mars;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0531170156-01_zpsrruesk6u.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0531170156-01_zpsrruesk6u.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0531170159-01_zpsfopuyctf.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0531170159-01_zpsfopuyctf.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0531170204-01_zpsra9nddg7.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0531170204-01_zpsra9nddg7.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0531170202_zpskdizd863.jpg

[swexlin]

Do you follow Matt Moreman on Obsessed Garage? You two should get together! I like the black wheel weights.

[repiV]

Beautiful car...and serious props to all you've been doing to it!! This is a fun thread to watch. It's going to be hard to drive it and get it dirty now isn't it?? LOL

But seriously....black wheel weights and then those shiney silver lug nuts?? Get some black lug nuts on that thing! Mark J at Woodhouse pointed out my shiney silver ones on my black powder coated wheels and ordered me some black ones. I hadn't even thought about it until he pointed it out but it really does look better with the black ones.

[TrackAire]

Wheel weights have been overlooked long enough!!

"Black Wheel Weights Matter".......bumper stickers and T-shirts coming soon :smilielol:


Car is looking good....I love the attention to detail.

[Stealth78]

Beautiful car...and serious props to all you've been doing to it!! This is a fun thread to watch. It's going to be hard to drive it and get it dirty now isn't it?? LOL

But seriously....black wheel weights and then those shiney silver lug nuts?? Get some black lug nuts on that thing! Mark J at Woodhouse pointed out my shiney silver ones on my black powder coated wheels and ordered me some black ones. I hadn't even thought about it until he pointed it out but it really does look better with the black ones.

Can you get the black ones as ET nuts?

[slowhatch]

Do you follow Matt Moreman on Obsessed Garage? You two should get together! I like the black wheel weights.

Never heard of him, but he has been mentioned to me a few times by others. I guess I need to check him out.




But seriously....black wheel weights and then those shiney silver lug nuts?? Get some black lug nuts on that thing!

It's not by accident. I don't like when everything is black, it all seems to blend together and look bland.


Can you get the black ones as ET nuts?

Not that I'm aware of, however it would be easy as pie to have the existing ones powder coated black if I had wanted.

[slowhatch]

A few shots;

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4269/34900981211_32b1366f66_h.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4276/34900981081_489be37b6e_h.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4221/34992675096_b86ea929b2_h.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4248/34900981101_678d1b149f_h.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4250/34992674986_7be7f4acbd_h.jpg

[viperBase1]

Off the scale insane.
Congrats Alex, You've created a new beauty in record time.

[swexlin]

Search Obsessed Garage on YouTube. Matt will make you seem like a weekend driveway detailer, LOL.

Seriously, you have perhaps the nicest, well-cared for Viper I have ever seen. Props to you.

[Vipes]

It looks better way better than when it was new, great work.

[slowhatch]

Been enjoying the CRAP out of this car since its return to the lair 2 weeks ago. I have pretty much spent the entirety of every weekend in it :).

Also got a chance to throw on some more goodies, it never ends. Received the custom plaque from DSE that was stamped out of aluminum, powdered, and laser engraved. It will replace the oem "GTS" badge on the dash. I always wanted a custom plaque like the newer ACRs, now I have one.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/1496898081186_zps20tgue2a.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/1496898081186_zps20tgue2a.jpg.html)

Then we shed some weight with a li-ion battery kit from Doug Shelby Engineering. With this add-on the car's weight should be ~3275lbs.

Details on the battery from DSE;


This is an 8 lb lithium ion battery, charger, and bracket kit which is a completely bolt-in kit for the Gen V Viper. This kit saves about 25 lbs from my OEM 56029646AA battery, which weighs in at 32.7 lbs.

There are a lot of batteries on the market. Why this one? This is a built-to-order battery that is reasonably priced, safe, and built to last. Instead of just welded tabs, the cells are secured by nuts with copper bus bar and insulating layers between. There are several other internal features that make these mechanically robust.
• Designed for Starting Vehicles = Longer Life
• Wide Operating Temperature Range
• Robust Internal Construction
• Vibration and Shock Resistant

In addition, these are very electrically safe. I’ve not seen any other Lithium battery on the market with the all protection in these have. Many times there is very little or no internal protection. The protection is both at an individual cell level but also an overall battery level. Safety Protection Internal To Battery:
• Cells Individually Protected
• Over Charging
• Over Discharge
• Short Circuit
• Penetration
• Thermal Shock
• Protection from fires
• Protection from explosions

Charger: I have included a charger with the kit with an algorithm specifically designed for this battery. A compatible charger is very important for battery safety and long life. For convenience the battery has a push-button voltage display on top. An aluminum bracket compatible with the OEM holes completes the kit. I do recommend to taking the extra step to keep this battery on the included charger when the car is sitting in storage for a long period as a precaution against parasitic current draw. (DSE offers a nice connector-mount kit to make that convenient, too.) While it would be protected from a complete drain it isn't ideal or convenient to have a low battery when you go to start your Viper.


Who is this battery kit for? Almost any Gen V Viper owner that wants to save significant weight (Other gens or vehicles OK too just no bracket kit for those as of yet, contact me directly).

Who is this battery not for? People with huge stereo systems or devices that cause abnormally high amounts of electrical draw, people who want to sit in the car and listen to the radio for long periods of time without the engine running. People who drive in freezing temps a lot (all Lithium Ion batteries of this type do not charge well under freezing temperatures or discharge well under -20C, while not common on a Viper the reduced battery capacity at these temperatures should be taken into consideration.)

What does DSE know about lithium ion batteries? I have been the provider of lithium ion battery pit and garage support equipment for IndyCar since 2012 (amongst other products and projects.)

Is it safe? The chemistry in these and other automotive type lithium ion batteries are lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo 4) which is inherently safer than the chemistries used in such products as Samsung cell phones and 787 Dreamliners. There are always risks but all of the items listed above greatly reduce them. What makes a LiOn battery unsafe? Poor design, poor/cheap manufacturing, mismatched application, incorrect charger, no protection circuitry.... There are lighter batteries on the market but the ruggedness of this one and a bit more capacity I feel is a good compromise for the application.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_0845_zpsgfjhuuk8.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_0845_zpsgfjhuuk8.jpg.html)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_0861_zps24ha90f3.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/IMG_0861_zps24ha90f3.jpg.html)



I received the battery kit over a month ago, and it spent the beginning part of its life on the charger, waiting for the sneaky one's return.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0602172125-01_zpslekgwfa9.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0602172125-01_zpslekgwfa9.jpeg.html)

When I got the car back, I swapped the oem battery out (which was heavy as all hell), and dropped the DSE unit in. The battery is extremely light, yet feels very solid, and the included brackets make the install a breeze.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0602172126_zpspvfjek2z.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0602172126_zpspvfjek2z.jpg.html)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0610172001-01_zpsdsouaija.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0610172001-01_zpsdsouaija.jpeg.html)

It's nice to be able to check the battery level with a press of a button;

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0610172002a-01_zpsjpfg0if8.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0610172002a-01_zpsjpfg0if8.jpeg.html)

After using the battery for 2 weeks the best compliment I can give it is that I don't know its there. Car fires up as quickly as it did on the oem battery, and with the weight savings, I don't have to feel guilty about eating entire dominos deep dish pizzas during my house of cards binge sessions.

[slowhatch]

Also had an opportunity to wash the car for the first time. 2 weeks worth of road grime, brake dust, water spots, etc, all gone in a 10 minute "wash". High pressure rinse, foam canon, rinse again, and air dry. Never even touched the car. I love ceramic coatings.

Video below of washing;


https://www.instagram.com/p/BVLOePql7mx/?taken-by=sneakysnakes

Results of wash;


https://www.instagram.com/p/BVLcXBIl0fB/?taken-by=sneakysnakes

[slowhatch]

Some recent shots from a close friend;

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4197/35277008455_48bf79ea74_h.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4210/34433255834_01eebf2430_h.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4224/34433265584_66d62e7b2a_h.jpg

[JG_1212]

I love ceramic coatings.

This. I love my ceramic pro coating.

It makes cleaning my DD sti which sees rain/snow/salt sooooo much easier. BTW gotta thank you for the leaf blower trick. :)

[slowhatch]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4278/35304374625_f29b3555b3_h.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4259/35304373515_0f4472ed6a_h.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4231/35304372605_070143686b_h.jpg

[One Viper Bite]

The content in this thread is inappropriate for children and NSFW :t1567:

[txA&M08]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4278/35304374625_f29b3555b3_h.jpg


Lawd almighty

[slowhatch]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4242/35361937055_0e45934c0d_h.jpg

[slowhatch]

Around a month and a half ago, I was driving the car quite spiritedly and realized that when I would get on the power hard from a roll-on, there was a tiny stumble before the car took off. I definitely thought it was strange, but it was intermittent, and seemed to clear itself up the following day. I didn't think too much of it, bad gas I thought, as I was very low on fuel when this occurred. The problem seemed to worsen over the coming days and got to the point where the car refused to accelerate at upper rpms. It idled fined, fired up fine, rev'd fine, with no codes, but under load at high rpms it would break up. It behaved as if I had rolling anti-lag, hesitating and backfiring out of both banks. Talked to a few people in the know and gave it some thought, we all concluded that it had to be a spark issue. Maybe coil packs going bad. Did a quick sanity check in the engine bay and started to pull on coil wires, lo and behold, 1 coil wire (boot end) on each bank was somehow loose on the plug, and grounding out. I was the first V8 viper since the VM01 Viper prototype in '89 :)

Had the car taken to Viper Exchange to get this sorted under warranty, and while they replaced all of the coil wires, we decided to throw in some fresh plugs as well. Old plugs had 7,500 miles on em and looked fine;

http://www.factorychryslerparts.com/images/parts/Chrysler/fullsize/i2293736.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0717172330-01_zpsvjwl9jtd.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0717172330-01_zpsvjwl9jtd.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0717172330a-01_zpswibbhwng.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0717172330a-01_zpswibbhwng.jpeg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0717172331-01_zpss127qjrt.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0717172331-01_zpss127qjrt.jpeg.html)

Since I was already at VE I decided to do something fun while we were at it. I had long disliked the move to the shorter 6th gear in the early Gen 5s (there's no reason a 8.4L V10 should be turning 2000+rpm at 70mph), and always longed for the short ratio ACR 5th like I had installed in my old gen 4. So we decided to do both. The transmission was pulled, and 5th and 6th gears replaced. 5th is 0.80 ratio (actually 0.796) from the 2010 ACR, and 6th is 0.50 from the 2015+ TR6060s.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0713171135a_HDR_zpsf5zqxism.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0713171135a_HDR_zpsf5zqxism.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0713171135_HDR_zpsgg7vxczs.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0713171135_HDR_zpsgg7vxczs.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172053-01_zps9uyrffju.jpeg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0427172053-01_zps9uyrffju.jpeg.html)

The results were dramatic. The car now pulls like a freight train coming out of 4th into 5th, and makes quick work of 160+. It will be great for 1/2 mile events. And the tall overdrive is wonderful for freeway cruising, improving mileage and decreasing cabin noise.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/Forum%20link%20pics/0714171728_zpspahfkbog.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/Forum%20link%20pics/0714171728_zpspahfkbog.jpg.html)

[ACRSNK]

This car just keeps getting better and better!

[One Viper Bite]

This car just keeps getting better and better!

It really does.

We need more of this. We have so many beautiful snakes on this forum. Everyone should take more time to post high quality photos and detailed information, no matter how big or how small the mod is.

[Steve M]

Do you have the part numbers for the .8 5th gear cluster?

[slowhatch]

Do you have the part numbers for the .8 5th gear cluster?

Steve I don't, Andy will, but I will tell you locating a vendor for this 5th gear was a monumental pain in the ass. No one had it in stock, tremec refused to sell any direct, and the car ended up sitting with the tranny out for a month waiting on us to locate a set.