Shifting

[Policy Limits]

My car red lines at 6250; I definitely don't take it there. Usually on street cruises or highway, non track use, I shift at or around 4,000 RPM's. I've read that over this number there is a power surge to have caution with. Any truth to that? Where do u normally shift at? 4500 RPM's? 5000?

In lower gears sometimes I even shift lower at 3500. Just trying to get a general idea. My car was fully broken in about 1300 miles ago so it's ready for any kind of driving. I'm used to Italian cars that red line at 8000 or higher.

Suggestions?

[Nine Ball]

Are you asking about when racing, or just putting around?

Racing = always right at the limiter. High as you can get it, without getting into the limiter. Any less, and you are leaving a huge amount of performance on the table. Higher rpm means that the next upshift also lands at a higher rpm, meaning more power. You have to ride the top of the horsepower curve.

Driving it around casually, I shift whenever. Probably 3000 or so.

If you haven't experienced banging 4+ gears at the limiter in a row, you haven't experienced the Viper yet. The magic is beyond 6000 rpm.

[commandomatt]

If you don't ever take it over 4K...why own a Viper ?

Sure, there are times when you don't want to wind it up like when in traffic or in questionable weather.

Once you get past 4K the engine starts winding up and makes some amazing power. Its built to take this so its not like you are abusing it.

Over 4K is also when the exhaust starts singing. Leave your windows down. The sound and the feel of the power is something you don't want to miss out on. Part of the Viper ownership experience

Matt

[Policy Limits]

Well like i said, it was just broken in not too long ago. If you own a V you likely have read that there's a breakin period for the first 500 miles where you're not supposed to exceed 4000 RPM's; just following instructions.

Now that I'm well out of that stage I'm looking for average street, non racing shifts, mostly on the highway. Can I, or should I take it to red line every time?

Not sure if prior Gen guys know this but what I've also noticed in the V is a small blue illuminated marker that pops up on the digital dash at or over 4000 that suggests the car wants you to hit it on the next rev/shift. This only occurs during spirited driving. Is the car communicating with the driver or am I on acid? Lol

[Nine Ball]

All Gen V engines are broken in on an engine dyno, at the factory that assembles them. This isn't a Ferrari or Lambo, you can beat the crap out of a Viper and it won't fall apart like the Euro cars do.

[Policy Limits]

None of my Euro cars fell apart; but I never beat on them. If there is no break in period why have a section on it in the owner's manual? Since I'm well over 500 miles its immaterial anyway at this point.

How about that blue light marker? What is that? It seems to imply it wants you to hit it.

[Steve M]

1. The rev limiter is 6,400 RPMs, not 6,250. That changed in '08 with the Gen IV.
2. 4,000 RPMs is when the variable valve timing changes the exhaust lobe duration, hence the surge in power. If you haven't tried it yet, give it a shot in 2nd or 3rd gear...you'll feel when it happens.

If I'm putting around town, I rarely shift above about 3,000 RPMs. If I'm out having fun, I'll take it all the way up to the rev limiter, just not in 1st gear since traction is an issue.

[Creatre]

If there is no break in period why have a section on it in the owner's manual?.

This is to legally cover their arses.

It's actually fairly well proven that driving an engine hard (but in a controlled manner), and doing engine braking from high rpm's, actually helps seat the rings better than taking it easy. Most of the important work is done before you even get the car though.

[canadian viper]

i think the first 500 miles also helps the drive line break in, trans, and rear end.

[KRATEDISEASE]

Yes, Please do not redline MY car. Also, make sure that you do not drive MY future car in the rain since road muck can get inside tight/small spaces behind the wheel well. Also, if you don't mind, do not take it to go out to dinner because I do not want you or anyone else to fart in MY car after eating. OH and obviously It goes without saying, NO Eating or smoking inside the car. I will not buy it off of you unless you abide by my guidelines!!!

Please Ignore those who say that you need to use and enjoy your car more.... do not listen to those silly people !!


Remember, you are just holding it for me until I take it off your hands. Don't forget it !!

[Nine Ball]

Yes, 500 miles is for the rear axle gears and the transmission gears. Also a good time to break-in the clutch and the brakes. They recommend a few heat cycles to make sure the gears break-in and live longer. Nothing to do with the engine.

[Brian GTS]

If above 4K, the blue light marker indicates the point at which you shifted. It stays on briefly in the following gear so you know the exact RPM the shift occurred.

[Nine Ball]

If above 4K, the blue light marker indicates the point at which you shifted. It stays on briefly in the following gear so you know the exact RPM the shift occurred.

I love that feature. It really helped me practice at the drag strip, knowing when to react to the big red snake face and when my shifts actually occurred. Most of them were at 6399 rpm. Ha

[City]

Assuming the car has all the proper fluid levels and the engine is at working temperature, you're fine with driving the car to redline. If you've never experienced the power surge Gen 4/5 Vipers from the cam in cam technology, I'm guessing you are only interested in the "look" of your car. Obviously, you'd be safer if you experimented while the car was pointed straight, but the only issues you'll encounter will be driver related rather than mechanical.

Enjoy your Viper!

[MtnBiker]

Dude. Go drive the thing. As stated the car sings past 4000 RPM. I try to take it close to redline every time I drive because the sound is so intoxicating. But of course, I don't do that driving down Westheimer.

Try taking 1st gear to 6000 (not smashing the pedal, but rolling into it) then letting off the throttle. The car just barks and spits as it engine brakes and sounds so damn awesome!

[ViperSmith]

get on an onramp and shift when you redline at 63mph

that is fun, the engine sings

[ViperSmith]

You also need to find a big empty parking lot without any light poles, turn off ESC and have some fun

[slowhatch]

Dude. Go drive the thing. As stated the car sings past 4000 RPM. I try to take it close to redline every time I drive because the sound is so intoxicating. But of course, I don't do that driving down Westheimer.

Try taking 1st gear to 6000 (not smashing the pedal, but rolling into it) then letting off the throttle. The car just barks and spits as it engine brakes and sounds so damn awesome!

My neighbors love me so much ,as i never get out of 1st gear in the neighborhood. Just roaring, cracklin, and poppin all up and down the streets. Bliss.

[Policy Limits]

It's gonna be a FUN weekend.......

[FrgMstr]

Perform proper maintenance like you paid for it, then drive it like you stole it.

[MtnBiker]

My neighbors love me so much ,as i never get out of 1st gear in the neighborhood. Just roaring, cracklin, and poppin all up and down the streets. Bliss.

Exaaaactly!!!! Mine too! My wife and dog know when I'm coming home by minutes :)

[Nine Ball]

Here is how I shift, illustrated in my '06 coupe from yesterday. The shift light is 100 rpm before my rev-limiter (6300)


http://youtu.be/rq0FAGiAxTM

I do the same thing in my '13, albeit with a lot more time between needing to shift. :p

[Policy Limits]

Tony that is bad ass. I haven't been driving mine as aggressively; I can't wait to attempt it. Still have no regrets in taking the time to bond with the car first, especially since I've never owned a viper before this one. My dash says I've been running my engine for 56 hours now. I'm ready.

Time to dig out that Go Pro camera...

[Nine Ball]

Make sure the tires are warmed up. Leave traction control and ESC on, good for practice. If you get wheel spin, or wheel hop, simply lift off the throttle. Easy.

[ViperSmith]

The beauty of the TPMS is, it is a good indicator how how "warm" your tires are. You'll see a good 4* rise in tire temperature as you drive, from the rubber heating up.

[Policy Limits]

Good advice. I had so much fun today. Made sure TPMS was on point and was full on. 4500 RPMs was great and 5000 was better. The shifting is less jerky, the car has a better sound and seems like it wants it up higher.

Got a nice day with some sun & 50 degrees; had a great time. Thanks for the tips as this will change the manner in which I drive the car in general and for the better.

[ViperSmith]

yeah, once you get over 4000RPM, the car really comes to life

[Policy Limits]

I have a lot of catching up to do; looking forward to it

[Fatboy 18]

Mmmmm, Ive bounced mine off the rev limiter a few times Street and Track, rule 1 make sure the car is pointing straight ;)

Have to admit sometimes its not been intentional, trying to keep pace with a fully de-catted Enzo (on track), I was watching the rear of his car and was not looking at the tach, I could hardly hear my car :D (and I'm at 128db)

I don't generally do short shifting, the car is a blast at the higher rev limits Just watch out for your surroundings.

If your not used to gear shifting take it very carefully! Respect is needed.

[Policy Limits]

Yes absolutely. Car was intimidating which is in part why I took it easy. Now I have over 1800 miles and 57 engine hours which isn't a ton but has created a comfort level and experience level to justify some spirited driving.

[GTS Dean]

Viper - the car that offers twice as much fun than allowed by law at half the rated engine RPM. (and always has)

[Policy Limits]

It's crazy; my Lambo used to redline at 8000; the snake at 5000 is just as fun