Interesting observations - 2013 SRT vs 2014 TA

[Nine Ball]

We put around 150 miles on the new 2014 TA yesterday. Just some interesting observations, compared to the 2013 SRT track pack we traded in.

1. The exhaust volume is louder on the TA. You guys with 2013, notice how the car is loud right when you start it? Then it sort of gets quieter after the engine warms up. The TA is loud all the time. I dig it. At idle, it is almost as loud as the 2013 with the Corsa installed. This is likely just a different tune, probably all 2014's are like this. Probably has to do with the variable cam settings, cold vs hot operating temp.

2. TA in Street Mode rides smoother than the SRT did. It is noticeable. TA in Track Mode rides very stiff, very planted - more firm than the SRT. That puts the SRT somewhere in between the TA's two modes.

3. The TA rear carbon spoiler is a tiny bit taller than the aftermarket one I had installed on the 2013. Maybe a half inch, just eyeballing it and noticing the difference from the rearview mirror looking back.

4. Transmission in the TA shifts smoother. My 2013 was precise, but somewhat notchy until it was broken in. Then it was perfect. The TA (likely all 2014's) shifts like it is broken in already. Not sure if that is random, but it is observed.

5. Ballistic cloth TA seats are softer and more comfortable than the leather upgrade I had in the SRT. The SRT leather seats did soften up after 1000 or so miles. Kudos to SRT though, because even after 10,000 miles in the SRT, my seats still looked brand new and had no wrinkles or wear spots. Good quality leather.

6. Hood to bumper and fender gaps, and trunk gaps, are both better on the 2014. The 2013 wasn't awful, but some were just inconsistent. The 2014 gaps are tighter and parallel. I've noticed this on all 2014s.

7. I noticed that the brake cooling ducts (inside wheel well) are in place on the rear of the TA. Most 2013's didn't have them.

Tony

[Policy Limits]

Good info Esp on exhaust note. I've thought to myself how I wish my car sounded like it does on start up with higher idle when cold all the time. Guess it saves a TA owner a corsa upgrade.

[Nine Ball]

Good info Esp on exhaust note. I've thought to myself how I wish my car sounded like it does on start up with higher idle when cold all the time. Guess it saves a TA owner a corsa upgrade.

I know there was an ECM update about midway through the 2013 production. You might have yours reflashed, if it hasn't been done yet. I wonder if anyone did this and found the same difference.

[FLATOUT]

I'm still surprised that you didn't notice more brake bite going from the 13 to the 14. I noticed it immediatly coming from the ACR to the TA.

[Nine Ball]

I'm still surprised that you didn't notice more brake bite going from the 13 to the 14. I noticed it immediatly coming from the ACR to the TA.

I'm telling you, the Gen V track pack felt identical. Even the wife didn't notice any difference, and she usually complains about braking ability on most cars. LOL. After a few hard laps on the track however, I'm sure there will be a bigger difference. The 2013 felt a lot better than my Gen 3 does, even with its upgraded rotors and pads.

[Policy Limits]

I know there was an ECM update about midway through the 2013 production. You might have yours reflashed, if it hasn't been done yet. I wonder if anyone did this and found the same difference.
Will check on re flash. Here's the sound bone stock on the 13:
http://vimeo.com/m/106136919

[ViperDog]

Nineball,

#6 - I have noticed a significant gap remains on the rear hatch of every 2014 I've seen in person or online. I don't know why this is.

[Voice of Reason]

Do you think the exhaust note has anything to do with the extra sound deadening? My doors and trunk all close with a solid high end thud now vs a hollow sound that my 13 had. I wonder if that sound deadening isn't channeling the sound into the car a bit differently. Because I agree the exhaust does sound better.

[Nine Ball]

Do you think the exhaust note has anything to do with the extra sound deadening? My doors and trunk all close with a solid high end thud now vs a hollow sound that my 13 had. I wonder if that sound deadening isn't channeling the sound into the car a bit differently. Because I agree the exhaust does sound better.

But, do the TA's have more sound deadening than the previous SRT? TA's are still considered SRT trim level cars. It is noticeably different in volume, at idle especially.

[Policy Limits]

Surprised brakes seemed tge same. Wonder if ride quality would be too noticeable if I got a 2.0 coming from my GTS.

[bayviper]

I have a 2014 (#8/33) T/A and my exhaust note goes quieter after a few seconds when started up.

[KickAsp]

[QUOTE=Nine Ball;77445]We put around 150 miles on the new 2014 TA yesterday. Just some interesting observations, compared to the 2013 SRT track pack we traded in.

1. The exhaust volume is louder on the TA. You guys with 2013, notice how the car is loud right when you start it? Then it sort of gets quieter after the engine warms up. The TA is loud all the time. I dig it. At idle, it is almost as loud as the 2013 with the Corsa installed. This is likely just a different tune, probably all 2014's are like this. Probably has to do with the variable cam settings, cold vs hot operating temp.

2. TA in Street Mode rides smoother than the SRT did. It is noticeable. TA in Track Mode rides very stiff, very planted - more firm than the SRT. That puts the SRT somewhere in between the TA's two modes.

3. The TA rear carbon spoiler is a tiny bit taller than the aftermarket one I had installed on the 2013. Maybe a half inch, just eyeballing it and noticing the difference from the rearview mirror looking back.

4. Transmission in the TA shifts smoother. My 2013 was precise, but somewhat notchy until it was broken in. Then it was perfect. The TA (likely all 2014's) shifts like it is broken in already. Not sure if that is random, but it is observed.

5. Ballistic cloth TA seats are softer and more comfortable than the leather upgrade I had in the SRT. The SRT leather seats did soften up after 1000 or so miles. Kudos to SRT though, because even after 10,000 miles in the SRT, my seats still looked brand new and had no wrinkles or wear spots. Good quality leather.

6. Hood to bumper and fender gaps, and trunk gaps, are both better on the 2014. The 2013 wasn't awful, but some were just inconsistent. The 2014 gaps are tighter and parallel. I've noticed this on all 2014s.

7. I noticed that the brake cooling ducts (inside wheel well) are in place on the rear of the TA. Most 2013's didn't have them.

Just a couple of things. I originally noticed the same difference in exhaust note that you mention, but when the TA reached about 1000 mi the exhaust idle note settled down to same level as my SRT. All cars are a little different because for me it is just the opposite with the shifter . My 2013 SRT is a little smoother and TA is a little stiffer and slightly more notchy. Prob will loosen up with some more mi. I also notice a little more bite on the TA when breaking, just like Andy notes. Each car is a little different. Otherwise I agree with the other observations between TA and SRT Trk Pk.

[Brian E]

I have a 2014 (#8/33) T/A and my exhaust note goes quieter after a few seconds when started up.

Same with Orange TA #33.
I have also noticed that when new, it idled around 950 rpm. Now that I have a few hundred miles on it, it idles at 750 rpm.

[05Commemorative]

I think at 500 miles, this changes. I think true for all Gen5's and when it happened with mine.

Same with Orange TA #33.
I have also noticed that when new, it idled around 950 rpm. Now that I have a few hundred miles on it, it idles at 750 rpm.

[cashcorn]

I had the same experience, at roughly 500 miles the rpm dropped from 1,000 to 800-900. The exhaust note also lessened, off start up. After about 30-45 seconds the bitchen soundness has mellowed. I'm planning on going the HPTuner route (when funds allow) and adding Belangers/hi flows. Hopefully the Texas Vipers will be dialed in by then. lol

[Voice of Reason]

But, do the TA's have more sound deadening than the previous SRT? TA's are still considered SRT trim level cars. It is noticeably different in volume, at idle especially.

I thought someone told me all of them got it. Something has to add up to being 93 lbs more than our 13s, and I can't see that all being sway bars, brakes, electronic suspension, and 3 more speakers.

[Bruce H.]

The TA's brakes are track focused and it would make sense that's where you would need to be to appreciate the difference of a larger swept area, higher thermal capacity rotors and a brake pad optimized for the high heat and load levels of track use. What they feel like under street use isn't really the point, but rest assured they work great there also.

TA's were always said to have less sound deadening than regular SRT's.

[Simms]

I have a 2014 (#8/33) T/A and my exhaust note goes quieter after a few seconds when started up.

Same situation with my 14 GTS. Wish it stayed loud, but I'm fixing that soon.

[Jack B]

The rotors could be a large part.


I thought someone told me all of them got it. Something has to add up to being 93 lbs more than our 13s, and I can't see that all being sway bars, brakes, electronic suspension, and 3 more speakers.

[Nine Ball]

I should have 500+ miles on the car after this weekend. I'll monitor the idle rpm and when it changes. I kinda like it loud all the time. Booo

[Jack B]

Idle - pcm keeps it at 700 after warm up. The cold start is close to 1000, that is why it is initially louder. I don't remember, but, the pcm may raise the idle during break-in.

Sound - the muffler and cat tend to wear - in and the sound changes.



I had the same experience, at roughly 500 miles the rpm dropped from 1,000 to 800-900. The exhaust note also lessened, off start up. After about 30-45 seconds the bitchen soundness has mellowed. I'm planning on going the HPTuner route (when funds allow) and adding Belangers/hi flows. Hopefully the Texas Vipers will be dialed in by then. lol

[mjorgensen]

There are multiple "steps" in the break in period that are mileage dependent, that is what accounts for the changes you are all experiencing.

Although I have not pulled back carpet there is nothing I have seen to indicate the TA has less sound deadning then the base SRT.

[XSnake]

Has anyone confirmed yet the TA pads are different than the other models?

[mjorgensen]

Has anyone confirmed yet the TA pads are different than the other models?

They are taller to create more contact area.

[Voice of Reason]

There are multiple "steps" in the break in period that are mileage dependent, that is what accounts for the changes you are all experiencing.

Although I have not pulled back carpet there is nothing I have seen to indicate the TA has less sound deadning then the base SRT.

Thanks Mark. And for 14 did the base SRT get more sound deadening than it did in 13?

[XSnake]

They are taller to create more contact area.

So they are physically different? I was expecting a different pad composition.

[mjorgensen]

Thanks Mark. And for 14 did the base SRT get more sound deadening than it did in 13?

I think there were a couple "panels" of insulation added up front around the footwells.

[Track Pack]

Great write up - seems like more than a few have upgraded or are considering upgrading from a '13 TP to TA. I drove the TA @ VOA back in the Summer and really enjoyed it, too. Enjoy that beast, which color did you go with?

[mjorgensen]

I know there was an ECM update about midway through the 2013 production. You might have yours reflashed, if it hasn't been done yet. I wonder if anyone did this and found the same difference.

Straight from "the" mans mouth,


There are a few OBD and drivabiity updates, the WOT fuel model has been tweaked to improve power slightly (this is basically how the 2015 was rated at 645hp).

[Nine Ball]

Great write up - seems like more than a few have upgraded or are considering upgrading from a '13 TP to TA. I drove the TA @ VOA back in the Summer and really enjoyed it, too. Enjoy that beast, which color did you go with?

White TA. I liked the last one enough to buy the same looking car. LOL

[viper04]

Nineball
Do you have a picture of the air duct you are referring too. In the market now and just want to make sure I know what to look for. Thanks

[mjorgensen]

Nineball
Do you have a picture of the air duct you are referring too. In the market now and just want to make sure I know what to look for. Thanks

Jumping in for Tony ;-)

6719
Upper right side is the plastic directional "finisher"

[viper04]

Jumping in for Tony ;-)

6719
Upper right side is the plastic directional "finisher"

mjorgensen.
Thanks for the reply pic, just could not find any pictures online.

[Nine Ball]

Same with Orange TA #33.
I have also noticed that when new, it idled around 950 rpm. Now that I have a few hundred miles on it, it idles at 750 rpm.

Just an update at 750 miles. The idle RPM did drop some time after 500-ish miles I believe, and now idles quieter like the last car did.

[hova00]

I know I have been enjoying my T/A after trading in my 13 GTS. I think the T/A is smoother don't really know how to explain it but the just seems that way. I also noticed that it isn't as warm inside granted it is cooler now than in July when I bought my GTS. Time will tell once I get some more miles on it.

[FLATOUT]

I know I have been enjoying my T/A after trading in my 13 GTS. I think the T/A is smoother don't really know how to explain it but the just seems that way. I also noticed that it isn't as warm inside granted it is cooler now than in July when I bought my GTS. Time will tell once I get some more miles on it.

COngrats Hova, what color and number did you buy?

[hova00]

I ended up with white #11/33 from Woodhouse. My 13 GTS is on their site for sale now its the black/header red only had it maybe 2 months.

[swexlin]

I ended up with white #11/33 from Woodhouse. My 13 GTS is on their site for sale now its the black/header red only had it maybe 2 months.

Hova, it was nice meeting you today, and the gorgeous white T/A from Woodhouse. For those who don't know, my local C&C group had our annual Greenville, DE car classic and exotic car show today, which benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Wilmington, DE. There were several Vipers in attendance, t. In rolls a white T/A with Woodhouse plates! It was Hova's car, and is it nice in person, and so is the driver.

[hova00]

Swexlin, there awesome turnout today of some really really nice cars with beautiful weather. It was a pleasure meeting you and chatting about the Viper and your Gen V that is coming!! I know its going to be a long wait until it shows up but when it does you'll be blown away with it. Bill@Woodhouse was awesome to deal with and would recommend him to anyone looking for a Viper.