Motor Oil

[Hathoway]

0W-40 in my '01 for the last 40K miles in the 110 degree heat. I'd say it is working.

Good to know, currently feels around that temp in south Texas.

Seems the majority is in favor of 0W-40.

[SnakeWatching]

Is it possible to get an oil cap that says Mobil 1 0W-40 and will fit a Gen 2? (and put the 10W-30 cap in a box).

[Steve-Indy]

That's what I have done...though, I do not know if they are still around. Try a visit to the dealer, and order a cap for 2008 Viper.

[GTS Dean]

I have my car on the lift for a 20-year 'second life' mechanical makeover. I probably have about 6000 out of the car's 36,000 miles on the track. Since I tracked the car aggressively since Day 1, I was very concerned about reports from other track rats about high-G/RPM starvation of the #3 rod journal. This marks the second time I've had the cap off for an inspection.

As you can see, the crank journal has no issues at all, and the cap bearing has very little wear. Since the very first oil change, I've used Mobil1 15W-50. Crazy as it may sound, I've only changed it once a year, or two, and added makeup oil after track days. I have also had the oil sampled with each oil change, and it has only shown slight viscosity change due to fuel dilution. This is a full-synthetic super-premium oil and I want my money's worth out of it.

Although upon the first inspection I strongly considered upgrading to the 10 qt. pan, I decided just to install the later model windage tray and IPSCO swinging baffle kit. There have been several variations of the sump top covers - this is the very early '96 with only one hole directly above the inlet screen. Others have progressively more open area above the front and rear compartments, but I figure if the drainback only can go right into the suction inlet area, it always goes to the most important part of the pan and keeps the suction flooded. I see nothing that makes me second-guess my first decision.

[stuntman]

Great to see the bearings looking so good! What tires and suspension do you run?

[71firebird400]

Very cool post, Dean. Thank you for sharing! It's not often someone goes to the trouble of thoroughly inspecting their engine and I appreciate the photos.

[GTS Dean]

What tires and suspension do you run?

I usually try to run one session per weekend on street tires, so I know just where the limits are in real life. Then I bolt on BFG or Hoosier Rs, or occasionally scrub slicks. I've been in the 1:53s at TWS on Hoosiers.

As for suspension - I have a set of EMI Penske 3-ways, monoball wishbone and lower rear shock clevis pivots, adjustable end links, StopTech rotors and PFC pads. I do my own alignments and corner weighting. One thing I do not have is any aero bits. Wings and splitters do increase peak cornering G, but you get through the corners quicker.

[SnakeWatching]

When I switch to Mobil 1 0W-40 in my 97 Gen 2, do I still use the recommended SRT oil filter for my year? or switch to a different one? (I remember seeing an AA and AB version).

I did purchase a K+N HP-2004, but I have seen some posts, to not use it on the Viper, and switch to SRT oil filter. (the K+N HP-2004 fits my Prowler, so no loss here with purchase).

[Bill Pemberton]

Sure , you should still use the SRT oil filter --not sure why you are asking about switching???

[SnakeWatching]

Sure , you should still use the SRT oil filter --not sure why you are asking about switching???

I knew there were 2 viper filters, just wondering if the filters are different because of oil weight or engine design or other....

[Bill Pemberton]

One is for 2008 and newer and the other one is for 92 through 2006 -- part of the issue is threading. The one for yours actually says Viper on the canister, whereas the newer one says SRT ( used in Hellcats , and other SRTs besides the newer Vipers ).

[Fatboy 18]

My car is now up to 75k mileage, This season I have changed from Mobil 1 0-40 to Mobil 1 15-50 I'm seeing much better oil pressure

[stuntman]

Pressure isn't always a good thing if it sacrifices flow.

Nothing wrong with 15W50 especially if you track your car and let it warm up properly.