The Journey Continues 2015 GTC 9L Extreme Conversion

[Whitey]

When FCA accepted my GTC order in early 2015, I was told I was the ninth car to enter the 1 of 1 program. I knew then, the car was going to be on a unique journey. I posted a few initial build completion pictures here:

https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...e-Thread/page8

I put a couple thousand miles on the car and knew that I wanted to do some performance modifications. I was initially pursuing a large twin turbo conversion, but due to some life changes (job and home), I needed to down scope my initial plans. I want to pause here and thank those people that were working with me. There are several forum contributors and builders that I spoke with that helped me in my decision making process. I really appreciate you, your time and thoughtfulness.

Today, the motor configuration is a Prefix 9L Extreme conversion. Additional modifications made are Belanger headers, ARH high flow cats, stock cat-back, (3 inch cat-less Belanger straight pipes for special days), Nth Moto clutch, DSE AIT shield and catch cans, Calvo fuse box shield, ACR brake ducts, and a few cosmetic (black/white-out) changes.

I want to thank a few very special people for their help.

Mark Jorgensen – Mark and his team at Woodhouse did the 9L conversion installation. The work they performed was flawless. I have been all over the car noting their workmanship, heat protection efforts and attention to detail. Their installation work, first time quality and care for my car was nothing short of exceptional.

After receipt of the car, I experienced a 9L motor issue (non-installation related) that needed some attention. I won’t go into details here, but Mark was the first guy in Southern California sorting out the root cause.

A quick side note – I heard someone say once, “if you want to minimize issues with your Viper, don’t touch it. The stock car is pretty good”. I have been racing cars for most of my life. In my opinion, modifications come with issues and perturbations. These issues may occur and that has to be accepted. I know this isn’t right for everyone. I accept those risks and enjoy the rewards.

I can’t say enough about Mark. He is a major contributor to this first conversion and getting the motor issue resolved. Mark is a standup guy and he will be missed.

Dick Winkles – Dick was the second guy in Southern California only by a few hours. Dick has been instrumental in helping identify the root cause (non-design/workmanship related) of the 9L motor issue. Dick worked long hours before and at the dyno, proposed a solution and provided oversight while the 9L issue was corrected. I was also interested in the Extreme cam conversion and ended up shipping the car to Prefix for the work to be completed. Dick provided oversight of the build and answered a lot detailed questions. He communicated with me daily through the Extreme conversion and engine dyno progress. It was so great to work with Dick and get to know him better. I can’t thank you enough Dick. Go Wolverines!

Dan Cragin – Dan and his SPT team orchestrated everything in California. From dyno preparation, scheduling, travel arrangements, engine work and follow-up. Dan worked 4 days on the car and late on Saturday night helping resolve the issue. He bent over backwards to help and was absolutely committed to getting it right. I am fortunate to live within reasonable distance to Dan. For those of you that need Viper work, don’t hesitate to call him and discuss your needs. I would even consider travelling your car there. You won’t be disappointed. His recent appointment of the new exclusive Motion Control Suspension source is another endorsement. Congratulations and thank you again Dan.

Scot Rikord – Scot and his Prefix team performed the Extreme cam conversion and orchestrated some minor paint repair. While my car was at Prefix, we spoke daily and even on the weekends. I don’t think he turns off his cell phone. Scot also helped with some exhaust tests that helped me determine my final exhaust configuration. I have 3 inch, cat-less straight pipes at home for days when I want maximum performance and can tolerate the loudness. Balancing performance, loudness and sound was challenging. Scot helped me work through this and was very patient with me. Lastly, he reported this testing on the forum (Prefix results indicated cat or cat-less matters! – ~20HP) and I hope this information can help others too. Thanks you so much Scot for all your help!

The people at Prefix, Kim, Scot, Dick and Dale have been great to work with. I would not hesitate to call them again for another modification (hint – N/A 1000+HP! – let’s do this!).

Prefix 9L Extreme dyno numbers - The Extreme package includes a more aggressive camshaft, lifters, springs, pushrods and upgraded high volume fuel pump. Although the camshaft specifications are proprietary to Prefix, my understanding is the Extreme cam focuses on exhaust duration. The motor turned 810 BHP and 750 lb-ft on the engine dyno. The motor is still very tight. Compression is 185 in all cylinders. Leak down was 2% in all cylinders. I have been told that this motor should open up more (2-3%) after a few thousand miles. With the straight pipes and in our dry, cooler Southern California weather, this engine could reach 830BHP – 845BHP.

First impressions – I have driven the car several days now. The cold start is great. There is a noticeable change in lope from the cam. It idles down nicely to about 925-950RPM’s and vibrates like a racecar should. The torque comes on very quickly and the power is very strong up top. Throttle response is rapid and time in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears is extremely quick. I will make quick mention about fuel. I always choose to run higher (~96+) octane (VP MS109 +91) fuel to ensure there is no detonation. Relative to exhaust, I’m so thankful I went with the ARH high flow and stock cat-back. It has a minor performance (~20HP) restriction and is plenty loud for me. There can be a lot of wheel spin (in 1st and 2nd at WOT) with P-Zero Corsas. Tire temperature has a whole new meaning. Toyo R888R’s are a must and on order! I have joked with Scot and Dick that the 9L Extreme conversion is marketed wrong. It needs to come with new tires! I will try to capture some cold start and idle videos and share. Saying that, I have yet to hear a cammed Viper video that sounds like the car does in person. You can be the judge.

The 9L Extreme conversion is a great modification. The Extreme camshaft makes the 9L a different motor. For those of you that are considering a conversion, call Prefix for the details (or PM me if you are interested…) and you can evaluate if this is the right performance modification for you. I can tell you, it is EXCEPTIONAL.

Those that I’m close to know that I’m not a social media kind-of-guy. I generally don’t post a lot, but do enjoy the technical posts from many contributors and builders here. Notwithstanding that, I thought some well-deserved thanks and recognition was needed for the specific individuals mentioned above. Thank you again Gentlemen.

So what’s next? The journey will continue… In the short term, I plan on putting some miles on the car. The local tracks, California coastline, canyons and down south …Mexican Racing League (MRL) have exceptional opportunities to exploit the use of our Vipers. I’m trying to find some half mile events that are geographically friendly and will fit into my schedule. I’m keeping an eye on my transmission. There are no issues with it now. I have the traditional OEM neutral gear rattle and the OEM TR-6060 is rated at 650 lb-ft. Based on this, I’m planning for a transmission build and potential gear swap. I have a few more minor cosmetic changes and would also like to add an active suspension package.

Longer term, I have a vision of more N/A power or a twin turbo conversion (1750HP++) and being part of the 200+MPH half-mile club. I tell my friends, “You can talk all you want…, but never bet money against me!”

Thank you for letting me share my GTC story with you. I hope you are enjoying your Viper as much as I am.

Go Viper! V10 Power!

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[Space Truckin]

Wow!!!

[serpent]

Car looks great! Have any dyno vids and vids driving on the street/highway?

[Murpowa]

Awesome, awesome build. Congrats! Please share video when you get a chance

[RedTanRT/10]

I spoke to Dan a day or two before that weekend and he told me he was going to work on your car with Dick and other's. Glad you were able to get it all sorted out. That viper has to be a monster!!!

I was at R&D for a dyno run last Friday. Was happy to see that my B&B G3 motor made 513 rwhp, hoping to get head/cam from Dan over the summer and get it up to 600. Would love to have your power but don't have the $$$'s and Dan told me to be more conservative with a track car.

Do hope to catch up and would love to hear the motor as well as feel that power. Best wishes!! Mike

[7TH_SIGN]

Hell of a build brother. She looks gorgous!

[ACRSNK]

That is so cool! What a rock star crew you had working on your car!

[Arizona Vipers]

Hey dude! Glad you got your car back! I'm right behind you, my motor is done and back in the car. I should have it next week!
Is there anyone in particular you have in mind to build the tranny?

[Scott_in_fl]

This setup continues to sounds downright amazing. Awesome that this is an option.

That said, inquiring minds would like to know more about the "root cause".

Not trying to cause any trouble, but this is a kit that I am genuinely considering and reliability/longevity is obviously an important factor in the equation.

[pMak26]

I love these cars in white

Did you paint the gas cap?

[ViperDC]

Sounds like a great build. Your car in 2.0 TA spec in all white looks so clean.

[ViperPete]

Great read! thanks for posting!

[stradman]

Many thanks for sharing ! That is very useful. I'm puzzled why though you feel the transmission will need an imminent rebuild. Aren't the number of TT Vipers out there doing ok with the same transmission or are they reinforced as well?

[swexlin]

Pretty cool story. You have a lot of patience. What was the engine issue you had? Sounds like it was able to be resolved.

[1evilviper]

Awesome, I can’t wait to drive mine.

[J TNT]

Great post and build ! You've minimized any possible issues by picking a Top Tier Team . Looking forward to hear how your Viper performs !

[kriskyk]

Hey dude! Glad you got your car back! I'm right behind you, my motor is done and back in the car. I should have it next week!
Is there anyone in particular you have in mind to build the tranny?

I would chat with the folks over at RPM Transmission, they do a lot high HP transmission builds

[Arizona Vipers]

This highly modded ACR by dan cragin uses a "Donato race prepped" tranny - https://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-Dodge-...P/263435310083

[Whitey]

Car looks great! Have any dyno vids and vids driving on the street/highway?

Wow!!!

Hell of a build brother. She looks gorgous!

Sounds like a great build. Your car in 2.0 TA spec in all white looks so clean.

Great post and build ! You've minimized any possible issues by picking a Top Tier Team . Looking forward to hear how your Viper performs !

Great read! thanks for posting!

That is so cool! What a rock star crew you had working on your car!

Awesome, awesome build. Congrats! Please share video when you get a chance

Thank you for your comments. I will do my best to post some videos.

[Whitey]

I love these cars in white

Did you paint the gas cap?

Thank you and yes. I had it done through Mark at Woodhouse. I also plan to have my side emblems painted white early next week.

[Whitey]

Many thanks for sharing ! That is very useful. I'm puzzled why though you feel the transmission will need an imminent rebuild. Aren't the number of TT Vipers out there doing ok with the same transmission or are they reinforced as well?

Thank you for your comments.

I do not feel the transmission will need an imminent rebuild "per se". I believe OEM transmissions are designed and tested to design limit and ultimate loads. Usually the ultimate load is a factor above (for safety and durability) the design limit load. I do not know what the ultimate load percentage is, but my stock transmission is supporting horsepower above its rating (650 ft-lb - design limit load). Right now, there are no issues with my transmission which is great and I have some time to investigate a solution. But, I am looking into my options in the event issues occur. Some of the things I'm looking into are hardened or alternate metallic components, micro polishing and an alternate gear set. I have spoken to twin turbo builders who encourage consideration of a built transmission (either the TR-6060, sequential or automatic) and half-shafts. These builders believe the OEM components may last for awhile, but their experience indicates under extreme load, they will ultimately fail.

[Whitey]

I spoke to Dan a day or two before that weekend and he told me he was going to work on your car with Dick and other's. Glad you were able to get it all sorted out. That viper has to be a monster!!!

I was at R&D for a dyno run last Friday. Was happy to see that my B&B G3 motor made 513 rwhp, hoping to get head/cam from Dan over the summer and get it up to 600. Would love to have your power but don't have the $$$'s and Dan told me to be more conservative with a track car.

Do hope to catch up and would love to hear the motor as well as feel that power. Best wishes!! Mike

I am down in your area often. Shoot me a PM with your contact information and we can hook up. I would like to see your car as well.

[Whitey]

Hey dude! Glad you got your car back! I'm right behind you, my motor is done and back in the car. I should have it next week!
Is there anyone in particular you have in mind to build the tranny?

Awesome, I can’t wait to drive mine.

This highly modded ACR by dan cragin uses a "Donato race prepped" tranny - https://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-Dodge-...P/263435310083

Thanks Guys. You are really going to enjoy your cars. I think you will scare people with your exhaust systems!

I reached out to RPM earlier in the week and also got a great reference for Donato Engineering. More to follow.....

[Scott_in_fl]

Shep, Dodson, Donato, all big names in this area.

[NoMorZR1]

Beautiful car and great #'s ! I wonder if there is a shop in AZ that can do a quick cam upgrade for me ?