GEN 1/1.5 Heads and Cam Options?

[Coloviper]

So question:

I have a 96' RT/10 which is the "never-land year", use what's left in the parts bin model year. Everyone talks about GEN II heads and cams but what does this mean for GEN I cars. (I think the 96 RT is a GEN I motor with GEN I cam, not sure what cam is stock in them?)

If someone had already upgraded exhaust ( I have Edelbrock Headers and Borla cat back. ) and added KN Filtercharger Stage 2 Kit, AB wires, etc., but wanted big emissions compliant gains without digging into bottom end, motor, crank , Pistons, etc, what are the real options for the GEN I? Only interested in extreme quality products but limiting gains to not digging in the bottom end crank, pistons, etc. would consider a cam change if easily passes emissions at this high altitude.

I would mod the car for big reliable power but the failing of emissions on my new GEN III Coupe with the full Bellanger set-up jaded the hell out of me on upgrades for any vehicle. I almost walked away from the brand after that experience. Sold the car when I got real sick a few years ago as the decision was easier to get out then continue to try to get the situation working again.

Colorado (Douglas County) emissions program is out of control and getting for stringent, worse, every year. It is f#%kin ridiculous. May want to supercharge in the future so built towards that but no guarantee I will do that as this 96 RT may be my occasional track car. Already done all the other key mods like MCS Suspension, everything tranny, this and that. Quaife and 3.55s are all that is left in the back for the non motor part. Just down to engine but MUST be fricken emissions compliant.

So what is available for GEN I when GEN I headers are already purchased and want to be used, in case there is a difference in headers for GEN II? Thanks Rick

[Coloviper]

Nobody knows anything about how to mod a GEN I or GEN 1.5? Is there a difference in parts used as opposed to a GEN II motor? I never read about GEN I head options, seems they are all GEN II.

[RPM9000]

On my old 95 I installed a 708 cam and had Greg Good do the heads. With these mods I picked up close to 80 RWHP without a tune. The Gen1 pcm is not easily tuneable. I believe your 96 has the OBDII, if I am not mistaken, so it is tuneable. Gen1 heads can be modded for good power gains.

[SHELBYVIPER]

Sean Roe offers a couple NA packages for the Gen-1. I know one NA package dynoed around 500 HP. Sean and his team are good people. Give them a call.

[99RT10]

Best bet for heads is to send a set to Greg Good to modify. No other head interchanges with it like the Gen 2 thru Gen 4/5s. Check your PMs.

[Coloviper]

Thanks guys! 99RT10, okay so you answered my question that the GEN I head is unique to the GEN I motor only so it is probably best to just pick up a spare OEM set and send them to Greg for his magic.

RPM9000, yes my 96 RT/10 has an OBD-II PCM. That would mean an SCT tune or maybe HPTuners when they come out with it for that year.

Does anyone know what cam is in the GEN I or the GEN 1.5 from the factory? I am not familiar with the various Cam #s and options. The 708 sounds like a cool number. Past vehicles of other makes, I have modded with Crane Compucams and had good luck on all fronts. I need to still pass emissions here in Colorado so that will limit the fun and extension of my mods. Does a 708 work for Street and occasional track day or is something else more appropriate? Does it still pass emissions? I have the CARB-Certified Edelbrock TES Header System (fancy expensive copper gaskets so zero leaks), stock cats and Borla cat back along with a KN Filtercharger Stage II cold air intake.

My next mod, now that everything tranny and suspension are done will be the 3.55 gears, Quaife diff and drain plug for the rear. After that the rest is motor-time but just want bolt on and do not want to touch the bottom end. IF I could get 550 to 600 rwhp as a final goal, I would be more than happy, stop any future mods and just drive it and enjoy it even more than I enjoy it now.

You have to remember that you lose almost 20% at this altitude. It sucks and why a lot of people equalize with a blower up here. I would just want to do all these basic mods and if I get use to that power afterwards, and if I can still pass emissions, then put a Paxton on however I think with my goal of also acquiring a new GEN V/VI (2017 Anniversary Viper) in a few years, I really want to fight the urge to supercharge this 96' and thus keep this car NA to just be a real nice track car. I don't want to part with this one for a long time as I found an absolute great Viper in great shape. With the few small things it needed being old and some worn out Chrysler parts replaced, it is like a new car again.

Thanks for the continued help guys and gals!

[99RT10]

the Gen I cam is the same across the board up to 96. The 708 Gen 2 cam is a good profile, and with 1.7 RR will get .575" of lift out of them, picking up about 30HP over the stock Gen 1 cam. The heads will pick up a bunch more. There are more aggressive camshaft and still retain driveability. Talk to Greg about all your options.

[RPM9000]

The 708 cam is a good all around cam. The reason I went with it was because I had a brand new one on the shelf and I used it rather than buy another new cam. I have been happy with the results. 498 RWHP and 541 RWT. Like 99 RT10 said talk to Greg, he can guide you in the right direction.