8 speed auto in a gen 5 viper

[XTREME SUPERCARS]

I am toying with the idea of installing a 8 speed auto transmission with paddle shifters.
The cost of doing this would run around $12K to $15K with all new parts.
Just wondering if anyone would be interested in having this done before I spend the money on R&D to do this to one of my cars.
Thanks
Wayne

[drueherl]

Firm believer that one good reason to buy viper is manual trans. Paddles are for pussies!

[Zybane]

I am toying with the idea of installing a 8 speed auto transmission with paddle shifters.
The cost of doing this would run around $12K to $15K with all new parts.
Just wondering if anyone would be interested in having this done before I spend the money on R&D to do this to one of my cars.
Thanks
Wayne

While I can see where you are coming from, I'm not particularly fond of the idea. Yes, I am sure there are some drivers out there that would buy a Viper with an auto, but a true manual is part of it's soul. Of course though it all comes down to your car and your money for you to do whatever you like with it.

Just curious which auto you would go with, one of the ZF 8 speed's? I'd assume DCT price and packaging wouldn't be feasible?

[Joel]

There are folks who would like a Viper that can't drive a manual - for reasons other than coordination or convenience. You don't have to drive a stick shift to be an enthusiast of performance cars. In fact, automatics are faster in the quarter mile than most manual transmissions. But to each his own.

Firm believer that one good reason to buy viper is manual trans. Paddles are for pussies!

[drueherl]

Joel. Agree completely with your point. The statement I made was simply what I tell my buddy with SLS Black series and Porsche turbo s that has no driving skills.

[Y'orange_UAE]

Interesting but with some questions:

Which transmission you are going to use?
How much torque it can handle?
Are you sure it will not cost more than $15k?

Thanks,
Khaleefa.

I am toying with the idea of installing a 8 speed auto transmission with paddle shifters.
The cost of doing this would run around $12K to $15K with all new parts.
Just wondering if anyone would be interested in having this done before I spend the money on R&D to do this to one of my cars.
Thanks
Wayne

[TrackAire]

I think it's a great idea.....would love to hear more about what trans and the interface to the rest of the car. There would definitely be a market.

[Sybil TF]

I say do it and be the first. Be a trend-setter...

[ViperSmith]

Would be a great option but I wouldn't be in the market for it.

[XTREME SUPERCARS]

Interesting but with some questions:

Which transmission you are going to use?
How much torque it can handle?
Are you sure it will not cost more than $15k?

Thanks,
Khaleefa.

I am looking at the 8L90 that is in the new ZO6 with a stand alone controller
It will handle the torque and shifts really impressive all the dodge ones are way to big
The cost should not exceed 12-15K depending on how many I do
I am a stick driver myself the only automatics I own are trucks and I have over 30 cars
I just know I can do it and thought it might be interesting
Thanks
Wayne

[NoMorZR1]

What do you suppose the weight difference would be ?

[I Bin Therbefor]

I am looking at the 8L90 that is in the new ZO6 with a stand alone controller
It will handle the torque and shifts really impressive all the dodge ones are way to big
The cost should not exceed 12-15K depending on how many I do
I am a stick driver myself the only automatics I own are trucks and I have over 30 cars
I just know I can do it and thought it might be interesting
Thanks
Wayne

That unit is a rear mount. Not a trans axel, but a rear mount. Are you planning on mounting it at the rear in front of the differential?

[Whitemamba]

Well, the problem with the question Wayne is that most of the people in the Gen V section already own a Gen V. The question might better be posted in the Gen IV section where those people might be wanting to upgrade to a Gen V. The real place to ask would be the rest of the US for those who want a Viper but can't drive a stick or prefer an Automatic. If you could ask your question at a place like Corvetteforum then you might find more interest. There are more A8s being sold than M7s. Although in the article, Tadge isn't really clear about the number because he states 60% A8 and then 70% M7. Unless he is comparing Coupe and Convertible Z06 numbers.

http://gmauthority.com/blog/2015/03/...rvette-orders/

Either way, I think that if you build it, they will come. That is if the word gets out.

Great to see you doing this for the Viper community.

[Gonabite]

That unit is a rear mount. Not a trans axel, but a rear mount. Are you planning on mounting it at the rear in front of the differential?

The 8L90 can be mounted anyway one sees fit. It is the same tranny used in the GM trucks as well as the CTS V.

Great idea Wayne.

[Coloviper]

Wayne, if you put something together and it is clean, structured and modular in the approach, I think you will be very surprised with just how much real interest there will be. I would not even worry if it is a Chrysler, GM, Ford or other tranny out of the parts bin to make it work. As long as bolt on only with no cutting, hacking, etc, that is the key to people buying into it.

I think it is a great idea. Despite my desire and enjoyment/preference of a manual, my wife just has zero interest in even learning to drive a manual but she loves to drive but only drive an auto. I have to respect that so if we want another Viper in the family fold, it is going to have to have paddles.

My only advice is chat with Viper Exchange as they seem to be filling all the wish list configurations for all new owners. In reality with all their performance options and body mods, the tranny change is the last option they have left. I would be very surprised if they were not working on something right now.

[Vypr Phil]

8 speed auto transmission in a Medusa convertible would make for an expensive Viper but it would be the only Gen V I would buy. Glad to see enterprising people think outside the box and act on it.

[Track Pack]

Personally, I enjoy the manual, but having had 3 knee surgeries on my left and one on my right, I could see a day in the future that I would need to switch to a different make for the auto. There must be 100s of people out there (either former Viper owners who've switched or maybe potential buyers who have shyed away because of this). Last Viper mag issue comes to mind with the awesome owner who wrecked the Viper, lost his leg and made a full recovery (Praise God) to get back into a Viper... Kind of a miracle that he is back in a manual.... Knees, hips, ankles, hips.... None of us is getting any younger.. ha ha

[Vypr Phil]

Personally, I enjoy the manual, but having had 3 knee surgeries on my left and one on my right, I could see a day in the future that I would need to switch to a different make for the auto. There must be 100s of people out there (either former Viper owners who've switched or maybe potential buyers who have shyed away because of this). Last Viper mag issue comes to mind with the awesome owner who wrecked the Viper, lost his leg and made a full recovery (Praise God) to get back into a Viper... Kind of a miracle that he is back in a manual.... Knees, hips, ankles, hips.... None of us is getting any younger.. ha ha

^^^ This! ^^^

[Vypr Phil]

Paddles are for pussies!

So all Formula 1 racers are pussies?

Brilliant Logic!

[Herrsss]

Be sure to check in with Viper Exchange - they have exactly what you're talking about doing in their R&D department - probably about a year out.

[TexasTonka]

With the gearing of the GenV an 8spd would be great. I'm turning approx 3k rpm cruising at 100mph. Really miss my G4 overdrive 6th gear having 1800rpm at 100mph.

[kdaviper]

So all Formula 1 racers are pussies?

Brilliant Logic!

sure they are... not because of the paddles though!

[RedTanRT/10]

Wayne, sounds like you've got a great plan. I'd suggest you talk to Arrow and Viper Exchange and see where they are at, and, maybe share in the development etc.

At that price point I think you'd have a fairly limited market, at closer to $5K you'd get a number of hand raisers, but sure you can't get close even with hundred's of units. Look at that Medusa convertible for a compassion, lot's of folks saying great idea, but sales languish.

I've always thought we won't see a G5 convertible unit they can build an automatic, that combo will sell lot's of vipers. Best wishes and good luck!! Mike

[I Bin Therbefor]

The 8L90 can be mounted anyway one sees fit. It is the same tranny used in the GM trucks as well as the CTS V.

Great idea Wayne.

I haven't checked recently but there usually is a trans case difference for various applications.

Wayne, you might want to look at the ZF trans that is used in the Hellcat applications. With the variety of vehicles including the now rumored Jeep installation the ZF might have exactly what you want. I'm not so sure about the associated SW.

The problem here is going to be cost due to lack of volume and lack of factory blessing and warranty. The AT and vert need to be factory offerings to get this off the ground.

IMO, if they were factory offerings, the AT would out sell the manual and the vert would outsell the coupe. The largest Viper sales would be an AT vert.

[Gonabite]

Wayne, sounds like you've got a great plan. I'd suggest you talk to Arrow and Viper Exchange and see where they are at, and, maybe share in the development etc.

At that price point I think you'd have a fairly limited market, at closer to $5K you'd get a number of hand raisers, but sure you can't get close even with hundred's of units. Look at that Medusa convertible for a compassion, lot's of folks saying great idea, but sales languish.

I've always thought we won't see a G5 convertible unit they can build an automatic, that combo will sell lot's of vipers. Best wishes and good luck!! Mike

Unfortunately 5K wont even get you all the parts you need to complete the job.

Tranny
Torque converter
Custom Bellhousing adapter plate
Custom Flexplate
Custom DSS driveshaft
TCU and wiring harness
Tranny cooler and lines
Custom interior work for a professional "factory like" look

Labor of course and what ever else I may have left off the list. Easily putting you in the 10K and up area.