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!

[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!

[Vypr Phil]

Paddles are for pussies!

So all Formula 1 racers are pussies?

Brilliant Logic!

[kdaviper]

So all Formula 1 racers are pussies?

Brilliant Logic!

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

[TheAnonymousOne]

So all Formula 1 racers are pussies?

Brilliant Logic!

Well yeah they kind of are. 5'8" and 120lbs is a swoll F1 driver. :ROFL:

[Vypr Phil]

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

Well yeah they kind of are. 5'8" and 120lbs is a swoll F1 driver. :ROFL:

It seems that I can count on colorful replies to my posts, nice not to be disappointed.

Often times the astounding stupidity is hilariously entertaining, thanks for the laughs guys!

For those more interested in facts than inane opinions, here is a good read on the physical conditioning of Formula 1 racers:
http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.c...ula-1-fitness/

[TCurtner]

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

So you feel justified in dissing all formula car drivers, and many extremely great cars (Ferrari, GTR, Gumpert, Lambo, McLaren...omg - this list goes on for a long stretch) by calling a paddle shift car driver a what? That's ridiculous.

Your opinion on this matter just became moot. I guarantee you that you have no idea what it means to drive on track and how important it is to cut times by hundredths, tenths and even seconds (a huge deal) - to see that the F1 trans is superior in function to a manual. I love my manual, but i'd always (and so would you) be faster with the F1 type trans. And faster does count in this world.



try this thread: http://driveviper.com/forums/threads...1-Transmission

oh, and did mention LEFT FOOT BRAKING????

[SlateEd]

So you feel justified in dissing all formula car drivers, and many extremely great cars (Ferrari, GTR, Gumpert, Lambo, McLaren...omg - this list goes on for a long stretch) by calling a paddle shift car driver a what? That's ridiculous.

Your opinion on this matter just became moot. I guarantee you that you have no idea what it means to drive on track and how important it is to cut times by hundredths, tenths and even seconds (a huge deal) - to see that the F1 trans is superior in function to a manual. I love my manual, but i'd always (and so would you) be faster with the F1 type trans. And faster does count in this world.



try this thread: http://driveviper.com/forums/threads...1-Transmission

oh, and did mention LEFT FOOT BRAKING????

I totally agree with the way you approached the last post, which is an inappropriate oversimplification. but then you follow with your own (much more intelligently phrased) oversimplifications - The other cars you mentioned are not all" extremely great cars" and even the ones that could be called great are not great because of their flappy paddles. If you think an Aventador (for example) is "extremely great," you had better be looking at engine, fit and finish, design, technology in a ton of areas other than its transmission.

And as far as driving on track... This argument is getting really old. You might be (and I might be) faster with a true F1 style transmission. But take someone like ACR Steve and he's still going to be many seconds faster than both of us regardless of what transmission he's got in the car. When you say "faster does count in this world", which world are you talking about? The one in which only .02% of all Viper owners will ever drive? A real race car needs to keep up with F1 technology because it will be driving in "that world" where tenths matter. A street car doesn't need to do the same.

The OP has a cool business idea going here, interesting engineering project, etc. etc. and that's great for the Viper aftermarket... I'm curious to see where it goes .. just because. But if you want to cut real time off your laps it's seat time, not Xbox time.

[TCurtner]

I totally agree with the way you approached the last post, which is an inappropriate oversimplification. but then you follow with your own (much more intelligently phrased) oversimplifications - The other cars you mentioned are not all" extremely great cars" and even the ones that could be called great are not great because of their flappy paddles. If you think an Aventador (for example) is "extremely great," you had better be looking at engine, fit and finish, design, technology in a ton of areas other than its transmission.

And as far as driving on track... This argument is getting really old. You might be (and I might be) faster with a true F1 style transmission. But take someone like ACR Steve and he's still going to be many seconds faster than both of us regardless of what transmission he's got in the car. When you say "faster does count in this world", which world are you talking about? The one in which only .02% of all Viper owners will ever drive? A real race car needs to keep up with F1 technology because it will be driving in "that world" where tenths matter. A street car doesn't need to do the same.

The OP has a cool business idea going here, interesting engineering project, etc. etc. and that's great for the Viper aftermarket... I'm curious to see where it goes .. just because. But if you want to cut real time off your laps it's seat time, not Xbox time.

I think i mentioned some serious brands/cars - that have auto trans, and are crazy fast (and certainly of comparable quality to the Viper!!!). If a Ferrari 458 isn't great, nor a Gumpert Apollo, nor - well you should get the picture, and i give up. I don't think i missed any inferences with my previous statements.

Perhaps you don't push your street car like others of us may, or live where roads are challenges as much as tracks? Seconds and Tenths may well matter - depends on who you're driving with and for what purpose. Hundredths wouldn't probably matter, but that's not the point. And left foot braking is much more car control than not...but perhaps you haven't read, nor put into practice Ultimate Speed Secrets by Ross Bentley? I'd rather have that option with my left foot, but don't in a clutch car (i tried it, but i've not got inspector gadget legs/feet). ACR Steve would be faster with the F1/Auto than the manual - by a second or more around any track. I bought (and will continue to buy) Vipers because they are simply awesome, manual only option or not, and virtually indestructible from my experience. BTW (referring to your seat time insult) - i have my comp licenses for two organizations, and have raced. Uhhh, vipers ARE real race cars. They just need the appropriate safety equipment and to pass tech, and they're competitive and ready to go...

[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?

[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.

[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

[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?

[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.

[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.

[XTREME SUPERCARS]

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?

They just started offering it in the truck

[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.

[NoMorZR1]

What do you suppose the weight difference would be ?

[XTREME SUPERCARS]

What do you suppose the weight difference would be ?

The 8L90 is probably lighter I will know more soon

[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.

[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.