When you give an 8-liter V10 a big lumpy cam 📈

Summary

In this video, the host takes their 2000 Dodge Viper GTS through an extensive performance upgrade, including installing a new camshaft, ported cylinder heads, and a monster triple-core radiator. After dialing in the tune at Street to Sand, the Viper’s power is put to the test on the dyno, showing impressive gains. The Viper is then raced against a 2017 Audi R8 V10 plus in both roll and dig races, proving its potential despite the challenges of traction and long gearing. The video also covers detailed maintenance and tuning processes, making it a thrilling watch for car enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2000 Dodge Viper GTS is being modified with a new camshaft and ported cylinder heads to enhance engine performance.
• 😀 A new triple-core radiator is being installed to address the Viper's overheating issues, improving engine cooling.
• 😀 The process involves extensive disassembly of the Viper, including removing the hood, fuel system depressurization, and disconnecting the battery.
• 😀 The camshaft replacement process reveals a damaged intake lobe, likely causing a clicking noise, which will be fixed with a new camshaft from Prefix.
• 😀 The camshaft upgrade enhances airflow and combustion efficiency, leading to increased engine power.
• 😀 After installation, a dyno test shows significant horsepower and torque gains, with 62 horsepower and 55 torque increases over the previous setup.
• 😀 The tuning process adjusts the air-fuel ratio and timing to optimize engine performance and prevent detonation, leading to an additional 8 horsepower.
• 😀 Timing adjustments to the engine's spark ignition proved crucial, showing the importance of precise tuning to avoid power loss or detonation.
• 😀 Despite the Viper’s improved performance, the dyno test showed it could safely reach 527 wheel horsepower and 567 pound-foot of torque.
• 😀 In a roll race, the Viper’s strong torque allows it to compete with a 2017 Audi R8 V10 plus, which has a more advanced transmission and AWD system.

Q & A

What was the main goal of the Viper's engine upgrade?

The main goal was to enhance the Viper's 8-liter V10 engine with a big camshaft, ported cylinder head package, and a monster triple-core radiator to improve its power output and heat management.

Why was a new radiator necessary for the Viper?

The Viper was prone to overheating, so a triple-core radiator was installed to help manage the engine's temperature more effectively, ensuring better performance and reliability.

How did the camshaft upgrade improve the Viper's performance?

The camshaft upgrade increased the amount of air and fuel entering the combustion chamber by modifying the timing of the intake and exhaust valves, which resulted in more power and improved engine responsiveness.

What problem was identified with the original camshaft during the teardown?

The original camshaft had a damaged intake lobe for cylinder #2, likely caused by bad casting or a weak valve spring, which had been responsible for a clicking noise the engine had been making for the past 18 months.

What is the significance of the camshaft's timing?

The timing of the camshaft determines when the intake and exhaust valves open and close, which influences the engine's performance by optimizing the air-fuel mixture and combustion process for more power.

How much power did the Viper gain after the camshaft and other upgrades?

The Viper's baseline power was 520 wheel horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase of 62 horsepower and 55 torque compared to its previous setup.

What did the tuning process involve after the Viper’s upgrades?

The tuning process involved adjusting the air-fuel ratio, increasing fuel by 4% above 2000 RPM, and making timing adjustments to maximize the engine's performance while preventing detonation.

What impact did adding too much timing have on the Viper's performance?

Adding too much timing caused detonation, which interrupted the dyno's RPM signal and resulted in a small decrease in torque. It highlighted the need to fine-tune the timing for optimal performance.

How did the Viper compare to the 2017 Audi R8 V10 plus in the races?

In the roll race, the Viper held its own against the R8, but the R8’s quicker transmission and gearing allowed it to catch up. In a dig race, the Viper faced challenges due to its RWD and manual transmission, but was able to claw back some ground, especially with its low drag coefficient.

What challenge did the Viper face during the dig race against the Audi R8?

The Viper struggled with traction and nearly spun through first gear. It wasn’t until third gear that it began to make up ground, demonstrating the difficulties of managing its high torque with a manual transmission and RWD setup.