Ripping into my '94 Viper! It will never be the same again.

[@dodgeviper3431]

Gen2 RT/10 owner from Germany here (own it for 13 years now). Congrats to your Viper!! As others here have said, I also strongly recommend to install high-flow cats. It will greatly reduce side-sill heat. If you don't do it for youself, do it for Mrs. Wizard 😅 I did install Tom's 40mm rear breaks in 2015. Bought them from the Viper Wizard (yes, he is the official Viper Wizard in the Viper community since decades), Chuck Tator that is. He owns Tator's Garage in South Salem, NY. He is good friend of Tom, who "invented" this conversion. Although Tom sold his rear brake business to someone else (not sure if that guy still offers them), you could at least reach out to Chuck Tator. Maybe he still has a set lying around somewhere... Looking very much forward to your upcoming Viper videos!!!

[@blaketindle4703]

Glad to hear Junior Mint is still hanging around the shop! I completely understand getting burned out working on cars EVERY day! You guys rock!

[@Dakiraun]

Glad to hear that Junior Mint is doing alright. :)

[@terrycostakis6284]

The Gen 1 Viper is my favorite car of all time. None of the "driving aids" that only intrude on the experience but you have to show some restraint and respect when driving it. My brother-in-law owned a Dodge dealership during the 90's and he let me drive one for a day. I'll never forget it. Congratulations for deciding to keep it mostly stock. Don't ever sell it.

[@kevinschiffer1413]

Best description I can remember for the exhaust note on one of the older Vipers is ‘sounds like an old Plymouth slant six, down a cylinder, with pinholes in the muffler’

[@joe6096]

The Viper is one of my favorite cars of all time. This is what happens when 3 of the greatest car guys in a generation get carte blanche to do what they want. Lee Iacocca - who brought us the Mustang 25 years earlier at Ford - was the CEO of Chrysler and he wanted a direct competitor to the Corvette. Bob Lutz was Iacocca's right hand man at the time, and was Chrysler's head of product development. Lee was close friends with the great Carroll Shelby from their days at Ford developing the GT40 race car for LeMans. Bob brought the style, and Carroll brought the performance. When you lock the lawyers and accountants out of the office, and you have just 3 car guys working to develop their collective dream, you get 8 liters of V10 power with side pipes, and no windows, no radio, no A/C, no power steering, no automatic transmission, and no safety nets like traction control or ABS or air bags. That was the first gen Viper.

[@greggodfrey6516]

they kept it from Iacocca until it was completed.. he had zero idea until an auto show & he loved it

[@ironmonkey1512]

Lots of classics late 90s with that 60s exotic styling, viper, c5 corvette,rx7, ferrari 360

[@pjcornell9691]

You are correct! It was quite the car back in the 1990s.. I had one. They are still a bargain today.....

[@williambarringer6513]

Abs and traction control weren’t what they are now back then, I have both on my motorcycle and it is next level, I remember the abs on my car back then making you stop further than if it hadn’t engaged

[@stevens1041]

Everything about this made me smile. Thanks for the post and the history.

[@jeffharper9292]

Like the sympathetic restoration on this car. Save the original parts Car Wizard! Agreed on the wheel improvements.

[@blaketindle4703]

That emblem looks soooo damn badass!!! Car just didn’t look right without one. $200 well spent!

[@stewiegriffin88]

"Sounds like a vacuum cleaner... and that's not acceptable to me"😂😂😂 reason 763 why I love this channel

[@nyernga]

They make a fireproof mat for welders that have to use a torch close to a flammable surface. I put some on my 88 Corvette years ago and it worked great. I also had Flowmaster 40 series mufflers and they made that weak RPI engine sound great, especially when shifting gears.

[@just-in-time6069]

Yeah high flow cat will decrease temperatures also upgrade heat shielding will be positive also maybe under foot wells don't no what factory has but little add wouldn't hurt for the comfortable for a cruiser is always beneficial on comfort keep up great work and everyone have wonderful day.

[@Kyser_soze]

The Conti pro contacts are awesome tires. Smooth, grippy, quiet, and great in the rain. I have run them on many of my vehicles. From fast cars to family haulers, a great product. Also, thank you and Mrs Wizard for all the great content. Looking forward to more viper and the DS19 updates.

[@cjtr83]

Nice to hear Junior Mint is still a friend and you're able to help each other out in different ways 🙏🏻

[@edwoll]

The Wizard is truly a lover of the automobile. The Wizard is also a very fickle lover of the automobile. Therefore, the Viper will be gone by next year, when a new love takes its place.

[@Random12231]

High flow cats absolutely help with the floor / sill heat. Definitely worth doing while you have the sills off, not that it is a big job to take them back off in the future. I run Belanger high flow cats and Corsa mufflers on my Gen 3 coupe which also has the side exit exhaust. Nice reduction in heat and a nice sound without being obnoxious.

[@DukeMitchell.223]

I have a 1994 RT10 glad my car is being featured by the Wizard and I can see how it’s worked on properly, viper techs are gone from dodge dealerships, they don’t have the special tools anymore.

[@miketeeveedub5779]

100% agree with you Wizard - the 1st gen Viper's exhausts are far too quiet considering the vehicle's image. I remember when they first came out and one drove past me on a bend heading towards the highway. All I heard was the valvetrain over the exhaust. It reminded me of my mother's sewing machine. Can't wait to hear what it sounds like with the new exhaust! Cheers from Smokey Canada!

[@nekite1]

That's some girth on those tyres - I used 245s on 19" rims on my Alfa 159 (a car you never got in the USA and is an absolute joy to look at) and they looked really meaty to my eyes, but the Viper tyres are insane!

[@Grunt49]

Hope you have a blast in your new ride.Congrats to you!

[@timbonnell279]

Gen 1 and 2 Viper Emblem Logo is Sneaky Pete, Gen 3 and 4 is Fangs and Gen 5 is Stryker.

[@egold1006]

Glad my neighbor moved out with his Viper, pulling out of his driveway caused my house to rattle. His had the same color. Knowing we use a v10 in our snow plow, better keep a gas station nearby.

[@barrydraper]

Very cool! Love the Viper! Hope you do some driving content with it, once the build is done. Day trips, road trips, car shows, winding roads, etc...

[@frostshock13]

If you can't find the tom's/rick's 40mm brakes, the cts-v ones are an option. We did this on my buddies Gen2, but should be doable on the gen 1.

[@Boatfisherz1]

The pump relay option works great! Have the same on mine.

[@Handle423]

Continental tyres are good, Wizard don't worry about it 😁

[@Thoringer]

I worked for Continental in Germany and got 50% off new tires back then. I switched from Michelins to Continental because they now were cheaper... and all of a sudden, my car drove like on rails. Maybe it was just having new tires, but for sure, I was in awe! Now, these were SportContact2 but anyway.

[@OzarksWildman]

Hood emblem looks good 👍 The 3 spoke rims would look awesome on that car.

[@MrBodyman5001]

The og wheels are ugly

[@1wadesdad]

The 3 spoke make it look like a concept car from 1986!

[@Lasertrac]

Wizard, so glad for your recent acquisition. Even more impressed about your kindness and understanding towards Junior mint. Speaks volumes about who you are.

[@CrazyChemistPL]

Personally I love the look of the original three spoke wheels on the Viper.

[@SolamenteVees]

Agree. They simply look period-correct on a first-gen Viper.

[@CrazyChemistPL]

@@SolamenteVees And they just look amazing when the car is slowly rolling.

[@CarWizard]

To me they look undersized and improportioned. I love my gen 3 wheels.

[@joeeyman7503]

@@CarWizardI’m with you Wizard 🧙‍♀️🙏

[@heyzooz]

Just dont put 22s on it 😅😅😅

[@lorribot64]

Michelin still make a Pilot Sport 4S and Pirelli and P Zero which are shown their US web sites. Not sure what your Tire man was on, might be worth ringing direct to manufacturer.

[@CC-mb8fi]

Look up Kevin at KSR RACING. They race a viper currently on track, so he may be able to point you in the right direction. Really a great guy

[@PursuitMode2011]

I owned a 2000 Viper RT-10 VIPER RED and I loved the look but man it demands a lot of respect and easing with driving habits. Handmade quality as expected!

[@adamlee9252]

An easy way to reduce the heat from the side sills in the cabin is to vent them. You can replace the solid black covers in the front wheel well and rear wheel well with a slotted covers so air can move front to back over the cats / exhaust while you are driving. It does allow some gravel / dirt to accumulate in the sill but really helps with the temps.

[@theyunglos]

Good that Junior Mint is doing well!!

[@ATICrossX]

355 section tire is insane

[@AaronAverett]

Those rear brakes look shockingly inadequate for a car with this much engine.

[@604h22a]

Honestly rear brakes don’t do much anyways it’s a front engine and light rear end

[@2steaksandwiches665]

This car is put together was parts bin stuff. These brakes are probably from a dodge stratus.

[@Wese28]

Front brakes do all the braking. Rears mainly just hold, and a parking brake.

[@Heidelaffe]

That is quite common. Nowadays I am convinced, that large rear brakes are only there for show and to increase service cost. Some manufacturers are going back to drum brakes in the rear, simply because they are cheap, reliable and they won‘t rust, which is really an issue if you don‘t brake hard that often.

[@FWDSUXARSE]

Right my 98 Trans Am has larger rears and before anyone says anything I realize that the front brakes on average do from 60 to 70% of the stopping, but my little 5.7 V8 LS1 has better rear brakes.

[@richardsmith2721]

Mr. I'm never buying another manual is going to be the king of No Muffler Newton.

[@2kviper877]

As a Gen 2 Viper owner I highly approve of this message. Mine is at 120,000 miles and still kicking ass. Congrats on one of the most fun cars ever made.

[@kylenorris5391]

I really enjoyed this video I like videos of people upgrading things You do a good job explaining things in your video much appreciated I was wondering what that black box was and then you said it! I am looking forward to the next video on your viper! ❤

[@kenbest7660]

You couldn't have planned it better if you tried! Right when you said "I'm going to do some spirited driving" your loud muffler motor cycle driving guy comes cruising by. LOL! I love these cars and like the subtle changes you are making on yours. Happy summer cruising!

[@tomasjones3755]

Love it! I think you will like the Continental tires, made in Germany & performance oriented, This is not an advert. I wish you have more options, but the Conti should do you well

[@davidfalk8953]

im glad your not going nuts on the car ,its sharp and i would be proud to own that snake, like the wheels they do look great on that car ,cant wait to hear what it sounds like

[@Yamajee200]

Looks like the previous owner already punched in some holes in the sills. That was an old trick to reduce the heat from the cats. There is no way around the cats, they will have to go if you want to reduce the heat and it makes a huuuuge difference. Continentals are awesome tires for that size. I might be mistaken but 295s in the front might hit a tiiiiny bit when opening the hood so watch out fir that.

[@fredrickhaemker8434]

I bet it runs cooler and better without the cats.

[@houseofno]

Actually, it's illegal to disable or bypass any OEM emissions equipment on any car intended to be operated on public roads, and there is no age limit or exception to that.. This has been FEDERAL LAW since 1975. You play games with the Feds, you take your chances.

[@robertwrigley2269]

I do really like your videos I find them very knowledgeable and I want to say thank you for making content like this and explaining what you do

[@williamsaad6833]

I checked on Tirerack and they have Continental 355/30R19 at 350$ and also have Michelins and Khumos available in this size. You could also keep the stock sizes, maybe more choices in these sizes Front 275/35ZR18 and Rear 345/30ZR19. Vipers after 2013 came with 295/30ZR18 and 355/30ZR19

[@Tech-ez1qj]

I had to put a cd changer in the trunk of a Viper back in 96 when I worked at a Dodge dealership in Florida. I had to literally drill a hole from the cabin into the trunk to run the wires so if you have a hole in the trunk into the cabin. I did that

[@jamesellsworth9673]

This is turning into a fine and practical project for a fun car.

[@vietnam2513]

Great car bro, I have a 95 and every time I drove it, i have a big smile on my face.....those Vette guys just can’t look at you in the face 😂

[@timarrington746]

Happy belated birthday! Love the car and the videos.

[@markeast9221]

Its nice that you have the knowledge and funds to enjoy your car ! I am old and been through many cars doing the same things ! Its out of my system now !

[@davidsawyer1599]

Legions of Viper and Ferrari owners winced at 6:09. Those are very nice cars. Always admired them. Good for you.

[@lawrencejorgers]

Very nice birthday present! Congrats! I do desagree on the wheels, the originals are the period correct ones and the way to go. The car will look older but as a genuine gen1! All the best!

[@numberpirate]

LOL, I worked at a shop, wasted my back, then switched to shop maintenance, installed security system, redid fittings, etc. I am more like technical maintenance as I do not do repetitive stuff like mowing.

[@edbarrett4969]

Hey there Wizard....Continentals are a good choice. I thought the rear passenger wheel looked dull in the last video, almost painted. Once you do the engine work you ought to take it to Hoovie's detailer to make it really slick, particularly the engine compartment. I enjoy your videos!

[@AuctionWalk-nk9me]

we reviewed an ACR viper and an RT10 viper at Mecum auctions....both auctions prices were lower then we thought. love them.

[@joshgraham7965]

I just continentals for my charger rt. They are perfect! Best tire I've had

[@FLINTmitten810]

Continental tires are by far the best tires I’ve ever owned. I have pure contacts on my Acura and love them. Even the cheaper “control contacts” are excellent and long lasting tires. You’ll have to do a video review on them once you get used to them and let us know what the Wizard himself has to say!

[@HypocriticYT]

I agree the best tires. Best tires these Continental Contact on my Camaro SS. Unfortunately I needed tires near the end of the pandemic and could only get Goodrich. Noisier especially when cornering 😢Can’t wait to wear them out and get Continentals again 😊

[@chrislangstaff]

@TheStraightPipes

[@clangdon1436]

Not sure about other contacts , vut the pros are garbage .

[@georgebettiol8338]

My Alfa was originally fitted with German made Continental tyres and they were excellent. My replacement Chinese made Continentals tyres are sadly 'very average' - to put it mildly.

[@megachonk9440]

Yeah, Continental is fine, but the ContiProContact that the Wizard mentioned is an all-season touring tire, so I can't imagine it's the tire they're putting on a Viper. These were the OEM tires on my 2013 Dodge Dart with 18 wheels, and they were a major limiting factor in the handling and grip of that car. There's no way that compound would be up to the task of keeping a Viper planted.

[@fraserobrien3828]

thanks wizard GREAT CAR ,MAN EVERY ONE LOVES A VIPER. WOW.

[@romeo1309]

Love watching you do some wrenching every now and then. 😮 I love watching these videos a great way to unwind and relax for the day. Also, I want to say you have some really good character. I congratulate you on your morals and your success in life it really shows that good people do finish on top.

[@georgecroney6168]

British MG cars had a lot going on in the trunks too, spare wheel and fluids in the front trunk, coolant res and oil dipstick in the rear truck. Oh, and the engine

[@Panzer67]

The Wizard actually wrenches

[@rmp5s]

That tiny rear caliper is HILARIOUS!!

[@ThePs3isbetterthanal]

hey wizard! a tip for the tires. KUMHO still makes tires for the car in those sizes! i believe its the ecsta v720. I run these on my Gen 3 and they are amazing! even in the rain, the same tires that were put on the ACR from factory. Also a good price all things considered

[@whitetailfox1]

Wow im actually impressed with the stock amp setup

[@maples328]

Yes, I wasn’t aware of that setup. Worked out good since audio formats changed couple times since that car came out.

[@whitetailfox1]

@@maples328 makes me wonder if any of their other vehicles came equipped conveniently like that.

[@maples328]

@@whitetailfox1 for some reason I want to say maybe 🤔 like a Lexus did ?

[@steveshoemaker6347]

That is such an AMAZING CAR......Thanks David & Wife...👍

[@danielphillips2759]

Really enjoy your videos and I’ve grown to trust your work and opinions. I recently like a week ago purchased a 2003 Mercedes E320 for $2000 wity only 129,000 miles that I hope is in limp mode and no damage has been done to the trans,I’d love for you to be the person to work on it but unfortunately I live in Chicago and can’t afford the shipping or the cost to travel to you but based on what I’ve learned from you I’ll try to perform some of the work myself because going to a Benz service shop is out of the question. I wish you and Mrs.Wizard the best and look forward to watching upcoming episodes

[@brianjohns457]

Consider getting advice from Legit Street Cars. He’s in Chi-town

[@genedwg6689]

For the brakes try Archer Racing in Duluth Minnesota. They were the factory Viper race team. At least they may send you in the right direction

[@patarmitage2250]

In the mid 90s I had a customer with a Viper come to the shop that was complaining about a wierd noise. I took her for a drive and she said I had to go faster. I only heard the noise going over 140km/h coming from the removable top. She was a Judge and enjoyed go fast 😂

[@kinyodas]

I always say tires are the most important performance item for any vehicle - it’s the only medium that tethers your car to the rest of the earth. Oh - please go with the original three-spoke - they really date the vehicle and give it that original Viper profile.

[@nashwergin3998]

I run a set of Nitto invos on mine in the same tire sizes you mentioned.. Love them. The GT555 model is popular too.

[@georgebettiol8338]

The hole in the air inlet box is unfortunate and understand that finding a good replacement (used or new) may be difficult. The best method for repairing the air box is to plastic weld a suitably 'fashioned' piece of plastic of similar composition. If the work is conducted by a specialist, the cost would be modest and the welding work would be undetectable from the outside - i.e. would not resemble a bodged glued up mess.

[@MatsGarage]

Oooh so happy that you are doing something about the chrome wheels with a nice silver paint instead. Cant wait untill you get it back fron Vango it will look amazing.

[@NewEdgeDesigns]

If you upgrade the rear brakes don’t you have to upgrade the front to have the correct brake bias??

[@jaygreer3650]

no

[@NewEdgeDesigns]

@@jaygreer3650 depending on the existing brake bias, yes you do.. The first gen viper is 70/30 to the front brakes, so it is ok to upgrade the rear moderately..I’m not saying it won’t work, it just won’t be optimal..

[@jaygreer3650]

it's built into the brake reservoir valves. not at the caliper

[@rjjablo]

Michelins are available for the original 3 Spoke at Discount Tire/Tire rack $358 for front $497 for rear. In stock ship today etc etc etc

[@billcodey1430]

That thing would make a great rock crawler.

[@lightningdemolition1964]

Have you been watching super fast matt?

[@C6v1999]

if you went stock sizes 94 Viper (275 front), tire rack shows Michelin Pilot Sport SP2 set of four in stock for $1700.

[@dbrandon4528]

So glad to see new tires getting installed

[@lawrencebmarshall]

Call me weird, but I love the stock exhaust on my Gen 2. Whenever you give it gas the foot well instantly heats up. Its like having your feet next to a fireplace. Yes, it is inefficient. Yes it is ridiculous, but the car is ridiculous and the instantaneous feedback reminding you how big that engine is makes it fun.

[@cigarjefe]

I own two vipers. Love this build.

[@jordanmcmillan2762]

Coincidentally, I got a 93 a few weeks before you got yours. I'de be interested in hearing more about the fuel pump timed relay modification. And I must respectfully disagree about the rims :-).The stock 3 spoke rims look horrible on any car... except the gen 1 viper where they look amazing.

[@jaygreer3650]

join the viper club.

[@christopherkraft1327]

Hey Wizard & Mrs Wizard, this Viper is really cool & you're really going to enjoy driving it throughout the summer!!! 👍👍🙂

[@BigOxxTech]

Michelin still makes the 355/30R19 in the Pilot 4 S, part number is 83054, can also get Kumho Ecsta V720’s… But I’d stick with the Continentals, better tires! Looks great man!!!

[@Tigrisshark]

Hey Conti-tires, greetings from Hannover, Germany! In european tire-tests, Conti often scores higher than both Michelin and Pirellis, so it should be more than OK for the Viper. They should at least send you a package of Leipniz-cakes with those for that price however 🙂

[@Celician83]

I was a detailer for Dodge in 06 and I know what has happen to that wheel! What has happened to that off color wheel is at some point someone used wheel cleaner with muriatic acid in them, and it is a mag wheel. You could make it look shiny like the others with time and patience with some Mother's mag and aluminum polish. The Dealership I worked for was one of the top sellers of Vipers for 06, and I was THE detailer the salesman trusted to do a good job and not play with it, Ive detailed ALOT of them, including one just like yours that was traded for a 06 "Black Mamba" Viper.

[@virgochild]

Wizard, I love the Viper! and I love my Continental Extreme Contact Sport 02 Tire's on my SLK320 Sport! Make sure you get the "02's" the others are old stock! Looks like they make the 355/30/19 for rear and 295/35/18 for the front!

[@-jimmyjames]

Aircraft paint remover, a good sand and polish then a two part clear for wheels. Good as new. Conti Pro contacts are pretty good. 200 for the Sneaky PETE emblem? WOWWWWZA! Fleabay has Stinky Pinky badges 2 for 10. lol. that ride is Rad Sir. you deserve it. Cant wait to see that engine bay all snazzy detailed up! Be sure to share fresh Under the BONNET when you get there.

[@sinformant]

I haven't bought a jones muffler, but I have ran an aero turbine now called jones turbine on multiple vehicles and they sounded great! I had them on 4 cyl cars and they had a nice deep tone and not the typical raspy angry bee/ weed eater sound.

[@Greg-lt2jp]

I had a 99 Ram. It came with a 360 and a 4:10 rear factory. No ABS no Traction Control. Loved it. I let other people drive it. Thay would say after the first 5 minutes. Never again. A true driver's car. It may of been a 98. ABS was mandated I think in 99

[@funkycarlover]

Yuri and Jakub at TheStraightPipes would love to know you ordered continentals for the viper 😂

[@jaygreer3650]

Club member has continental. "extremes" doesn't like them. Will go back to OEM Pirelli.

[@toofast4radar]

If you ever damage the mirrors you can get one from a 3000GT or Stealth. They are literally from a Mitsubishi parts bin.

[@thystaff742]

I always thought dodge copied the 3000gt with the viper. Just lengthened it and put a bigger motor in it.

[@MikeL-FL]

@@thystaff742 The Stealth and 3000GT are the same car. The Viper is nothing like either one. Those two are front drive, V6. The Viper's rear drive, V10. The Viper is actually smaller than the diamond star twins too.

[@thystaff742]

@@MikeL-FL My reference was to styling, not drivetrain.

[@z32_workshop52]

Lol, i autocross, and 400-500 per tire is not uncommon, but those are for race tires.

[@johnrobertson6110]

I kept my og stereo and a cd wallet in my viper. Very cool that you got one!

[@wercruising]

I did the Toms 40mm rear calipers a few years back, I purchased from Chuck Tator at Tators garage out in New York

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

Hope the Ferrari paint doesn’t affect overall reliability 😊. Great video!

[@mattybrews]

Idk wizard, I like that 5 cyl gurgle, kinda lopey and loose but plenty of growl when revved

[@missesmia2]

Wizard - Apply for the rebate out on Continental tires if the model you ordered is included. I think it is on until the end of the summer - should put 110 back in your pocket

[@Firestorm637]

I remember buying my first BMW 20 years ago. The disc brake rotors the same size as the rim. Big 3 have rotors half the size it seems. In Europe new cars must pass 25 emergency braking without brake fade. I could definitely make domestic brakes fade. Eisenhower designed usa freeways after seeing the autobahn in Germany. He said we must have speed limits in USA as USA cars not as safe and reliable at prolonged high speeds especially cars up to the 80’s-90’s. Cars built for straight lines but afraid of curves.

[@iasmingiuricici]

We have a gen 3 and the bolts in the door sills are Phillips screws from the factory.

[@hawkinsjd11]

I love continental tires. It is all I use on my Porshce and BMW.

[@chrispy3866]

Man, this viper screams just sitting there. I love it.