Chrysler/Dodge Viper V10

With the launch of the Dodge Viper in 1992, Chrysler opened a new chapter in the vibrant history of the U.S. muscle car. Instead of the large-capacity V8 engine that was traditional for the breed, the Viper had an 8-liter V10-a configuration that had recently been adopted in Formula 1, but at the time was virtually unknown in road cars.

FROM TRUCK TO SPORTS CAR

Despite its mold-breaking layout, the Viper V10 had humble origins, being based on the engine of Chrysler’s LA truck. The LA engine’s cast-iron construction made it too heavy for a sports car, so Lamborghini was commissioned to design an aluminum-alloy block and heads. The low-tech Viper 10 retained pushrod valve actuation and had only two valves per cylinder, even though some Chrysler personnel had advocated a four-valve head. The result was an unimpressive specific output of only 50bhp per liter—but all those cubic inches and massive torque still ensured blistering performance.

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

 

Dates produced	1991 to present
Cylinders	10 cylinders in two banks, 90-degree “V”
Configuration	Front-mounted, longitudinal
Engine capacity	488cu in (7,990 cc), later 505 cu in (8,285 cc) and 510cu in (8,382 cc)
Power output	400 bhp d> 4,600 rpm, later 415, 450, 500, 600 bhp
Type	Conventional four-stroke, water-cooled petrol engine with reciprocating pistons, distributorless ignition, and a wet sump
Head	ohc actuated by pushrod and hydraulic tappets; two valves per cylinder
Fuel System	Multipoint port fuel injection
Bore and Stroke	4.00in x 3.88in (101.6 mm x 98.6 mm)
Specific power	50.1 bhp/liter
Compression Ratio	9.1:1

Opening up space

The use of a 90-degree angle between the two banks of cylinders, rather than the natural 72-degree angle for a V10, opens up space between the banks for the inlet components. It also reduces the overall height of the engine, allowing the car to have a lower hood line.

 

It is a quote. The Definitive Visual History Of The Automobile 2011