How to Upgrade the Horsepower in a Dodge Viper

The Viper is a sports/muscle car designed and produced by Chrysler under the Dodge brand. The Viper was produced from 1991 to 2010 before it was discontinued. A new Viper, however, has been proposed for 2012. The Viper engine slowly grew from 7.9 liters to 8.4 liters during the course of its production, but all of the engines featured powerful V10 aluminum blocks. The engines can be made even more powerful with some modification.

• 1

  Upgrade the air intake system. The air intake system is responsible for pulling in air, cooling it and then routing it to the engine. Having more and cooler air flowing into the engine increases horsepower. Several companies offer performance air intake systems for the Viper that can provide a substantial boost in horsepower. Air intake systems also are among the cheapest and simplest aftermarket upgrades for any vehicle, making them a popular starting step.

• 2

  Upgrade the exhaust system. The exhaust system is responsible for allowing air to flow out of the engine. Although the stock Viper exhaust is efficient, there are options for aftermarket exhaust systems that allow for enhanced airflow and a boost to horsepower. Note that replacing the stock exhaust with an aftermarket system typically increases engine noise and can make the cabin louder. Some Viper owners might find this desirable, but it should be considered before upgrading the exhaust system.

• 3

  Install a supercharger kit. A supercharger is a forced-air induction system that pushes massive amounts of air into the engine, which causes a tremendous boost in horsepower and torque. Supercharger kits are expensive and difficult to install, and the installation should be handled professionally unless you have extensive experience with installing performance aftermarket parts. Note that superchargers also tend to reduce the lifespan of a vehicle because the huge boost in power provided also increases the wear and tear on components, especially the engine.