Owner’s Manual

1.0 Overview
The Viper ACR is the literal fusion of Street and Racing Technology. It takes
the awe inspiring performance capabilities of the Dodge Viper SRT10 to the
next level.

The Viper ACR is not certified as a race car and it is not equipped with a
racing safety cage, racing restraints or other racing safety equipment.

Throughout this manual there are notes of WARNING and CAUTION. Review
each of them before driving this car.

Warning: It is recommended that all customers complete a high-per-

formance driving school prior to operating this vehicle. Speeds at the
handling limits of this car are much higher than with other sports cars.
Competitive driving and track outings can cause serious injury or death.

Drive safely.

This booklet is a supplement to your Viper SRT10 Owner’s Manual.

Please review the Owner’s Manual in addition to this booklet.
2.0 Aerodynamics
The Viper ACR aerodynamics are capable of high levels of downforce
which will noticeably affect the grip and handling of the vehicle at speeds
as low as 50 mph.

Regularly inspect all of the aerodynamic components and attachments for

damage or wear.

2.1 Front Splitter

Splitters are potent aerodynamic elements usually only found In spite of these enhancements, the splitter remains highly vulnerable
on purpose built racing cars. The Viper ACR front splitter has to impact because of its position on the car.
been specially adapted for street use with the addition of several The front splitter will not flex or compress against impacts from the
new features. front. If an impact does occur, have the splitter inspected. A cracked
• The leading edge has been scalloped back to reduce front or delaminated splitter should be replaced.
overhang for day to day driving
• Toughened polymer rub strips have been added to reduce wear
and abrasion on the splitter panel
• Tension cables support the front edge to allow some upward
deflection in minor impacts with ramped surfaces
Always leave ample room and be sure to educate
anyone you allow to operate the vehicle.

 AUTION: Use care when approaching parking blocks,

C
tall speed bumps and garage curbs. These surfaces
can severely damage your splitter.

Use care when driving up to sloped surfaces or over

speed bumps. Approaching a speed bump or a slope
at a slight angle may improve your clearance.


CAUTION: Hard contact with steep ramps may cause
damage to your splitter.
2.2 Splitter Components
The front of the ACR splitter is supported by two stainless
steel cables. These cables and their attachments should be Adjustment Nut
regularly inspected. Lock Nut

The splitter cables have an adjustment capability, however it

is recommended to leave the splitter at the factory delivered Splitter Cable
Length
settings. The splitter cables may have some slack while the Adjustment
vehicle is at rest. When the splitter is loaded, and the cables Screws
are under tension, the panel should be approximately parallel
to the bottom of frame.

Solid polymer rub strips are attached to the leading edge of

the splitter panel. Regularly inspect these rub strips to avoid
damage to the carbon fiber splitter panel. Splitter Panel

Side Rub Strip

Center Rub Strip

Track Extension
 3/8” (10 mm)
Adjustment Nut
 AUTION: Replace rub strips when they are worn down to 3/8 in. (10 mm) on the front
C
edge. This will avoid damage to the carbon fiber panel. Lock Nut

Regularly inspect the outboard knock-in threaded insert to avoid premature splitter wear Splitter Cable
Length
(right and left side). Replace these fasteners as needed in order to protect the carbon Adjustment
fiber splitter panel. Screws

2.3 Track Extension

Splitter Panel
A splitter track extension is included in the trunk of every Viper ACR. The track extension
is mounted in the same location as the center rub strip. The on-track aerodynamic
balance was optimized with the track extension in place.
Side Rub Strip
To install the track extension, remove the eight (8) screws of the center rub strip and
install the extension in the same mounting locations. Center Rub Strip

Tighten fasteners to 70 in-lbs (7.9 N·m). Track Extension

 AUTION: The track extension should only be used during closed circuit track events. The
C
track extension can cause premature damage to your vehicle if used on public roads.
2.4 Rear Wing
The ACR rear wing generates most of the car’s aerodynamic downforce.

The wing is a powerful element that will affect the handling of the car
at speeds greater than 50 mph. Extreme caution should be given to any
modifications to the factory settings.

WARNING: Do not operate the vehicle with the rear wing removed.
The aerodynamic balance of this setup is unstable and can cause
the loss of control.

Regularly inspect the wing panel and attachment points for damage
or looseness.

The Viper ACR on-track aerodynamics have been tuned and balanced
for the vehicle with the track extension installed.

Wing Stanchions
Wing setting as delivered
The wing stanchions are designed with adjustment capability but they
are delivered locked with tamper resistant fasteners.

The wing is delivered from the factory in hole position 2.

Wing Adjustment
It is possible to adjust the wing using the hole pattern at the top front of
the stanchion.
Adjustment
hole numbering
Note: Adjustment to the wing setting is not recommended.

The wing is attached to the lower stanchions with thread locker and tamper
resistant fasteners. The warranty does not cover any modifications or
removal of these wing fasteners.

In general, moving the wing up (e.g. Hole 2 to Hole 1) will decrease

rear down force and decrease overall understeer. Moving the wing down
(e.g. Hole 2 to Hole 3) will increase understeer.

Each successive hole increases the wing angle of attack by 1.5 degrees.

Example: Hole 4
2.5 Carbon Fiber
The ACR aerodynamic components are made from prepreg autoclaved
carbon fiber. Both woven and unidirectional materials are used.

The clear coated carbon fiber panels will have some variation and minor
waviness in the woven pattern. This is inherent to the process and a sign
of its authenticity.

All carbon fiber materials are susceptible to UV degradation during long

exposure to the sun. The ACR woven carbon components use the latest
technology for both the resin system and the clear coat. As with any
automotive coating, storing your vehicle in a covered location will guarantee
a long lasting finish.

The rear wing on the non two-tone ACR is molded completely with
unidirectional carbon fiber and painted in body color. Some patterned or
linear conditions may be visible in the painted carbon fiber surfaces. This
is also a normal result of the carbon fiber process.
3.0 Two Piece Brake Rotors
The Viper SRT10 is known for having world class brakes. The 2008 Viper
ACR takes this incredible braking system to the next level with the Stop
Tech two-piece lightweight slotted rotors. These brake rotors significantly
reduce rotating un-sprung mass. They also improve brake cooling and
reduce on-track fade.

 AUTION: The slotted rotors may increase brake pad wear depending on
C
driving conditions. These rotors may also produce some additional brake
noise due to the high performance two-piece construction.

It is normal for the brakes to make some popping or creaking noises as they
cool down. This is the result of the two-piece construction.

Although the brake rotors are a two-piece construction, they should be

replaced as a complete assembly.

 AUTION: During brake pad replacement the pads must be loaded so that
C
the wear sensor is on the inboard side of the caliper and the trailing side of
the wheel rotation (all four wheels).
3.1 Street Break-in Procedure
• Try to avoid abrupt, hard stops for the first 200 miles (300 km)
• Avoid any racing OR off-road activities for the first 200 miles (300 km)
• Avoid repeated incline/decline braking for the first 200 miles (300 km)

3.2 Alternate Break in Procedure

CAUTION: Chrysler does not endorse speeding on public roads; 3. Make a series of 10 stops from 60 to 5-10 MPH. At the end of
therefore, if a safe area cannot be used for break-in, you must each stop, immediately accelerate to 60 again for the next stop.
perform the street break-in procedure. Run all stops continuously in one cycle.
Regardless of completing the “street break-in procedure,”
this alternative break-in procedure is recommended before any NOTE: A moderate braking effort is needed to properly break in the
track use of the vehicle. rotors and pads. A stopping force of approximately 0.8G’s, just
short of ABS intervention, is the level of pedal effort you are trying
In the event that the street break-in procedure can’t be performed to attain.
before the pads and rotors are thermally stressed, use the following
procedure: 4. During the 60 to 5-10 MPH series of stops, the exact speed is
not critical. Accelerate to approximately 60 and begin the braking
1. R
 ead through the procedure and find a suitable, safe and legal cycle. As you approach 5-10 MPH, it is not necessary to watch the
area to perform the necessary stops. speedometer. Keep your eyes on the road and approximate your
speed at the end of each cycle.
2. B
 EFORE starting the break-in procedure, drive with gentle
braking. Do not use brakes aggressively until performing  AUTION: Do not come to a complete stop! This will imprint pad
C
brake-in procedure. material onto the rotor, causing a vibration during future use.
 5. W
 atch for the following: 6. After the final stop, drive as much as possible without using the
• On the 8th or 9th stop, there should be a distinct smell from the brakes to cool off the system. Ideally, the brakes should be allowed
brakes. Smoke may be evident during earlier stops as well. to cool to ambient temperature before using them again.
• Also on the 8th or 9th stop, some friction materials will
experience “green fade”. This is a slight fading of the brakes.  CAUTION: Do not come to a complete stop when the system is hot
The fade will stabilize, but not completely go away until the and leave your foot on the pedal. Pad material will immediately
brakes have cooled. transfer to the rotor causing a vibration during future use.
• After the break-in cycle is finished there will be a light gray
film on the rotor face. The gray film is pad material starting to 7. After the first break in cycle, the brakes will still not be operating
transfer onto the rotor face. at optimum capacity. A second or third heat cycle is typically
necessary before the brakes start to work optimally. This will occur
during everyday use.

3.3 Care and Maintenance

• Your brake calipers have a painted finish. Immediately clean off any heat-cycling the pads, you are also depositing a layer of
spilled brake fluid, wiping it off with a soft, clean terry-cloth towel. pad material onto the rotor face. If not broken-in properly, an
• Do not use any harsh chemicals when cleaning your calipers. Wash uneven layer of pad material will be deposited onto the rotor,
your calipers with soap and rinse with water. causing vibration.
• Do not use any harsh chemicals when cleaning your rotor hats (the • If you experience brake pedal pulsation, steering vibration, or
anodized center part of the rotor assembly). Wash your rotor hats repeatable brake noise, perform the break-in procedure again as
with soap and rinse with water. soon as possible. This will re-condition the rotor surface and remove
irregular brake pad deposits. If concerns continue, please visit your
• Breaking-in rotors and pads is critical to the optimum performance local dealer for further diagnosis.
of your new brakes. When breaking-in new parts, you are not only
4.0 Pilot Sport Cup Tires
Your Viper ACR comes equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup minimum tread depth can be reached earlier depending on your
competition oriented tires that are DOT approved for street use. driving style, resulting in reduced tire life. The special Pilot Sport Cup
The Pilot Sport Cup tire uses a special tread and compound which tread and compound may lead to performance degradation in cold
provides considerably more dry grip than normal street tires. Due to climates, heavy rain or in conditions with standing water.
the special tread and compound of your Pilot Sport Cup Tires, the

WARNING: Use extreme caution and drive slowly in wet situations WARNING: The Pilot Sport Cup tires were NOT intended to be driven
to reduce the risk of hydroplaning. Avoid driving in any conditions on snow or ice. The Pilot Sport Cup is a summer season tire and has
of heavy rain or standing water. These conditions can cause loss of diminished capability on cold road surfaces (below 50ºF). DO NOT
control or accident. OPERATE THE VEHICLE DURING THESE CONDITIONS. Snow, ice
and cold road surfaces can cause a loss of control or accident.
5.0 Adjustable Dampers
The Viper ACR suspension includes a set of adjustable coil-over CAUTION: Do not make any adjustments or modifications to the
racing dampers built by KW Suspensions. These dampers have been nitrogen pressure of the damper canisters. This will void the warranty.
tuned by SRT handling engineers to provide the maximum handling
performance without sacrificing reasonable road manners.
The ACR suspension was designed and tuned with an
The two-way adjustable dampers include adjustments for compression uncompromising focus on handling. The ride response to road
(bump) and rebound dampening. conditions may be harsher than expected from a typical sports car.

NOTE: Keep your damper settings at the street positions when

operating your vehicle on the street.

WARNING: Only experienced track drivers should make

adjustments to the suspension settings. Improper suspension
adjustment can disrupt the balance of the vehicle and lead to a
loss of control or accident.
5.1 Damper Components
Your Viper ACR is delivered with the suspension adjusted for Components
optimal street comfort. Below are the adjustment capabilities: 1. Spherical Bearing Mount
2. Rebound Adjuster
• Compression Damping: 14 settings front and rear 3. Upper Spring Seat
• Rebound Damping: 19 settings front and rear 4. Primary Spring
• Ride Height: +/- 1 ¼ in. (32 mm) 5. Helper Spring
6. Lower Spring Seat
Any adjustments to the suspension settings should be made in 7. Compression Adjuster
small increments. 8. Threaded Main Body
9. Reservoir
CAUTION: The use of improper tools may severely damage your 10. Spanner Wrench
suspension. The tools included with your Viper ACR are the 11. Spring Seat Hex Wrench
only tools that should be used for adjusting the ride height.
5.2 Ride Height Adjustment
Your ACR is delivered from the factory at a ride height that provides Before any adjustments are made to your ride height, clean threaded
a good balance for drivability on the street. The adjustable suspen- area with soapy water to be sure it is free and clear of debris.
sion allows for ride height adjustment. As with all of the suspension
adjustments, caution should be used when changing the ride height.

 AUTION: Only the factory ride heights should be used while

C
operating the vehicle on the street. Low ride heights can cause
damage to the vehicle.

Adjusting the ride height:

1. R aise and support the vehicle. Both left and right side wheels should be lifted off the ground to allow
adjustment of the spring seats without damage. Never make ride height adjustments with the suspen-
sion loaded. The helper spring should never be fully compressed while adjusting ride heights.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. Loosen the set screw on the lower spring seat (approx 1 turn).
4. To lower the ride height, use the spanner wrench and rotate the lower spring seat counter-clockwise
(as viewed from below the damper). Use the set screw as a reference to return to street height.
5. To raise the ride height, first turn the seat in the counter-clockwise direction and ensure the threads
are clear of debris. Use the spanner wrench and reverse the direction.
6. Tighten the set screw to 22 in-lbs (2.5 N·m). DO NOT over tighten this screw.

The ride height adjustment sensitivity is as follows:

Front: One turn = 0.104 in. (2.6 mm) height change at frame
Rear: One turn = 0.134 in. (3.4 mm) height change at frame
5.3 Compression Adjustment
The compression adjustment (also called bump) varies the damping of the
upward travel of the wheel relative to the vehicle.

The compression adjuster is located on the remote canister fixed to the

damper body and has 14 damping positions. Depending on vehicle ride
height, the car may need to be raised to gain access to the compression
adjuster. To adjust the compression damping, turn the finger knob:
clockwise stiffens; counterclockwise softens when viewed from the top
surface of the finger knob. Soft Hard
Front
All settings are referenced from the full stiff (position “0”). The “0”
position on compression is achieved by turning the finger knob clockwise
until you cannot turn it any further. Rear
Hard Soft
 AUTION: To avoid damage to your dampers DO NOT force the finger knob
C
when it stops turning. Also, NEVER use any tools to adjust the finger knob.

From the “0” position, turning the adjuster counterclockwise will soften
the damping. Count off the clicks and record your setting. Every “click” is
a new damping position (i.e. two clicks softer from the full stiff position is
position “2”).
5.4 Rebound Adjustment
The rebound adjustment (also called droop) varies the damping of the  AUTION: To avoid damage to your
C
downward travel of the wheel relative to the vehicle. dampers DO NOT force the finger knob + –
when it stops turning. Also, NEVER use
The rebound adjuster is located on top of the piston rod and has 19 any tools to adjust the finger knob. Hard Soft
damping positions. Depending on vehicle ride height, the car may
need to be raised to gain access to the rebound adjuster. To adjust From the “0” position, turning the adjuster
the rebound damping, turn the upper finger knob: clockwise stiffens; counterclockwise will soften the damping.
counterclockwise softens when viewed from above. Every “click” is a new damping position
(i.e. two clicks softer from the full stiff
All settings are referenced from the full stiff (position “0”). The “0” position is position “2”).
position on rebound is achieved by turning the finger knob clockwise
until you cannot turn it any further.

5.5 Street Set up

Best Comfort is achieved at the following damper settings and
should always be used when driving on the street:

Front: Compression = Position “13”

Rebound = Position “18”
Rear: Compression = Position “13”
Rebound = Position “17”
5.6 Track Set up
Ride Height Adjustment Rough track set up:
The factory ride height of your ACR is approximately: Front: 4.375 in. (111 mm)
Front: 5 ¼ in. (132 mm) Rear: 5 1/2 in. (140 mm)
Rear: 6 in. (153 mm)
measured from the bottom of frame rail to ground at the axle The rake of the car (or front to rear ride height difference) may also
centerline with no passengers, a full tank of fuel and tire pressures be changed with your ACR suspension. Changing the rake may be
set to 29 psi. beneficial at some tracks. Use caution when changing the rake angle.

A low ride height setting may not be optimal at all tracks. It will CAUTION: Depending on your set up, driving style, and track condition,
generally be more acceptable to run a lower ride height at a track with some tire to wheel liner contact may occur. To avoid excessive wheel
smoother surfaces, fewer abrupt elevation changes and fewer bumps. liner wear, adjust your ride height accordingly.
The optimum set up for your vehicle also varies with track, driver and
ambient conditions. Below is a recommended starting point for two
typical track configurations.

Smooth track set up:

Front: 4 in. (102 mm)
Rear: 5 3/8 in. (136 mm)

Adjusting lower than then smooth track set up is not recommended.

5.7 Notes on Tuning
Damper Adjustment Maintenance and Inspection
Adjusting from the street settings should be done only at track events. Regularly inspect the splitter rub strips and out board knock-in nut.
A recommended starting position for the tracks is: Regularly inspect all attachments of the aerodynamic components
(see Aerodynamics section).
Front: Compression = Position “6”
Rebound = Position “6” Track use will greatly increase wear rates and service intervals on your
Viper ACR. Repeated track use requires more frequent fluid changes.
Rear: Compression = Position “5”
Rebound = Position “5” Because of the extreme conditions encountered during track use, any
damage or wear associated with track use is not covered by warranty
• Always start from a known position (full stiff). (see Warranty section).
• Adjust in small increments (1-2 clicks)
• Record your adjustment settings at all four wheels NOTE: Although your vehicle is shipped with 0W40, it is recommend-
• Continually monitor and record your tire pressures ed to use Mobil-1 15W50 synthetic motor oil at the track.

Remember that suspension damping, ride heights, rake angle and Always run a cool down lap at the end of a track outing. For track
aerodynamic balance all work as a system. As you make changes to outings lasting longer than 25 minutes, an external rear axle cooler
one end of the vehicle, it will affect the balance of the car. is recommended.
6.0 Hard Core Package
This option is for the Hard Core track enthusiast who is looking for The Lap Timer displays lap times on a large illuminated digital
maximum weight savings. display. It continuously updates the fastest laps and acquires a
running data log of all times during the track event. This data can be
The Hard Core Package eliminates the Audio System (including the downloaded for analysis via a USB connection. Refer to your AiM lap
radio, amplifier, door speakers and subwoofer). Also deleted are timer manual for instructions.
the under hood silencer pad, the trunk carpet and the tire inflator.
The door speakers are replaced by carbon fiber panels. The radio is The cables to the beacon receiver and power jack include extra long
replaced by a lightweight cover that can be configured to mount the lengths. This is to provide the ability to custom fit the timer and
included Lap Timer. beacon receiver depending on the track and/or driver preference.

CAUTION: The tire inflator has been removed from the Hard Core Note on Lap Timer: For lap timer software updates and technical
package. There are no measures for flat tire repair included with this support contact:
vehicle. It is recommended that drivers always bring a mobile phone
in case of a flat tire. www.aimsports.com/software/index.html

The removal of the trunk carpeting reduces sound insulation. It is

normal to hear more road and drivetrain noise.

The Lap Timer kit includes the Timer, Beacon Receiver, a power cord,
download kit and the Beacon Transmitter.
 7.0 Tuning Record

Date & Track Adjustments Notes

8.0 Limited Warranty
The ACR offers many race-ready Wing – The warranty does not cover any KW automotive North America Inc.
components that are designed for adjustments or modifications are made 1075 North Avenue
uncompromising performance. Because to the wing or if the original fasteners or Sanger, CA 93657
of this, some of the ACR components positions have been changed. Toll Free: 1-888-713-5566
have unique warranty limitations. Email: [email protected]
Tires – 12 months / 12,000 miles – http://www.kw-suspension.com/en/
Racing Not Covered: Excessive tire wear due to track events,
The warranty does not cover the cost of autocross, competition, etc. are
repairing damage or conditions caused not covered.
by racing, nor does it cover the repair for
any defects that are found as the result Brake Pads/Rotors – 12 months / 12,000
of participating in a racing event. The miles - Excessive brake pad and rotor wear
term racing includes but is not exclusive due to track events, autocross, competition,
to: wheel to wheel competition, timed etc. are not covered. No warranty for
competitive events, autocross or other noise complaints.
off-road track events.
Adjustable Coil-over Shocks – The factory
Splitter - The splitter is not covered for wear warranty is 12 months / 12,000 miles.
on the rub strips or damage due to contact KW Suspensions has an extended supplier
with parking blocks, speed bumps, curbs, warranty up to 36 months or 36,000 miles.
sloped tarmac, etc. The warranty is not valid The warranty is not valid if modifications
if adjustments or modifications are made to or improper adjustments are made to the
the splitter factory settings.
9.0 Acknowledgement
The customer acknowledges that the dealer has provided him/her with basic instruction in the
following areas, including the cautions, limitations and warranty coverage of this package.

Key areas:
Overview / Limit Handling
Aerodynamics
Single Season Semi-Slick Tires
Two-Piece Brake Rotors
Brake Pads
Adjustable Coil-over Shocks
Warranty - Racing Not Covered

Customer Signature: Dated:

Dealer Signature: Dated:

Note to Dealer: Please photo copy this acknowledgement and retain a copy in your sales records.
Notes
 Chrysler LLC
81-226-0801