A V-10 supercar that can jump through the air? Sign us up. The original Dodge Viper is not an off-roader. Low-slung, sporty, and stiff, its main purpose is to deliver joy via twisty tarmac and big, open, smooth-paved highways. Apparently, nobody mentioned that to the builder of this Viper, which has gone through extensive modifications to make it a competent desert runner. Somehow, it looks rad as hell.
In addition to the cut fenders and giant all-terrain tires, Matt designed custom uprights for the front suspension to work with aftermarket long-travel shocks and springs. Out back, the factory Viper suspension has been totally thrown out in favor of a solid axle taken from a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, complete with a locking differential. The 8.0-liter naturally aspirated V-10 and six-speed Tremec T-56 transmission have, thankfully, been left alone.
Surprisingly, Matt's testing reveals just a few small issues with the safari Viper. The locking diff means donuts are easy, but even with an upgraded radiator, coolant temperatures climbed higher than he would've liked. And while slow-speed rock-crawling was a success, the lack of a low-speed transfer case made torque modulation difficult.
Matt was brave enough to take the Viper off several jumps, made possible by the balloon-like tires and big-travel dampers. Though the car handled the landings fairly well, some of the interior trim fell off, and a couple of the custom suspension pieces were beginning to separate from each other. Nothing a few extra welds can't fix.
Transforming a high-performance sports car into an off-road beast is no small feat. The Dodge Viper, known for its aggressive styling and blistering speed, is about as far from an off-road vehicle as one can imagine. Matt's vision and engineering prowess have turned this paradigm on its head, creating a vehicle that not only looks fierce but performs impressively in the roughest terrains.
The first-generation Viper, with its monstrous V-10 engine, already had the power and the attitude. What it lacked was the ability to handle anything other than a perfectly smooth road. By ripping out the factory suspension and replacing it with custom-fabricated components, Matt has given this Viper the ability to tackle deserts, dunes, and rocks with surprising competence.
The heart of this beast, the 8.0-liter naturally aspirated V-10, remains untouched. This engine is iconic, known for its raw power and unique sound. Paired with the six-speed Tremec T-56 transmission, it provides a driving experience that is both thrilling and visceral. The decision to leave the powertrain stock was a wise one, ensuring that the Viper retains its character even as it takes on a new role.
One of the main challenges Matt faced was managing heat. Even with an upgraded radiator, the coolant temperatures tended to rise during intense off-road sessions. This isn't entirely surprising, given the increased demands placed on the engine and cooling system. Further modifications and fine-tuning might be necessary to ensure the Viper can handle extended periods of off-road driving without overheating.
Rock-crawling in a vehicle like the Viper presents unique challenges. The lack of a low-speed transfer case made torque modulation difficult, but Matt's skillful driving and the vehicle's enhanced suspension managed to overcome these obstacles. The solid axle from the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, complete with a locking differential, provided the necessary traction and durability for navigating rocky terrain.
One of the most exhilarating aspects of the modified Viper is its ability to take flight. The combination of balloon-like tires and long-travel dampers allows the car to handle jumps with relative ease. During testing, the Viper soared through the air and landed with remarkable stability. However, the impact did cause some interior trim to fall off and revealed that a few custom suspension pieces needed additional reinforcement. These are minor issues in the grand scheme of things and can be easily addressed with some extra welding.
The modded Dodge Viper by SuperFastMatt is a testament to what can be achieved with vision, skill, and a bit of audacity. It takes a vehicle that was never meant to leave the pavement and transforms it into an off-road powerhouse. With its eye-catching looks and impressive performance, this Viper is undoubtedly one of the coolest off-roaders on the planet. Whether it's tearing up the desert or conquering rocky trails, this Viper proves that sometimes, the most extraordinary machines come from the most unexpected places.
Wael is an automotive content writer specializes in creating written content for Motor 283. Producing a wide range of content, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, reviews, and technical guides related to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with an unprecedented passion for cars, and motorcycles.
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