Could someone tell me what the diffrence is between the srx and viper base gaskets? I have both and it seems the viper has a smaller middle and way larger pto side holes. The srx gasket seems to have the same three holes, more balanced? This is going on a 2004 viper S.Thanks
yes, you answered your own question, the srx is more even cooling then the viper is.
ottawaair
New member
To answer the above question, Yes, I would use the SRX base gasket. But then I would also have the head cut so all cyl.s are the same.
"But then I would also have the head cut so all cyl.s are the same."
Ottawaair,
Could you explain about cutting the head comment. I'm not familiar with this. I'm currentyl rebuilding an 04 viper also and I have the opticool head gasket but I had no idea about the base gasket. I suppose I should probably put in an SRX base gasket since I haven't put it together yet.
Ottawaair,
Could you explain about cutting the head comment. I'm not familiar with this. I'm currentyl rebuilding an 04 viper also and I have the opticool head gasket but I had no idea about the base gasket. I suppose I should probably put in an SRX base gasket since I haven't put it together yet.
I'm actually wondering if it was changed by the engineers for a reason. The SRX is an older sled obviously, so did the engineers try to improve something? A possible theory I have is that they may have been trying to keep fluid in the Mag side longer in order to absorb more heat with the coolant since I believe that the mag side is usually the side to melt down or overheat first. Same idea as the opticool gasket. Smaller holes inorder to absorb more heat. Just an idea and not sure if it's correct.
what they were trying to do is get the same cylinder/head temps and same power output from each cylinder on a triple which doesn't lend itself to do so from a single pipe.
With a single pipe, use all the same gaskets.
It is when you start adding pipes. this is when you might want to mess with stuff. For a stock head, you will want an opticool gasket. This is what it was designed for. Stock head, with pipes. Stock head, stock base gasket, with pipes.
if you modifi the heads compression, or change to a srx base gasket, now your into different waters so to speak and outside what the opticool gasket was designed for.
If your going to run mega power, peak, or, srx heads etc, just run a srx base gasket with the stock head gasket, the temps end up close to equal.
If you start running rechambered stock heads with srx base gaskets and pipes with opticool, your going to want to get out the raytek and check the temps from head to head.. A cheap way to do this is with three outside thermometers for your car. Attach the probes to the head behind the plug. Then you can check them out on the lake to see what is really going on with your frankenstein.
With a single pipe, use all the same gaskets.
It is when you start adding pipes. this is when you might want to mess with stuff. For a stock head, you will want an opticool gasket. This is what it was designed for. Stock head, with pipes. Stock head, stock base gasket, with pipes.
if you modifi the heads compression, or change to a srx base gasket, now your into different waters so to speak and outside what the opticool gasket was designed for.
If your going to run mega power, peak, or, srx heads etc, just run a srx base gasket with the stock head gasket, the temps end up close to equal.
If you start running rechambered stock heads with srx base gaskets and pipes with opticool, your going to want to get out the raytek and check the temps from head to head.. A cheap way to do this is with three outside thermometers for your car. Attach the probes to the head behind the plug. Then you can check them out on the lake to see what is really going on with your frankenstein.
BETHEVIPER,
What is your opinion on an opticool gasket on a totally stock viper setup. I'm not piping my viper but I have an opticool and an SRX base gasket. Maybe I should just hold on to them for later if I ever decide to pipe it. Would putting an opticool on with a single pipe help at all? I'm guessing not by what you posted last. I appreciate your input.
What is your opinion on an opticool gasket on a totally stock viper setup. I'm not piping my viper but I have an opticool and an SRX base gasket. Maybe I should just hold on to them for later if I ever decide to pipe it. Would putting an opticool on with a single pipe help at all? I'm guessing not by what you posted last. I appreciate your input.
super1c
Super Moderator
Here is a great post on the opticool and why. Also a few other tips like running carb needles at 4th groove both shims on top, gas oil ratio stuff. Good read with a few links to the above stuff. It is very worth running the opticool on a stock viper. http://www.totallyamaha.net/forums/showthread.php?t=82278&highlight=infamous+lean+spot