Question about stud backers and tunnel guards?

[gil7247]

First let me thank everyone for all the info I've gotten so far. I know I have bombarded you guys with lots of questions and you've all been very helpful.
My first question is about backers. I have decided to go with a 1" track and 96 studs down the middle. What are the pros and cons of round vs square backers I see both types commonly used.
Second on my 02 Viper the previous owner/ owners had removed the tunnel strips and front heat exchanger guard. The tunnel strips are $48 each from yamaha and I cant find the stock front exchanger protector on the parts diagram. Would I be just as well off with after market strips and front guard? If so where is the best place to get these from?
A thought I had, woouldn't it be just as easy to add a rear exchanger and eliminate the front exchanger all together or would this be too hard to do?
Thanks again for all your info, you guys have been very helpful!!
GIL

 

[super1c]

As far as the backers go just a matter of preference. If you dont keep the square ones lined up they can look "messy", i just use round now and that seems to bbe the trend. U can get OEM tunnel protectors and exchanger guards here (try viperking or just post in the wand adds), or they are a dime a dozen on ebay. You DO NOT want to bypass the front exchanger, infact you want to keep the front and add the rear. These vipers need all the cooling they can get. Ive never done it but read getting the front exchanger protectors in is a PIA but will be worth it._

 

[FJViper]

I would agree with Super on this one. Round backers look alot better. If you're going to replace your track, that would be a perfect time to add your front exchanger protectors and tunnel protectors. Might as well get the rear exchanger as well. Someone on here probably has everything you need or worst case scenario, ebay. Cheap $ for the front protectors but def. worth it. I added the rear cooler and protectors last year and the peace of mind it gave me on my Viper was well worth it!

 

[livewire_101proof]

X2, and the round backers seem to do better about tearing up tracks, seems like square ones tear through the track alot sooner than the round ones.

 

[gil7247]

Re: rear heat exchange addition

What year/ model rear exchanger would I use for this upgrade and has anyone posted a how to on this project. It seems very worth while insurance. Thanks Again GIL

 

[super1c]

Most guys use a SRX heat exchanger. Just post in wanted add and im sure youll have more than you know what to do with. New you can get them from portyamaha a site sponsor for about $150. Very easy to install. just take out cross over tube, line up exchanger and rivet in. Then drill new bleed hole. Top off coolant and bleed system and your all set. Also do a search tons of info for installing. Ill see if i can find my directions from the last one i bought.