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BackOut of the Pit: Phase Two

Phase Two

We have continued to tend to numerous phases of this project as bits and pieces arrive and or are created while others continue to be on hold through Dodge. At this point we have completed the mock-up of the automatic fire suppression system, dry fit the new cats, integrated the 2" lowering system for the driver seat, begun the process of relocating the gateway module, and installed fresh fluids in her rear end now assembled with 3.73 gears.

Here the automatic fire suppression system is being created, The number one goal is safety and yet we also want a system that is integrated in appearance with an OEM feel to it. We also want the system to be integrated with no modifications to the gal meaning no new holes drilled etc.

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Here the system in mock-up form has been fully integrated; at this time we are converting the patterns to first run pieces which will include the use of stainless steel tubing.

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Here we are dry fitting the very nice Roe Racing cats. Sadly because the 2008 and 2009 Vipers have a newer style exhaust the cats as initially created by Roe Racing for the 2006 and earlier gals needed to be modified. This process is being tended to as a team effort between Burn's Stainless, Roe Racing, and ourselves. IN the case of Burns Stainless they have just completed the custom pieces required as such we expect to have all of the pieces back in the fixture this week for final welding/assembly and then the integration will commence.

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Now here we are integrating a fit position 2" lowering system for the driver seat. The process of lowering the driver seat has been long with numerous changes along the way. The single greatest hurtle that we have had to tend to is the lack of extra space within the Viper's cab; there simply is none as such whatever is tweaked has at least one unrelated item that needs to tweaked as well.

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Initially we were simply going to lower the seat 1" and retain a moving seat track assembly and further lower the seating position a bit more by modifying the OEM lower seat cushion however once the seat was removed it became obvious that there was little that we could do to lower the OEM driver seat cushion because its design hence the reason that a fixed position 2" lowering system was agreed upon. Sounds simple enough because the steering wheel and the pedals adjust as such being able to get comfortable and able to operate the control with ease is not an issue however because we lowered the seat 2" it now meant that we also have to relocate the gateway module that resides under the driver seat; this is unique to the 2008 and 2009 gals because once integrated the seat is effectively on the floor. Then add to this we are integrating a driver side racing harness and as mentioned there is no extra room and by lowering the seat 2" we now are having to create custom harnesses for this gal.
Here is the gateway control module. You can see that it was secured to a bracket that was spot welded to the floor and then protruded through the OEM sliced carpet. We decided to simply remove the spot welds and then the complete bracket rather than cut it at the floor so it could be reinstalled at a later time if so desired.

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At this time we have several phases of this project through the design and dry fitting stages as such the excitement is building as we know that her day to be exercised is growing near.
Here we are installing a fresh load of OEM fluids in her rear end which was assembled with the new 3.73 gear set as we now begin to tend to the final details of this project.

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One of the key components of this project has been delayed numerous times by Dodge; specifically the OEM ACR suspension however after several months we are now being told that we should see the suspension in a matter of a week.
Finally after several different mock-ups/considerations we contacted Burn's Stainless knowing that they specialize in unique exhaust fabrication. We shared exactly what we wanted and the level of detail expected and they were confident that they could fabricate the pieces as such we contracted them to do so and the resulting adapters are not only stunning to look at but even more importantly they fit perfectly and appear as if OEM. These adapters were required to complete the integration of the custom Roe Racing high flowing metal matrix cat portion of the system. Sean Roe relentlessly worked with us on these adapters however in the end after several attempts what we were looking for to complete the system as if OEM was not something that they could accomplish.
Here the process of methodically integrating the custom portions of the exhaust is being completed including the tedious process of installing the rocker/body side panels.

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Here after several considerations is the third brake light. We removed the OEM snake head logo and then had it tinted a bit darker when compared to the tail lamps. We did this because of its proximity to the OEM black strips and we wanted the third brake light to be associated with them rather than the tail lamps and in doing so the arse of this gal is very aggressive looking without any visual bulls-eyes.

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Now we are going to tend to another personal touch item; which will be removing the warning stickers from both sides of the OEM sun visors and then we will complete the integrating of the final version of the automatic fire suppression system as created by Shadowman.
Here we are reinstalling the OEM sun visors after successfully being able to remove the 4 warning stickers. Because of the manner in which they were bonded into place after the stickers were removed the surfaces were slightly blemished as such our friend Steve aka Knights AutoWork's performed his magic so as to return the surfaces back to the OEM aka as new again.

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Here we are integrating the completed automatic fire suppression system as created by Shadowman; the project was completed with the support and assistance from our friends at Safe Craft. The system is all stainless steel and the suppressant agent is Halon as such it is both extremely effective and a clean system that will not leave behind no residual as experienced with typical power suppression agents should it become activated. Once the system was fully integrated we brought the system on line and using test equipment confirmed that we have no leaks. The design of this particular system required no modifications to the gal and we incorporated a quick disconnect valve that is located at the top of the bottle thus allowing for ease of removal and service if needed.

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Here the system is on line; it appears as if it could have been an OEM feature and during it service life will quietly provide an extreme service day in and day out.

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