Built for Speed; the 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 Dominates the Fast Lane
CHICAGO, Feb. 13 -- The 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 is
built for speed. With a top speed of 150 mph and the biggest engine in a
performance pickup, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 backs up its claim as the baddest
truck on the block.
More than just a big engine, Ram SRT-10 adds the largest standard wheels
and tires, the largest brakes in its class and acceleration to match its macho
looks. Unique in a world of look-alike trucks, the Ram SRT-10 is a radical,
custom-built performance truck, but straight from a manufacturer and with
performance cues direct from the Dodge Viper SRT-10, the ultimate sports car.
Absolute Power = Absolute Domination
From the beginning, the engineers at Performance Vehicle Operations knew
the powertrain was in place. The 8.3-liter Viper V-10 was upgraded for 2003
with a new bored and stroked aluminum engine block that increased the Viper
engine's displacement from 488 to 505 cubic inches, and pushed its V-10 power
output to 500 horsepower and 525 lb.-ft. of torque.
Resting on unique engine mounts, the new V-10 engine delivers 90 percent
of its whopping 525 lb.-ft. of torque from 1500 to 5600 rpm. The all-new cast
aluminum cylinder block has interference-fit cast-iron liners and cross-bolted
main caps. Both bore and stroke have been increased over previous Viper
models. Block length, block height, bore spacing, firing order, rod length
and compression ratio are unchanged.
The Viper V-10 includes a six main bearing crankshaft with increased
stroke length and cross-bolted main bearing caps. All-new cast aluminum alloy
pistons -- weighing slightly less than prior years despite larger diameters --
are included, as are all-new cracked-steel connecting rods that are lighter
yet stronger.
Cylinder heads on the Viper V-10 are redesigned using semi-permanent mold
(SPM) 356 T6 aluminum, with improved intake port, exhaust port and combustion
chamber cooling. Lower-profile die-cast magnesium cylinder head covers with
steel internal baffles and anti-slosh foam also are new for 2003.
A single-piece, central dual-plenum, cast aluminum intake manifold is also
new. It boasts shorter runners and a single, non-staged two-barrel throttle
body for higher peak horsepower RPM. The intake manifold is an all-inclusive
Integrated Air and Fuel Module (IAFM) with tubular fuel rails, injectors,
sensors, wiring and throttle body -- delivered assembled and pre-tested.
A Ram Heavy Duty cooling system is modified to handle the needs of the new
Viper engine. A custom dual exhaust system is mounted to new exhaust
manifolds.
The 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 focuses its power through a new Hurst shift
linkage and a modified version of the Viper SRT-10's Tremec T56 six-speed
manual transmission. The T56 is fully synchronized with electronic reverse
lockout. A new driveshaft runs to the Viper-sourced transmission and a
modified differential with a 4.10 rear axle delivers the torque to the road.
Suspension
The Ram SRT-10 is more than just a big Viper motor in a bad-ass truck.
The engineers at PVO modified the Ram Heavy Duty's rack-and-pinion steering
and independent front suspension.
Working with the fully hydroformed Dodge Ram frame, one of the stiffest in
the industry, PVO added a custom tuned suspension, dropping the Ram SRT-10 one
inch at the front and two inches at the rear. New front and rear strut
assemblies and a rear sway bar were added to handle the increased cornering
loads.
Next came Bilstein shock absorbers, performance-tuned springs, unique
aerodynamic aids to enhance the Ram SRT-10's higher speed performance, and 22-
inch custom "Viper-style" wheels and 305/40 Pirelli Scorpion tires.
Big brakes, another Dodge Ram staple, are also part of the equation on the
2004 Ram SRT-10. The standard ABS-equipped brakes are fitted with new 15-inch
rotors on the front brakes. Rear brakes are modified Ram Heavy Duty 14-inch
rotors. Front and rear brakes feature unique red calipers. The new front
fascia features brake ducts to provide plenty of cooling for track sessions.