SRT Engineers Chat Session 11/19/08

[Rambit]

Questions on behalf of "joey" who couldn't be here this evening...

Many cars, especially Chargers, are shutting off while driving.
Is Chrysler addressing this problem? There are numerous threads
on the Charger forums documenting the problem with no known solutions.

Why are there so many Tie Rod and bushing failures ( bushings such as Tension Strut, control arm, camber link, etc).

Bernie

[SRTengineers]

Originally Posted by Rambit

Hi guys! Thanks for doing this again.

I just turned 4000km's (2400 miles) on my 2008 GC SRT8 a couple of days ago. My change oil indicator came on as well.

The extended warranty for my 2005 300CSRT8 gives me 20 "free" oil changes over 5 years and I took out the same plan for the Jeep.

I was surprised I only get 12 oil changes over 5 years. When I asked the service manager about this he told me the oil "analysing" sensor would prolong the interval between changes. This seems not to be the case and is well under 3000 miles when it went off.

Can you tell me exactly how this sensor works and do I really need to change my oil so soon? I know the procedure to reset it though.

I also have a question for Gordon or the Kicker engineer about the dual 10" Kicker SW. I'll hold that question till I find out if either are in this evening. Thanks!

Bernie

The oil change light is base on an algorithm that takes into account the oil temperature, ambient air temperature, and engine rpm. That being said, the first oil change indication is ment to be shorter, but then return to the recommended intervals based on vehicle usage.....

As for the Kicker question, we will try to answer you question... but your favorite Canadian decided to retreat to the frozen north.....

[SRTengineers]

Originally Posted by Cuda340

What is the proper way to break-in the Brembo brakes on a Challenger SRT?

Here is the Brembo brake burnishing procedure:

Drive the vehicle for 60 miles and apply light snubs (light, quick stab of the brake pedal), each no longer then 2-3 seconds, every 3/4 of a mile.

Once this is done the brakes are ready for normal operation.

In extremely cold temperatures the snubs should be held for 3-4 seconds instead of 2-3, but there should be no negative effect on the results.

[SRTengineers]

Originally Posted by Cuda340

Why does the Challenger SRT have 20” wheels? Is it a top end thing? Wouldn’t 18” wheels be better for better torque and quicker acceleration?

Would installing a license plate bracket above the front SRT Challenger’s spoiler (to avoid drilling holes in the bumper) cause over-heating problems? See the following photos:

Attn: Front Plate Idea !!

Styling. People love the dubs. They are forged to be light. I talked to Ralph Gilles about this, and he says with the side of the car so tall, it would look funny with short wheels and short tires (like the first generation CTS).

Most of our cooling is coming through the lower opening. You are definitely blocking airflow with that front plate down there.

[StevieRT]

Great Job on the 09 SRT8 Challenger guys. THANK YOU so much for putting a stick in it. I am anxiously awaiting mine to be built. I read that the whole rear end was updated on the SRT's for 09 to handle the 6 speed. Would you mind going into detail on what was updated and why the half shafts are different sizes? Thanks alot and keep up the good work!

[SRTengineers]

Originally Posted by rtED

How many units of the R/T Classic will be built? I understand this a limited edition model.

Can't speak volumes.

[SRTengineers]

Originally Posted by rtED

How many units of the R/T Classic will be built? I understand this a limited edition model.

Can't talk volumes -sorry

[SRTengineers]

Originally Posted by joelkimba

1. Will the 6.1 engine get an overhaul (better heads, etc) similar to what the 5.7 received? - If so when?

Sorry, no comments on possible future product.

2. Will the 6.4 Hemi make it into production for the 2009 model year?

See above.

3. I spoke to Mopar at SEMA – they indicated they are working on a Mopar branded supercharger option for the Challenger – Will the supercharger make it into production for the 2009 model year?

Don't know who you talked to (I was there and it wasn't me) but that falls under future product as well.

Thanks guys!!

See above.

[SRTengineers]

Originally Posted by Daddy Kool

First, thanks for building the Challenger SRT 6 speed, this is the most fun I've had with a car ever. ( 800kms and a hundred smiles) I'm curious if the following rumour on the forums is true. That there is some form of performance limiter that protects the vehicle during it's "break in" period. If so, how does the limiter decide when the " break in" is done? Mileage or hours. Or is this "break in" limiter urban myth?

Glad your enjoying it. We had a blast bring it to you. There are not any nannies on the car keep you from doing something dumb, but I can say the break in we did for most of our tests was the drive to the track.

[Rambit]

Originally Posted by SRTengineers

As for the Kicker question, we will try to answer you question... but your favorite Canadian decided to retreat to the frozen north.....

Damn, and frozen is right!

Apparently when Gordon was at the plant following my build they tried to put the dual 10" SW in my Jeep, but ran into problems with from what I hear was a software issue. I just wanted to ask what exactly the problem was if anyone knows. I know they had the box there, but it just didn't work out. If possible I'd like to order it and give the single 10" to my daughter for her Jeep. I guess there's no point till I find out what the problem was.

Bernie