The radiator was moved forward to make room for the almost-stock V10; the trans-tunnel and fire wall also required changed to get the transmission in the car.
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Behind the engine is a Tremec six-speed, perhaps the most popular of the new-generation gear boxes. As mentioned, the use of this unit required that the tunnel be raised, and the shifter location was also changed. The factory 8.75 SureGrip rear was left in place, complete with a tight 4.30 ring that lets the quick-winding engine get underway yet still gets ‘reasonable’ mileage with the Tremec’s overdrive gearing. Tom admits that making the Viper Challenger a reality took over 1,000+ man-hours.
Turning the interior into a snake pit as well, Carl’s Interiors used plush leather and Ultrasuede on everything, done in a conservative grey with Viper logos. The original 1971 seats were rebuilt and reinforced, the door panels were custom formed, and twin speakers are located along the lower back. The dash panel is now a 21st century layout of the Viper’s original gauge faces; Earl admits that the biggest challenge was wiring up the custom interface using the vehicle speed sensors to make the speedo register accurately. A Viper steering wheel and a custom shifter with six forward positions etched in the knob finish it off.
Brown put only 200 miles on it before it turned up on Power Tour a couple of years ago. The combination of classic E-body lines, convertible fun, late model power, and about 20 miles per gallon on the highway will make a believer out of anybody.